Photo by Barb Jeffers
After months of discussion the city of Whalan is getting closer to making a final decision on the future of the city’s municipal electric system.
Present at the June 10 regularly scheduled city council meeting were Mayor David Hallum, along with council members Owen Lewis, Thore E. Johnson, Kim Berekvam and Sheila Higbe. City Clerk/Treasurer Teresa Grossell was also in attendance.
A request from the Legion for support to purchase new flags was added to the Agenda under New Business. The Agenda was approved with the addition.
Minutes of the Special Meeting and the Regular Meeting, both held on May 13 were approved. Treasurer’s Report was also approved.
During the Visitor Comments time, resident Melanie Murphy remarked how nice the area behind the fence at the ball field looks after it was cleaned up.
New Business
Approved the receipt of a MDA Noxious Weed Grant to eradicate Japanese Hops along the Root River. Herbicide application will take place between June 17 and early fall.
Approved supporting the Legion in the amount of up to $375 toward the purchase of new flags to replace older ones in rough shape. The total cost to replace all flags will be approximately $750.
Continued Business
Options regarding the city’s Municipal Electric System were discussed. A Public Hearing on the subject was to be held immediately following the meeting. The decision will need to be made at the July council meeting in order to be on the General Election Ballot in November. The council reviewed the information to be shared at the Public Hearing.
Due to the aging electric infrastructure, including poles that need replacing, the city needs to plan for the future. The entire infrastructure needs to be rebuilt at a cost of hundreds of thousands of dollars. There are many factors to take into account to decide what is best for the city and its residents. The cost will not be met by funds the city collects through electric bills.
Councilors discussed its options to deal with the electric system. One option would be for the city to maintain operation of the Municipal Electric System and then making a plan to get the upgrades done at a cost of at least $350,000–$400,000 in the next 10 years as well as the cost to maintain the system after that.
Another option would be to have MiEnergy take over ownership of the electric system. If this option is selected, each city resident/electric service would become a member of the cooperative. MiEnergy would incorporate the rebuild of the infrastructure for Whalan into their 10-year plan and they would pay for it. “And that would be without increasing the current retail electric rates,” according to Higbe. The exception would be shared wells in the city which would change from $13/month to $31/month.
Also, if MiEnergy were to take over ownership of the electric system on January 1, 2025, the over $60,000 that the city of Whalan has in its electric fund would stay with the city and could be used for other projects that need attention.
Updates were given on the walking tour and the tasks accomplished thus far as well as what items are still left to finish. The teeter-totter and fire hydrants will be painted, among other projects. The STS crew will continue working on projects for the city.
An update was provided on the Lanesboro Area Community Foundation grant funds. There is $837 left, which will be used for projects at the ball field.
Music in the Bluffs was discussed. Approximately 400 people attended the Mollie B. concert. There will be two more Music in the Bluffs events; Lost Faculties on July 20 and Rhutabaga Brothers on August 17.
Miscellaneous
City maintenance worker Randy Berekvam reported on gas meter usage. The level has not gone down very much considering the recent usage.
Grossell updated the council on several matters:
•The Grant Application for Arts Experiences is due June 21.
•More information was shared on the ongoing memorial bench request.
•Menards Tax Exempt cards have been received and are available to council members if necessary for city purchases. The cards have a shared tax exempt card code.
•One electric utility account is still past due. Grossell will take the next necessary steps to collect payment.
Election Timeline was discussed. Filing dates for two city council seats and the mayoral seat will be from July 30 until August 13 at p.m. The cost to file is $2.
For questions contact the City of Whalan at cityofwhalan.weebly.com or phone (507) 467-2122.
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