The Mabel City Council met in regular session on Wednesday, October 14, at the community center, hearing presentations on banking services and well maintenance before addressing routine business and upcoming water system repairs.
Presentations
Representatives from Merchants Bank opened the evening’s presentations with an overview of the bank’s services and what it could offer the city as its official depository.
Those representing the bank were Market President Matt Schuldt, who oversees the Caledonia and Spring Grove locations; Universal Banker Tiffany Bergrud of Spring Grove; and Treasure Management Director Nick Benz.
The trio presented an “apple to apple” comparison of Merchants Bank’s offerings with those of the city’s current depository, giving council members an opportunity to consider the bank as a potential option in the future.
No decision was made during the meeting, as the city selects its official depository in January.
Ray Cook and Pete with Maguire Iron presented an informative presentation regarding the city’s west well, noting that the structure is still good and can be renovated. Cook stressed that the “tank will last forever, as long as it’s maintained.”
Routine Business
The meeting was called to order at 6 p.m. by Council member Kirsten Wyffels, who presided in the absence of Mayor Adam Wilder.
Other council members present were Kelly Sand, Valerie Arnold and Tina Bakke. City Clerk Karen Larson and Public Works Director Robert Mierau also attended.
The council unanimously approved the minutes from the September 9 council meeting, balance sheet and accounts payable totaling $92,519.84.
In other business, the council:
• Approved zoning permits for Dawn R. Stennes at 302 W. Melby; Larine Revord at 134 S. Main and Mike Cruse at 109 Oak St. N., which had been reviewed by Director Mierau;
• Announced that Richard’s Sanitation will deliver the new waste totes on Wednesday, November 4. Any totes not delivered that day will be delivered on the following day. City Clerk Larson will include calendars provided by Richard’s with residents’ bills;
• Approved a temporary liquor license for the Mabel Fire Department on October 23, 2026, at 201 South Main Street;
• Accepted the resignation of Jacob A. Rogich as a volunteer firefighter for the City of Mabel and approved advertising for his replacement;
• Discussed the complaint regarding cats and a dog;
• Tabled the animal control services agreement with Arden Moen;
• Approved the Minnesota Municipal Utilities Association (MMUA) 2027 safety management rates;
• Approved the League of Minnesota Cities Insurance Trust (LMCIT) liability coverage waiver form. Larson reminded the council that the form is reviewed annually;
• Approved the purchase of 15 street banners for the upcoming holiday season. The banners will feature red backgrounds with white lettering and white snowflakes.
Reports
The Economic Development Authority (EDA) did not meet this month. Member Wyffels reported that all loans were current.
After hearing a report from Public Works Director Mierau, the council made a motion to repair the watermain on Locust Street before the cold water arrives. Mierau noted that he has never seen the same watermain break four times in one year.
A local contactor is expected to begin the repairs on November 1, and estimates that the work will be completed by November 15. During Steam Engine Days, the steam engines were routed along a different path to help avoid a watermain break during the event.
Mierau also discussed funding options for other water projects including the well and suggested that he and Larson meet with financial advisor Mike Bubany before making a decision on the well. Bubany is knowledgeable and looks out for the city’s best interests.
Important Dates
• Alternate side parking begins November 1 from 12 a.m. to 8 a.m.
• Last day of compost pickup is Monday, October 26.
• Hydrant flushing is October 26 through the 30.
Before adjourning the meeting, Wyffels expressed her appreciation to the volunteers, organizations and city staff who helped make Steam Engine Days a success.
“Steam Engine Days was another success. It takes a lot of people to make it happen. We lucked out with the beautiful weather. Thank you!” she said.
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