Faced with a full agenda, the Whalan City Council was able to complete a long list of items including the approval of the proposed preliminary budget.
Present at the September 14, 2020, regularly scheduled council meeting were Mayor Marlys Tuftin, council members Tanya Cook, Kim Berekvam, Thore Everett Johnson and Owen Lewis, along with City Clerk Michele Peterson.
The meeting was held at the Whalan City Hall and was also available virtually through Zoom.
Tuftin commented that election results had been reviewed and council member Johnson’s term had expired in 2018, so the seat needed to be filled. Motion by Lewis, second by Cook, to appoint Johnson to fulfill the council seat until the end of the year.
The agenda was approved, with the additional agenda items of utility poles at the ball field and bases for the ballpark.
The minutes of the August 10 regularly scheduled council meeting were approved as read.
Also approved was the Treasurer’s Report, with a note requesting a follow-up call to MiEnergy in regards to the total cost of a transformer replacement.
Visitor comments
Visitor to the council meeting, Dave Ruberg commented about difficulty hearing council members via Zoom. Peterson will look into the issue.
Continued business
City rounds were discussed. Cook commented that there are tree branches on the gazebo that need to be removed. Grading and adding rock to alleys will be done in spring 2021.
With available Chamber funds, the council will purchase four banners for light poles within the city and the hardware to install them. Peterson will make sure this expense will be covered under the agreement with the Chamber. Cook and Berekvam will review the banner designs prior to ordering.
Peterson met with Chad Chaffee of MiEnergy and was given a recommendation that the infrastructure be reviewed and an update plan be created as a guide when needed. Peterson has not yet received the estimate for cost of the project. A current map of the infrastructure has not been located, and an approximate cost of $10,000 was given to have one completed.
Peterson made a suggestion that it may be possible to work with Lanesboro Public Utilities on electrical projects in Whalan in the future.
Peterson will be completing a permit application with the DNR to have the brush dump remain at its current location.
New Business
It was decided to hold off on purchasing a new trimmer until spring 2021.
There continues to be an opening on the Zoning Board. If any residents are interested please contact Clerk Peterson or any council member.
After a discussion about a lodging license for Cyclin-Up Inn, it was decided that as the council was not clear about the timing to apply for an annual license, the license would be approved for the rest of the year. The approval was by consensus.
Payment of the League of Minnesota Cities (LMC) membership dues was approved, as well as payment of the annual fee for the Mayor Association in the amount of $30.
Clerk Peterson provided a preliminary budget report for 2021. She also recommended that the city submit a request for proposals for auditor and attorney services.
Resolution 2020-3 was approved, setting the preliminary levy at $40,000.
Removal and trimming of trees in specified areas of town will be done, with homeowners being required to pay half of removal fees.
The LMCIT Liability Coverage Waiver Form, was approved, with the monetary limits not being waived.
Miscellaneous
There are utility poles at the ball field that need to be removed. Peterson will contact MiEnergy and request an estimate to have the poles removed. Johnson will mark these poles.
Johnson expressed the need for new bases at the ball field as the existing ones are in bad shape. He will research replacement costs of the bases and report back to the council at the next council meeting.
Due to the Columbus Day holiday, the October council meeting will be held on Tuesday, October 13, at 5 p.m. at the Whalan City Hall.
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