During the regular council meeting on June 10, the Mabel City Council voted to allow the city’s summer recreation program to open, with some stipulations to lessen the risks of infection. Council member Kirsten Wyffels stated, “I think we need to offer kids something. So whether it’s kickball, teeball, some sort of activity.” The council agreed to not offer the “swim bus” this summer, but expects to offer a summer program of approximately four weeks in duration, roughly late June through late July. Participant pricing will remain unchanged from last year. The council approved Katie Bergey to again serve as director for the program. Karen Larson said Bergey will most likely figure out a calendar for the summer program, and send that to parents, so they can plan ahead. Wyffels suggested that, because there will be no county fair this summer, it’s possible the summer rec program could extend beyond four weeks, if there is enough interest.
The council also chose to approve reopening the restrooms, since the summer rec sports will be in session soon. As suggested by Karen Larson, the city will post a notice at each restroom stating that the restrooms will be cleaned and sanitized once daily, prior to 9 a.m.
Citywide clean-up day was discussed, with council members sharing that they’ve heard from citizens in favor of the annual event. The council voted to hold citywide clean-up on Saturday, July 11, from 8 a.m. to noon. The city will get the word out to all citizens.
Karen Larson informed the council that there are getting to be many past due water billing accounts within the city. She said that although there is guidance from the state about refraining from performing water shut-offs during the pandemic, the city could choose to reinstate late fees, as a way to encourage citizens to keep their accounts current. The council agreed to this suggestion.
Immediately prior to the regular council meeting, the council had held two public hearings. The first was regarding a request for a variance of 7.5 feet on the west side of the property located at 112 N. Oak Street. Dennis and Chris Hansen are the property owners, and they wish to install a deck. During the public hearing, no citizens voiced any objection. The request was approved.
The second public hearing was regarding a Conditional Use Permit (CUP) from Terry and Jean Ingvalson, who propose to have living space in the rear of their property at 118 and 122 N. Main Street. Mayor Westby pointed out that the city’s ordinance would allow this, as long as the living space is no more than 40% of the total square footage, and as long as it is in the rear of the building. No objections were heard, and the council approved this CUP request.
The council discussed the continuing problem of grass clippings being deposited on city streets. As the council has previously mentioned, this causes multiple problems. Grass clippings tend to clog up the sewers, and create a dangerous slick surface on the streets, particularly for bicycles and motorcycles. Mayor Westby pointed out that Mabel already has an ordinance to address this practice, and he feels it needs to be enforced. The council agreed that as complaints are received, if they are found to be valid, the city will then send a letter to the property owner. If the problem persists, the city will contact the sheriff’s office so that a citation can be issued. Karen Larson stated, “The big thing I want to stress is, we won’t be singling anyone out, and it would be fair across the board.” She added that if/when tickets are issued for this, it will be a misdemeanor, with a fine not to exceed $1,000.
Larson informed the council that there is a request from Mabel-Canton Schools superintendent to hold another joint meeting of the school board along with representatives from the city councils of Mabel and Canton. Larson said the city will not need to have a quorum of council members, but likely just two or three representatives, as was the case last year. When the school board sets a date and time for the proposed meeting, Larson will inform the council members.
The council considered, and approved, a total of 12 zoning permit requests from citizens asking to make various additions or improvements to their properties. Carolyn White was approved as the newest member of the Library Board. The council’s next regular meeting will be July 8, at 7 p.m. in the community center. The public is welcome.
Leave a Reply