Waukon City Council approves contribution to Allamakee Child Care Solutions Fund pending annual review, denies allowing chickens within city limits again
by Joe Moses
The Waukon City Council met in regular session Monday, January 27 to address a full agenda of matters including discussion of allowing chickens within city limits, the Northeast Iowa Regional Housing Trust Fund match and the consideration of approving a truck purchase for the Park and Recreation Department. The meeting was called to order by Mayor Arvid Hatlan with council members Steve Wiedner, Dave Blocker and John Lydon in attendance.
During Public Comment, Ann Fossum, a West Street SW property owner, questioned the council about the timeline when speed limit signage would be installed on her street, in addition to noting concerns relating to the fiber optic cable installation and the stake or marker that has not been replaced showing the property line.
Under Department Reports, Water and Sewer Superintendent Jim Cooper advised that there have been three water main breaks so far this winter with more anticipated due to temperature fluctuations. Cooper noted that there have been a couple of sewer back-ups on lines that were jetted last summer and that a root cutter attachment has been ordered for the sewer jetter to better address constricted areas due to roots.
Street Superintendent Keith Burrett reported that maintenance is going well with tree trimming ongoing, among other projects. Finance Director Lana Snitker did not have an update at this time.
Police Chief Paul Wagner provided the council a tally sheet illustrating the number and types of calls and assistance provided during 2024. Wagner advised that he would be submitting applications for funding through the Iowa Governor’s Traffic Safety Bureau’s (GTSB) Special Traffic Enforcement Program (sTEP). He noted previous sTEP funding and uses and advised that Officer Luke Schulte is in his fourth week of academy training.
City Clerk Sarah Snitker discussed follow-up relating to the Town Theater, a previous Community Catalyst Building Remediation (CAT) Grant recipient through the Iowa Economic Development Authority (IEDA). She noted that photos were taken last week at the Town Theater to be included with a partial pay request. Snitker also updated the council about upcoming events including a Local Leaders Day event and registration.
City Manager Gary Boden advised that Northern Natural Gas will be removing and relocating a substation in July. He advised that People’s State Bank has submitted a request to review a setback variance and a parking stall variance for an area immediately south of the former Nightingale Pharmacy location. Boden also noted a meeting taking place this week in Dyersville through the Eastern Iowa League of Municipalities to include discussion of a variety of financial matters including property tax reforms.
Boden also reported that budget work is close to completion and that work continues with Finance Director Snitker relating to local option sales tax (LOST) numbers. He made note of a sign permit request to move a billboard from near Clark Tire to the car wash on Rossville Road in south Waukon.
Boden advised that this zoning-related request is being submitted to the State of Iowa for review.
Council members Wiedner, Blocker and Lydon did not have an update at this time. For the Mayor’s Report, Hatlan noted that a lot of work is being done relating to the relocation of the Northern Natural Gas substation. He advised that odorant is added at the current substation location and that any associated odor will be less noticeable from the new location.
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