Mabel’s city council met on November 10, with all members present (Mayor James Westby, Terry Torkelson, Adam Wilder, Kirsten Wyffels and Cory Wilson). Also participating were City Clerk Karen Larson, and Jeff Rein.
Citizens were reminded of two recent changes. Regarding the city’s “winter parking rules,” Mayor Westby stated, “A reminder on alternate side parking begins November 1. And Jason is giving out warnings to give everybody a chance to get used to it.” Karen Larson added that the winter parking rule is in effect regardless of there being no snow so far.
Jeff Rein pointed out another recent change. He stated that the city’s compost site is no longer open, since it runs from the first Monday in May through the last Monday in October. Larson said this has been noted in the city newsletter and on the city’s Facebook page. Rein added, “Leaves are the only thing that actually belong in the street, not sticks and brush and flowers.”
The council heard from LeeAnn Howard, asking if a portion of Newburg Avenue could be blocked off on Thanksgiving Day from 10:30 a.m. to 2 p.m., for the drive-through Thanksgiving dinner. The council approved the closure as requested.
On behalf of the Historical Society, LeAnn Jevne then addressed the council, saying, “We have an engine that made ammunition in three wars. The Legion was going to take this on for a project, but they have no funding. They had talked about placing it next to the tank at Steam Engine Park. It won’t be a functioning piece of equipment, it’ll just be for display.” She added that if the Historical Society is given the OK to place the engine near the tank, it probably would be a couple of years before it would be in place. Jevne said, “If we don’t get the OK, then it’ll probably be scrapped.”
Mayor Westby said at a recent Legion meeting, there appears to be little historical significance to the engine, in the minds of local groups and individuals. He stated, “Most of the guys that were at the meeting, both the VFW and Legion, basically said scrap it.” The mayor offered to bring pictures of the engine to the next council meeting. The council chose to table the issue for now, unless the pictures can be reviewed.
Larson shared that Chad Loppnow has resigned as a fireman for the city. The council voted to accept the resignation, which was effective October 23. Regarding how to fill the vacancy on the fire department, Jeff Rein explained, “We met on Monday and we had three applicants. They were all good applicants. We voted and chose Bailey Vickerman as our new fireman.” The council voted to formally approve Vickerman to join the fire crew.
It was noted that the city’s new street light poles have been installed and look good. Rein talked of the ideas for where to hang banners from the poles, so the banners will be visible but will not interfere with visibility for motorists.
Zoning Permit requests were approved for Dean and Dawn Stennes, as well as Ashley Wangen. Mayor Westby updated the council on the status of Joe Houdek’s new restaurant, the Pizza Palace & Pub, which is fully equipped and ready to open. Westby said, “He’s getting back online to try to find somebody to run the place… Right now, if anybody knows a manager, give me a call or give him a call.” The council formally set the Mabel Community Center as the official polling place for 2022. The next meeting of the Mabel council will be December 8 at 6 p.m. The public is welcome.
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