After months of discussion and decisions on which playground equipment should be purchased for the playground at the Whalan softball field, the decision was made and approved by the city council at their April 13 meeting and the equipment will be ordered.
Present at the meeting were Mayor David Hallum along with council members Thore E. Johnson, Sheila Higbe, Owen Lewis and Kim Berekvam. City Clerk/Treasurer Teresa Grossell was also in attendance.
The council approved the Agenda with two additions under New Business, the Minutes from the March 9, 2026, regular council meeting as well as the Minutes from the Public Hearing held on March 30. The Treasurer’s Report was approved as presented by Grossell.
Visitor Comments
Donna Novotny, curator of the Whalan Museum, provided updates on activities and needs at the museum. She thanked the council for the support of the museum and asked for their continued support in the future.
The museum has been open for 22 years, providing historical education to local residents and visitors alike. Novotny noted the museum has worked hard on creating attractive displays, has invested in updated signage, partnered on a historic state trail brochure and are currently working towards attaining 501(c)(3) status.
Joe Goetzke, executive director of Lanesboro Area Chamber of Commerce (LACC) attended the council meeting to provide updates on LACC and the visitor center. The Chamber is gearing up for a busy season, and they have been preparing months in advance. Goetzke shared that 25,000 visitor guides were printed this year and distributed all over the area and far beyond. Visitor guides can be requested online and there have already been a lot of requests.
Continued Business
The city council approved a public hearing to be held on Monday, May 11, 2026, regarding the Title 9 General Regulations: Sidewalk and Street Café Ordinance. The hearing will be held at 5 p.m. at the Whalan Town Hall, prior to the regularly scheduled city council meeting.
The topic of tree trimming on Deep River Road was tabled until the May council meeting. The Oak Street Project discussion was tabled until more information can be found on possible grants available.
New Business
Grossell reported on the 2025 Financial Statement. Council members were provided with a compilation of financial statements and reviewed the compilation report. The city council approved the 2025 Financial Statement.
After a lengthy discussion by the city council, it was determined that the Block 12 well will be invoiced $24 per month for electric usage. The city council approved the monthly rate.
The discussion on the walking tour by the city council, which takes place each spring, when council members take time to walk around town to see any needs for clean up or improvements, was tabled until next month, hoping for warmer weather.
A discussion on the DNR agreements was tabled until Grossell is able to find out further information.
Business license renewals are due in May. The council approved the list of businesses requesting these renewals that was provided by Grossell.
Music in the Bluffs will take place in Whalan again this year and organizers are looking forward to welcoming crowds for the different musical events. Information about Music in the Bluffs will be on the City of Whalan website soon.
The city received a letter from MiEnergy stating that they will be going underground. Residents are not required to have underground service installed.
The council approved the use of the town hall at no cost for a community game night.
Miscellaneous
Grossell provided the city council with updates about work that she has completed including a T-Mobile Hometown Grant application submitted, quarterly tax reporting and ordinance updates. This month she will be completing COVID Funds Annual Reporting as well as other tasks. The Planning & Zoning meeting for April has been canceled.
2026 election filing forms are available through the city of Whalan and are also available at council meetings.
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