February 17, 2025 City Council Minutes

The Waukon City Council met in regular session on February 17, 2025, at 5:30 P.M. in the council room of City Hall, 101 Allamakee Street and via Zoom technology. Mayor Arvid Hatlan presided. Council members present: Steve Wiedner, Dave Blocker, Nick Engrav and John Lydon. Council members absent: None. Others present: City Manager Gary Boden; Police Chief Paul Wagner; Water/Sewer Superintendent Jim Cooper; Parks, Rec and Wellness Director Jeremy Strub; Finance Director Lana Snitker; Street Superintendent Keith Burrett; Fehr Graham Sam Ertl; The Standard – Joe Moses; and citizens.

 

The mayor called the meeting to order. The discussion item regarding the utility bill dispute will be removed.

There was a moment of silence for the passing of city council member Kevin Johnson.

Moved by: Blocker | Seconded by: Lydon

To approve the consent agenda with that change.

  • Approval of Agenda
  • Minutes of January 27, 2025 and February 10, 2025
  • Liquor license approval of Class E Retail Alcohol License for Hy-Vee Waukon Dollar Fresh
  • Approval of changing the 2nd March meeting from the 17th to the 24th
  • Resolution – agreeing to transfer twenty-five percent of the total ($5,574.73) (Hotel/Motel money received in January, 2025 and deposited into the General Fund) from the General Fund to the Hotel/Motel (Tourism/Economic Development) Fund in the amount of $1,393.68. The clerk assigned number 25-11 to the resolution.
  • Resolution – agreeing to the transfer of $22,533 from the General Fund to the Capital Equipment-Park Fund for purchase of 2018 GMC 1500 Truck. The clerk assigned number 25-12 to the resolution.
  • Resolution – agreeing to the transfer of $20,702 from the Road Use Tax/RUT Fund to the Street Improvement/LOSST Fund. This is to reverse a portion of two prior transfers made for chip sealing. The funds were not utilized. The clerk assigned number 25-13 to the resolution.
  • Resolution – setting the date for public hearing amending the current budget for the city of Waukon for the Fiscal Year ending June 30, 2025. The clerk assigned number 25-14 to the resolution.
  • Approving the public hearing date for March 24, 2025 at 5:15 pm for the proposed property tax levy
  • Approval of City Clerk/Treasurer’s Report January 2025
  • Approval of claims

 

Yes: Wiedner, Lydon, Blocker, Engrav | Vacancy: 1 | No: 0

The mayor declared the motion carried.

 

Under Public Comments: None

 

Wagner mentioned they were provided two $250 checks from Gemini as a gift which will be used towards something community related. Clerk Snitker noted there is a free showing about human trafficking on March 6th in Oelwein at 10am and in Waukon at NICC at 6pm. Boden mentioned the legislative day in Des Moines is March 4th. Hatlan wanted to remind everyone that the second meeting in March is moved to the 24th.

 

Aaron Detter, Planning Department Head from Upper Explorerland Regional Planning Commission, was present to discuss two grant opportunities regarding transportation funding. The council asked questions regarding possible projects that could be funded through these grants such as street projects, a sidewalk around the golf course, sidewalks throughout town and more.

No action taken.

 

Waukon Chamber of Commerce Director, Mandy Halverson, asked if the council would be the fiscal sponsor for them to apply for grant funding to have a lighted Halloween Park.

Moved by: Lydon | Seconded by: Wiedner

To approve the City of Waukon being a fiscal sponsorship on behalf of the Waukon Chamber of Commerce for this grant opportunity.

Yes: 4 | Vacancy: 1 | No: 0

The mayor declared the motion carried.

 

Moved by: Lydon | Seconded by: Blocker

To approve the snow removal and parking agreement between the City of Waukon, Iowa and Michael and Brandi Neuzil.

Yes: 4 | Vacancy: 1 | No: 0

The mayor declared the motion carried.

 

Moved by: Blocker | Seconded by: Engrav

To approve the Class C Retail Alcohol License for White Haus Social, pending dramshop approval.

Yes: 4 | Vacancy: 1 | No: 0

The mayor declared the motion carried.

 

Boden discussed there is a change in the farm lease for real estate on the Bresnahan Property from three years to two years.

Moved by: Wiedner | Seconded by: Lydon

To approved the farm lease with Steve Stortz for the 10.44 tillage area as described in the lease.

Yes: 4 | Vacancy: 1 | No: 0

The mayor declared the motion carried.

 

Ertl noted there is some sidewalk cracking that will need to be addressed through warranty with the West Street SW Improvements Project.

Moved by: Blocker | Seconded by: Lydon

To approve the change order #3, pay estimate #7 for $17,723.66 to Skyline Construction and resolution approving the project completion for West Street SW Improvements Project.

The mayor declared the motion carried and the clerk assigned number 25-15 to the resolution.

 

Under Public Comments: none

 

The council moved into exempt session regarding strategy on employee union contract negotiations – exempt from Iowa open meetings law by Iowa Code Chapter 20.17 (3).

 

Moved by: Lydon | Seconded by: Engrav

To adjourn the meeting.

Yes: 4 | Vacancy: 1 | No: 0

The mayor declared the motion carried.

 

Payment of Claims PDF
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