Waukon City Council discusses repair of Police Station, hiring of fill-in police officers, possibility of local performance by singer Maddie Poppe, street assessments

by Joe Moses

The Waukon City Council met in regular session Monday, July 15 to address a full agenda of items including the search for a City Manager, discussion of Police Department building repairs and Waukon’s urban forest.

The Public Hearing on proposed plans, specifications, form of contract and estimated cost of the 2019 Fifth Street SW Improvement Project was opened and closed without comment from the public. City Clerk Lana Snitker indicated that no written or verbal comment had been received.

During Public Comment, Director Ardie Kuhse of Waukon Economic Development Corporation (WEDC) discussed the broadband survey which has been mailed to Waukon residents and businesses or can be completed online. Kuhse indicated that anyone who has not received a survey by mail is welcome to contact her and a paper survey will be provided. Kuhse advised that 340 completed surveys have been received thus far.

Under Departmental Reports, Police Chief Phil Young briefly discussed staffing for the Waukon Police Department and indicated that he would address an item later in the agenda. Street Superintendent Keith Burrett provided an update on street maintenance projects including blacktopping, core-outs and patching.

Water and Sewer Superintendent Jim Cooper discussed ongoing maintenance projects including the repair or replacement of lights on the north water tower. Cooper indicated that condensation has caused some issues with mounting brackets and that replacement of the current lights with LED lights may be a better option and that he is looking into pricing.

Park and Rec Wellness Director Jeremy Strub indicated that youth summer activities will be wrapping up for the year with a few weeks off before fall activities will begin. Strub advised that the replacement swimming pool heater is expected to arrive soon and that the summer weather conditions have kept the swimming pool at an appropriate temperature.

City Manager Dean Hilgerson provided an update on the airport grant application with the Iowa Department of Transportation (IDOT). Hilgerson indicated that the grant application has been approved and the assumption is that the grant will be awarded in an amount up to $34,875 for the replacement of the runway approach and other improvements, pending review and final approval by IDOT commissioners.

Hilgerson also provided an update on the Wastewater Treatment Facility project, indicating that a crane is in place, with rebar to arrive in preparation for concrete work. Hilgerson also discussed the IDOT Street Project with work involving conduit, street lights and concrete progressing well.

Under Regular Business, the council approved the second reading of the Ordinance changing the zoning district classification from “R-4” transition district to “R-3” single and two-family residence district for certain real estate - 105 Ninth Street NW, owned by Brian Sweeney. The council approved the first reading of the Ordinance establishing a no parking zone on a portion of Second Avenue SW.

The council individually reviewed and approved several resolutions involving financial matters including a transfer from the General Fund (proceeds from storm water utility fees) to the Storm Sewer Improvement Fund for project improvements, the transfer from the Library General Fund back to the Trust and Agency Library Fund per Resolution No. 3444, the transfer from the Sewer Utility Fund to the Sewer Plant Improvement Fund for project costs and the authorization of an internal advance to the Tax Increment Sub Fund.

The Resolution finally approving and confirming plans, specifications and form of contract for the Fifth Street SW Park Place Street Development was approved. The council discussed the next agenda item involving the awarding of contract for that same project, opting to add the matter to the first meeting agenda in January 2020 to allow the bid letting process to take place early that year.

The Resolution approving the contract for the Tennis Courts Project was approved. The Resolution approving contract, performance and payment bonds for the Waukon Industrial Park Sidewalk Project was also approved. The Waukon Industrial Park Sidewalk Project Change Order #1 and Wastewater Treatment Plant Project Pay Application #2 were also individually reviewed and approved.

Senior Project Manager Lyle TeKippe with Fehr Graham Engineering provided feedback relating to Brian Sweeney’s property at 560 Rossville Road and storm water drainage. TeKippe discussed the condition of the storm sewer pipe under the property. The council tabled the matter pending an easement from Sweeney to allow improvements or repairs.

The Addendum to the ACE Telephone (Acentek) lease was approved at a renegotiated price of $200 for the installation of a second antenna to be placed on the City’s water tower.

The council then moved into discussion of the Waukon Police Department building remodel or repair. Mayor Pat Stone discussed the importance of repairing the building even if a new Police Department building is under consideration, with the current state of the building not being acceptable. The council discussed the need to repair the non-functional restroom and if remodeling takes place, bringing the restroom and front entrance up to Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) standards. The council approved to receive quotes for the repairs and remodeling of the Police Department building.

Young addressed the next agenda item involving the Waukon Police Department hiring of certified officers on a short-term/fill-in basis. Young indicated that interest has been expressed from several certified officers from other communities to assist in this capacity over a six-week period when the Waukon Police Department will be short staffed. The council, Young and Assistant Police Chief Paul Wagner discussed pay rate options for certified officers assisting during this time frame. The council approved to pay certified officers with less than five-years experience at $35 per hour and certified officers above five-years of experience at $40 per hour during this six-week period requiring short-term/fill-in assistance.

The council moved into discussion of Waukon’s urban forest with council member Arvid Hatlan discussing the importance of the Tree Board and that the board’s budget allocation should be increased to $3,000 annually. Council member John Ellingson recommended moving that board from seven members down to three members. Council member Gayle Decker discussed a recent conversation with Harold Pronga relating to a Department of Natural Resources (DNR) arborist and a 10-year program, which he recommended would be advisable for Waukon to be added to the waiting list for possible inclusion in 2020. Joe Cunningham agreed with Hatlan’s recommendation that it would be advisable to set the budget allocation at $3,000 annually to assist in replacing trees lost due to the emerald ash borer and the DOT Street Project. Cunningham agreed that a revision of the City’s tree ordinance would be a good goal prior to the end of the year. The council tabled the budget allocation matter for review at budget time.

Burrett and the council discussed options relating to downtown garbage containers. Burrett discussed various concerns with the small containers that have been attached to light poles. Hatlan recommended using large garbage containers with garbage bags rather than the small containers that are attached to light poles. Burrett agreed to research pricing and options for larger garbage containers for the downtown area.

Burrett discussed the storm sewer at 206 First Street NE which has shown some deterioration and is in need of repair. The council approved to proceed with five easements from property owners. Burrett also discussed repairs or replacement of a culvert at Seventh Avenue SE.

The search for a City Manager was discussed with Decker indicating that six candidates have been interviewed thus far. Snitker added that two additional applications have been received since the first round of interviews. The council approved a special meeting for Monday, July 22 to conduct second interviews and first interviews with qualified candidates.

Stone addressed the next agenda item involving Maddie Poppe, the singer-songwriter and winner of American Idol’s 16th season, who has local ties to the Waukon area. Stone discussed some initial conversations with Poppe’s family and representatives about the possibility of a concert performance in Waukon. Kuhse discussed the potential for this concert event, which she indicated could not happen this year due to the level of planning required for an event of this size. The council approved to support a committee to move forward on this matter.

The council discussed street assessments as the last agenda item prior to adjournment. Various related issues were discussed including the definition of a maintenance project, the definition of a street project and the private and public benefit of assessments. Following a lengthy discussion, the council approved to assess any street project that is more than a seal coat.