Mayor Adam Wilder convened the Mabel City Council meeting on February 14 promptly at 6:30 p.m.
Present at the meeting were Mayor Wilder, along with council members Valerie Arnold, Kiersten Wyffels, Cory Wilson and Tina Bakke. Also in attendance was City Clerk Karen Larson.
The council unanimously approved the meeting agenda and the minutes from the January 10 council meeting, and moved to pay the bills, and accepted the financial reports as presented.
Representatives from Merchants Bank, including Market President Matt Schuldt, Personal Banker Teresa Fegyak, and Treasury Management Lead Nick Benz, showcased the banks offerings available to the city. The closest Merchants Bank to Mabel is in Spring Grove. Merchants Bank will provide a scanner, so the staff does not have to drive to Spring Grove to deposit checks.
The council approved the members of the 2024 Mabel Public Library Board comprising President Linda Turner, Vice president Sheena Tollefson, Secretary Linda Swalve, Treasurer Chris Hansen, and members Bonnie Anderson, Carolyn White and Linda King.
Action was not needed on the MiEnergy 2024 wholesale power rate schedule.
The council unanimously approved the election judge resolution 2024-02 noting that all the judges are still certified. Judges included Head Election Judge Kendra Spalla, Head Election Judge Dee Ann Erickson and judges Larry Gifford and Sandra Christopher. On Tuesday, March 6 is the Presidential Primary election from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.
The city will once again offer the popular 2024 Tree Program. Residents will be able to purchase trees for their home. Last year eight, trees were purchased and the city purchased the remaining two trees. Information regarding the Tree Program will be disseminated in the March newsletter. Deadline to order trees is April 1.
Jessi Jablonski, Plant Lady Landscapes, has been hired once again to maintain the Steam Engine flowerbed.
The city has received a framed scenery photograph generously donated by Bill and Sarah Goodman to hang in the community center. Staff members will assess the best, safe location for its display.
The council approved resolution #2024-02 Public Purpose Policy for the Expenditure of Funds.
Mabel Ambulance was awarded a $4,000 TCUP grant for hands-free communication equipment. Larson noted that the grant would help the city and taxpayers.
The city is seeking a volunteer firefighter. An ad will be placed in the newspaper, on Facebook, and the city website. If you are interested in applying or know anyone that is interested, contact city hall.
Wyffels presented the EDA report, stating that all loans are current, and the new projector has been installed. Thank you to the Arlin Falck Foundation for the funds to purchase the projector.
On behalf of Public Works Director Robert (Bob) Mierau, Larson presented the public works department report noting that the water main break on North Maple was found on Sunday and fixed on Monday. The council approved both proposals from Visu-Sewer for the sectional sewer CIPP installation project and grouting at the lift station.
In other business, the council:
•Approved zoning permits for Nate and Lisa Halverson, Mabel Liquor, and Jessica Dahl.
•The council approved amended the Mabel Fire Department Relief Association’s name to the Mabel Fire Relief Association.
•Accepted the 2024 ambulance subsidy contract with Fillmore County. The subsidy increased from $4,500 to $6,000 for each ambulance service.
•Adjourned the meeting at 7:18 p.m.
The next regularly scheduled Mabel City Council meeting will be held at 6 p.m. on Wednesday, March 13 at the Mabel Community Center, 201 South Main Street, Mabel. For questions, contact City Clerk Karen Larson at (507) 493-5299 or karen.larson@cityofmabel.com. The meeting is open to the public.
Barb or Dave Knabel says
I am looking for information on your TNR Program (Trap Neuter Release) program) you have if any. I was at Harmony City Council Meeting last evening and council member mentioned you have a program in place in Mabel?
Im looking for more information and would appreciate your response,.
Barb Knabel