Photo by Charlene Corson Selbee
The Mabel City Council unanimously approved renaming the Disposal Plant Road to Kowalski Trail at its October 8 meeting.
Public Works Director Bob Mierau proposed renaming the road to the sewer plant from Disposal Plant Road to Kowalski Trail to recognize Mike and Linda Kowalsky for their ongoing support of wildlife conservation. Mierau noted in an email to the council, “They have consistently supported wildlife conservation by feeding pheasants, installing wood duck houses, kept the walk path open around the old creamery ponds, kept an eye on the property, and utilized the space for training their dogs.” Mierau noted that Earl F. Anderson (EFA), created a new sign free of charge.
Councilmembers present included Tina Bakke, Valerie Arnold, Kelly Sand, Kirsten Wyffels and Mayor Wilder.
Others present included City Clerk Karen Larson, Public Works Director Bob Mierau, Clarence Brumm and Don Tollefsrud.
Minutes from the September 10 regular meeting were approved.
The coucil approved payment of bills totaling $51,718.53.Clerk Larson highlighted key expenses: payment for the new street sweeper, a new garbage disposal at a cost of $1,479, and $1,260 to Banyon Data Systems as an annual fee for utility billing and meter device support.
Mayor Wilder reminded the council of the following upcoming events: the Mabel Public Library Open House is set for October 11 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Alternate side parking begins November 1 from 12-8 a.m., and the last day for compost to be pickup is Monday, October 27. The annual joint meeting with the Mabel-Canton School Board and Canton City Council will be held on Wednesday, December 3 at 6 p.m. at the high school. The city will be flushing the hydrants from October 27-31.
A motion by Councilor Wyffels approved the contract with MMUA for the 2026 Safety Management Program. The contract includes a 5% increase.
oClerk Larson will sign the annual LMCIT Liability coverage Waiver Form.
The council approved a recommendation from the Economic Development Authority (EDA) to increase two community center rental fees. The fee to rent the entire facility for a reception was raised from $600 to $750. The large meeting room for a day or less without the kitchen was raised from $90 to $100. The news fees go into effective January 1, 2026. Clerk Larson said that any rentals before the increase was approved will not be charged the new fees.
Prior to entering a closed session to discuss a potential real estate purchase, Don Tollefsrud was given the opportunity to speak regarding his property at 114 East Newburg Avenue. Tollefsrud explained that Fire Chief Steve Geving had approached him about purchasing a portion of his property adjacent to the fire station. “They would like to add one more bay to the entire depth of the fire station,” Tollefsrud said. “It would eliminate the access I have from the alley, the garage, and the ramp to get to the garage.” He noted that, in order to relocate the garage and maintain functionality and future value for the remaining property, significant work would be required.
Tollefsrud stated that he is asking for $34,000 for that portion of the property.
At 6:15 p.m., the council went into closed session to discuss to discuss a potential real estate purchase of 116 East Fillmore Street, part of 114 East Newburg Avenue, 126 North Main Street, or 102 West Prairie Avenue. The council returned to open session at 6:58 p.m., with Mayor Wilder stating that no decisions were made.
Mierau reported that the city received two bids for a lawn mower but recommended delaying the decision.
He also announced that the city pickup truck previously approved for purchase is now expected to be delivered this month instead of January.
The speed bumps have been installed. Hopefully, the temporary fencing, which property owners previously agreed to remove, will be taken down soon. Mierau informed the council that Brumm volunteered five hours of his own time and covered his own costs to pick up the speed bumps in Illinois.
The council reviewed two bids to do some boring work. Central Cable submitted a bid of $13,184, while Norman Electric proposed approximately $20,000 for the same service. A motion by Wyffels to accept the bid from Central Cable was seconded by Arnold and carried unanimously.
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