At its regular meeting April 8, the Mabel City Council approved the summer recreation program wages and fees. Once again, the city of Canton will cost-share with the city of Mabel at a cost of $3,220.
Director Kati Bergey will receive $425 per week for six weeks. Summer recreation wages are set at the 2026 minimum wage of $11.41 per hour, with an additional $0.35 per hour for each additional year.
The activities for this year include tee ball, advanced tee ball, Pee Wee baseball, Little League baseball, softball, and kickball. The council approved keeping the activities fees the same as last year. The swim bus will run eight Fridays at no cost to participants.
Mayor Adam Wilder called the meeting to order at 6 p.m.
Council members present included Tina Bakke, Kelly Sand, Kirsten Wyffels and Wilder. Councilor Valerie Arnold was absent. Others present included Karen Larson, Public Works Director Bob Mierau, and Mitch Aasum of Aasum Electric LLC.
The council approved minutes from the March 11 regular meeting and approved financial reports, including payment of bills.
Old Business
Council members Wyffels and Bakke volunteered to serve on an ad hoc committee to finalize a proposed cannabis ordinance. Larson said the city must hold a public hearing because the ordinance is being updated. The hearing could be held before the May 13 council meeting; otherwise, it will be scheduled for June.
New Business
The council approved three zoning permits signed off by Mierau. Approved permits include:
- Timothy Mengis, 209 W. Prairie Ave., to remove wood siding and replace with it with vinyl siding, valued at $40,000;
- Aasum Electric, LLC, 106 E. Alpine Ave., to replace the roof with a steel roof, valued at $8,000;
- Mabel-Canton Schools, 316 West Fillmore Ave., for additions and renovations, valued at $6,400,000.
Mierau asked the council to table an application from Gregory and Linda Turner, 245 Robert Street South, for a $30,000 garage.
The city unanimously approved an on-sale and Sunday sales liquor license for Average Joe’s LLC. Larson explained that Joe Houdek brought the former BBG’s.
The city also approved the annual MiEnergy’s Consumer-Owned Generator Load Management Program 2026 opt-in enrollment agreement, which saves taxpayers money and keeps the city’s rates lower.
EDA president Kirsten Wyffels reported that all revolving loans are current. She added that EDA supports a potential retail cannabis business setting up shop in Mabel. The business will be located next to the new bar and grill scheduled to open later this year.
Mierau confirmed that the city is once again sponsoring the annual tree program. Residents are encouraged to contact city hall immediately, as the trees are on a first-come, first-served basis. The deadline for ordering is May 1. Each household may order up to two trees. The city will order a maximum number of 10 trees, with a 50/50 cost share approved by the council.
The board approved Mierau’s recommendation to purchase 21 flags, 21 fiberglass poles, and 21 brass acorn pole ornaments at a total cost $1,770.40 from Display Sales.
The council also approved a generator maintenance agreement with Generator Power Systems-Generator for April 2026 through March 2027. Additional approvals included a quote from Dunn Blacktop for blacktopping two alleys, two street patches, and wedging totaling $59,906.90; a Four Season Asphalt maintenance estimate totaling $6,450.00 for Melby Avenue, Minnesota Avenue, Main Street, Locust Street, Elm Street, and Ash Street; and Ironclad Concrete LLC for $5,560. Mierau said they did a nice job last year, and people are definitely using the alleys.
Mierau reported that the new pump and pipe were installed this week at Well No. 3. They are currently waiting on the transducer; a gauge placed in the aquifer that measures the water level to ensure the city does not run out of water.
Improvements on the two county roads running through Mabel will not happen this year as orginally planned. Bidding is expected to happen this winter or next spring, with work anticipated to begin in 2027.
Spring is a busy time and brings several announcements:
- Clean-Up Day is May 9, 8 a.m. to noon at the wastewater treatment plant;
- Hydrant flushing: April 27 through May 1;
- Compost pickup begins May 4;
- Recreational vehicle permits: May 1 through April 30 (green sticker required);
- Fillmore County hazardous waste collection is May 5,11 a.m. to 3 p.m.;
- Tornado Drill Day; April 16
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