Karen Larson, the city clerk of Mabel, shared several spring related announcements during the regularly scheduled council meeting of the Mabel City Council on April 10.
Mayor Adam Wilder convened the meeting at 6 p.m. In addition to Mayor Wilder, council members Valerie Arnold, Kirsten Wyffels, Cory Wilson and Tina Bakke were present. City employees in attendance included Clerk Larson and Public Works Director Robert (Bob) Mierau.
Thursday, April 11 is Minnesota Tornado Drill Day. There will be two tornado drills, one at 1:45 p.m. and the second one at 6:45 p.m. For more information, visit www.hsem.dps.mn.gov.
Property inspections will take place on Thursday, April 11.
Mabel will host its annual Cleanup Day on Saturday, May 11, from 8 a.m. to noon at the wastewater treatment plant. Fees were approved by the council at their March meeting, $10 per truck load or $20 per trailer load for acceptable dumpster items and an additional $15 charge for each appliance, television, or computer and an additional $10 charge for each mattress or box spring.
It is time to renew recreational vehicle permits (yellow sticker). Permits are valid from May 1, 2024, through April 30, 2025.
Public Works announced that compost pickup begins on May 6.
Fillmore County Household Hazardous Waste Collection is May 7 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Resource Recovery Center in Preston. The second collection will take place on October 1. For more information, contact the Fillmore County Resource Recovery Center at (507) 765-4704. Note that early drop-offs are illegal and will not be accepted.
Hydrant flushing will take place the week of April 22. According to the city announcement on the city website, “Discoloration in the water will be temporary. While the water is safe to consume, you may want to run the faucets until the discoloration disappears, especially before drinking. Please hold off on laundry while the discoloration is present.”
Mabel Library Director Larry Gifford presented each councilmember with a swag bag in recognition of National Library Week, April 7-13. Gifford explained the problem with the the front door at the library as well as the two side doors. The council postponed deciding on the doors at the library until the city receives a cost estimate.
The council unanimously approved the meeting agenda, the minutes from the March 13 council meeting, disbursements and claims, and the financial reports as presented.
In old business, the council did not take action on the proposal from Merchants Bank as the council decided to continue banking with BMO.
Mayor Wilder explained that the fire department opted to store the grass rig at the city’s wastewater treatment plant to avoid monthly rental fees, noting that there is room to store it inside.
The council approved an application from the Mabel Lions Club for a temporary liquor license. The club is gearing up to host a community event on Sunday, May 26, marking the start of summer at the Mabel Steam Engine Park. Abby’s Concessions will be available on-site, along with a bounce house for kids, and live entertainment. Additionally, the Lions Club 50/50 raffle drawing will be held at 7 p.m.
MiEnergy Operation Round Up Grant awarded the Mabel Ambulance Service $1,300 to update the department’s hands-free communication equipment.
Wyffels reported that EDA loans are all current and there are new businesses looking at setting up shop in Mabel.
Public Works Director Bob Mierau reported that once again the 2024 tree program was a success. Ten trees were ordered from Jessi Jablonski, with one purchased by the city. The other nine were ordered by residents and are expected to arrive around Mother’s Day. Mierau said, “A tree is a tree. It is good to have them.”
The Mabel Wastewater Treatment Plant (WWTP) staff were recognized by the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency for their “exceptional compliance with Minnesota Pollution Control Agency NPDES/SDS wastewater permit during the 2023 review period” and their “dedication to protecting Minnesota’s waters is duly recognized and appreciated by the state of Minnesota.”
In other business, the council:
- Voted unanimously to sign the 2024 consumer owned generator management program opt-in enrollment agreement with MiEnergy.
- Approved two zoning permits, one for Melissa Henderson and one for Dave Zimmer. Both applications are for home remodeling projects.
- Adjourned the meeting at 6:40 p.m.
The next regularly scheduled Mabel City Council meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, May 8 at 6 p.m. The council will meet at the Mabel Community Center, 201 South Main Street, Mabel. For questions, call City Clerk Karen Larson at (507) 493-5299 or email Larson at karen.larson@cityofmabel.com. The meeting is open to the public.
Leave a Reply