Waukon City Council takes no further action on Industrial Park Sidewalk Project after resolutions vetoed by mayor

by Joe Moses

The Waukon City Council met in regular session Monday, June 17 to address a full agenda of items including Plaza project redesign engineering proposals, Waukon Industrial Park Sidewalk Project and the search for a City Manager. The Public Hearing on the Southeast Urban Renewal Plan Amendment for the Tennis Court Project was opened and closed. City Clerk Lana Snitker indicated that no written or verbal comments were received.

During Public Comment, John Hitner briefly discussed concerns relating to the bidding process involved in the Waukon Industrial Park Sidewalk Project and requested to be heard when that matter was addressed later in the meeting agenda.

Under Departmental Reports, Police Chief Phil Young discussed a counterfeit $100 bill that has surfaced in Waukon and advised that everyone be watchful of counterfeit currency. Street Superintendent Keith Burrett provided an update on core-outs, blacktop and equipment maintenance and repairs.

Park and Rec Wellness Director Jeremy Strub indicated that summer rec programs are in full swing and that the Music in the Park program is three weeks in and has been a success. Strub discussed some issues with the swimming pool heating system, which he advised could potentially be maintained for the duration of this summer with replacement necessary before summer 2020. Strub, Burrett and the council discussed the potential transfer of used pick-up trucks from the Street Department to Park and Rec rather than using them as trade-ins for new vehicles. Safety concerns were discussed relating to the use of pick-ups due for replacement by the Street Department.

City Manager Dean Hilgerson indicated that Iowa Department of Transportation (DOT) door hangers would be used to help inform the public about not mowing freshly applied sod in the boulevard during the DOT Street and Sidewalk Project, which he advised should be allowed to take root before a first mowing, reaching six to eight inches. Hilgerson discussed the progress of the new wastewater treatment facility project, the installation of new street lights and work done involving a water main.

Under Regular Business, the second reading of the Ordinance changing zoning district classification from A-agricultural district to R1-single family residence district for certain real estate in a portion of the Green Valley Subdivision was approved with the third reading being waived.

Several resolutions relating to financial matters were reviewed and approved including the Resolution to transfer $8,000 from the Trust and Agency Library Fund to the Library General Fund; the Resolution to transfer $5,229.28 (Hotel/Motel funds received June 2019) from the General Fund to Hotel/Motel (Park Improvements) - 75% - and Hotel/Motel (Tourism/Economic Development) - 25%; the Resolution transferring funds to the Capital Equipment Fund including $15,000 from the General Fund, $20,000 from the Road Use Tax Fund, $25,000 from the Water Fund and $25,000 from the Sewer Fund; and the Resolution transferring $5,500 from the Franchise Fund to the Storm Sewer Improvements Fund.

Three resolutions were individually reviewed and approved relating to wage increases for public works employees and police employees - both of which involve agreements with the Chauffeurs, Teamsters and Helpers Local Union 238, and salary and wages/benefits for Department Heads and non-union employees including City Manager, City Clerk/Treasurer, Water/Sewer Superintendent, Police Chief, Assistant Police Chief, Street Superintendent, Utility Billing Clerk, Secretary/Payroll/Budgetary Clerk and Assistant Zoning/Payroll/Utility Billing Clerk.

The Resolution adopting the Urban Revitalization Plan amendment and the first reading of the Ordinance designating the revised revitalization area and adoption were approved with additional readings waived. The Resolution proposing disposition of interest in real property in the West Side Development Lot 3 in Lot 2 was approved, as was the Resolution authorizing an internal advance to the Tax Increment Sub Fund. The Resolution approving the amendment to the Southeast Urban Renewal Plan, Amendment No. 22, Tennis Court Project was approved.

The Resolution finally approving and accepting the Green Valley Subdivision Phase 1 plat was approved. Dan Denk discussed a $640 expense related to establishing the new property line in relation to the cul de sac that will be installed. The council agreed to add this matter to the next meeting agenda and to discuss the potential reimbursement of this expense.

