Waukon City Council approves resolution, issues public statement in regard to anonymous complaint about mayor’s involvement in certain personnel matters

by Joe Moses

The Waukon City Council met in regular session Monday, August 18 to address a full agenda of matters including the consideration of the Comprehensive Plan contract with Upper Explorerland Regional Planning Commission, a presentation relating to services provided by Mosaic, and the consideration of the Notice of Intent relating to the Solar Panel Project at the Waukon Wellness Center. The meeting was called to order by Mayor Arvid Hatlan with council members present including Steve Wiedner, Nicholas Engrav, Dave Blocker, Tim Smedsrud and John Lydon.

Hatlan noted that the agenda item #12 has been removed. This matter relates to discussion of tree removal at the 4th Avenue NW Addition. Hatlan also noted that the two closed sessions and related possible action items would be changed in order on the agenda.

During Public Comment, Iowa House District 64 Representative Jason Gearhart addressed the council and made note of matters to be addressed in the next legislative session including property tax reform. Gearhart said that his contact information has been provided to each council member and that he encourages communication relating to issues of concern.

Under Department Reports, Park, Recreation and Wellness Director Jeremy Strub advised that the swimming pool has closed for the season. Strub noted the start of several activities with flag football and volleyball to begin next week. He also discussed a roof leak above the front desk at the Wellness Center which will be addressed.

Police Chief Paul Wagner did not have new information to report. Water and Sewer Superintendent Jim Cooper made note of Aaron McCabe as a new hire in his department. Cooper advised that the city’s storm sewer system has handled the heavy rainfall over the weekend.

Street Superintendent Keith Burrett discussed weather related maintenance with Waukon not being impacted by the recent rainfall to the same degree as some neighboring communities.

Finance Director/Deputy City Clerk Lana Snitker advised that the filing period for mayor and city council candidates started Monday, August 11 and runs through Thursday, August 28 with those choosing to run for these offices needing to file with the County Auditor by the August 28 deadline. Snitker further advised that a primary election would be necessary if the number of candidates filing nomination papers is more than twice the number of seats to be filled for an office. Snitker advised that, if needed, a primary election would be held Tuesday, October 7.

Snitker noted that the date for the next City Council meeting has changed due to the Labor Day holiday and will be held Monday, September 8 with any agenda items needing to be submitted by 10 a.m. Thursday, September 4. Snitker further advised that City Clerk Sarah Snitker and City Manager Gary Boden will be part of the Housing Iowa Conference September 2-4 in Cedar Rapids.

For the City Manager’s Report, Boden noted that a walk-through of Developer Dexter Quandahl’s first 18 apartment units in the Pladsen Addition took place earlier that same day. Boden clarified that this and the subsequent apartment buildings to be constructed as part of this project by Quandahl are market rate housing and not low-income housing. He advised that the first 18 units are anticipated to be ready to lease around Christmas time this year with the second 18 units projected to be ready to lease in April 2026 with construction of the third and fourth 18-unit apartment buildings by Quandahl anticipated to follow.

Boden advised that he and Executive Director Val Reinke of Allamakee County Economic Development (ACED) have received a Zoom web-conferencing meeting invitation from the Chicago branch of the U.S. Federal Reserve. Boden further advised that representatives of the U.S. Federal Reserve will be touring Waukon in October as one of six Iowa communities to learn more about housing and economic development initiatives taking place in this community. Boden noted that this tour and information gathering by the U.S. Federal Reserve may provide publicity for Waukon at the state and national level relating to these initiatives.

For the City Council Report, Wiedner discussed recommendations relating to the street near the golf course. Hatlan advised adding the matter to a future meeting agenda for discussion. For the Mayor’s Report, Hatlan briefly discussed the impact of the recent heavy rainfall upon some basements in town.

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