Waukon City Council introduced to new Waukon Chamber of Commerce Director, approves second reading of amendment to ATV/UTV Ordinance

by Joe Moses

The Waukon City Council met in regular session Monday, June 5 to address a full agenda of items including an update to the City Park Campground Usage Policy, an introduction  of the new Waukon Chamber of Commerce Director and the purchase of new police department car cameras.

The meeting was called to order by Mayor Pro Tem Kevin Johnson with the council moving into Public Comment. Johnson read aloud a statement, “There will be a three-minute limit on all public comments this time. Limits will be closely adhered to. Comments unrelated to tonight’s agenda will be taken under advisement and may become an item under a future council agenda. All comments will be addressed to the Mayor Pro Tem. Any written information can be obtained from the City Clerk under procedures recognized by State law under the Freedom of Information Act. We ask all comments be civil and personal attacks will be considered out of order.” There was no comment from the public in attendance or via Zoom web-conferencing.

The meeting moved into Department Reports with Water and Sewer Superintendent Jim Cooper providing an update by discussing pool meters. Cooper advised that these meters have previously been loaned to residents for a variety of reasons but are primarily intended for the filling of swimming pools. Cooper noted some other unintended uses and scenarios relating to the use of pool meters with this minor savings to customers not justifying the City’s time in delivering these items. The council was in agreement to limit the use of pool meters to filling swimming pools with some other limited exceptions.

Cooper also recommended that an old vehicle, a Ford Crown Victoria previously used by the Waukon Police Department, be put up for sale by sealed bid. He also noted that an additional sludge storage area may be necessary at the Wastewater Treatment Plant with more sludge produced than anticipated or due to this aspect of the plant being under-designed. Cooper advised that Fehr Graham is putting some numbers together relating to options and costs for this upgrade. Council member Steve Wiedner discussed concerns relating to this aspect of the Wastewater Treatment Plant being overlooked in its design.

Street Superintendent Keith Burrett provided an update noting that pavement marking painting will be taking place.

Park, Recreation and Wellness Director Jeremy Strub noted that the swimming pool opened last Tuesday with the pool’s operation going well. He advised that the Music in the Park performances began last Thursday for the summer season and will continue every Thursday in June and July except for the week of the Allamakee County Fair. Strub also updated the council about adult and youth sports programming.

Police Chief Paul Wagner advised that the metal lockers have been delivered to the Waukon Police Station with Wagner noting the work by Industrial Arts Instructor Caleb Ferring and students at Waukon High School relating to this project. Wagner thanked City Park employees for assisting in the delivery of these lockers.

Wagner noted that the storm siren in the City Park is not working and that he will bring back some cost estimates and options to the council relating to this replacement or repair. He also advised that earlier that day, practice at the firing range took place with firearms instructor Officer Brent Parker. Wagner noted that the Waukon Police Station was upgraded to fiber optic last week.

Library Director Cate St. Clair advised that things are in high gear at Robey Memorial Library with programming and summer being a busy time in general. St. Clair noted that the library is a great place to get out of the summer heat with air conditioning. She further noted that wi-fi is available within the building and accessible from the library’s parking area 24 hours a day. St. Clair provided an overview of summer programming noting several activities including the Lego Club, Summer Explorers, Teen Book Clubs, among a variety of other children, teen and adult focused programs and clubs. She encourages the public to contact the library or visit the library’s website for more information.

Finance Director Lana Snitker provided some clarification relating to finance and budget related items on the agenda. Engineer Sam Ertl with Fehr Graham Engineering provided an update relating to several ongoing projects.

City Clerk Sarah Snitker noted that Waukon City Hall has been invited to join Iowa Businesses Against Trafficking (IBAT), a no-cost training and educational program relating to the prevention of human trafficking. Snitker and the council discussed a business owner’s inquiry into having a crosswalk added to the street near their business location with the council in agreement that this individual should bring their request before the council.

Assistant City Attorney Kevin Stinn updated the council about an item to be addressed in the future relating to the Veterans Memorial Hospital city-to-county conversion. Stinn noted that this matter relates to vacating what is technically a street but otherwise identifiable as a parking area behind the emergency department.

City Manager Gary Boden updated the council about planning taking place relating to a housing roundtable discussion and meeting scheduled for Tuesday, July 11.

For the City Council Report, Wiedner further discussed concerns relating to the need for additional sludge storage at the Wastewater Treatment Plant. He recommended that the City Attorney look into this matter.

Johnson introduced Mandy Halverson as the new Director of the Waukon Chamber of Commerce. Halverson provided background relating to her involvement with the Chamber in the past and as a member of the business community, owning Epic Wear with her husband, Tyler. Halverson discussed preliminary details relating to Waukon Corn Days August 4-5 to tie into Waukon Crazy Days and the statewide tax free weekend. She advised that discussion is taking place to bring the Corn Days meal back to the downtown area.

The Second Reading was approved for the Amendment of the Code of Ordinances Changing the Definitions, General Regulations, Operation on City Streets and Alleys, Operation on Primary and Secondary Roads, Restrictions and Violations for All-Terrain Vehicles and Off-Road Utility Vehicles. It was noted that waiving the Third Reading was not an option without the full council in attendance, with council members Arvid Hatlan and Andy Sires not at the meeting.

Boden addressed the next matter relating to the Resolution: City Park Campground Usage Policy. He provided an overview of this policy update to specify that campground stays are limited to 14 days with another 14-day stay allowed after 28 days.

The council moved into an Ordinance discussion relating to the Speed Limit and Stop Sign Placement for 8th Avenue SW. Following discussion with Boden, the council approved to move forward with a 35 mile per hour speed limit and stop sign placement on the new 8th Avenue SW being created in the area referred to as the Pladsen Addition, with no parking as part of this Ordinance which will be brought before the council for official action.

The Mayor Pro Tem Compensation agenda item was tabled.

Burrett provided an overview of two bids received relating to storm sewer repairs. The council approved to move forward with the low bid of $25,400 from Ray’s Excavating.

Wagner addressed the next matter relating to the purchase of Police Department Car Cameras. Wagner discussed some concerns relating to three car cameras that have not been operating at an acceptable level. He noted that these cameras have not reliably activated, with that activation supposed to be taking place when a weapon is drawn. Wagner discussed the use of a budget surplus to purchase three additional car cameras as replacements at a cost of $9,164 annually, a total cost of $12,218 for all four car cameras annually. The council approved the purchase and delivery to take place after July 1.

Cooper and the council discussed a quote for work on Well #2. The council approved to move forward with a quote of $44,431.10.

Cooper provided a recommendation to move forward with a quote from the Iron Mine Salvage Yard relating to the purchase and recycling of old water meters. Following discussion, the council approved that recommendation.

Ertl and the council discussed streetlight options available for the Pladsen Addition. Discussion also took place relating to 4th Street NW Project Curb Cutouts and several specific requests.

Ertl provided an overview of the 4th Street NW/8th Avenue NW Improvements Project – Change Order #1 and Pay Estimate #1 agenda item. Following discussion with the council, the matter was approved.

Pay Request #31 Wastewater Treatment Plant Improvements was next addressed. Ertl noted that this matter relates to a payment with $62,000 to remain relating to air exchange units. The pay request was approved.

There was no comment during the second Public Comment portion of the meeting, prior to adjournment.