August 7, 2023 City Council Minutes

The Waukon City Council met in regular session on August 7, 2023 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 and Andy Sires. Council members absent: Steve Wiedner, Dave Blocker (appointed at meeting). Others present: City Manager Gary Boden; Assistant Street Superintendent Pat Egan; Water/Sewer Superintendent Jim Cooper; Park, Rec & Wellness Director – Jeremy Strub; Police Chief Paul Wagner; The Standard – Joe Moses; Fehr Graham –Sam Ertl; Upper Explorerland RPC – Rachelle Howe; Allamakee Clayton Electric Co. – Hollee McCormick; Wright Way Computers – Tyler Wright; Jim Wadsworth; and citizens.

The Mayor called the meeting to order and the pledge of allegiance was recited.

Moved by: Wiedner | Seconded by: Lydon

To approve the consent agenda.

  • Approval of Agenda
  • Minutes of July 24, 2023 regular session
  • Approving Class E Retail Alcohol License for Fareway Stores, Inc., Class E Retail Alcohol License for Quillin’s Iowa, Inc. and Class C Retail Alcohol License for Fiesta Vallarta
  • Approving cigarette permit for Family Dollar #33489, 4 8th Ave. SW
  • Resolution – Agreeing to the transfer of $58,759.27 from the Sewer Revenue Fund to the Sewer Revenue Bond Sinking Fund for the principal/interest payment on the Sewer Revenue Bond, Series 2019 ($50,002.56) and Series 2021-$1M ($5,088.18) and Series 2021-$750K ($3,668.53). The Clerk assigned number 23-119 to the resolution.
  • Resolution – Agreeing to the transfer of $32,315.63 to the Water Fund and $32,315.63 to the Sewer Fund from the Capital Project Fund-Electric Water Meters for a total of $64,631.26 to close out the Electric Water Meters Project Fund. The Clerk assigned number 23-120 to the resolution.
  • Resolution – Agreeing to the transfer of $19,675.78 from the Park Maintenance -General Sub Fund to Capital Equipment Fund/Park & Recreation for vehicle purchases and to close out the fund. The Clerk assigned number 23-121 to the resolution.
  • Resolution – Agreeing to the transfer of $10,577.72 from the Hotel/Motel-Park Fund to Capital Equipment Fund/Park & Recreation for vehicle purchases. The Clerk assigned number 23-122 to the resolution.
  • Resolution – Agreeing to the transfer of $11,684 back to the General Fund from the CDBG Housing Rehab Fund for reimbursement per original resolution numbers 22-154 and 23-77. The Clerk assigned number 23-123 to the resolution.
  • Resolution – Agreeing to the transfer of $150,000 from the 7th Ave. Water Main Replacement Fund to the Water Fund. This amount is being returned to the Water Fund because the project no longer includes the water portion. The Clerk assigned number 23-124 to the resolution.
  • Approving the City Clerk/Treasurer’s Report, July 2023
  • Approval of Claims

Yes: Lydon, Johnson, Sires | Absent: Wiedner | Vacant: 1 | No: 0

The Mayor declared the motion carried.

 

Under Public Comments: no comments

 

Under Department Reports: Assistant Street Superintendent Pat Egan mentioned they plan to be done painting by the end of the week and will continue patching. Mayor Hatlan read Library Director Cate St. Clair’s report stating the Main Street Story Walk is in effect the month of August and was done in collaboration with The Oneota Valley Literary Society. Park, Rec & Wellness Director Jeremy Strub noted the circus is in town this Thursday and Friday and that they hope to work on lifeguard recruitment this fall. Water & Sewer Superintendent Jim Cooper mentioned a hydrant has been installed on 3rd Ave. and 8th St. SW and another hydrant will be replaced in Northgate this week. Police Chief Wagner mentioned he had the ALERT training last week and there will be an E-911 Board meeting this week that he and staff will be attending.

 

Fehr Graham Engineer Sam Ertl provided an update on projects and noted there are plans to have a meeting with property owners affected by the West Street SW project near the end of the month.

