Mabel’s City Council met on April 14. Attending were Mayor James Westby, Adam Wilder, Kirsten Wyffels, and Cory Wilson. Also participating were City Clerk Karen Larson and Jeff Rein.
The council discussed whether or not to hold a Summer Rec program this year. The council unanimously voted to offer a full slate of Summer Rec this summer, and to rehire Kati Bergey as director, at the same hours and pay as last year. There was also discussion about whether to offer the “swim bus” to and from Spring Grove’s pool. Larson explained that Spring Grove is welcoming Mabel to bring swimmers this year, and she said that in years past, the City of Mabel has sponsored the bus cost at no cost to riders (but they each must pay their entry fee into the pool). She added that children under eight are to be accompanied, but those over eight can ride solo. The council voted to offer swim bus as in past years.
It was noted that water hydrants in Mabel will be flushed April 26 through 30. During the flushing, the water will still be safe to drink, although some discoloration may be noticed. Jeff Rein stated, “So just a reminder to everybody that your water will be yellow, just turn your faucet on for a couple minutes and it should work itself out.” Citizens are urged to hold off on laundry until the discoloration passes.
The council discussed plans for paving Karli Drive. Three bids had been submitted, and Jeff Rein explained that they are very similar in what is included, and the prices were all similar, as well. He said since the city did not have an engineer figure out the exact specifications of the project, each bidder was making their best estimate on how much material would be needed. Rein also stated his opinion that since the bid from Dunn Blacktop Company included a more plentiful amount of material, he felt their bid was the one least likely to be exceeded as the project gets underway. After discussion, the council unanimously voted to award the project to Dunn.
Sheriff John DeGeorge gave a presentation on the Needs Study being done to determine the best course of action for Fillmore County to take to address the county’s jail needs. As he has done throughout the county, DeGeorge gave an informational summary, then welcomed any questions. Two of Fillmore County’s Commissioners were also in attendance, Mitch Lentz and Marc Prestby. The County Board of Commissioners will eventually be making a final decision on how to proceed from among the four options available. Essentially, the county could “outsource” all jailing to other counties, or could operate only a temporary “holding jail,” or could operate a 90-day facility, or a 365-day facility. DeGeorge explained there are a variety of cost considerations, as well as other factors, to consider in each of these four options.
Sheriff DeGeorge stated that the information he has been presenting is now also available on YouTube. He encouraged citizens to watch the 17-minute video by searching on YouTube for “Fillmore County Needs Study.” When asked which option he prefers, DeGeorge answered that he just wants to be able to look back later and know that “What was done is what’s best for Fillmore County.”
The council and Jeff Rein discussed the city’s street lights, which are showing their age. Rein said the city has 13 street lights, and although the heads are fairly new and can be put onto new poles, the poles are still a significant cost. He suggested possibly replacing four or five per year, over a three-year span. The council chose to check on pricing and discuss it at the May meeting.
Mayor Westby and a deputy recently drove through town to perform property inspections, looking for violations of the city’s ordinances. Twenty properties were identified that are in need of clean-up, and the city will be notifying the applicable property owners. Citywide Clean Up Day is set for May 8, from 8 a.m. to noon at the water treatment plant. Due to the pandemic, city staff will NOT be available to help unload. Anyone with questions is asked to call city hall prior to May 8.
The council approved a total of 12 zoning permits. Mayor Westby reminded citizens that such permits are to be obtained before property improvements are made. Rein added that even if such improvements do not increase the square footage of a home (such as siding or new windows), a permit is still required. Westby pointed out that the city ordinance does stipulate a significant fine for violations.
The council formally approved the library board membership, including Sheena Tollefson, Emily Malm, Irene Fishburn, Laura St. Mary (treasurer), Linda Swalve (secretary), Carolyn White (vice president), and Linda Turner (president).
The council’s next regular meeting will be May 12, at 6 p.m. in the community center. The public is welcome.
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