Labor Day holiday delays regular Waukon City Council meeting

by Dwight Jones

Due to the Labor Day holiday, the Waukon City Council met in regular session the evening of Tuesday, September 8 with a full council in attendance.
Under the Regular Business portion of the meeting, the Council addressed a proposed ordinance adding flood plain management regulations. This is action mainly being taken to address three areas within the city that were deemed as potentially having flood issues, and by taking this action the City would remain eligible for possible government assistance in the event something should occur. The ordinance was approved and adopted.
Moving on, the Council approved a request from Dennis DeBuhr with Waukon Economic Development to pay $2,275 for taxes on the “Hansmeier Farm," the land which has been developed into the Industrial Park. This request had previously been budgeted for and was approved.
The Council then discussed two suggested changes with Chief of Police Clark Bollman.  Bollman had suggestions for changes regarding parking at Fifth Street NW and First Avenue NW. City Attorney Jim Garrett was asked to draft an ordinance regarding the change for review at the next council meeting.
Next, the Council addressed the sale of the previously vacated portion of Eighth Street SW. Garrett had proposed a total cost estimate of $1,400.00 ($700.00 to Dean Lansing; $350.00 each to two other neighboring property owners). The Council approved Garrett’s request, and directed City Engineer Lyle TeKippe to do a survey and plat to finalize the land separation.

Moving on, the Council discussed a request by Richard and Diane Prestemon for the vacation of a city storm sewer easement, which was granted in 2008 but was no longer needed. A public hearing was set for the next regular council meeting to address the request.
The Council then addressed several ongoing projects, beginning with the Wellness Center Parking Lot expansion project. The resolution approving contract and performance and payment bonds was then passed. Next, the Council approved a change order and pay estimate to Skyline Construction in the amount of $21,243.14 for work on Second Street NW. The Council then approved a resolution accepting the work done.
The 2009 SW Utility Improvements Project was then discussed. Plans and specifications were provided by TeKippe and approved by the Council.
Noise concerns at the Waukon Wellness Center were again discussed. The cooling system at the center produces a large amount of noise and the Council has recently been discussing ways the City could be a “better neighbor” by reducing the amount of noise that makes its way throughout the area. TeKippe provided a sample of a material that could be used to coat the wall between the center and adjoining houses, but it was agreed that it would likely not provide a solution. It was determined that actual noise readings were needed, including inside homes within the area to determine where the levels currently exist, allowing for changes to be recorded with actual data. The Council asked TeKippe to provide an estimate at the next meeting as to what such a study would cost.
The Council then set the date of October 5, 2009 for a public hearing regarding the proposed rezoning of land located at 20 Ninth Street NW, presently classified as “R-4” and proposed to be reclassified to “B-2”.
Mayor Keith Schroeder then explained some changes that were being proposed for the stoplights in downtown Waukon. The State of Iowa is proposing to provide new lights and poles, which would improve their visibility, if the City of Waukon would provide their installation. The Council approved the agreement.
In closing, the Council discussed the ongoing proposed annexation of Innovative Ag into the city, though no action was taken.