At its April meeting, Mabel council members took the final step for financing the construction of the daycare center. Mike Bubany of David Drown and Associates presented the financial overview to the council prior to the council voting for the issuance and sale of a $450,000 taxable temporary General Obligation (GEO) Bond.
Foresight Bank of Plainview was named on the resolution to purchase the bond with terms that the city pays 4% interest over three years. Payoff can be anytime with no penalty. City Council member Gary Morken opposed the bond resolution.
Bubany cited two long-term lenders, MiEnergy (formerly Tri-County Electric) to finance $300,000 over 10 years at 0% interest and Mabel Cooperative Telephone Company for $150,000, with a deferred principal over 10 years at 2% interest. It was mentioned that the telephone company may gift the money to the city, but no other details were given.
Tollefson Construction has been given the contract to build the daycare center at the south end of Mabel. The bid came in at $411,700. Darcy Thorson, owner of Nisse Treehouse Child Care and Preschool in Spring Grove, will be operating and leasing the Mabel daycare from the city. Construction will begin as soon as possible with an anticipated completion date in September, 2018.
The Economic Development Authority (EDA) met prior to the April city council meeting where Thorson gave more information on the viability of sustaining a daycare center in Mabel. Kirsten Wyffels, EDA President, reported to the council that the Mabel facility will have a 42-child capacity. Thorson’s center in Spring Grove has 80 children and is full with a waiting list. Thorson said some of the current children are from Mabel and will move to the new center when it’s completed, opening up space for the those on the waiting list.
Mabel’s daycare will employ six to eight workers, including a cook. The ratio of teacher to child is 1-4 for infants, 1-7 for toddlers and 1-10 in the preschool classroom. Each classroom must have one teacher and one assistant teacher. Thorson gave preliminary numbers and estimated the average cost per day per child is about $30. Based on the information provided, it reassured the EDA that the projected revenue will be sufficient for the city to repay the loan.
In other business, zoning permits were approved for five businesses and residents. Among them was STS Plumbing & Heating of Mabel to build a six-foot fence adjacent to the property of their new location on Main Street. A zoning permit was also granted to Greg and Linda Turner for the remodeling of the former Houdek building at 110 Main Street.
In March, the council approved the purchase of a 3,000-gallon tanker fire truck. The fire department was asked to see if the truck could be purchased for less cost through state bid. They did and by doing so, saved $4,200. The truck will be delivered to Custom Fab & Body in Marion, Wis., where it will be equipped with a tanker and customized. Payment of $186,000 will come from the fire equipment fund. No taxpayer dollars will be used.
Spring clean-up day is Saturday, May 12 from 8 a.m.-12 p.m. at the wastewater treatment plant off Highway 44. The city will not provide pickup service and is only for Mabel residents. Cost is $10 per load and additional $10 charge for each appliance, TV or computer. This year, there will be a $5 additional charge for each mattress or box spring.
In other business
• Residents can still purchase trees and shrubs through the tree program on a first-come basis. Call (507) 493-5299.
• Hydrant flushing is scheduled for April 23-27.
• Bills were approved to pay in the amount of $109,777.
• The free Friday bus to the Spring Grove pool was approved for this summer. Karen Larson, city clerk, will contact the bus company to make arrangements.
• The summer recreation program director was approved to be hired again at the same rate. Katie Bergey will be paid $400 per week during the six-week program to coordinate the activities.
The next city council meeting will be held on Wednesday, May 9 at 7 p.m. at city hall in Mabel.
Leave a Reply