Following the regularly scheduled monthly city council meeting on October 14, 2024, the city of Whalan held a special meeting to discuss two separate topics and to hear from city residents about each topic.
Present at the October regular council meeting were Mayor David Hallum along with council members Owen Lewis, Thore E. Johnson, Sheila Higbe and Kim Berekvam. City Clerk/Treasurer Teresa Grossell was also present.
The Agenda, with the addition of Ballfield under New Business, was approved, as well as the Minutes from the September 9 council meeting and the Treasurer’s Report.
Visitor Comments
John Gaddo thanked all the individuals on the city council and various committees for their service.
New Business
The City of Whalan ad will appear in Visit Bluff Country Magazine.
The improvements to the ballfield continue. One family has come forward and offered to pay for the construction of a new concession stand and the concrete work needed for it.
There is still a need for donations for the fence and other improvements at the ballfield. If anyone is interested in supporting this very worthwhile project please contact the City of Whalan or send a donation to City of Whalan, P.O. Box 7, Lanesboro, Minn. 55949 with ballfield funds designated.
Donations received thus far toward ballfield improvements as well as in-kind services were gratefully accepted.
Continued Business
The council reminded those in attendance of the special meeting to be held following the regularly scheduled council meeting. The special meeting will be held to discuss two topics. 1) The Short-term Rental Ordinance and 2) The Ownership of the city of Whalan’s Municipal Electric Utility System. The council will answer questions and listen to any concerns from residents about the options for the electric utility system. The question “Should the City of Whalan transfer ownership of their entire municipal electric utility system, including infrastructure and service, to MiEnergy Cooperative effective January 1, 2025?” will be on the General Election Ballot in November.
The council gave an update on the Lanesboro Area Community Foundation (LACF) grant funds. All funds have been dispersed. A final report will be completed by Grossell and sent to LACF.
A thank you note will be sent to the STS (Sentenced to Serve) Program for the work that was completed in town.
The council reviewed the draft of the 2025 budget. Grossell made some adjustments and explained the changes. The council has until December to finalize the budget.
The Block 12 Well members held a meeting and it was decided that Alesha Sveen can hook up to the Block 12 Well, with conditions, including any associated fees and payments. The council would like the hook-up to happen before winter so the garden hose currently in use can be unhooked.
Miscellaneous
An update was given on the Gas Meter Usage and Measurement Reports. Although city maintenance worker Randy Berekvam was not in attendance, the council noted that the tank should be full, as it was recently filled.
Grossel gave the council and residents a reminder that there will be a Southern Minnesota Initiative Foundation (SMIF) Annual Update and Presentation at the November council meeting.
Grossell also informed the council and residents that Bridges Health & Winchester Wellness is offering free Head to Toe Clinics for adults on October 25 and November 22, 2024. The clinic will be free to Fillmore County residents. More information can be found on the City of Whalan website, www.cityofwhalan.weebly.com.
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