Whalan to have new garbage collection company

As the Whalan City Council met on June 12, 2017, there were many items on the agenda, although the most pressing issue was to make a decision on a new garbage collection company as the current company, Harter’s, is ending it’s pick-up route in Whalan.  The new waste collection company will be Advanced Disposal.

Present at the regularly scheduled monthly meeting were Mayor Marlys Tuftin, Owen Lewis, Everett Johnson, Kim Berekvam, City Clerk Lolly Melander and City Maintenance Supervisor Lanny Landsverk.  Absent was Wyatt Berekvam.

Minutes
Melander read the minutes from the April 2017 and May 2017  city council minutes.  No additions or corrections were requested.  Motion by Lewis, second by K. Berekvam, to accept the minutes as read.  Motion carried.

Treasurer’s Report
Melander read the Treasurer’s Report and Bills Due.  No additions or corrections were requested.  Motion by Johnson, second by Lewis, to accept the Treasurer’s Report and Bills Due as read.  Motion carried.

Visitor Comments
John Smith with Cedar Valley Resort stated that Larry and Cheryl Johnson, owners of Cedar Valley Resort, will donate the mulch that was used for the landscape project near the town hall.  The council was very appreciative of this generous donation.

Smith inquired about dust control and asked if the council would consider having dust control done to the end of Deep River Road.  The council will consider the request.

Old Business
Tuftin reported on the 2017 Stand Still Parade, stating, “We had a rainy day but the spirits were still high,” and despite the wet weather Lewis reported a profit of over $1,200.

Work continues on the alleys within city limits.  Crushed rock was put down on the alley behind Johnson/Tuftin properties.  Robert Engen has graded several of the alleys in town, which the council appreciates.

The only bid received for garbage collection was from Advanced Disposal.  Mayor Tuftin attempted to get bids from other companies but has yet to receive a response from any of them.  As time was an issue because Harter’s wants to collect their totes, the council needed to make a decision. 

Motion by Johnson, second by K. Berekvam, to have Advanced Disposal begin garbage and recycling pick up in Whalan.  Motion carried.  Melander will contact Advanced Disposal to begin service.  Whalan residents will receive further information with their utility bill.

Tuftin reported that the Zoning Committee had met and discussed beekeeping within city limits.  At this time they will not pursue an ordinance but if issues arise at a later date they will re-examine the issue.

Tuftin reported that the HF861 Bill (Small Cities Road Assistance Program) which “essentially reimburses small cities” that do not qualify for municipal funds, according to Tuftin.  She stated, “That legislation did pass,” and “that revenue for Whalan would amount to $5,500 this year that we could use for street projects,” which will be received in two payments; one in July and one in December.  There is no expiration date on when the money must be used and it can be carried over to use at a later date. 

The council will research other potential funding options for Whalan in order to get as much street repair done as possible. 

Landscaping has been done around the town hall.  The project was designed and funded by the Whalan Legion and Auxiliary.  The project was completed by Mensink Landscaping and Landsverk installed a light which displays the silhouette of a kneeling soldier on the Town Hall building at night.  The council noted how nice the area looks and thanked everyone involved.

Johnson and Lewis developed a street repair plan, complete with photos, to provide to road repair companies in order to get estimates.

The council discussed progress on the city work plan for 2017.  A lot of work has been done at the softball field, including at the playground and cleaning the restrooms.   

Whalan is in need of a manager for the town hall or a plan for who can take care of the cleaning, etc.  Tuftin will look into possibilities and report back to the council.

New Business
Motion by K. Berekvam, second by Johnson, to approve a liquor license for the softball tournament to be held July 1-2, 2017.  Motion carried. 

Motion by Lewis, second by Johnson, to have pest control done at the town hall/museum building.  Motion carried. 

Motion by K. Berekvam, second by Lewis, to adjourn.  Motion carried.

The next regularly scheduled Whalan City Council monthly meeting will be July 10, 2017.