After three years without a Stand Still Parade, there was a discussion at the April Whalan council meeting as to whether the event, which requires many volunteers, could possibly be held again.
Present at the April 10 regularly scheduled council meeting were Mayor David Hallum, council members Thore E. Johnson, Owen Lewis, Kim Berekvam and Sheila Higbe, along with City Clerk Michele Peterson.
The agenda was approved, with additions. Additions included Mulch, Stand Still Parade, Jane Lewis report on Music Series, and Maggie’s Pub.
Minutes from the March 13 council meeting were read aloud by Mayor Hallum and approved. The Treasurer’s Report was read aloud by Peterson and was also approved as presented. There were no comments from visitors in attendance.
New Business
Drew Weber with Bolton & Menk provided the council with an update on the engineering aspect of the Oak Street drainage issue. Weber provided the council with two options. The council will study the options and discuss their thoughts at the next council meeting.
The 2022 Financial Statement and the 2023 Business Licenses were both approved.
Council members will complete their annual Walking Tour on Tuesday, May 2 at 10 a.m. During the tour, the council members look for any necessary improvements or issues in town that require attention. The rain date will be Thursday, May 4 at 10 a.m.
Continued Business
The council chose to not make the suggested amendments to Ordinance 31.46.
Lucas Johnson was appointed to the Zoning Committee.
The council accepted Sheila Higbe’s resignation from the Zoning Committee and appointed Tammy Hughes to the Zoning Committee.
Randy Berekvam’s high bid of $677 for the riding lawnmowerwas accepted.
OnSite Sanitation will place two porta potties for the coming months; one at the ballfield and one near the trail, at a rate of $63 per month, as well as a third porta potty for the month of July to be placed at the ballfield. The city will be reimbursed for the third porta potty.
Councilmember Lewis will reach out for pea rock bids for use within the city.
Mayor Hallum, as well as council members, have had many inquiries in relation to the Stand Still Parade taking place again. The biggest issue is having enough volunteers. If you would consider being a volunteer with the Whalan Stand Still Parade call the Whalan City Office or talk to council members.
Jane Lewis approached the council about starting a music series. The council showed support for the project. It was approved to use of city space for a potluck for local residents earlier in the day and to close the road from Main Street to Oak Street during the event. The tentative date and time for the event is Saturday, July 8 from 5-8 pm. The entertainment will be the Rutabaga Brothers. The time may be amended, so watch for further updates.
The council received a letter from Travis Lange requesting written authorization to construct a permanent structure at the Gene Johnson Memorial Field in memory of Maggie Hongerholt, who was an integral part of the Fourth of July softball tournament each year. The structure would be called Maggie’s Pub in her honor. The council approved the request, provided the Zoning Committee approves the project.
A clarification was made that the annual girls fastpitch tournament will take place July 1, 2 and 4 in Whalan.
The next regularly scheduled Whalan council meeting will be held on May 8 at 5 p.m. at the Whalan City Hall. The public is encouraged to attend.
For additional information call the city hall at (507) 467-2212 or visit the City of Whalan website at www.cityofwhalan.weebly.com.
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