The Mabel City Council approved the fire department’s request to purchase a battery powered jaws of life and cutter at its March 13 regularly scheduled council meeting.
Mayor Adam Wilder explained, “It’s used and from a department down in Illinois for $7,500. New the system would be well over $30,000.” The reason the department in Illinois is selling it is because they are replacing it with a system that can be used underwater.
The council also approved the purchase of new tires for the fire truck for $3,000. The funds for both purchases will come out of the fire equipment fund.
The fire department received six applications for the vacant firefighter position, which is the most the city has received in some time. The council approved the department’s recommendation. Joe Boyum will join the department on July 1, but he will be able to take advantage of a firefighting class scheduled in April.
With the purchase of a grass rig, the fire department is looking to rent a building in which to store it. It was emphasized that the building must be located near the fire station. Adam Tollefsrud has a 30’ x 40’ unheated building that would hold two trucks and the side-by-side for $300 per month. It was not budgeted for so it will probably need to come out of the fire equipment fund. The department’s request was tabled until April.
Mayor Wilder convened the meeting at 6 p.m. Present were Mayor Wilder, along with council members Valerie Arnold, Kiersten Wyffels, Cory Wilson and Tina Bakke. City employees in attendance included City Clerk Karen Larson and Public Works Direct Robert (Bob) Mierau.
The council unanimously approved the meeting agenda with the addition of property inspections and the minutes from the February 14 council meeting, and moved to pay the bills of $65,228.89, and accept the financial reports as presented.
The city tabled a decision about switching banks until it receives information on interest rates from BMO.
Zoning permits for Dean and Lorri Peterson, 307 W. Newburg Ave., and LeAnn Jevne, 217 N. Elm were both unanimously approved. The Peterson plan to build a 24’ x 24’ garage. In 2024, Jevne is adding a 12’ x 18’ deck on the front of the house and a 7’ x 11’ deck on the back of the house and in 2026 she plans on remodeling the kitchen.
Richard’s Sanitation is increasing the prices of totes 3%, effective March 1. The increase will show up on the April bills. A 32-gallon small tote is $15.75, a 64-gallon medium tote is $17.39, a 96-gallon large tote $19.04, and the fee for only a recycling tote is $4.43 for those businesses that have a dumpster. Larson emphasized that the city does not charge any more than what they are billed for.
Cleanup Day is Saturday, May 11, from 8 a.m. to noon at the wastewater treatment plant. The council approved the following fees, $10 per truck load or $20 per trailer load for acceptable dumpster items and an additional $15 charge for each appliance, television, or computer and an additional $10 charge for each mattress or box spring. If you have any questions call city hall prior to May 13. Note that this service is only for Mabel residents.
The council unanimously approved resolution #2024-04 authorizing assessment for unpaid special charges. Parcel ID # 02.023.8000 will be assessed $1,700 for the removal of two trees on the property located at 326 Main St., owned by Gary R. Adams and Vicky R. Adams, 432 Lakewood Ave., Mondovi, Wis.
Larson informed the council that she will start advertising for the part-time librarian position in the Fillmore County Journal and will post the announcement on the city’s Facebook page. The due date to submit applications is April 19. Arnold and Wyffels, along with Larson, will coordinate the interviews and have a name to present to the council in May.
Thursday, April 11 is Minnesota Tornado Drill Day. There will be two tornado drills, one at 1:45 p.m. and the second one at 6:45 p.m. For more information, visit www.hsem.dps.mn.gov.
Mayor Wilder announced that it was that time of year for property inspections. The inspections will take place in April. Arnold, Wilson and Larson will conduct the property inspections again this year.
In other business, the council:
•Approved the Fair Housing plan which must be on file, and approved publishing it in the Fillmore County Journal.
•Approved Resolution #2024-05 approving the State of Minnesota joint powers agreements with the city of Mabel on behalf of its city attorney.
•Approved the Court Data Services Subscriber Amendment to CIDN Subscriber Agreement.
•Approved the State of Minnesota Joint Powers Agreement.
• Adjourned the meeting at 6:41 p.m.
The next regularly scheduled Mabel City Council meeting will be held at 6 p.m. on Wednesday, April 10, at the Mabel Community Center, 201 South Main Street, Mabel. For questions, contact City Clerk Karen Larson at (507) 493-5299 or karen.larson@cityofmabel.com. The meeting is open to the public.