The Mabel City Council held a public hearing on October 9 to hear citizens’ feelings about a possible increase in the city’s water and sewer rates. No citizens asked questions or voiced an opinion on the matter, so the public hearing was closed, and the council then went into their regular monthly city council meeting. All members were present (Adam Wilder, Mayor Jim Westby, City Clerk/Treasurer Karen Larson, Gary Morken, Terry Torkelson, and Kirsten Wyffels).
Council members discussed when the most recent water and/or sewer rate increases had been implemented, and the consensus was that it was several years ago, and that an increase is necessary now to cover the costs of running these services. Karen Larson presented data showing the cost impacts to homeowners. Her data showed the impact of raising the water monthly base charge from $10 to $12, and the “per 1,000 gallon” rate from $6.04 to $7.25. A homeowner using 3,500 gallons a month would see an increased cost of $6.23. Regarding the sewer rate, Larson’s printout showed that with an increase in the monthly base charge from $20 to $28, and a “per 1,000 gallon” increase from $6.20 to $8.68, that same homeowner would see an increase of $16.68.
Larson’s data also showed the impact for a homeowner using 5,000 gallons per month (these were roughly 25% to 30% higher than the impacts at 3,500 gallons). The council asked what Mabel’s average usage is, and Larson replied that usage varies greatly from home to home, so she doesn’t have a true average, but she said the 3,500 gallon and 5,000 gallon impacts are representative, to give most homeowners a general idea of their impact.
The council discussed how these increases would affect citizens, and Terry Torkelson pointed out that since the bulk of the proposed increase is in the “per usage” category, homeowners will largely be in control of the extent to which their actual billing changes. Larson suggested that if any increases are approved, they should go into effect on usage beginning November 1, so that citizens can be aware of the change prior to implementation. The council voted unanimously to implement the pricing increases listed above.
There was discussion regarding continuing ordinance violations at 217 South Oak Street. Mayor Westby stated, “We’ve tried to work with them before, and it might clean up a little bit, and then two weeks later it’s back in the same shambles, over and over again.” Larson said she’d discussed the issue with the city attorney, who sent the city an email stating that this property owner is “a habitual offender” and suggesting that if the council agrees to pursue criminal charges, “a deputy could issue a citation at any time, and the county attorney would take care of prosecution from there.” The council voted unanimously to pursue criminal charges. Mayor Westby also mentioned another property owner to whom the city should send a letter regarding the need to stay in compliance with this ordinance.
The council discussed an offer for the city to purchase the empty lot at 115 Karli Drive, to give access to land beyond it. Jeff Rein said there are already two other access points, and the city already has an easement agreement in place at 115 Karli Drive. The council chose not to take action toward purchasing the lot.
Jeff Rein asked the council’s wishes regarding possibly purchasing new snow tires for the city’s payloader. Rein had received a price quote for four new tires, but felt it’s too high ($11,335). He said he’s also gotten a quote from Bauer-Built for four tires in a “knock-off brand” for just over $6,000. He said since Mabel does not put a lot of mileage on the payloader, the cheaper tires would still meet the city’s need. Gary Morken asked if putting chains on the current tires would be more cost-effective. Rein said he’ll look into that. He also said the current tires could possibly be sold, to help defray the cost of new tires. He will bring more information on these options to the council’s November meeting. He also reminded the council that hydrant flushing will happen in Mabel October 21-25, so there may be reports of discolored water during flushing, as usual.
Larson reminded the council and citizens that alternate side parking goes into effect beginning November 1. It applies only between the hours of 2 a.m. and 8 a.m. Mayor Westby brought up the previously discussed topic of the possibility of the city purchasing an “ambulance shed” but said the issue is on hold, so no action was taken at this time. Mayor Westby reminded all of the Firemen’s Dance to be held on October 19. The council’s next regular meeting will be November 13, at 7 p.m. at the community center. The public is welcome.
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