At its June meeting, the Mabel City Council revisited blacktopping Cherrywood Drive. The project was left unresolved last month after bids were brought by City Works Director Bob Miereau. At that time, a motion was made to accept the low bid of $24,500 from River City Paving in Decorah, but that’s as far as it got.
When it was brought up again by Mayor James Westby at this month’s meeting, he wanted to know what the council was going to do. Westby said he has told the residents for quite some time that it would get paved.
Mayor Westby said the residents are dealing with dust and one person has already moved because of the problems. “This thing has been kicked around long enough,” Westby said. “The dust is everywhere and we promised we’d blacktop it. It doesn’t feel right.” Miereau said, “We promised to put down asphalt millings, not to blacktop it.” City Clerk Karen Larson said she’d find the exact wording from the minutes.
Councilmember Liz Folstad said she seconded the motion at last month’s meeting, but didn’t want to go further when she heard that the county may work on the road in the near future. “If that’s not the case, I’m willing to go back and carry through on the motion to get the project rolling,” she said. “But I need clarification before spending nearly $25,000.”
Councilmember Gary Morken said he talked to the county and they were in the process of surveying Cherrywood Drive. Morken was told by the county that they plan to regrade it and widen the road eight feet on each side, and indicated it could possibly be done in 2019. Until that time, the county’s plan is to continue to patch it.
After considerable discussion, it was decided that two council members would attend the Fillmore County Commissioners meeting to get clarification on whether or not the county is planning to do work on Cherrywood Drive in 2019. Folstad and Morken volunteered to attend the meeting. It was suggested that Larson notify the Cherrywood Estates and other residents that the council will be at the county meeting and encourage them to come so they can hear first-hand the plans.
In other business
• Mayor Westby gave an update on the letters that went out to Mabel residents who were in violation of ordinances ranging from junked cars on the property to excessive debris. “Quite a few residents responded and took action to clean up their properties, but there are still 18 in violation,” Westby said. “I’ve taken pictures again and these property owners will be getting another letter from our city attorney. We’ll give them one more chance and then if it’s not cleaned up, we’ll have to file charges.”
• Deputy City Clerk Nathan Manning submitted his letter of resignation effective August 31, 2017. The council approved posting the position with Wyffels and Folstad serving as the hiring committee. The goal is to have someone on board by August 1 so Manning can train them.
• The solar ordinance committee met and reviewed the ordinances from other cities. They will continue to work and get a rough draft to the council.
• After review of accounts payable, the council approved the allocation of $80,891 for bills to be paid this period.
• Council member Wyffels, who also serves as the president of the EDA board, reported that they are still looking for options to get a childcare center built. City Clerk Larson said that two resolutions need to be addressed related to taxes in order to keep moving forward. Both resolutions require holding public meetings. The motions were passed and the public meetings will be held at the next Mabel City Council meeting on Wednesday, July 12 at 7 p.m.