The Waukon City Council met in regular session on August 18, 2025, at 5:30 PM in the council chambers of City Hall, 101 Allamakee Street and via Zoom technology. Mayor Arvid Hatlan presided. Council members present: Steve Wiedner, Dave Blocker, Tim Smedsrud, Nick Engrav and John Lydon. Others present: City Manager Gary Boden; Park, Rec & Wellness Director Jeremy Strub; Police Chief Paul Wagner; Water and Sewer Superintendent Jim Cooper; Street Superintendent Keith Burrett; Jason Gearhart, State Representative; Abigail Lofte Gracia- Community Relations Manager, Mosaic, Northern Iowa; Val Reinke, Allamakee County Economic Development; Michelle Barness- Regional Planner, Upper Explorerland Regional Planning Commission (UERPC); John Nielsen, VP Sales/Operations Perry Novak Electric; Jacob Huck, MSA; Douglas Herman and Wilford Stone, Attorneys Lynch Dallas; The Standard- Joe Moses; and citizens.
The Mayor called the meeting to order and lead the Pledge of Allegiance. The Mayor noted a correction to the consent agenda. The minutes for approval should be August 4, 2025. Also, the two closed sessions are going to be changed in order. The real estate closed session will be held first. Item number twelve, discussion on tree removal at 4th Avenue NW addition, is to be removed from the agenda.
Smedsrud referenced item number fourteen, real estate closed session, but an attorney was not available at the time to address his question.
Moved by: Smedsrud | Seconded by: Lydon
To approve the consent agenda.
Approval of Agenda
Minutes of August 4, 2025, regular meeting
Resolution – agreeing to transfer $30,000.00 from the Employee Benefits Fund (112) to the T&A Insurance Partial Self Fund (113) for insurance costs. The deputy clerk assigned 25-88 to the resolution.
Approving the Water/Sewer Department hiring of Aaron McCabe on August 19, 2025, at $18.92 per hour.
Approval of Class E Retail Alcohol License for Quillins and approval of Class E Retail Alcohol License for Hy-Vee Dollar Fresh.
Approval of City Clerk/Treasurers July 2025 report.
Approval of claims
| Payment of Claims for: | August 18, 2025 | |
| AC Skyways | Internet | 99.99 |
| AC Skyways | Internet | 99.99 |
| AC Skyways | Internet | 66.40 |
| Allamakee Clayton Electric | Electricity-July | 120.64 |
| Allamakee County Assessor | Maps | 10.00 |
| American Legion Post 62 | Flags | 150.00 |
| Black Hills Energy | Services – July | 413.50 |
| Wyatt Blake | Testing-Certification Fees | 115.83 |
| Bodensteiner Implement | Repairs | 132.33 |
| Century Link | Telephone | 144.30 |
| Clark Tire Pros | Repairs | 1,457.28 |
| Cunningham Hardware | Supplies | 25.08 |
| Frannie Decker | Supplies | 19.50 |
| EMC Insurance | Insurance | 270.00 |
| Ethan Koehn Construction | Storm Water Sewer | 18,330.00 |
| Fahrner Asphalt Sealers | Street Striping | 6,865.38 |
| Finger Publishing | Services | 987.04 |
| Iowa Dept. of Transportation | Ice Melt | 2,563.00 |
| Irocwebs.com | Website | 166.00 |
| Kwik Trip, Inc. | Fuel | 1,485.84 |
| Mississippi Welders Supply | Inspection | 594.43 |
| Quillin’s Food Ranch | Supplies, Shipping & Fuel | 638.47 |
| Storey Kenworthy | Supplies | 942.19 |
| Theia Management Consulting | City Administrator Recruitment Services | 4,645.10 |
| Truck Equipment | Repairs | 1,063.90 |
| USA Bluebook | Supplies | 435.39 |
| US Cellular | Telephone | 415.69 |
| Village Farm & Home | Supplies/Uniforms | 1,148.09 |
| Zoro | Repairs | 288.09 |
| PAID CLAIMS: | ||
| IPERS | Withholding -July – Police | 5,259.87 |
| IPERS | Withholding – July – Regular | 18,137.72 |
| Treasurer-State of IA | State Withholding – July | 3,639.61 |
| Vantagepoint Transfer | ICMA Retirement – July | 741.42 |
| Regular Payroll | July 20 – August 2, 2025 | 68,820.03 |
| EFTPS | Federal Withholding | 5,424.49 |
| EFTPS | SS/Medicare Withholding | 13,304.24 |
| AFLAC | Insurance – July | 739.56 |
| Jeremy Beck | Façade Grant – Lady Like Ink | 2,279.63 |
| EBS | SafeT Fund – August part 1 | 82.23 |
| Iowa Workforce Development | Unemployment | 299.00 |
| Skyline Construction | 4th Avenue NW – Pay App #4 | 26,719.54 |
| Treasurer-State of IA | Sales Tax – July | 4,330.59 |
| Treasurer-State of IA | WET Tax – July | 2,127.65 |
| Tristate Truck Equipment | Monroe 12′ Snowplow | 12,653.00 |
