August 19, 2024 City Council Minutes

The Waukon City Council met in regular session on August 19, 2024, at 6:00 P.M. in the council room of City Hall, 101 Allamakee Street and via Zoom technology. Mayor Arvid Hatlan presided. Council members present: John Lydon, Kevin Johnson, Nick Engrav and Steve Wiedner. Council members absent: Dave Blocker. Others present: City Manager Gary Boden; Street Superintendent Keith Burrett; Park, Recreation and Wellness Director Jeremy Strub; Water/Sewer Superintendent Jim Cooper; Police Chief Paul Wagner; Finance Director Lana Snitker; Assistant City Attorney Hattie Frana, Fehr Graham – Sam Ertl; The Standard – Joe Moses; Waukon Chamber of Commerce Director Mandy Halverson; Ben Garrett/Tail Wind Capital Partners; and citizens.

The mayor called the meeting to order with  reciting of the Pledge of Allegiance. The mayor made one update to the consent agenda.  Item 2d4. Resolution Setting Date for Public Hearing on Urban Renewal Plan Amendment.  On page two of the amendment the constitutional debt limit of the city should be $15,575,398.

 

Moved by: Lydon | Seconded by: Johnson

To approve the consent agenda.

  • Approval of Agenda
  • Minutes of August 5, 2024
  • Approval- Joint Water Main Agreement between Moore’s, Ehlers, Winters and the City.
  • Resolution – Establishing policies regarding the abatement of vegetation nuisances. The deputy clerk assigned number 24-113 to the resolution.
  • Resolution – Agreeing to the transfer of $259.50 from the Pladsen Property Project Fund to the Water Resource Restoration Fund for engineering for the Water Resource Restoration Sponsored Project. The deputy clerk assigned number 24-114 to the resolution.
  • Resolution – Agreeing to the transfer of $7,500.00 from the Street Improvements/LOST Fund to the City Parking Lot/Alley Fund for street project. The deputy clerk assigned number 24-115 to the resolution.
  • Resolution – Approval of public hearing on Urban Renewal Plan Amendment on September 16, at 6:00 p.m. The deputy clerk assigned number 24-116 to the resolution.
  • Approval of Urban Revitalization Program Application – 1009 2nd Street SW.
  • Approval of City Clerk/Treasurer’s report, July 2024

Approval of claims

 

Yes: Wiedner, Lydon, Johnson, Engrav | Absent: Blocker | No: 0

The mayor declared the motion carried.

Under Public Comments:

The mayor shared reminders for public comments.  He stated it’s a time for the public to speak, not debate.  The council will listen.  If it’s something to debate, it should be listed as an agenda item.

Gayle Decker requested to make comments with specific agenda items.

 

Under Department Reports: Park, Recreation and Wellness Director Strub, Water/Sewer Superintendent Cooper, Street Superintendent Burrett, and Police Chief Wagner shared departmental updates. Waukon Chamber of Commerce Director Mandy Halverson shared information. Finance Director Snitker and City Manager Boden shared administrative updates. Assistant City Attorney and all Council Members had nothing to report. Mayor Hatlan shared information regarding the City.

 

There was a lengthy discussion regarding a sidewalk around the golf course.  Grants and funding were discussed.

No action was taken.

 

Ertl gave updates of each project prior to approval of each pay estimate.

Moved by: Lydon | Seconded by: Engrav

To approve pay estimate #1 in the amount of $73,447.37 to Skyline Construction for City Parking Lot and Alley Improvements Project.

Yes: 4 | Absent: 1| No: 0

The mayor declared the motion carried.

 

Moved by: Wiedner | Seconded by: Lydon

To approve pay estimate #1 in the amount of $12,195.53 to Skyline Construction for West Street SW Improvements Project.

Yes: 4 | Absent: 1|| No: 0

The mayor declared the motion carried.

 

Moved by: Lydon | Seconded by: Johnson

To approve pay estimate #3 in the amount of $2,989.27 to Skyline Construction for Pladsen Storm Sewer Outlet Project.

Yes: 4 | Absent: 1| No: 0

The mayor declared the motion carried.

 

Boden reviewed proposal of Capital Improvement Plan. Sources to fund the projects and costs were discussed. There was lengthy discussion amongst council members and citizens. The prioritization of a street project was addressed and will be a future agenda item.

No action was taken.

 

There was lengthy discussion on Urban Renewal Agreement with Tailwind Capital Partners- “Bresnahan Property”.  Garrett of Tailwind Capital Partners presented and shared details on the project. Boden was commended and given appreciation for his involvement. Questions and clarification of specifics in the agreement were discussed.  The agreement will need to be updated prior to approval at a future council meeting.

Moved by: Lydon | Seconded by: Johnson

To place back on the agenda September 3, 2024.

Yes: 4 | Absent: 1 | No: 0

The mayor declared the motion carried.

 

Moved by: Engrav | Seconded by: Wiedner

To approve resolution proposing disposition of interest in real property- Lot 2 of Lot 2 of Lot 7 or Lot 1 Section 30, Township 98, Range 5, West in the City of Waukon, Iowa and approval of public hearing on proposed disposition of the City’s real estate interest to be held on September 3, 2024 at 6:00 p.m.

Yes: Lydon, Johnson, Wiedner, Engrav | Absent: Blocker | No: 0

The mayor declared the motion carried and the deputy clerk assigned number 24-117 to the resolution.

 

Moved by: Wiedner | Seconded by: Lydon

To approve resolution ordering preparation of detailed plans and specifications, notice of hearing, notice to bidders and form of contract for Blue Heron Drive Addition.

Yes: Engrav, Wiedner, Johnson, Lydon | Absent: Blocker | No: 0

The mayor declared the motion carried and the deputy clerk assigned number 24-118 to the resolution.

 

There was little discussion on the contract documents and plans for Blue Heron Drive Addition. Ertl noted the letting date would be set for September 6th to expedite the process.  A special meeting is to be held Monday, September 9th at 7:30 a.m. to award the bid and approve the contract.

No action was taken.

 

There was little discussion regarding streetlights as part of the project.  Boden mentioned lights would be paid for with the street light budget.

Moved by: Wiedner | Seconded by: Lydon

To approve resolution approving detailed plans and specifications, notice of hearing, notice to bidders and form of contract- Blue Heron Drive Addition.

Yes: Lydon, Johnson, Wiedner, Engrav | Absent: Blocker | No: 0

The mayor declared the motion carried and the deputy clerk assigned number 24-119 to the resolution.

 

 

 

Under Public Comments:

Halverson inquired about the name Blue Heron Drive.  Boden mentioned he came up with the name,. There was some interest in possibly changing the name. Hatlan mentioned there will be further discussion regarding it.

 

Moved by: Engrav | Seconded by: Lydon

To enter Closed Session: Strategy meeting regarding employee union contract negotiations- exempt from Iowa open meetings law by Iowa Code Chapter 20.17 (3)

Yes: Lydon, Johnson, Wiedner, Engrav | Absent: Blocker | No: 0

The mayor declared the motion carried.

 

Moved by: Engrav | Seconded by: Lydon

To exit closed session.

Yes: Johnson, Lydon, Wiedner, Engrav | Absent: Blocker | No: 0

The mayor declared the motion carried.

 

Moved by: Lydon | Seconded by: Johnson

To enter open session.

Yes: Lydon, Johnson, Wiedner, Engrav  |Absent: Blocker | No: 0

The mayor declared the motion carried.

Roll call was taken.

 

Moved by: Wiedner | Seconded by: Lydon

To adjourn.

Yes: 4 | Absent: 1 | No: 0

The mayor declared the motion carried.

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