As 2025 draws to an end, the Whalan City Council wrapped up several items needing to be accomplished prior to the end of the year. Present at the December 8, 2025, council meeting were Mayor David Hallum along with council members Thore E. Johnson, Kim Berekvam and Sheila Higbe, with Owen Lewis attending via Zoom. City Clerk/Treasurer Teresa Grossell was also in attendance.
The council approved the agenda with one addition under New Business, the Minutes from November 10 council meeting and the Treasurer’s Report as presented by Grossell.
Continued Business
The council discussed the Liquor License and Related Ordinance Update, Liquor Regulations and the Whalan Fee Schedule. Grossell distributed “151.24 SR Special Residential District” information for council members prior to the council meeting for their review. Grossell will continue to work on any regulation updates.
Council members approved the 2026 Final Budget of $75,103, an increase of 7.3% to the levy.
The city of Whalan float that was entered in the Lanesboro Legion Lights parade was a big hit with many compliments from parade attendees. The float will be put away for use in next year’s parade.
New Business
The city council approved three resolutions including Resolution 2025-08 Final Levy 2026, Resolution 2025-09 Appointing Jared Kellogg to fill remainder of Planning Commission Term, Resolution 2025-10 Appointing Benjamin Ruberg, Lucas Johnson and Tammy Hughes to new three-year terms on the Planning Commission for 2026-2028.
It was reported that the city siren did not go off recently during a Civil Defense Test. However, it worked during the December test. The council will keep an eye on the siren to be sure that it continues to work properly.
The council approved the 2026 Fire Contract with the Lanesboro Fire Department.
After a discussion about the renewal of liability coverage with the League of Minnesota Cities (LMC), the council approved sending the waiver form stating that the city of Whalan does not waive monetary limits. The council will invite a representative of LMC to the January 2026 council meeting to discuss coverage options.
Miscellaneous
Grossell provided the council with an update on what she has been working on and the end of the year tasks to be completed. She has been working on completing Worker’s Compensation Audit and the Financial Audit. Fiscal end of the year tasks and annual and quarterly taxes need to be completed.
Maintenance
City maintenance worker Randy Berekvam reported that things are running smoothly. Fuel will need to be added to the bulk tank in January.
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