Mabel’s City Council met on July 14. Attending were Mayor James Westby, Terry Torkelson, Adam Wilder, and Cory Wilson. Kirsten Wyffels was absent. Also participating were City Clerk Karen Larson and Jeff Rein.
The council approved five zoning permit requests. Immediately following that action, Adam Wilder asked, “Is there any better way we can do that?” There was discussion that under the current process, citizens are required to get a permit approved prior to making repairs or improvements to buildings. Wilder said, “So let’s say like tonight, if it storms really bad, and somebody’s roof needs to be replaced. Well, they can’t wait a month to come to city council and get it approved. So if it’s a variance or a zoning issue, obviously that’s different, that would have to come before the city council.” After discussion, the council granted the city’s zoning administrator (Jeff Rein) the authority to approve permits, which do not involve zoning issues or variances or Conditional Use Permits (CUP’s).
There was discussion about the new street light poles being ordered for the city. Larson pointed out that the 20-foot poles may be inadequate in the long run, due to the many items the city may wish to display from the poles. She suggested changing the order to 30-foot poles, and she noted that the cost was not significantly different. The council voted to make the change as proposed.
Larson informed the council that Kelly Breitsprecher has submitted a resignation from her job at the library, effective July 23. She asked the council to consider whether or not to immediately replace Kelly, and she explained that the three remaining staff at the library have indicated they may be able to cover the hours without adding staff. The council took no formal action at this time.
Mayor Westby said he’s been asked about the previously discussed idea of Mabel possibly installing a “splash pad” somewhere in the city, for citizens to enjoy. Larson said the city has never made any formal decision to move forward with this, but it remains something that could be considered. Rein pointed out that in some cases, splash pads consume a large amount of water, which is not recycled. Council members discussed whether fees would be charged, if the city were to build a splash pad. Larson pointed out that if fees were charged, then it would require a paid staffperson to be on hand at all times of operation. She said for that reason, most cities that have a splash pad make it free to all. No formal action was taken.
The council discussed a bid from Normans Electric Service, for a project to move power lines that are currently in a “flood zone area” at Steam Engine grounds. Rein it’s something the city should definitely do, because it could eventually cause power outages to a portion of the city, but isn’t urgent to have it done this year. The total cost from Normans bid was $20,429, and that amount does not include demolition of the lines on Fest grounds. Larson said she would not recommend doing this project this year, because it would essentially deplete the accrued fund for such needs. The council voted to table the issue until February 2022.
Regarding the city’s efforts at removing ash trees, Rein said the city got roughly 85% compliance from property owners, and he said that was “pretty good.”
The council’s next regular meeting will be August 11, at 6 p.m. in the community center. The council chose to change the September meeting to September 15, due to a conflict on September 8. The public is welcome.