Mabel’s City Council met on March 10, beginning at 5 p.m. Attending in person were Mayor James Westby, Adam Wilder, Kirsten Wyffels, and Cory Wilson. Also participating were City Clerk Karen Larson and Jeff Rein. Terry Torkelson attended via phone.
During the Public Works department report, Jeff Rein said he and Bob Mireau have driven through town twice to inspect trees, and they identified “sixty-some trees that have to be taken down.” He said this involves around 40 property owners. Rein said some of the targeted trees are ash trees (due to the widespread emerald ash borer infestation) and others are trees that are deemed dangerous because of their condition and/or location. The council discussed how to inform property owners that their trees need to be removed (or in some cases, just trimmed). Mayor Westby suggested consulting with the city attorney.
Rein pointed out, “This is going to stir a hornet’s nest.” Council members agreed that most likely, some property owners will quickly comply, while others may ignore the notification. Rein said cutting a tree down may easily cost $900 to $1,200 or more nowadays, depending on the specific tree, and he understands that for some citizens, that would be unaffordable on short notice. The council then considered how to handle the situation of any property owners that do not comply within the allotted time frame.
Karen Larson stated that the city could have such trees removed or trimmed, and then assess the cost to the applicable property owner’s taxes. She said if the city chooses to use this option, she believes the city should also include an “administrative fee,” since the city has to pay the county for the process of assessing anything to someone’s taxes. After discussion, the council settled on a $15 administrative fee for each such case. Larson will develop a form for applicable citizens to fill out, indicating whether the choose to have tree(s) dealt with at their own direct cost, or if they prefer to have the city have the work done and thereafter assess the cost onto taxes.
The council discussed options for ways to rearrange and/or add countertop into city hall, to help foster social distancing between staff and visitors. Karen Larson showed several options proposed by Storey Kenworthy. Cory Wilson suggested putting in more counter area, with a “bar door” that would swing up to allow walk-throughs when needed. Larson will seek more options and pricing, to bring back to the council. She also added, “We’re able to help customers fully right now as is. People are asking ‘When are you guys going to be open?’… We are open. We’re able to help customers and do anything we need to do.”
Regarding the licensing of pets, Larson explained that new licenses were due in January. The city plans to send out letters this month to citizens who have not yet licensed their pets. She added, “And then, if they still don’t respond, we’re turning it over to the sheriff’s department.”
Citywide Clean-up Day was discussed, and the council chose to move forward with plans to hold it in May, as usual (in 2020, the event was postponed to July). The council decided to hold the event on Saturday, May 8. All details regarding location, pricing, and acceptable items versus unacceptable items will remain the same as last year. The event is only for residents of the city of Mabel. The city will post notices to inform citizens as the date draws nearer. Mayor Westby encouraged citizens to make use of the clean-up day, saying, “I’d rather have a clean-up day instead of it sitting in somebody’s backyard.”
Jeff Rein noted that the installation of new water meters has been a good thing, since the recent water conservation report showed only a 1% water loss, which is outstanding. He also reported that the water main break on North Maple was completely repaired and is “good to go.” The council’s next regular meeting will be April 14, at 6 p.m. in the community center.
Brian says
has a certified arborist had a look at these trees and supported the removals? Often times, simple pruning can reduce hazards/risks from trees. Also, are the ash trees actually infested with the Emerald Ash borer? There are treatments available which can protect uninfested or lightly infested trees. I’d like to hear more on the reasoning please.