Waukon City Council discusses number of items relating to police department, including increase in parking fines and approval of upgrade in police radios

by Joe Moses

The Waukon City Council met in regular session Monday, December 2 to address a short agenda of items with discussion of several police department considerations and requests for direction including staffing, past due parking fines and upgraded radios.

During Public Comment, Director Ardie Kuhse with Waukon Economic Development Corporation (WEDC) briefly discussed the Lighted Holiday Parade that took place earlier that same evening. Kuhse mentioned the participation of businesses and organizations and that the event was well attended downtown.

Under Departmental Reports, Police Chief Paul Wagner discussed ongoing work relating to establishing programs. Street Superintendent Keith Burrett discussed work completed relating to the replacement of ground fault circuit interrupter (GFI) outlets which was necessary for the lighted holiday decorations.

Water and Sewer Superintendent Jim Cooper discussed repair projects and attempts to work with a customer relating to a billing issue. Park and Rec Wellness Director Jeremy Strub provided a recap of the “Turkey Trot” 5K Run/Walk event held Thanksgiving day, which he indicated had 100 registered participants.

City Manager Gary Boden provided an update on the new street signal which is now scheduled to arrive in early January 2020 for the downtown stoplight intersection. Boden discussed attending a budget workshop with City Clerk Lana Snitker and provided an update on public hearings to be scheduled. Boden indicated that a special session would be advisable for budget work in January and provided a recommendation to allow Snitker to attend a certified city clerk training program coordinated by the Iowa League of Cities in July as a professional development opportunity.

Boden also discussed setting a time in January for a meeting relating to goal setting for the city manager and city council. Boden and the council discussed the possibility of moving council meetings from Monday evenings to Wednesday evenings in 2020.

Mayor Pat Stone discussed receiving complaints about the slope of Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) compliant sidewalks downtown and slippery conditions. Council member Gayle Decker discussed the importance of using crosswalks in accessing sidewalks to avoid the slope, rather than accessing directly from the street or curb.

The council moved into the review of several ordinances. The first ordinance addressed related to the classification of a dead or dying tree located on private property as a nuisance, providing for the scope of abatement required and designated the Zoning Administrator as an authorized officer to enforce nuisance abatement requirements. The council approved the second reading of the ordinance and waived the third and final reading with adoption.

The first reading of the ordinance pertaining to conflict of interest was approved. The first reading of the ordinance pertaining to operating budget preparation was also approved.

The ordinance permitting the use of plastic tubing for water service pipes was tabled following discussion. Council member John Ellingson advised that additional research be conducted on this matter. Ellingson discussed concerns about plastic tubing versus metal pipes and water leak detection.

The resolution approving the loan agreement and authorizing issuance of $2,060,000 General Obligation Corporate Purpose and Refunding Bond was approved. This matter relates to the loan agreement to finance construction of improvements to streets, acquiring, renovating, improving and equipping municipal buildings and refunding Callable Series 2011 Bonds.

The council moved into Considerations and Requests for Direction from the Police Department. The first matter addressed related to staffing with Wagner and Boden discussing the need for office personnel or an administrative assistant to aid with clerical and office tasks to allow the Police Chief and Assistant Police Chief more time on patrol. The hiring of two permanent part-time officers was discussed. Ellingson indicated that an administrative assistant would be beneficial in allowing Wagner and Assistant Police Chief Luke Inglett to be better utilized on the street and would allow prompt follow-up on reports necessary for court proceedings.

City Attorney Jim Garrett discussed the next police department item relating to past due parking fines. Garrett indicated that he and Wagner have reviewed the matter and that an increase in parking fines may be advisable. The council discussed a variety of options relating to parking fines including an increase to $50 per offense with the current $10 ticket being viewed as not enough to deter overnight street parking. Wagner indicated that he is looking for guidance on this matter relating to the dollar amount of tickets and the timeframe for enforcement.

Wagner also addressed the next police department matter relating to police radios, discussing the previous quote of $33,177.60 from Motorola for upgraded radios with programming costs included. Wagner indicated that a local dealer has corrected that estimate with approximately $900 being required additionally for programming costs at a total cost of $34,075.00. Wagner discussed the need for the upgraded radios allowing communication with the Allamakee County Sheriff’s Department and State Patrol, an expense that arose after budgets have been set for the year with other local police departments being required to make this upgrade as well. The council approved the purchase of the programmed police radios.

The council moved into the discussion of repairs at Robey Memorial Library. Garrett discussed concerns that have been raised relating to paint on metal railings at the library and agreed to report back on this matter.

Boden provided an update on a special projects grant and options available for the use of these funds. He and the council also discussed the need for new office furniture.

Prior to adjournment, the council moved into closed session per Iowa Code Chapter 21.5 (1)(j) to discuss the purchase or sale of real estate where premature disclosure could be reasonably expected to increase the price the governmental body would have to pay for that property or reduce the price received for that property.