February 21, 2022 City Council Minutes

COUNCIL ROOM

The Waukon City Council met in regular session on February 21, 2022 at 7:00 P.M. in the council room of City Hall, 101 Allamakee Street and via Zoom technology. Mayor Pat Stone presided. Council members present: John Lydon, Andy Sires, Kevin Johnson, Arvid Hatlan and Steve Wiedner.  Council members absent: None. Others present: City Manager Gary Boden; Police Chief Paul Wagner; Park, Recreation & Wellness Director Jeremy Strub; Water & Sewer Superintendent Jim Cooper; Assistant City Attorney Kevin Stinn; Standard- Joe Moses; Fehr Graham – Lyle TeKippe; Waukon Chamber of Commerce – Laurie Adrian; WEDC – Ardie Kuhse; City of Waukon employees and citizens.

The Mayor called the meeting to order.
Moved by: Wiedner  |  Seconded by: Lydon
To approve the consent agenda.

  • Agenda
  • Minutes of February 7, 2022 regular session
  • Approval of Allamakee Cattlemen to grill in front of KNEI on May 23rd
  • Resolution – Authorizing Internal advance to Tax Increment Sub fund not to exceed $96. The Clerk assigned number 22-23 to the resolution.
  • Resolution – Agreeing to the transfer of $2,156.25 from the WWTP Construction Fund to the Sewer Plant Improvement Fund for engineering costs for the Waste Water Treatment Plant Project.  The clerk assigned number 22-24 to the resolution.
  • Resolution – Agreeing to the transfer of $11,900 from the Sewer Fund to the Water Resource Restoration Fund for engineering costs for the Water Resource Restoration Sponsored Project, with the understanding that, when reimbursements are received through the Clean Water State Revolving Fund the amount will be paid back to the Sewer Fund. The Clerk assigned number 22-25 to the resolution.
  • Approval of City Clerk’s/Treasurer’s Report, January 2022
  • Approval of Claims

Yes: Lydon, Wiedner, Johnson, Sires, Hatlan  |  No:  0
The Mayor declared the motion carried.
Under Public Comments: none

Laurie Adrian, Executive Director from Waukon Chamber of Commerce, introduced herself to the council.

Under Department Reports: Water & Sewer Superintendent Jim Cooper briefed there have been two water main breaks since the last meeting. He also noted that during the fire last week they pumped one million gallons of water within a six-to-seven-hour time frame which put a lot of stress on their equipment. Park, Rec & Wellness Director Jeremy Strub noted the deadline for summer hiring is in the middle of March. Police Chief Paul Wagner briefed they will be having a mental health and Narcan training this week. Street Superintendent Keith Burrett noted it was business as usual for his department.

City Manager Boden mentioned he met with the attorneys regarding a list of things that need to be addressed over the next three to four months.  He also noted that the City has received a 2nd draft of an agreement between the City and VMH regarding vehicle purchases and that a 28E Agreement will be required.

The Mayor wanted to recognize the fire and emergency personnel and City staff on the job they did with the recent fire downtown and to also thank the surrounding fire departments. He mentioned the Waukon Steakhouse has an anticipated opening for this July.  Lastly, he discussed his support for the County Façade Program and encouraged citizens to provide support of the program for our local businesses.

The Mayor announced that this was the time and place for the public hearing on Ordinance changing the zoning district classification for the Pladsen Addition.  The Clerk announced there were no oral or written comments received.  The Mayor declared the hearing closed.

Moved by: Lydon  |  Seconded by: Wiedner
To approve and accept Pladsen Addition Subdivision Plat.
Yes: Johnson, Lydon, Wiedner, Sires, Hatlan  |  No:  0
The Mayor declared the resolution passed. The Clerk assigned number 22-26 to the resolution.

