Photo by Rich Wicks
Mabel’s city council met on May 11. Council members in attendance included Adam Wilder, Mayor James Westby, Kirsten Wyffels, and Cory Wilson. Also participating were City Clerk Karen Larson and Jeff Rein.
Cory Wilson informed the council that the Mabel Fire Department was recently awarded a rescue tube and related training, after a grant application was submitted. Wilson explained that Mabel was one of only 58 fire departments across the USA that were selected, out of over 1800 applications. The press release from Nationwide Insurance Company states, in part, “Farmers and grain haulers know all too well how quickly entering a grain bin can turn deadly. To help prevent these accidents that result in dozens of lives lost each year, Nationwide is providing life-saving resources to rural America’s first responders.” According to the information shared, “NECAS, based out of Peosta, Iowa, will deliver the rescue tubes and training to the winning fire departments throughout 2022, traveling to each location with state-of-the-art grain entrapment simulators and rescue tubes.” Mayor Westby praised Wilson for his successful efforts in applying for this opportunity.
Immediately prior to the regular council meeting, a very brief public hearing was held regarding a variance sought by Tim Mengis. He asked for a 10-foot variance on the north side of his lot at 205 W Prairie Avenue, to allow him to put in a new garage. No other citizens spoke up during the public hearing, and the council approved the variance as requested.
Linda Tripp King and Donna Rasmussen addressed the council, on behalf of the Hesper-Mabel Historical Preservation Committee. They said there is currently no location where historical items from Mabel’s past are displayed, and asked the council to consider allowing some such items to be displayed in lockable wood and glass cases in the large room at the community center. They said if the council approves this, there would be no cost to the city, and Paul Tollefsrud’s class would work on making display cases, with materials provided from the committee.
King said they’ve seen similar display cases at T-Bock’s Restaurant in Decorah. Council members and Karen Larson asked if perhaps a local business would display the items, both as a service to the city, and to encourage more customers. King and Rasmussen said they would reach out to local businesses that may offer a satisfactory venue, such as a downtown window. King also showed the history book that has been printed, and Mayor Westby asked how many books remain to be sold. King and Rasmussen estimated that around 200 are still available. Following King and Rasmussen’s request, the council discussed that the community center is a rental facility, so it may not be the ideal location for such a display. No formal action was taken at this time.
The council discussed that the Electric Vehicle (EV) charging station has been received, and will soon be installed on the south side of the community center. Pilings will also be installed to help protect the charging station from any impacts from cars.
The council pointed out that August 2, from 5:30-7:30 p.m., Mabel-Canton’s Community Night Out event will be held. A temporary liquor license request was approved for the Hesper Mabel Area Historical Society, for September 8 through 11. This is for the annual Steam Engine Days celebration. The council approved appointing election judges for the August 9 Primary election as follows: Kendra Spalla and Dee Ann Erickson (head election judges), Linda Turner, Sandra Christopher and Lawrence Gifford (election judges). Zoning Permits for various additions/remodeling/repairs were approved for Brandon and Ashley Wangen, Chad and Chris Loppnow, David Amunrud, Gary Nelson, Linda King, David Norby, and Chad and Melissa Hunter.
The next meeting of the Mabel council will be August 10 at 6 p.m. The public is welcome.