On December 10, the Mabel City Council held a regular city council meeting, which included the annual Truth in Taxation public hearing. Members in attendance included Gary Morken, Liz Folstad, City Clerk Karen Larson, and Kirsten Wyffels. Due to the mayor’s absence, Folstad led the meeting.
No citizens were on hand to ask questions during the Truth in Taxation hearing. Karen Larson summarized that, “The (2019) final budget is at 5.32% (increase from 2018), so I thought that was pretty good considering that I wasn’t sure how I was going to crunch it down.” The hearing was closed, and the council later voted to approve the 2019 budget as submitted, as well as the final levy as submitted.
The city has several new vehicles that were discussed during the meeting. Larson stated, “Our fire truck is ready for pick-up. I know Chad talked about maybe next time bringing it up here. I think he’s pretty proud and wants to show you guys.”
Public Works Director Jeff Rein informed the council of the recent purchase of a new snow plow, due to the old plow being worn out. He summarized, “We got a really nice plow, and we got a good deal.” The council also approved Rein’s request for a Bobcat skid loader purchase. He mentioned that due to a competitor’s offer, Bobcat matched the offer, which saves Mabel $3,000.
Larson told the council that, “The ambulance (department) did apply for a grant, and it wasn’t a lot, their application was for $2,417.70, and the ambulance was awarded that, which is great.” She said the funds will be used for equipment and supplies. She also informed the council that, per Mike Bubany’s recommendation, at the end of every year, the city should transfer funds from the Tax Increment #3 fund to the Nursing Home Reserve fund. The council approved this, with $5,855.05 being transferred.
The council discussed the possibility of changing the ordinance regarding the issuance of liquor licenses. Larson explained that the ordinance currently imposes a limit on the number of off-sale licenses in the city, but the city attorney suggested the limit could be deleted, if the council wishes. Currently, there are three businesses with off-sale licenses (Mabel BP, the liquor store, and the Legion). Larson said this change would not require a public hearing. The council voted to amend the ordinance to get rid of the limit.
The council considered two zoning permit requests. The first, from Lawrence Tollefsrud, is for a deck with a ramp. The second request, from Sheila Sand and Brenda Wilder, is for a porch and windows. Both requests were approved.
The council discussed and approved a one-year contract with Driftless Area Development Corporation (Bryce Lange) to work with the Economic Development Authority of Mabel. DADC will offer technical and management expertise services, targeting a variety of goals, including attraction and retention of businesses. The cost is $12,700 annually.
Jeff Rein and Bob Mierau informed the council that they are still awaiting (since March) for the permit renewal from the state for the sewer plant, but that the delay is simply because the state has a large backlog of permit requests. They said the city is OK continuing to operate under the old permit until the renewal is received. They also reported that the water tower was recently inspected, and a report will be available at the January council meeting. Rein also said one of the city’s fire hydrants has been struck by a vehicle. The damage will be assessed in the spring.
Deputy Jason reported that he’s been giving warnings to drivers who park illegally during the winter. But, he gave local motorists a “heads-up,” saying that now he expects to switch to “a little more enforcement, going forward” since most drivers in Mabel are well aware of the parking expectations during the winter months. The council’s next regular meeting will be January 9, at 7 p.m. at the community center. The public is welcome.
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