On December 11, 2024, the Mabel City Council unanimously accepted a $50,000 donation from the Robert H. Rewoldt Revocable Trust to benefit Mabel’s emergency services.
Mayor Adam Wilder expressed that the donation was “very much appreciated.”
In addition to Mayor Adam Wilder, councilmembers Cory Wilson, Valerie Arnold, Tina Bakke and Kirsten Wyffels were present. Also present were City Clerk Karen Larson, Public Works Director Bob Mierau, and Kelly Sand.
The minutes from the November meeting, along with the financial reports, and the bills totaling $133,012.82 were unanimously approved.Larson highlighted some of the payments, some of which were grant-funded, like the generators, and will be reimbursed. The American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds have all be expended for the two generators.
It was noted that since there were not any property owners in attendance for the Truth in Taxation public hearing, the council moved forward and adopted the 2025 levy at a 3.04% increase, totaling $469,633. They also adopted the final 2025 general fund budget.
The council received a copy of the 2025 garbage/recycle calendar. Larson reminded the council that garbage and recycling would be picked up Thursday, December 26, due to Christmas falling on Wednesday. Similarly, garbage and recycling will be picked up on Thursday, January 2, instead of Wednesday, January 1, due to the New Year’s holiday.
Other important dates:
•Power will be out at city hall on December 19.
•The community center will receive a new coat of paint from January 13 through January 17, 2025. Larson reminded the council that the quote had already been approved.
•The Fillmore County public hearing will take place on December 17, 2024, at 7 p.m. regarding a proposed amendment to the Fillmore County zoning ordinance, Section 602.
The city is waiting for the electrician to complete the work needed from the lightning strike at the EMS building. Larson explained that she had to put in a separate claim for the vehicle that was damaged during the lightning strike.
In other business, the council:
•Approved the proposed fire department training pay, with Mayor Wilder and Councilmember Wilson abstaining. The hourly pay increased from $11 per hour to $12 per hour, effective January 1, 2025. Additional pay for training will be provided only when it falls on a weekend.
•Approved Resolution No. 2024-16 authorizing the end-of-year transfer of city funds.
•Accepted a quote from Horsman Fence to install a chain-link fence with slats around the generator at a cost of $7,300. The fence will match what’s there and will be installed next spring.
•Approved signing the Fillmore County voter account municipality agreement.
Councilmember Wyffels reported that all EDA loans are current, and the restaurant is doing well.
Public Works Director Bob Mierau reported on the water project and said that the council should expect a 2026 project. He also updated the council on the lead and copper letters, the annual sewer plant compliance inspection (which went well), and his attendance at the annual MiEnergy meeting. MiEnergy was “very receptive to ideas from the cities,” and Mierau noted that the state is heavily promoting the installation of electric charging stations along the I90 corridor.
The board unanimously adjourned the meeting at 6:39
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