The Whalan City Council met on February 13, 2017 at 5 p.m. in the city hall. Present were Mayor Tuftin and council members Kim Berekvam, Everett Johnson and Wyatt Berekvam, along with City Clerk Lolly Melander. Council Member Owen Lewis was absent.
Following the Pledge of Allegiance, the meeting was called to order at 5 p.m.
The city council discussed holding a council retreat. The retreat would be an activity the Whalan city council has not experienced in the past.
Mayor Tuftin discussed having a council retreat for the purpose of the council members getting to know each other as there is a new mayor and three new council members, but also to go over the budget to learn how it is prepared, set priorities, and discuss other issues. The matter will be discussed further at the March 2017 meeting.
Minutes
Minutes from the January 9, 2017 regular meeting were read by Melander. Motion by Johnson, second by W. Berekvam, to accept the minutes as read with no additions or corrections. Motion carried.
Treasurer’s Report
The Treasurer’s Report and Bills Due were read by Melander. Motion by K. Berekvam, second by W. Berekvam, to accept the Treasurer’s Report and Bills Due. Motion carried.
Visitor’s comments
There were no visitor comments at the February meeting of the Whalan City Council.
Old Business
The Annual Rural Fire Department Meeting will be held on February 13 at 7 p.m. Mayor Tuftin and council member Johnson planned to attend.
The repair on the town hall roof was discussed. Mayor Tuftin stated “we kind of have to budget for it so we will be talking about the roof more in the future,” and the matter was tabled.
New Business
Zoning Committee Review Board was discussed. If any resident is interested in being on the Zoning Review Board they may contact Mayor Tuftin. The next Zoning Board meeting will be held immediately following the council meeting on March 13, 2017.
The council discussed the opportunity for Whalan to place an ad in the Visit Bluff Country Magazine. Jane Lewis has gotten up to date information on Whalan businesses and asked the owners if they would like to promote their businesses in the ad, to which she has received a positive response.
Council Member K. Berekvam stated, “It shows we are supporting our businesses in town” to advertise in the Visit Bluff Country Magazine. Having the ad in the visitor’s guide would “showcase the local businesses” in Whalan, stated W. Berekvam.
Motion by Johnson, second by W. Berekvam, to place an ad in the Visit Bluff Country Magazine. Motion carried.
The council will take a walking tour of the city before the March 13, 2017 council meeting to look at the streets, ballpark and other areas for any maintenance issues. The walking tour will take place at 4 p.m.
An AED demonstration will take place during this year’s Stand Still Parade. Melander will be in charge of the demonstration. “We want people to just be comfortable” using the AED, stated Melander.
Motion by W. Berekvam, second by K. Berekvam, to adjourn. Motion carried.
The next regularly scheduled Whalan City Council meeting will be held on Monday, March 13, 2017 at 5 p.m.