Two property owners remain in violation under the “nuisance” ordinance for failing to clean up their residences. Darrell Peterson and Matt Bankes have been given repeated warnings and deadlines. The final clean-up deadline is September 20. Upon inspection on that date, if these property owners have not complied, the City of Mabel will proceed with criminal citations and/or civil proceedings.
In other business, Public Works Director Bob Mierau requested funding for insulating the shed used to store city equipment. It was built last year, but was not insulated at that time. Mierau obtained a bid from Tollefson Construction for the insulation project. The bid was $7,768.75 and includes 14” ceiling insulation and spray foam on the walls. The council approved the expenditure.
Mierau plans to contact Horizontal Boring & Tunneling Co. of Nebraska to start work on the culvert drainage project for Melby Drive. This company was the lowest bid at $37,983 to install an 18” steel casing under the road and drainage across the road. Mierau said the area around Melby Drive is dry enough to start the project. Horizontal Boring & Tunneling Co. will be able to do the work in about three days and the company provides an on-site engineer to ensure the work be done to specifications.
“We’re hoping this culvert will help eliminate the ground water issues for the Melby Drive residents,” Mierau said. “These residents have been dealing with water issues for a long time and have been pumping water from their basements on a regular basis. There’s no guarantees, but we’re hopeful that this culvert will help remedy the situation.”
The sewer rehab project will be opened for bids after it is advertised in the newspapers. This project includes new linings and selected manholes to be replaced. The money to fund the project comes from a rural development grant and needs to be used by the city by the end of the year. Approximately $350,000 in grant money is available. Bids will need to be in by 4 p.m. on October 11.
Mierau reported that 27 letters will be going out to property owners this week about tree limbs and dead tree removal on their properties.
Economic Development Authority (EDA) President, Kirsten Wyffels, reported that things are moving forward on the proposed child care center to be built in Mabel. The blueprints have been reviewed by the prospective child care provider. The project will be opened for bids after it is advertised in the newspapers.
Mayor Jim Westby asked about the rental of the community center. Wyffels told the council that the space is booked for numerous weddings, family and student reunions, graduations and the upcoming craft fair. A tractor ride event recently did a site visit and it looks favorable for them to use the center to serve lunch for riders on Friday, July 20, 2018. They are to get back to the city to confirm their plans.
The council approved the renewal of the contract for the 2017-18 Safety Management Program. The contract with Minnesota Municipal Utilities Association (MMUA) from Mankato, provides certification and safety training to city employees. The cost increased $250 for the year and is now $5,750.
A zoning variance was approved for Karl Vang to build a new garage at 214 N. Maple Street. Vang plans to tear down the old garage and build a new one in the same location. A variance was needed because the ordinance that was in place when the original garage was built had changed.
The proposed 2018 budget was approved and the final budget and levy meeting set for December 13. The council approved the allocation of $114,225.67 for bills to be paid this past period. City Clerk Karen Larson presented a draft of the Data Practices Policy for city employees. The policy was approved.
The next city of Mabel council meeting will be held at city hall on Wednesday, October 11 at 7 p m.
Leave a Reply