The Mabel City Council met on Wednesday, July 9 at 6 p.m. with Mayor Adam Wilder calling the meeting to order. Council members present included Kirsten Wyffels, Tina Bakke, Valerie Arnold and Kelly Sand.
Approvals and Financials
The agenda, as well as the minutes from the June 11 regular council meeting and the June 25 special meeting, were approved. Bakke moved to pay the bills totaling $116,031.18, with a second by Wyffels. Larson noted that several of the expenses are reimbursable. The motion passed unanimously.
Old Business
The council discussed ongoing safety concerns at several alley intersections, including the one with Prairie Avenue, which has prompted informal complaints. After a thorough discussion – including input from City Attorney Greg Schieber – the council agreed to review the city’s parking ordinance. If any updates are deemed necessary, a public hearing will be scheduled In August ahead of the August 13 council meeting.
Public Works Director Robert (Bob) Mierau shared the water rates that were not available at the special meeting in June. According to Mierau, the annual increase per user would be $1,464.34, or $12.19 per month.
New Business
Electrical engineer, Jacob Goff with Star Energy Services addressed the council regarding a recent cost-of-service study. While a public hearing is not legally required, the council agreed to schedule one before the August 13 council meeting, continuing Mabel’s tradition of transparency and public input on rate changes. Mabel has not had an increase in 13 years.
City Attorney Greg Schieber was on hand to answer questions pertaining to potential local cannabis regulations. A public hearing will be scheduled prior to the August city council meeting to discuss a proposed ordinance. No formal action was taken at this time.
Zoning permits were approved for the following residents: Bob Irons, Myrna Wilson, Matthew and Sarah Bankes, Carley Landsom, Teela Blue, Mark DeFlower, Mike Palluck, Joshua Panos, and Jessica Matthews. Public Works Director Mierau confirmed that he had reviewed and approved all applications.
The Mabel Public Library and Mabel Ambulance Service each received a $500 donation in memory of Deanna Gaare. The donations are much appreciated.
Two temporary liquor licenses were unanimously approved for the Mabel Lions Club and the Hesper-Mabel Historical Society for Steam Engine Days.
No action was taken on renewing the union contract until the city receives the final contract with the board’s suggested changes.
The Mabel-Canton Community Night Out will be held on Tuesday, August 5, from 5:30-7:30 p.m. at the community center. Mayor Wilder extended his appreciation to the Mabel Area Promoters, Mabel BP, Steam Engine Days Royalty, MC Booster Club, Mabel Lions Club, Fillmore County Sheriff’s Department, Mabel Ambulance Service, Mabel Fire Department, and Canton Fire Department for their efforts in organizing and supporting the event.
Reports
• EDA report: Wyffels, speaking on behalf of the Economic Development Authority, reported that all outstanding loans are current.
• Public Works report: Mierau stated that over half of the required easements for the Christopher Addition have been received.
• Blacktoppers will be in town this month to blacktop two alleys for the city. Residents interested in having an alley blacktopped at their expenses need to contact Mierau.
• A speed sign has been installed down by the park.
• A Mabel entity has submitted information about a solar project in the NOVA Power Portal. This marks the city’s first submission. Mierau was asked about a solar permit application and noted that the current solar ordinance does not include a permit application. Based on Mierau suggestion Bakke made a motion to establish a solar permit application. Seconded by Wyffels. Motion carried.
The meeting was adjourned at 7:19 p.m.