Downtown Whalan, Minn., will have a fresh new look in the near future, as a new steel roof will be installed on the city hall building.
Present at the August 12 regularly scheduled meeting were Mayor Marlys Tuftin, City Clerk Lolly Melander and council members Kim Berekvam, Everett Johnson, Owen Lewis and Tanya Cook.
Minutes from the July 8 council meeting were read aloud by Tuftin. One correction was made stating that council member Cook’s current term in office will be for a period of 18 months instead of six months as previously stated.
There were no additions or corrections requested to the treasurer’s report and bill’s due.
Visitors comments
Wes Harding with the Root River Trail Towns attended the council meeting to share information about the upcoming Taste of the Trail event on September 7, 2019, from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. Whalan, along with Lanesboro and Peterson will be hosting what will be the first weekend of the three weekend event. Harmony, Preston and Fountain will host Taste of the Trail on September 14 while the Rushford area and Houston will host on September 21. Whalan will be offering samples of lefse, rommegrot, pies from the Aroma Pie Shoppe and more. Harding encouraged everyone to attend.
Old Business
Tuftin stated that a meter and a roll of wire need to be removed from the area around a telephone pole that has been retired by AcenTek. City maintenance employee Randy Berekvam will remove the items.
A residential meter that was not working correctly has been replaced.
An electric pole was replaced in town as it was deemed necessary.
Cook gave an update on the town hall roof replacement. Four contractors were contacted for bids. Of the four, two were not interested in the job and one did not turn in a bid. Byler Construction of Lanesboro turned in a bid of $8,077, which includes pulling the old steel off, putting 1x4s on, and installing new steel and trim.
However, as the old steel is removed there may be damage from the previous water leak, which could increase the cost. It was stated that the work could begin in October 2019.
Berekvam commented that as the town has invested in remodeling the building it would be best to have the roof replaced as soon as possible before any further damage occurs from water leaking in.
The bid presented by Byler Construction for the Town Hall roof replacementwas approved. A color for the new roof will be decided next month when the council has sample colors to view.
Tuftin gave an update on tree trimming and removal. Norby Tree Service and Berekvam inspected trees in Whalan and there are several trees that need to be trimmed. It was decided there are four trees that need to be taken down, including three elm trees and one maple tree. Norby Tree Service presented a bid of $750 for the necessary tree work.
Tuftin reported that the council received verification from the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources that Whalan’s new Floodplain Ordinance has been approved.
New Business
Whalan residents have been sent a letter with notification that the 2020 Census Bureau will be in the area canvassing to make sure they have correct addresses. The census representatives will be in uniform, possess identification and will be carrying a bag.
A proposed budget for January through August 2020 was given to council members to review until the next council meeting. Melander asked the council members to return to the September meeting with any questions they may have about the proposed budget.
Berekvam reported that the Whalan Good Old Days was held on Saturday, August 3. Good Old Days is held for those who grew up in Whalan and those who attend enjoy a potluck and also sharing memories. The committee donated $750 which was earmarked for the new town hall roof. The council thanked Berekvam and the rest of the Good Old Days committee for their thoughtful donation.
Larry Johnson has some extra mulch he will donate to place on the playground. The council thanked Johnson for his donation to the city.
Lewis announced that he is trying to put together a pancake breakfast to be held in November. The proceeds would go towards ball park upgrades. Volunteers are needed in order to hold the event. If you are able to volunteer for the pancake breakfast, contact Lewis.
The next regularly scheduled Whalan City Council meeting will be held on September 9 at 7 p.m. The public is encouraged to attend.
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