To approve the first reading of the ordinance amending the Code of Ordinances of the City of Waukon, Iowa, by changing zoning district classification from “A” Agricultural to “B” Business, “R-4” Transitional (Multiple-Family Dwelling) and “C” Conservation for certain real estate in the City of Waukon, Iowa.
Yes: Johnson, Lydon, Wiedner, Sires, Hatlan  |  No:  0
The Mayor declared the motion carried.

To waive additional readings of the ordinance amending the Code of Ordinances of the City of Waukon, Iowa, by changing zoning district classification from “A” Agricultural to “B” Business, “R-4” Transitional (Multiple-Family Dwelling) and “C” Conservation for certain real estate in the City of Waukon, Iowa.
Yes: Johnson, Lydon, Wiedner, Sires, Hatlan  |  No:  0
The Mayor declared the motion carried.

To approve the final reading of the ordinance amending the Code of Ordinances of the City of Waukon, Iowa, by changing zoning district classification from “A” Agricultural to “B” Business, “R-4” Transitional (Multiple-Family Dwelling) and “C” Conservation for certain real estate in the City of Waukon, Iowa.
Yes: Johnson, Lydon, Wiedner, Sires, Hatlan  |  No:  0
The Mayor declared the ordinance adopted and the Clerk assigned number 814 to the ordinance.

Water & Sewer Superintendent Cooper mentioned there was a water inspection a month ago that came back with minor deficiencies and which also provided some recommendations.
No action taken.

More discussion on the building removal options on Allamakee Street will be discussed, if needed, after the fire marshal has completed their investigation.
No action taken.

City Manager Boden discussed the Employee Policy Handbook, with council providing recommendations regarding definition of immediate family, probationary period to be 180 days, vacation schedule to be utilized by anniversary date, allowing two personal days during probationary period and adding a third day after one-year completion (personal days to be used by end of fiscal year), defining holiday wages, listing the verbiage regarding sick leave payout upon completion of ten years of employment if an employee leaves or retires, discussion on the health insurance to provide coverage after 28 days of employment. Lastly, there was discussion on the employees’ uniforms and council mentioned they would like that to be more defined and brought back.
No action taken.

Moved by: Lydon  |  Seconded by: Wiedner
To enter into closed session to discuss strategy with counsel in matters that are presently in litigation or where litigation is imminent where its disclosure would be likely to prejudice or disadvantage the position of the governmental body in that litigation- exempt from Iowa open meeting law by Iowa Code Chapter 21.5 (1) (c)
Yes:  Sires, Johnson, Lydon, Wiedner, Hatlan  |  No:  0
The Mayor declared the motion carried.  Roll call was taken: Sires, Johnson, Lydon, Wiedner, Hatlan

Moved by:  Hatlan  |  Seconded by:  Lydon
To exit closed session
Yes:  Sires, Johnson, Lydon, Wiedner, Hatlan  |  No:  0
The Mayor declared the motion carried.

Moved by:  Hatlan  |  Seconded by:  Lydon
To enter into open session.
Yes:  Sires, Johnson, Lydon, Wiedner, Hatlan  |  No: 0
The Mayor declared the motion carried.

Moved by:  Wiedner  |  Seconded by:  Lydon
To enter into 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:  Sires, Johnson, Lydon, Wiedner, Hatlan  |  No: 0
The Mayor declared the motion carried.  Roll call was taken: Sires, Johnson, Lydon, Wiedner, Hatlan

Moved by: Hatlan  |  Seconded by: Johnson
To exit closed session
Yes:  Sires, Johnson, Lydon, Wiedner, Hatlan   |  No: 0
The Mayor declared the motion carried.

Moved by:  Hatlan  |  Seconded by:  Johnson
To enter into open session.
Yes: Sires, Johnson, Lydon, Wiedner, Hatlan  |  No: 0
The Mayor declared the motion carried.  No action following closed session.

Moved by: Hatlan  |  Seconded by: Sires
To adjourn.
Yes: 5  |  No: 0
The Mayor declared the motion carried.

 

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