Photo by Charlene Corson Selbee
Photo by Charlene Corson Selbee
After months of research, discussion, and a public hearing held in May, the Mabel City Council approved a cannabis ordinance during its regular meeting on June 10, passing the measure by a 4-1 vote.
Mayor Adam Wilder called the meeting to order at 6 p.m. Council members present included Kelly Sand, Valerie Arnold, Tina Bakke, Kirsten Wyffels, and Wilder. City staff present included Clerk Karen Larson and Public Works Director Bob Mierau.
City Attorney Greg Schieber attended the meeting to answer questions from council members. Schieber explained that the city’s primary responsibilities in regulating cannabis businesses are determining where they may be located, establishing hours of operation and determining how many businesses will be permitted within the city limits. Following the discussion, the council approved the ordinance on a motion by Councilmember Kirsten Wyffels, seconded by Councilmember Valerie Arnold.
Councilmember Kelly Sand cast the lone dissenting vote, saying he did not feel he had enough knowledge to support the measure.
The council also established licensing fees for cannabis businesses. A motion by Wyffels, seconded by Councilmember Tina Bakke, set the registration fee at $500 and the annual renewal fee at $250. The motion was approved by the council.
The city held a public informational meeting regarding its planned watermain and street reconstruction project scheduled for 2027-2028. The meeting provided residents with an opportunity to learn about the project and ask questions of Carson Hackett, engineer, and Curt Marx, field inspector, both with Davy Engineering, of La Crosse, Wisconsin.
Planning for the project began in 2022. Hackett explained that the city has a number of undersized 4-inch watermains that do not meet the state’s minimum requirement of 6” for municipalities. Upgrading these watermains is important for improving fire protection and improved water pressure and a host of other reasons.
The estimated cost of the project is $4,123,200. The project is expected to go out for bid in July. Funding sources include a $600,000 Small Cities Development Program grant, $1,566,000 from the State Aid Highway Program in partnership with Fillmore County, and a $2,258,700 USDA Rural Development loan. Increases in the city’s utility rates have not been finalized.
The council approved the minutes from the May 13 regular meeting and approved financial reports, including payment of bills totaling $113,176.41.
New Business
The council approved four zoning permits which were reviewed and okayed by Mierau:
•Mike and Linda Gjere – 205 S. Robert St. – replace current sunroom, windows, and siding.
•Mike Rogich – 205 N. Lyndale Street – demolition.
•Carter Hicks- 209 E. Prairie Ave. – reinstallation of an 8-foot by 10-foot garden shed.
•City of Mabel – S. Main Street – construction of a 32-foot by 68-foot addition to the building at the Steam Engine Grounds. Officials noted that the addition will cover the existing gravel patch. The Mabel Lions Club is funding the project.
Additional agenda items included:
•Larson reminded the council that the city’s goal is not to issue citations, but rather to encourage residents to clean up their properties voluntarily. The council agreed that Larson should send out a second round of notices to property owners who have not addressed violations after receiving an initial letter. Larson will also send a first notice to a property that was recently added to the list of nuisance properties.
•A committee was formed to discuss the sprinkler system at the Mabel Community Center. Mierau presented four possible options for the committee to consider.
•Larson shared the summary Letter for 2025 TIF reports for the city-owned daycare facility with the council. No action was required.
•There will be a public hearing at the July city council meeting on July 8 if the paperwork for rezoning is received.
•Larson shared the 2025 audit with the council and explained the one concern listed and how the city is handling it.
•The council approved a temporary liquor license for the Mabel Lions Club during Steam Engine Days from September 11-13.
On behalf of EDA, Wyffels announced that the Pit Stop opened on June 1 and all loans are current.
The council approved Public Works Director Bob Mierau request to purchase a 500 kVA transformer for the school line extension project which will cost an estimated $14,500. The school will reimburse the city.
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