| WSB-CC-Housing Iowa | Exhibit Booth – Housing Iowa | 1,500.00 |
| WSB-CC-Nextiva | Telephone | 466.92 |
| YSF CLAIM: | ||
| Elan Financial Services | Supplies | 350.79 |
| WELLNESS CLAIMS: | ||
| Alliant Energy | Electricity – July | 5,515.46 |
| Black Hills Energy | Services – July | 85.20 |
| Elan Financial Services | Supplies | 454.88 |
| Fareway | Supplies / Concessions | 280.42 |
| Fastenal | Supplies | 228.62 |
| News Publishing | Advertising | 50.00 |
| Joe & Matt’s Plumbing | Repairs | 118.75 |
| Johnson Controls | Contract | 1,350.00 |
| Mediacom | Services | 89.57 |
| PARK~REC~POOL CLAIMS: | ||
| AC Skyways | Internet | 111.97 |
| Agvantage FS | Fuel | 2,309.23 |
| Alliant Energy | Electricity – July | 6,331.93 |
| Cunningham Hardware | Repairs | 135.50 |
| Elan Financial Services | Supplies / Concessions | 421.19 |
| Fareway | Supplies / Concessions | 1,649.96 |
| Innovative Ag | Supplies | 87.66 |
| Iowa Parks & Recreation Assn. | Membership | 180.00 |
| Irocwebs.com | Website | 166.00 |
| Quillin’s Food Ranch | Fuel | 258.04 |
| State Hygienic Laboratory | Water Testing | 15.50 |
| US Cellular | Telephone | 231.76 |
| Village Farm & Home | Supplies/Repairs | 389.53 |
| General: | 87,837.78 | Storm Water Construction: | 18,330.00 | |
| Library: | 10,165.50 | Capital Equipment: | 12,653.00 | |
| RUT: | 22,034.58 | Wellness: | 9,119.95 | |
| Employee Benefits: | 16,872.44 | YSF Football: | 350.79 | |
| T & A Insurance: | 76.26 | Water: | 12,372.04 | |
| Economic Development: | 2,279.63 | Sewer: | 12,219.40 | |
| Bresnahan / 4th Avenue NW: | 26,719.54 | FUND TOTALS: | 231,030.91 |
Yes: Wiedner, Lydon, Blocker, Smedsrud, Engrav | No: 0
The Mayor declared the motion carried.
Under Public Comments: Gearhart shared his contact information and stated that he will be our voice at the State Capitol.
Under Reports: Strub noted August 17th was the last day the pool was open, fall sports are starting and a leak in the Senior room is being addressed. Cooper shared information on the new hire and stated rain issues are keeping them busy. Burrett stated rain issues are being addressed as well. Deputy Clerk Snitker noted the filing period for City of Waukon candidates started Monday, August 11, 2025, and ends Thursday, August 28th. She also reminded Council that the meeting dates in September have changed and the next council meeting is Monday, September 8th. Boden shared his walk through experience of the Quandahl apartment units and also, that the Chicago Branch of the United States Federal Reserve will be visiting communities in the area, including Allamakee County/Waukon mid-October. Wiedner shared a concern regarding future street development and requested the street by the golf course be a future agenda item. Mayor Hatlan shared issues with the flood also.
Abigail Lofte Gracia from Mosaic, Northern Iowa was present. She shared services offered by Mosaic and answered some questions from the city council.
No Action Taken.
Council was asked to consider approval of the comprehensive plan proposal with Upper Explorerland Regional Planning Commission (UERPC). Michelle Barness, Regional Planner, with UERPC reviewed the comprehensive plan proposal and answered questions from the council.
Moved by: Lydon | Seconded by: Wiedner
To approve the comprehensive plan contract with Upper Explorerland Regional Planning Commission at a not to exceed amount of $32,600.
Yes: 5 | No: 0
The Mayor declared the motion carried.
The Mayor opened the public hearing regarding the transfer of city owned real property located at 301 2nd Avenue NW. The Deputy Clerk announced there were no oral or written comments. The Mayor closed the public hearing.
Moved by: Blocker | Seconded by: Engrav
To approve the resolution for the transfer of city owned real property located at 301 2nd Avenue NW.
Yes: Blocker, Lydon, Smedsrud, Wiedner, Engrav | No: 0
The Mayor declared the resolution passed and the Deputy Clerk assigned number 25-89 to the resolution.
Moved by: Smedsrud | Seconded by: Lydon
To approve the first reading of an ordinance amending Chapter 55 “Animal Protection and Control” of the code of ordinances of the City of Waukon, Iowa.
Yes: Blocker, Lydon, Smedsrud, Wiedner, Engrav | No: 0
The Mayor declared the motion carried.
