January 24, 2022 City Council Minutes

COUNCIL ROOM

The Waukon City Council met in regular session on January 24, 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, Arvid Hatlan, Kevin Johnson and Steve Wiedner. Council members absent: Andy Sires. 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 & Paige Pierce; WEDC – Ardie Kuhse and citizens.

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

Agenda

  • Minutes of January 10, 2022 regular session
  • Approval of Plat of Survey – The Green – Phase 2’ Subdivision
  • Approval of Farm Leases, John Byrnes – 1 yr. renewal and Steve Stortz – 3 yr. renewal
  • Approval of Public Hearing on Max Levy for February 7, 2022 at 7:00 PM
  • Approval of City of Waukon Investment Policy
  • Resolution – Agreeing to close the extension of Highway Iowa 76 and Iowa 9 and 76 from WW Homestead Dairy’s parking lot along 9/76 to St. Patrick’s Catholic Church on 2nd
  • St. SW for the period beginning at 12:00 PM and ending at 3:00 PM on March 13th, 2022 for the St. Patrick’s Day Parade. The Clerk assigned number 22-10 to the resolution.
  • Resolution – Agreeing to the transfer of $2,300.50 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 22-11 to the resolution.
  • Resolution – Agreeing to the transfer of $9,100 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 22-12 to the resolution.
  • Approval of Claims

Claims document below
Yes: Lydon, Wiedner, Johnson, Hatlan  |  Absent: Sires  |  No: 0
The Mayor declared the motion carried.

Under Public Comments: Paul Wagner noted that a few weeks back he contacted Aveka regarding smell and mentioned they were very responsive.

Under Department Reports: Water & Sewer Superintendent Jim Cooper briefed the DNR is coming next week to do an inspection on water and that last week they had meetings with three water meter representatives. Park, Rec & Wellness Director Jeremy Strub noted that the Wellness Center has been busy and that adult volleyball has started. Police Chief Paul Wagner briefed that the attack mats they received a grant for have been installed in the squad cars. Wagner also reported there were some vehicle break-ins the morning of January 22nd and asked the public to check their cameras if they have them and report anything suspicious to the police department.

City Manager Boden mentioned a proposed plat that will be discussed with the Planning & Zoning Commission at their meeting tomorrow night regarding the Pladsen Subdivision and re-zoning which will be brought before the council at the next meeting. He also noted that he anticipates the employee handbook will be finalized for council approval at the next meeting.

Paige Pierce with Fehr Graham provided cost updates on the Waukon Sponsored/Storm Water Quality Improvements Project. She recommended having all 6 divisions of the project getting put out for bid with council being able to drop projects after bid if costs are too high.
Moved by: Lydon  |  Seconded by: Johnson
To move forward with all 6 divisions of the project going to bid.
Yes: 4  |  Absent: 1  |  No: 0
The Mayor declared the motion carried.

City Clerk Snitker discussed a support letter from the City for the Wellmark Grant application and asked the council if or when they wanted residents to be notified of the project. The council approved the support letter and want to wait until after the grant has been decided to notify residents.
No action taken.

City Manager Boden discussed the city insurance and noted how in the past it has been on a three-year rotation between Upper Iowa Insurance and Bieber Insurance.
Moved by: Wiedner  |  Seconded by: Lydon
To prepare a statement to move forward with Bieber Insurance for a three-year period.
Yes: 4  |  Absent: 1  |  No: 0
The Mayor declared the motion carried.

City Manager Boden discussed that at the recent Waukon Economic Development Corporation meeting the board stated they would be phasing down WEDC. For now, the 501c3 status would remain and there would be quarterly meetings but there will be discussion on transition to occur by the fiscal year end.
No action taken.

City Manager Boden discussed the water and sewer budgets and the rate increases and decreases.
Moved by: Lydon  |  Seconded by: Hatlan
To tentatively approve the FY 23 Utility Budget.
Yes: 4 Absent: 1 No: 0
The Mayor declared the motion carried.

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

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

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

Moved by: Lydon Seconded by: Wiedner
To adjourn.
Yes: 4  |  Absent: 1  |  No: 0
The Mayor declared the motion carried.

Payment of Claims PDF
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