At its regular meeting on September 10, the Mabel City Council approved the installation of speed bumps in the alley between Prairie Avenue and the BP gas station, aiming to address concerns about speeding and large truck traffic in the area.
The public hearing was called to order by Mayor Adam Wilder at 6:02 p.m. Residents were invited to share their opinions on how to best manage traffic through the alley included changing it to one-way traffic, signage, and speed bumps.
Mayor Wilder noted in his opinion the one-way won’t work because the one-way does not work by the school. The residents in attendance pleaded with the city to try something. BP Manager Cathy Peterson said that if the alley was closed to one-way it would apply to everyone – golf carts, lawnmowers, bicycles and ATVs. She also noted that it would not affect BP.
Mayor Wilder closed the public hearing and opened the regular meeting at 6:15 p.m.
During old business, Councilmember Valeria Arnold made a motion to install speed bumps, which was seconded by Councilmember Tina Bakke. The motion passed unanimously. Councilmembers noted that while this is worth trying, it may prompt requests for speed bumps in other alleys as well.
Councilmembers present included Tina Bakke, Valerie Arnold, Kelly Sand and Kirsten Wyffels. City Clerk Karen Larson and Public Works Director Bob Mierau were also in attendance.
Visitors in attendance included: Jason Carolan, Shelly Carolan, Jessie Carolan, Amber Helgeson, Jennifer Marsden, BP Manager Cathy Peterson, Clarence Brumm, Jenni Whitney, Mitch Aasum, and Carson Hackett of Davy Engineering.
Wyffels moved to approve the minutes from the August 13 meeting, seconded by Arnold. Motion carried.
Wyffels also moved to approve payment of bills totaling $156,635, seconded by Sand. The motion passed. Clerk Larson noted two major payments: $21,075 to USDA Rural Development for a loan payment, and a $46,110.75 payment to Dunn Blacktop.
Other Council Business
- Approved an Engineering Agreement with Davy Engineering for the Water System Improvements at a cost of $501,700;
- Approved the 50/50 Cooperative Agreement with Fillmore County for the design and construction of CSAH 28 and CSAH 34 with the city limits of Mabel;
- Approved zoning permits for Paul Haugland, Jordan Larson, and Mabel-Canton Schools;
- Approved a temporary liquor license for the Mabel Fire Department. Mayor Wilder and Councilman Sand abstained;
- Accepted an increase to the Fire Relief Pension;
- Agreed that no more action will be taken regarding this year’s property inspections;
- Approved the 2025-2025 proposed budget and levy. Clerk Larson noted that it was difficult to keep the levy at 5%;
- Scheduled the annual budget and levy meeting on December 10, at 6 p.m. prior to the city council meeting.
Announcements
The Mabel Public Library will host an open house on October 11 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Residents are invited to stop in and view recent updates to the facility.
Mayor Wilder announced that the Fillmore County Household Hazardous Waste Fall Collection will take place Tuesday, October 7, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. He reiterated his ongoing wish that the county would hold it on a Saturday.
Reports
Reporting on behalf of the Economic Development Authority (EDA), Wyffels stated that all current loans are up to date. The committee is in the process of working on a new revolving loan, although details are not yet ready for public announcement.
The council discussed the 2025 Tree Program, ultimately deciding to table the initiative until early next year.
Adjournment
Councilmember Wyffels moved to adjourn the meeting at 7:11 p.m. The motion was seconded by Arnold and carried.
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