Moved by: Lydon | Seconded by: Blocker
To approve waiving the 2nd and 3rd readings of an ordinance amending Chapter 55 “Animal Protection and Control” of the code of ordinances of the City of Waukon, Iowa.
Yes: Lydon, Wiedner, Blocker, Smedsrud, Engrav | No: 0
The Mayor declared the motion carried.
Moved by: Lydon | Seconded by: Blocker
To adopt an ordinance amending Chapter 55 “Animal Protection and Control” of the code of ordinances of the City of Waukon, Iowa.
Yes: Smedsrud, Lydon, Blocker, Engrav, Wiedner | No: 0
The Mayor declared the ordinance passed and the Deputy Clerk assigned number 861 to the ordinance.
Nielsen asked Council to consider approving a notice of intent to enter a contract or power purchase agreement for the Wellness Center Solar Project at the Waukon Wellness Center and to give the City Manager the authority to sign any legal documents.
Moved by: Lydon | Seconded by: Wiedner
To approve the notice of intent and have the City Manager sign documents.
Yes: 5 | No: 0
The Mayor declared the motion carried.
Wagner commented on the agreement with the Humane Society of Northeast Iowa (HSNEI) presented to the Council. He requested this item be on the next agenda.
Moved by: Smedsrud | Seconded by: Blocker
To table the Animal Control and Seizure Support Services Agreement with the HSNEI.
Yes: 5 | No: 0
The Mayor declared the motion carried.
Under Public Comments: none
Before moving into closed session, Smedsrud presented a question to Herman regarding advisement of what the closed session is about. Herman addressed Council’s questions and concerns.
Moved by: Smedsrud | Seconded by: Lydon
To enter Closed Session: Per Iowa Code Chapter 21.5 (1)(j) to discuss the purchase or sale of particular real estate only where premature disclosure could be reasonably expected to increase the price the governmental body would have to pay for that property or reduce the price the governmental body would receive for that property.
Yes: Smedsrud, Wiedner, Blocker, Lydon, Engrav | No: 0
The Mayor declared the motion carried. Roll call was taken: Smedsrud, Wiedner, Blocker, Lydon, Engrav; Also present: Douglas Herman, Attorney Lynch Dallas; Gary Boden, City Manager and Lana Snitker, Deputy City Clerk
Moved by: Smedsrud | Seconded by: Engrav
To exit closed session.
Yes: Smedsrud, Wiedner, Blocker, Lydon, Engrav | No: 0
The Mayor declared the motion carried.
Roll call was taken: Smedsrud, Wiedner, Blocker, Lydon, Engrav
Moved by: Engrav | Seconded by: Blocker
To approve direction to the City Manager to continue with negotiations and if possible get a purchase contract drawn up.
Yes: 5 | No: 0
The Mayor declared the motion carried.
Moved by: Lydon | Seconded by: Engrav
To enter Closed Session: pursuant to 21.5 (1)(i) to evaluate the professional competency of an individual whose appointment, hiring, performance, or discharge is being considered when necessary to prevent needless and irreparable injury to that individual’s reputation and that individual requests a closed session.
Yes: Engrav, Wiedner, Blocker, Smedsrud, Lydon | No: 0
The Mayor Pro Tem declared the motion carried. Roll call was taken: Engrav, Wiedner, Blocker, Smedsrud, Lydon Also present: Wilford Stone, Attorney Lynch Dallas; Lana Snitker, Deputy City Clerk
Moved by: Lydon | Seconded by: Smedsrud
To exit closed session.
Yes: Engrav, Wiedner, Blocker, Smedsrud, Lydon | No: 0
The Mayor Pro Tem declared the motion carried.
Moved by: Lydon | Seconded by: Engrav
To approve the resolution authorizing the Mayor Pro Tem to report the conclusion of an independent investigation into anonymous complaints against the mayor.
Yes: Smedsrud, Lydon, Wiedner, Blocker, Engrav | No: 0
The Mayor pro tem declared the resolution passed and the Deputy Clerk assigned number 25-87 to the resolution.
Engrav presented the public statement: “The City has received and reviewed a recent concern regarding the Mayor’s involvement in certain personnel matters. After discussion and clarification, it was determined that the Mayor’s actions were not in keeping with the established chain of command set forth in City policy.
The City Council and Mayor have addressed the matter collaboratively. The Mayor has expressed full understanding of the proper procedures for managing personnel issues and is committed to adhering to the chain of command moving forward. This resolution reflects our shared commitment to effective governance, respect for established processes, and the best interest of our employees and community.
We appreciate the public’s trust and will continue to work together to ensure transparency, accountability, and respect for the roles and responsibilities of all City officials.”
Moved by: Lydon | Seconded by: Smedsrud
To adjourn the meeting.
Yes: 5 | No: 0
The Mayor declared the motion carried.