Several guests were in attendance at the Whalan City Council meeting on October 14 as council members got to work on a long agenda.
Present at the regularly scheduled monthly council meeting were Mayor Marlys Tuftin, City Clerk Lolly Melander and council members Kim Berekvam, Everett Johnson, Owen Lewis and Tonya Cook, as well as audience members.
Minutes from the September 9, 2019 city council meeting were read aloud by Melander. One correction was noted by Cook, correcting the date of the budget meeting from November 11, 2019, to the correct date of November 9.
Visitors comments
Jesse LaBonne, speaking on behalf of friends of Albert “Allie” Culbertson, requested permission to place a memorial bench in honor of Allie in Whalan. The composite bench will have a plaque on it and would be installed in accordance with the city’s recommendations. The council suggested the group involved and any available council members take a look at possible locations and discuss the matter further at the next council meeting. The bench has been purchased but the installation would not occur until spring.
“That is really a nice sentiment,” stated Tuftin. “Allie was one of our sons of Whalan so we all felt it when we lost him,” she added.
Wes Harding reported that the contract with the DNR for the porta potty on the bike trail expires next week. Having the porta potty provided by the DNR is very much appreciated and Harding suggested that the city send a thank you.
Jane Lewis, with the Stand Still Parade committee, reported that the new bike racks, donated by the Stand Still Parade, have been installed and look very nice. The council thanked the Stand Still Parade committee for this donation.
Old Business
Tuftin gave an update on the AcenTek bill. The cost was due to having a site de-energized and retired on Second Avenue. It was approved to bill AcenTek for the costs incurred.
Berekvam gave an update on trees on city property. Dave Norby took trees down as deemed necessary. Volunteer residents cleaned them up. There was a discussion as the amount each affected property owner should be charged, if at all. The matter was tabled until the next council meeting.
Tuftin reported on electric performance. There are no delinquencies at this time.
There will be a budget meeting on November 9, 2019 at 9 a.m. to review the budget. Tuftin encourages residents to attend the meeting with any thoughts or ideas they may have.
Tuftin reported that a few areas in town had been treated by the Department of Agriculture for Japanese knotweed, which is an invasive species.
New Business
Whalan Museum curator Donna Novotny sent a thank you to the City of Whalan and all who contributed funds for the new roof on the city hall building which houses the museum on the second floor. Additional donations received for the city hall roof project included $500 from the Whalan American Legion and $500 from the Erickson-Rose Whalan Legion Auxiliary.
Benjamin A. Ruberg, speaking on behalf of the Murphy family, conducted a presentation explaining a proposal to purchase a parcel of land from the City of Whalan and to vacate a portion of second avenue.
The parcel has been in discussion for months as the city would like to have some trees removed on the property which is near the Murphy property. The Murphy family would like to save the trees and maintain the trees themselves.
The proposed purchase price would be in the amount of $10,000 and the city would be allowed an easement for any necessary utility work than may need to be done in the future. Ruberg noted several reasons why they believe the sale of the 8,400-square-foot property would be beneficial to the city.
The council will take the matter under consideration and tabled the discussion until the November council meeting.
There will be a pancake breakfast held at the city hall on November 10 from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. as a fundraiser for the softball park. Volunteers are needed if anyone is able to help.
A donation to the City of Whalan from the Whalan Lutheran Church was received in the amount of $546.02. The donation is a portion the softball tournament proceeds.
The council approved liability coverage through the League of Minnesota Cities. There is no charge for the liability coverage, as it is included in the City of Whalan’s membership to the League of Minnesota Cities.
The next regularly scheduled Whalan council meeting will be held November 11 at 7 p.m. in the Whalan City Hall. The public is encouraged to attend.
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