Photo by Barb Jeffers
Present at the May 13, 2024, regularly scheduled city council meeting was Mayor David Hallum, along with council members Owen Lewis, Thore E. Johnson, Kim Berekvam and Sheila Higbe. City Clerk/Treasurer Teresa Grossell was also present.
The agenda was approved with the addition of Gravel on Deep River Road under New Business.
Minutes of the regular meeting held April 8 and the Treasurer’s Report were approved.
During the Visitor Comments opportunity city maintenance worker Randy Berekvam asked the city to reimburse him for a battery operated pressure washer that he purchased which will be used in the city shop and other purposes. Motion carried.
New Business
Approved a business license to Leah Higbe for her business Treehouse Wood and Glass.
Approved accepting a memorial bench, first proposed in June 2023, by the Nathan Greeman family. The bench is low maintenance and will be set on a concrete slab also provided by the family. The bench will be placed near the playground.
Approved a temporary liquor license for the 2024 Whalan Ball Tournament. The ball tournament will be held the last weekend of June.
Approved the City of Whalan sponsoring and ad for Music in the Bluffs event in the amount of 39.
Deep River Road needs gravel put down. The city will place a request for bids ad in the Fillmore County Journal.
Continued Business
After months of discussing the municipal electric system, the city of Whalan will hold a special meeting to inform residents of the options available to the city. The city has the opportunity to work with MiEnergy to relieve themselves of much of the responsibility of the electric system and all that it entails. The special meeting will be held at 6 p.m. after the regularly scheduled council meeting on June 10 to inform the public about the options for a municipal electric system. A representative from MiEnergy will be in attendance to answer questions.
The results of the walking tour were discussed. Road work needs to be done in four spots including Oak Street and Third Avenue intersection, Third Avenue and New Street intersection, New Street and Second Avenue intersection and the both sides of the church hill. Approved having Ole’s Excavating do the road work.
Much of the other improvements that were found to be needed around town will be done by individuals in the Sentence to Serve program.
The funds from the Lanesboro Area Community Foundation grant in the amount of $2,500 have been received.
There will be a street closure during the Music in the Bluffs events this summer. The street will be closed between Main Street and Oak Street.
Miscellaneous
The gas usage in the city gas tank has been monitored and the usage is similar to the last few years. The city truck has been used more this year than normal as well. The city will continue to measure gas usage.
Grossell update the council on several items. There is a grant opportunity available from the Minnesota State Arts Board. The grant amount ranges from $5,000-35,000 if the city would like to pursue a grant.
Half of the checks for business licenses have been received. Grossell is waiting for the rest to come in.
Of the two past due electric accounts discussed last month, one has been paid in full, the other has not. Grossell will send a second notice to the resident with the past due account.
The election timeline was discussed. Election signs have been ordered. The affidavit of candidacy for the two open council seats and the mayoral seat are available. The affidavit of candidacy form can be turned in between July 30 and August 13. The cost for filing is $2.
Grossell has obtained a playground inspection form which will need to be filled out.
The porta-potty for the city will be delivered a week early so it is in place for an event on May 30.
For questions contact the city of Whalan at cityofwhalan.weebly.com or phone (507) 467-2122.
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