Waukon City Council holds holiday-delayed regular session

by Bob Beach

During its regular meeting held Tuesday, September 3 due to the Labor Day holiday Monday, the Waukon City Council again met with former residents of Town and County Trailer Court who have experienced unforeseen difficulties and expenses since being forced to move following the City's purchase and subsequent closure of the trailer court. The residents' primary concern was the expense of getting electricity connected to their trailers after having them moved to a different location.
City of Waukon Zoning Administrator Al Lyon, whom the Council appointed to serve as its agent in assisting residents with relocation, reminded the Council that he had been authorized to make payments to cover emergency utility hook-ups, he had not been authorized to pay for those same services in non-emergency situations. One trailer owner told the Council she had paid over $700 to have electrical service connected to two trailers and over $300 for water and sewer connections. After some discussion, the Council authorized the payment of up to $500 for electrical hook-ups upon receiving receipts. In a related matter, the Council authorized the payment of property taxes totaling $420 for trailers the City had purchased.
The Council held a public hearing on the proposed plans, specifications, form of contract and estimate of cost for the Northgate storm sewer repair project. Hearing no comments from those in attendance and having received no written comments on the project, the public hearing was closed. City Clerk Diane Sweeney informed the Council that only one bid had been received for the project from Skyline Construction for $34,560.78, which the Council voted unanimously to accept.
Jesse Delaney of Skyline Construction, project manager for the repaving and sewer improvements on Third Street NE, requested a three-week extension on the time allotted for completion of the project. Delany said that work on the project had started late due to weather conditions and that numerous change orders had created further delays in the project's completion. Councilman Joe Cunningham asked if it might be prudent at this point to put off paving the street until spring and Delaney responded that doing so may reduce settling after paving. The Council agreed to give further consideration to the matter at its next regular meeting September 16, noting that it would like to hear from homeowners on the street.
The Council also met with Brian Herman, who requested an extension of the City's water main on Third Avenue SE. Councilman Cunningham suggested that a cost-sharing agreement for the extension onto what is currently private property may be appropriate, but Councilman Trent Mitchell voiced concern about setting a precedent with such an agreement. Councilman John Ellingson said he would like to take a closer look at the City's budget before considering such an agreement. The Council agreed to consider the matter further at its next meeting.
In other business, the Council again discussed funding options for a proposed new fire station and purchase of a new pumper truck for the fire department. Councilman Cunningham said the total cost could reach one million dollars, but said that he has no concerns about passage of a ballot issue for a special capital improvements levy to finance the City's contribution to the project.
The Council also met in closed session to discuss the County Compensation Commission's decision with regard to the Bresnahan condemnation. Upon returning to open session, the Council agreed to table any action on the matter until its next regular meeting.