Jean Christianson discussed her request to house dogs (Bully-breed) at her residence at 210 Third Street NE. Christianson provided personal reasons for making this request to allow a bulldog and pitbull to live at this residence. Young indicated that several pitbull attacks within city limits prompted the ordinance banning this breed. Council member Gayle Decker indicated that the council appreciates the personal reasons that Christianson has shared but the safety of all constituents needs to be considered. No action was taken relating to this matter.

The council discussed the Green Valley Bridge Project construction cost reimbursement and agreement with Allamakee County, approving payment for the project. The Roadway Maintenance Agreement between Allamakee County, the City of Waukon and the Iowa DOT was also approved.

The David and Cynthia Wuebker at 102 12th Street NW  urban revitalization program application for property tax exemption was discussed with the council opting to add the matter to the next meeting agenda. Assistant City Attorney Nicole Winke Gentes advised that City Attorney Jim Garrett be consulted as to whether the application would be under the new or previous ordinance.

The council approved the Water and Sewer Department summer hire of Avery Rocksvold at $8.50 per hour with a start date of June 10. Young provided a recommendation to hire Fallon Cassidy as a police officer starting June 24 at $17.78 per hour with a pay rate changing July 1 to $18.22 per hour, which was approved.

Executive Director Cathy Taylor with the Good Samaritan Society provided an overview of a proposal to make parking changes that will include angle parking which would add an additional four parking spots and allow for an unloading zone at the Good Samaritan Society in Waukon. The council was in agreement to allow the planning to move forward.

The council moved into discussion of the Waukon Industrial Park Sidewalk Project. Following up on his public comment at the beginning of the meeting, John Hitner further discussed the proposed project and his concerns relating to the bidding process, inadequate drainage, his recommendation to route the sidewalk through the City Park and other options available.

Dr. Kenneth Olson with Trees Forever indicated that he has not been contacted regarding planning involving moving the proposed sidewalk from being curbside to being within the street lights, requiring the removal of trees. Joe Cunningham with Waukon Economic Development Corporation (WEDC) provided a recommendation to leave the proposed sidewalk location next to the street while lowering the speed limit to improve safety. During this discussion, it was mentioned that following the June 3 council meeting, Mayor Pat Stone had vetoed the Resolution approving and confirming plans, specifications and form of contract for the Waukon Industrial Park Sidewalk Project and the Resolution awarding the contract for this project. No further action was taken at this time.

Hilgerson advised that no additional bids have been received for the maintenance and landscaping for the Waukon Chamber of Commerce “Welcome to Waukon” signage with the matter being added to the next meeting agenda. The amended wastewater user agreements with Aveka Nutra Processing, LLC and WW Homestead Dairy, LLC were accepted by the council.

Hilgerson advised that following the request for proposal (RFP) for the Plaza project redesign and engineering, two proposals were received with Mohn Surveying and Fehr Graham Engineering responding. The proposal from Mohn Surveying as low bidder was put to a vote and did not receive enough votes for approval. No further action was taken at this time.

The addendum to ACE Telephone (ACENTEK) lease was discussed with the council agreeing to add the matter to the next meeting agenda. The mortgage release for the West Side Development Lot 7 was approved.

The payments associated with the West Main Street storm sewer pipe replacement, water main repair near the Allamakee County Courthouse and sod placement on Allamakee Street were approved.

The search for a City Manager was discussed with Snitker advising that eight application requests have been made with two completed applications submitted thus far. The council further discussed reviewing applications and the process of setting up interviews.

Hilgerson further discussed the Plaza project engineering while mentioning the council’s decision from last August to move forward with the project. Decker indicated that this project is not a good use of money, explaining that he represents his constituents and does not support this project. Council member Arvid Hatlan discussed the work done by Senior Project Manager Lyle TeKippe of Fehr Graham Engineering and recommended moving forward with the bid from Fehr Graham. Cunningham provided an overview of the project’s history. The council approved to move forward with the engineering proposal from Fehr Graham Engineering.

Council member Ben Rausch discussed the work and involvement of Director Ardie Kuhse of WEDC relating to the Waukon Broadband Committee. Rausch provided an update on the broadband survey with a press release to be published June 19 (see Front Page of this week’s edition) and surveys to be mailed to residents July 1. Rausch indicated that an online version of the survey will also be available.