The Mabel City Council held a public hearing on a Conditional Use Permit (CUP) request from Greg and Linda Turner before the regular city council meeting on August 12.
Greg Turner clearly explained the couple’s intention, “We are applying for a conditional use permit to place a portable building on a vacant lot (Gjere addition, lot 8, block 1) for a building permit. The building will be used to store seasonal equipment such as: golf cart, patio furniture, gardening supplies, lawn mowers, snow removal equipment, exterior Christmas decorations, and bicycles. This shed will not be a garage for storage of a licensed motor vehicle. This shed will be painted and landscaped to be compatible with our residence on lot 9. A home could still be built on lot 8. We will need no utilities, roadways, or parking. There should be no odors, fumes, dust, noise, and vibrations to constitute a nuisance. No soil will be disturbed to cause erosion. The shed will sit on a gravel base.”
After the public hearing, Mayor Adam Wilder called the regular meeting to order at 6:07 p.m. Council members present were Wilder, Kelly Sand, Valerie Arnold and Tina Bakke. Kirsten Wyffels was absent. Others in attendance were City Clerk Karen Larson, Public Works Director Robert Mierau, and Greg and Linda Turner.
The council unanimously approved the minutes from the July 9 council meeting. Members also unanimously approved payment of the bills, totaling $117,301.36, and accepted the accounts payable report.
The council unanimously approved the Conditional Use Permit (CUP) application submitted by Greg and Linda Turner.
Zoning permits for Gregory and Linda Turner, Thea Gerleman, and Mike Aasum were also unanimously approved.
Mayor Wilder announced that garbage and recycling pickup during the week of Labor Day will be a day later.
As part of the property inspections update, the council will be sending citations to two properties.
The council unanimously approved participating in the Fillmore County Journal section recognizing emergency response teams. The cost for a single signature sponsorship is $39.
The council accepted a quote from Tollefson Construction, Mabel, for a new front door at the library. The total cost of $3,600 includes the material and labor to remove the existing door at the library and install a new door.
The council unanimously approved Resolution 2026-06, governing the counting of write-in votes.
A fireworks permit was approved for Hesper-Mabel Steam Engine Days. Larson said the last time there were fireworks during Steam Engine Days was 2018. The fireworks will take place on the other side of the creek.
Larson presented the EDA report, beginning with an update that all loans are current.
She said the EDA approved a loan for Simply Styled Events, a new business coming to Mabel and owned by Breanna Johnson. Johnson is renting a building in town to launch the business and hopes to purchase property in the future. “We were excited to hear that,” Larson said.
Larson also reported that Average Joe’s liquor license was approved, though she said she does not yet know the owner’s plans for opening.
Public Works Director Robert Mierau reported that improvements at the Steam Engine grounds are progressing. He said rock has been added and work on the ball diamonds is nearly complete, with the exterior fence still to be installed. Mierau said the remaining work includes placing asphalt millings on the walking path, which he hoped could be completed this week or next week.
Mierau also noted that the planned location for a building at the grounds has been changed. He said the new site will be easier to work with and should avoid interfering with future changes or additions at the ball diamonds.
The city is planning to pour a concrete slab for the portable shed that will be used to store ball diamond lime. Ironclad Concrete is donating the labor for the project, and Croell is donating the concrete.
Before the meeting adjourned at 6:46 p.m., the council held a lengthy discussion about two-wheel scooters. Council members expressed concern that someone could be injured. Larson said she will post a safety reminder on the city’s Facebook page.
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