Hallock council approves city payments, two permits and asks planning commission to study residential shipping containers

The Hallock City Council on March 10 approved routine city payments and a slate of local permits, and asked the planning and zoning commission to draft potential code updates on shipping containers in residential areas.

Mayor Dave Treumer called the meeting to order at 5:34 p.m. Councilor Jennifer Peterson moved to authorize payment of city bills, including total check amounts of $184,030.16 (AF) and $24,149.05 (UVB), assorted eChecks, and a payroll transfer of $47,769.77 covering wages, taxes and benefits; Councilor Mike Totleben seconded and the motion carried unanimously. "Everything looks good," City Administrator Kendra Kroening said after presenting the budget-to-actual report.

The council approved two resolutions recorded in the minutes as Resolution 2025-08 and Resolution 2025-09. Resolution 2025-08 permits Two River Golf Course to dispense liquor at Hallock City Hall; Resolution 2025-09 grants a gambling permit to the Minnesota Deer Hunters Association. Both motions were recorded as carried. The meeting minutes contain a typographic inconsistency in how one motion was referenced; the minutes nonetheless record both items as approved.

Councilors also approved Building Permit 2025-02 for E. Pollestad to construct a deck and a handicap ramp, with the explicit condition that the ramp not extend into the street. Councilor Peterson said after discussing the arena roof and other facility needs with arena and school board members, "We need to have real numbers to really look at our options." The council asked for cost estimates for arena repairs, identifying the roof as the top priority.

On municipal operations, the council approved a purchase of DRI-DEK material from RecSupply for an entrance at the pool/shower area after reviewing a quote; Councilor Totleben moved and Councilor Peterson seconded the purchase motion. Airport Manager Jeremy Seng reported progress on the airport lobby rehab — painting, exterior sheeting and a furnace installation by ProGas are expected soon — and said he is awaiting a quote on replacing glass versus applying window tint.

The council discussed that current city code does not expressly prohibit placing shipping containers in residential yards but that the city has not issued permits for them; commercial placement remains allowed. Mayor Treumer recommended referring the matter to the planning and zoning commission for a public-hearing process and a formal recommendation to update the code. Councilor Kevin Waller said the issue has generated "a lot of public comment and phone calls."

Other routine business included a corrected $7,662.13 donation from the Hallock Fire Relief, auditors on site for the city's annual audit, and a note that Police Chief Docken has returned to light duty pending medical clearance. Administrator Kroening noted annual performance reviews remaining for the police chief, the utility superintendent and the administrator.

With no further business, the council adjourned at 6:21 p.m. The council listed upcoming dates and hearings, including an assessment hearing scheduled for March 26, 2025.

Votes at a glance: The meeting minutes record the following formal approvals: authorization of city payments (motion by Councilor Jennifer Peterson; seconded by Mike Totleben; carried unanimously by Mayor Dave Treumer and Councilors Totleben, Peterson, Waller and Larson); Resolution 2025-08 (Two River Golf Course liquor dispensation) — motion recorded and carried; Resolution 2025-09 (Minnesota Deer Hunters Association gambling permit) — motion recorded and carried; Building Permit 2025-02 (E. Pollestad) — motion by Councilor Peterson, seconded by Councilor Larson, carried with the condition that the ramp not intrude into the street.

What’s next: Planning and zoning will be asked to return with a recommendation and, if appropriate, the council will schedule public hearings to amend the city code regarding shipping containers.