On September 11, the Mabel City Council held a regular city council meeting. All members in attendance included Adam Wilder Mayor Jim Westby, City Clerk Karen Larson, Gary Morken, Terry Torkelson, and Kirsten Wyffels. Larson explained that it appears the city needs to consider raising water and sewer rates, to cover the costs. She pointed out that rates had not been increased when the most recent upgrades and repairs were made to the watermain, but she suggested setting a date for a public hearing, if the council wishes to consider a rate increase.
Bob Mierau spoke on the issue, stating that since the city installed all new water meters, “We’re trying to be more accountable for the water, our pumpage versus what we bill, and last year… we basically pumped 15 million gallons and we sold 15 million gallons, so your accountability is really spot on.” The council set a public hearing on this topic for October 9 at 7 p.m. (immediately prior to the regular city council meeting).
The council discussed the proposed budget and levy. Larson reminded the council that when the preliminary levy is set, it can later be lowered, but never increased, so it’s wise to “aim a bit high” to allow for unexpected needs. She said the proposed preliminary budget shows a 7.13% increase overall. Council members asked how much of an increase the city usually sees in the actual (final) budget, and it was stated that the number is usually around 4% to 5%. The council approved the preliminary budget as proposed, and set the annual Truth in Taxation meeting for December 11 at 7 p.m. (immediately before the regular council meeting).
Larry Gifford addressed the council regarding the public library. He handed out promotional bookmarks which celebrate “100 years of Reading” at the Mabel Library, and which show the library’s hours, as well as contact information. He said these bookmarks were handed out during the Steam Engine Days parade. He added, “This, I think, was the first time that the library had a float or entry in the parade, and we won first place!” He also pointed out that, “We’re beginning our Saturday story hour time on Saturday, September 28,” and mentioned a genealogy talk that will be given at the library on October 9 at 2 p.m., presented by Rick Krumm. The event is open to the public.
Regarding the recent resignation of Bryce Lange as EDA Director, Mayor Westby said the EDA board feels there is not an immediate need to hire a new director. The board is willing and able to handle EDA needs as is, for now. The council was in agreement with this plan.
Due to a conflict of interest, Mayor Westby excused himself from the room while the council discussed the possibility of purchasing a shed for the ambulance. The council felt the asking price of $40,000 is a bargain, and the fire department is willing to donate that amount, from their fundraising account, since the ambulance does not have such funds. It was mentioned that this would also benefit the fire department, since they would have more space for training. The council voted unanimously to move forward on the purchase. The city attorney will be consulted to help with title transfer and any other legal paperwork.
The council discussed an upcoming joint meeting of the Mabel-Canton School Board, along city council members of Mabel and Canton. The meeting will be held on September 18 at 6 p.m., in the Mabel-Canton Media Center. Adam Wilder, Terry Torkelson, and Karen Larson plan to attend to represent the city of Mabel. Because there will not be a quorum (majority) of the Mabel council present, it will not be considered an official city council meeting.
Bob Mierau mentioned that he’s noticed a number of trees in town that appear to be suffering from Emerald Ash Borer infestation. He suggested the city may want to look into that, and possibly give the applicable property owners a chance to remove the trees on their own, or to have the city do it, and then assess the cost back to the property owners. No action was taken at this time.
The council’s next regular meeting will be October 9, at 7 p.m. at the community center. The public is welcome.
Leave a Reply