 

City Clerk Snitker noted work is being done to get the online payment option running, discussed meetings with a TextMyGov representative and how that could work for staff and residents and lastly thanked Mandy Halverson, the Waukon Chamber of Commerce and volunteers for their work with Corn Days.

 

City Manager Boden noted there has been discussions regarding two new commercial buildings and there have been a few variances submitted this month.

 

Council Member Johnson mentioned there was a good turnout husking corn last Thursday and he would like to discuss possibly having fireworks the Saturday night of corn days next year. Mayor Hatlan agreed with the sentiments regarding Corn Days.

 

Mayor Hatlan noted Dave Blocker was interested in the Council Ward 3 seat but was unable to attend tonight’s meeting and if appointed would stop in City Hall to complete the Oath of Office.

Moved by: Lydon | Seconded by: Johnson

To appoint Dave Blocker for the Council Ward 3 seat.

Yes: 3 | Absent: 1 | No: 0

The Mayor declared the motion passed.

Wright Way Owner Tyler Wright discussed the cost and differences between the standard and premium IT plans they could provide to the City noting that payment could be done on a month-to-month basis as it currently is.

Moved by: Lydon | Seconded by: Johnson

To enter into a monthly agreement with Wright Way at $1,900 for six months.

Yes: 3 | Absent: 1 | No: 0

The Mayor declared the motion passed.

 

Rachelle Howe and Hollee McCormick discussed the request for a support letter for the OCIO#8 application regarding broadband noting there is no financial ask from the City, only support.

Moved by: Lydon | Seconded by: Sires

To approve the support letter for the OCIO#8 application

Yes: 3 | Absent: 1 | No: 0

The Mayor declared the motion passed.

 

Jim Wadsworth discussed his application for the City Façade Improvement Grant for 9 new windows with a total project cost of $25,990.17.

Moved by: Lydon | Seconded by: Wiedner

To approve the City Façade application for Jim’s Appliance/JW Kitchens for $10,000.

Yes: 3 | Absent: 1 | No: 0

The Mayor declared the motion passed.

 

Jim Wadsworth and Paul Reider discussed the electrical upgrade needed at the airport and showed pictures of the old service.

Moved by: Lydon | Seconded by: Johnson

To approve the two Interstate Power & Light Company estimates for electrical upgrade for a total of $6,251.02.

Yes: 3 | Absent: 1 | No: 0

The Mayor declared the motion passed.

 

Strub discussed different options and pricing received for UTV’s.  He noted the size of the box is important and would like it to be a 3-seater to accommodate staff. Discussion was had regarding waiting until Spring to move forward.

Moved by: Sires | Seconded by: Johnson

To postpone discussion on this item until February.

Yes: 3 | Absent: 1 | No: 0

The Mayor declared the motion passed.

 

Ertl discussed the estimates for the street light poles in the Pladsen addition and gave recommendation to move forward with the higher cost upfront estimate which will save the City money in the long run.

Moved by: Lydon | Seconded by: Sires

To give direction to move forward with the second option of total upfront cost of $12,994.81, with a monthly rental of only the light fixture of $69.96.

Yes: 3 | Absent: 1 | No: 0

The Mayor declared the motion passed.

 

It was discussed that there will be an informational meeting held with property owners on August 28, 2023 at 6PM in the council chambers regarding the West Street SW project.

No action taken.

 

Ertl discussed a change in the scope of work due to location change for the storm sewer outlet in Pladsen Addition.

Moved by: Lydon | Seconded by: Johnson

To approve the resolution authorizing addendum to the Pladsen Addition development agreement.

Yes: Sires, Johnson, Lydon | Absent: Wiedner | No: 0

The Mayor declared the resolution passed. The Clerk assigned number 23-125 to the resolution.

 

Under Public Comments: none

 

Moved by: Lydon| Seconded by: Sires

To adjourn.

Yes: 3 | Absent: 1 | No: 0

The Mayor declared the motion passed.

Payment of Claims PDF
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