Waukon City Council discusses department openings, revised garbage/recyclable contract to be put in place later this year

by Joe Moses

The Waukon City Council met in regular session Monday, March 20 to address several matters, including an update on the Des Moines Register’s Annual Great Bicycle Ride Across Iowa (RAGBRAI), estimates for removal of structures on the former Herman property and a Water Department vacancy.

During the Public Comments portion of the meeting, Eighth Avenue NW resident Kevin Welsh addressed the Council with his concerns about the noticeable odor and noise level being produced by operations at Aveka. Welsh lives near the Aveka facility and has noticed the noise produced by the industrial fan and scrubber which has been compounded by semi-trucks left idling as they wait in line. Welsh provided recommendations including the enclosure of the industrial fan and signage directing trucks to not idle while maintaining their spot in line. Councilman Dwight Jones agreed to invite representatives of Aveka to visit with the Council on the matter, which will be added to the April 3 meeting agenda.

Under Departmental Reports, Water and Sewer Superintendent Bob Campbell discussed equipment and repair expenses. Waukon Police Chief Phil Young discussed the St. Patrick’s Day weekend being a success with only four arrests and that the EARL Transit buses were helpful in transporting individuals.

Waukon Economic Development (WEDC) Coordinator Ardie Kuhse commented on the successful weekend’s positive economic impact with the hotel being booked solid. Street Department Superintendent Keith Burrett discussed preparations for spring, planning for purchases and budgeting. Park, Recreation and Wellness Director Jeremy Strub discussed that preparations are being made for the Park and Recreation soccer season and at the department’s board meeting this week hires for summer positions will be selected for the park, little league and swimming pool.

The Council moved on to an update on RAGBRAI from Kuhse, who discussed working with the Chamber of Commerce in addressing rumors with a detailed statement posted online and published in the newspaper. Kuhse mentioned that two committees have met this evening (Monday) and discussed the importance of using the downtown as the hub for food and entertainment during RAGBRAI.

The Park Place Court asphalt paving project was discussed by the Council. Joe Cunningham provided feedback on behalf of WEDC indicating a $5,000 payment per lot sold, not to exceed five years, with the stipulation that the City may provide a 90-day notice for repayment at any time, would be acceptable. The Council agreed to these terms and approved the matter. The Twelfth Street NW asphalt paving project was also approved, as was the resolution releasing the lien on the John and Samantha Blake property.

The Council transitioned into discussion of water rates with information and feedback provided by City Clerk Al Lyon. The Council reviewed handouts illustrating water rates by year, categories of water usage and projections. No action was taken at this time, with further discussion to take place with the full Council in attendance.

The Water Department vacancy was addressed by Campbell, who advised that an employee in his department has resigned. The Council approved advertising this position in the newspaper. Burrett discussed the Street Department vacancy and the interview process, which went well with four great candidates, he said. Burrett recommended Bill Behrend for the vacancy, which the Council approved.

The ordinance for approving garbage rates was discussed by City Attorney Jim Garrett, who will be providing a draft of the ordinance next week. Garrett explained that the City will no longer be supplying recycle bins under the agreement with Town and Country Sanitation. The transition to new bins and the new recyclable format for city residents is being planned for May or June of this year, with further details to be finalized and made known once they become available.

Estimates for the removal of the structures on the former Herman property, the proposed site for a new Police Station facility, were reviewed by the Council. After discussion, the Council agreed to advertise in the newspaper regarding the removal of the structure.
The Soccer Field Concession Stand was discussed by the Council. As a routine accounting measure, the transfer of $56 from the Southeast Urban Renewal Area Tax Increment Revenue Fund to the Administrative Costs Sub Fund was approved.

Under Other Matters, Cunningham discussed the proposed City Manager position and advertising this opportunity on the Iowa League of Cities website. Burrett discussed blacktop repairs that had been identified in a previous tour of the City with Mayor Duane DeWalle, and Lyon discussed flood damage repairs and trail projects.