January 22, 2024 City Council Minutes

The Waukon City Council met in regular session on January 22, 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, Dave Blocker, Steve Wiedner and Nick Engrav. Council members absent: none. Others present: City Manager Gary Boden; Street Superintendent Keith Burrett; Water/Sewer Superintendent Jim Cooper; Park, Rec & Wellness Director Jeremy Strub; Finance Director Lana Snitker; City Attorney Jeff Swartz; The Standard – Joe Moses; and citizens.

The mayor called the meeting to order.

Moved by: Wiedner | Seconded by: Lydon

To approve the consent agenda.

  • Approval of Agenda
  • Minutes of January 2, 2024
  • Resolution – Agreeing to the transfer of $1,189.75 from the Sewer Revenue Fund to the Sewer Plant Improvement Fund for engineering costs for the Wastewater Treatment Plant Project. The Clerk assigned number 24-05 to the resolution.
  • Resolution – agreeing to the transfer of $56,434.25 from the Street Improvement/LOST Fund to the Sewer Fund to reimburse the Sewer Fund for engineering expenses for the Water Resource Restoration Sponsored Project that weren’t reimbursed by SRF, WIF or WQI per direction from the City Manager. The Clerk assigned number 24-06 to the resolution.
  • Resolution – agreeing to the transfer of $20,850 from the Street Improvement/LOST Fund to the Sewer Fund to reimburse the Sewer Fund for legal services and permit fee expenses for the Water Resource Restoration Sponsored Project that weren’t reimbursed by SRF, WIF or WQI per direction from the City Manager. The Clerk assigned number 24-07 to the resolution.
  • Approval of Union Contract
  • Approval of permanent storm drainage easement for the Pladsen Addition Storm Sewer Outlet
  • Approval of Pladsen Storm Sewer Outlet Construction Agreement
  • Approval of City Clerk/Treasurer’s Report, December 2023
  • Approval of claims

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

The Mayor declared the motion carried.

 

Under Public Comments: Mel Johnson wanted to thank the council for fixing the issues in his backyard and for those who stopped at his house to look.

 

Under Department Reports: Water/Sewer Superintendent Cooper mentioned the heater in the treatment plant has failed and he has notified Fehr Graham of the issues. Street Superintendent Keith Burrett stated a pole at Park Place and 2nd St. got hit so it was taken down and noted a chunk of ice fell on the hood of their truck and caused damage. Park, Rec, and Wellness Director Jeremy Strub mentioned youth sports have been busy.

 

Engineer Ertl noted they are working with Jadecc’s on a temporary easement for the city parking lot project. City Clerk Snitker mentioned the updated city code of ordinance is getting shipped to city hall for public review with a public hearing and ordinance reading forthcoming. City Manager Boden mentioned he has had communication with TNT owners regarding an easement.

 

Blocker wanted to let Burrett know his department did a good job with the snow removal with Johnson agreeing. Hatlan noted there have been lots of messages from the public regarding the snow removal and mentioned they ordered the previously approved snowstorm equipment for the street department from Reiser Implement for $17,990.

 

Moved by: Wiedner | Seconded by: Lydon

To approve detailed plans and specifications, notice of hearing, notice to bidders and form of contract for Pladsen Addition Storm Sewer Outlet Project.

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

The mayor declared the resolution passed. The Clerk assigned number 24-08 to the resolution.

 

Moved by: Blocker | Seconded by: Johnson

To approve detailed plans and specifications, notice of hearing, notice to bidders and form of contract for City Parking Lot and Alley Improvements Project.

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

The mayor declared the resolution passed. The Clerk assigned number 24-09 to the resolution.

 

Moved by: Lydon | Seconded by: Wiedner

To approve fixing amount to be assessed against private property – 9 Allamakee Street for $45,206.19.

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

The mayor declared the resolution passed. The Clerk assigned number 24-10 to the resolution.

 

Ertl discussed a request from a homeowner on the West Street SW project who would like additional sewer and water service to a portion of their lot. The council agreed that if there are existing sewer services that could be included in the project but if not, the homeowner would be responsible for installing the services at their cost.

No action taken.

 

Ertl asked the council how they wanted to handle the punch list items and project completion for the 4th Street NW Improvements Project and 1st Street NW & 1st Ave. NW Storm Sewer Project.

Moved by: Wiedner | Seconded by: Lydon

To give direction to Ertl to look into retainage payment amounts for a portion of what is remaining for both projects and bring back to council for discussion.

Yes: 5 | No: 0

The mayor declared the motion carried.

 

Moved by: Wiedner | Seconded by: Engrav

To approve Pladsen Addition Payments to S&M Development for invoices regarding Nick Jones Earthmoving for $12,644, Bruening Rock for $2,125, Pladsen Attorney Fees of $1,777.50 and engineering fees of $21,414.25.

Yes: 5 | No: 0

The mayor declared the motion carried.

 

Moved by: Wiedner | Seconded by: Lydon

To tentatively approve the budgets for RUT/Street, Water and Sewer

Yes: 5 | No: 0

The mayor declared the motion carried.

 

Under Public Comments: Bill Hennessy questioned recent radio interviews regarding the city’s finances. Jane Rissman asked when utility bills would be going bi-monthly and Keith Bresnahan commented on concrete and street cut outs relating to sewer projects.

 

Moved by: Wiedner | Seconded by: Blocker

To enter 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: Johnson, Wiedner, Blocker, Engrav Lydon | No:  0

The mayor declared the motion carried.  Roll call was taken: Blocker, Johnson, Wiedner, Engrav, Lydon

 

Moved by: Wiedner | Seconded by: Blocker

To exit closed session

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

The mayor declared the motion carried.

 

Moved by: Lydon | Seconded by: Engrav

To enter open session.

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

The mayor declared the motion carried.  No action following the closed session.

 

Moved by: Wiedner | Seconded by: Blocker

To adjourn.

Yes: 5 | No: 0

The mayor declared the motion carried.

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