The Mabel City Council convened for its regular meeting on November 12, led by Mayor Adam Wilder at 6 p.m. Council members present included Kirsten Wyffels, Tina Bakke and Kelly Sand. Valerie Arnold was absent. Also in attendance were Wynn and Justine Nies, City Clerk Karen Larson and Public Works Director Robert Mierau.
During public comments, the Nieses raised concerns about a recently vacated neighboring property at 315 Newburg Ave. W., citing health and safety risks due to its deteriorating condition.
Justine Nies clearly voiced her opinion that the house needs to be bulldozed down because of the condition it is in. The stench is unbearable, and she has seen a rat. The couple would like to sell their house someday and the house next door will make it next to impossible.
Larson informed the council and the Nieses that she sent the property owner, U.S. Bank Trust National Association, Mendota Heights, Minn. a letter and has not heard back from them. She has also spoken with the agent that has the property listed and was told good luck getting in touch with them.
The council agreed to begin the process of declaring the property as a hazard after unsuccessful attempts to contact the owner.
Routine business included the unanimous approval of the October 8 meeting minutes, Accounts Payable, and financial reports.
Old Business
Mayor Wilder reminded the council that alternate side parking is now in effect beginning on November 1 and between 12 a.m. to 8 a.m.
The annual joint board meeting with the Mabel-Canton School board and the Canton City Council will take place on December 3 at 6 p.m. in the Mabel-Canton School science room.
New Business
The city received two zoning permits since the last council meeting. The zoning permit from Joe Houdek to construct a storage unit on his property has been tabled, while Taylor Marsden’s building permit was approved. Marsden will be roofing the storage shed and playhouse at 305 East Prairie Ave.
The Mabel Community Center, 201 South Main Street, was designated as the polling place for the 2026 elections. Larson mentioned that there will be council seats on the ballot next fall.
Liquor and cigarette license renewals for Mabel BP, Mabel Liquor, Mabel American Legion and El Dorado Mexican Restaurant LLC were approved pending all paperwork is submitted.
The city is required to have an activity regarding fair housing every year. This year’s activity is to have a discussion at the city council meeting. Mayor Wilder read an overview of the Fair Housing law; who is protected, types of discrimination, and the city’s efforts to support fair housing.
A couple of deficiencies were noted during the fire suppression system inspection at the Mabel Community Center. The city received a proposal from Viking Automatic Springler Co. council to correct the deficiencies. The council approved the quote totaling $1,825.
The council passed Resolution #25-07 authorizing an assessment for unpaid special charges on the following three properties: Parcel ID #02.021.2000, 02.000.2020, and 02.024.800 for a grand total of $6,709.32.
The council did not take any action purchasing an ad for the M-C Football Tribute Page in the Fillmore County Journal. The council agreed that the city would not buy an ad as they haven’t in the past.
No action was required on the request from the library to change Terry Austin from a part-time employee to an on-call employee. All the council members thought it was a good idea to have an on-call employee “just in case.” The council also received information on the mural design contest the library is running.
The mayor made a motion at 6:28 p.m. “to close the city council meeting to discuss the possible property purchase of 116 East Fillmore Street, 126 North Main Street, 102 West Prairie Avenue, part of 114 East Newburg Avenue, or 110 Alpine Avenue.” The council reopened the regular meeting at 7:04 p.m. Mayor Wilder reported that the council decided to explore the possibility of renting a building in town for the ambulance department and possible storage for the fire department equipment.
On behalf of the EDA Wyffels thanked Larson for writing the Arlin Falck grant which was submitted by the EDA. The city was awarded $10,000, which will be used for a permanent sunshade structure at the city owned incubator building.
The council unanimously approved the purchase of a diesel John Deere mower from Midwest Machinery Company in Caledonia at a cost of $14,500 plus the trade. The mower has a 3-year warranty and 1,500 hours.
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