Mabel Public Works Director Robert (Bob) Mierau presented two quotes at the September 11 city council meeting for approval: one for a permanent standby generator for the community center and one for a mobile diesel generator for the lift stations. Mierau mentioned that he has been advocating for years for the city to purchase these generators in case of an emergency, noting, “It is always at an inopportune time.” The council unanimously approved purchasing both generations using COVID funds. Mayor Adam Wilder said that the city has just over $81,000 in COVID funds, which must be used by the end of the year, or it goes away. He added that the city’s cost will be minimal.
The council also unanimously approved the proposed 2025 budget, which includes a 4.24% increase in the tax levy, amounting to $475,513. The council was reminded that the tax levy is proposed and can be reduced but not increased before the end of the year.
Mayor Wilder called the meeting of the Mabel City Council to order at 6 p.m.
In addition to Mayor Wilder, Council0rs Cory Wilson, Tina Bakke, and Valerie Arnold were present. Kirsten Wyffels was absent. Staff present included City Clerk Karen Larson and Public Works Director Mierau. Also, in attendance were Linda King and Linda Swalve.
Mayor Wilder reminded the council that the fall Fillmore County household hazardous waste collection will be held on Tuesday, October 1, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Larson brought forth several items under new business that did not require any action. She reported a lightning strike at the EMS building on Thursday, August 29. Due to the amount of damage to equipment including to the base radios, the city’s insurance agent recommended that the city file a claim which he did on behalf of the city. The insurance adjuster recommended that the city have an electrician go through the building. At this time, Larson said that she does not know the amount of damage.
The city was asked by the Fillmore County Emergency Management Director Don Kullot to encourage residents to provide feedback on the county’s hazard mitigation plan. Larson will share the press release on the city’s Facebook page and the city website. The press release was included in the council’s packet.
No action was taken on training pay for the fire department. Larson explained that Mabel’s volunteer firefighters attend full-day trainings on Saturdays and are not paid. The council agreed that the fire department needs to discuss it first.
As they do every fall, the Mabel-Canton School Board inquired whether the city would like to participate in a joint meeting with the school and the Canton City Council. Arnold, who attended last year’s joint meeting, found it very beneficial. Wilder agreed that, with the school considering a possible bond, a joint meeting would be worthwhile.
There was no EDA meeting due to lack of quorum. Larson mentioned that the new restaurant opened over the weekend. Members of the council said that the servers are friendly and the food is good.
In other business, the council:
•Unanimously approved the minutes from the August 14 regularly scheduled meeting, as well as the accounts payable and financial reports.
•Approved a zoning permit for Aaron Bahlmann Sr. at 305 N. Ash. Bahlmann will be adding a prefab shed between the garage and cement slab driveway. According to the application, the shed will be up to 12’x16’, and he plans to install a fence within the next two years.
The meeting was unanimously adjourned at 6:43 p.m.
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