July 1, 2024 City Council Minutes

The Waukon City Council met in regular session on July 1, 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 (via zoom), Nick Engrav and Steve Wiedner. Council members absent: Dave Blocker. Others present: City Manager Gary Boden; Street Superintendent Keith Burrett; Park, Rec and Wellness Director Jeremy Strub; Water/Sewer Superintendent Jim Cooper; Police Chief Paul Wagner; Finance Director Lana Snitker; Assistant City Attorney Kevin Stinn; Fehr Graham – Sam Ertl; The Standard – Joe Moses; and citizens.

The mayor called the meeting to order. He asked to remove consent agenda item d – approval of plat survey.

 

Moved by: Wiedner | Seconded by: Engrav

To approve the consent agenda with that change.

  • Approval of Agenda
  • Minutes of June 17, 2024
  • Resolution – agreeing to the transfer of $177,999.50 from the 1st to 1st storm sewer project fund back to the American Rescue Plan Fund to utilize funds elsewhere. To be effective as of June 30, 2024. The clerk assigned number 24-98 to the resolution.
  • Resolution – For American Rescue Plant Act Allocation – for portion of the purchase of a fire truck for $177,999.50. The clerk assigned number 24-99 to the resolution.
  • Resolution – agreeing to the transfer of $177,999.50 from the American Rescue Plan Fund to the Capital Equipment Fund for a fire truck purchase. To be effective as of June 30, 2024. The clerk assigned number 24-100 to the resolution.
  • Resolution – agreeing to the transfer of $177,999.50 from the Street Improvement/LOST Fund to the 1st to 1st Storm Sewer Fund for storm sewer project. To be effective as of June 30, 2024. The clerk assigned number 24-101 to the resolution.
  • Resolution – Establishing the Storm Water Fund. The clerk assigned number 24-102 to the resolution.
  • Approval of Liquor License: Class C Retail Alcohol License for Fiesta Vallarta, Inc. (pending dramshop approval).
  • Approval for Allamakee County Agricultural Society to hang banners promoting the Allamakee County Fair on the railings by Luna Salon and AJ’s Steakhouse.
  • Approval of DOT ROW application – 834 Allamakee St.
  • Approval of claims

 

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

The mayor declared the motion carried.

 

Under Public Comments: None

 

Under Department Reports: Park, Rec and Wellness Director Strub noted rec programs will end next week. Street superintendent Burrett mentioned they are finishing painting and are cutting down some trees. He praised the mayor for his work of the removal of vegetation behind Hardee’s. Water/Sewer Superintendent Cooper mentioned they have received some complaints regarding odors and will update as they know more. Police Chief Wagner stated the speed trailer is not working properly so they are looking into options.

 

Fehr Graham Ertl gave an update on projects. S. Snitker mentioned utility bills can now be paid online and noted the fee went up as of July 1st as per the ordinance. Finance Director Snitker noted there are three payments left of the fire station to ACEC.  City Manager Boden stated he has been attending meetings regarding daycare and that City Hall will be closed for July 4th and closing at Noon on July 5th.

 

Council Member Johnson mentioned he has received some complaints regarding debris at the city dumpsite with Burrett confirming that has been addressed. Council Member Wiedner asked about the dilapidation of the Evan’s building, questioned the sign going into Northgate being painted and asked what was happening to the dilapidated house near Growing Bear and when that was going to be torn down. Mayor Hatlan mentioned he would contact the owner. Hatlan gave an update on communications he is having with Family Dollar and Steve Pladsen regarding the soil erosion in the Pladsen Addition.

 

Moved by: Lydon | Seconded by: Engrav

To approve the 1st reading of the ordinance changing the direction of traffic at the Waukon High School during certain hours.

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

The mayor declared the motion carried.

 

Moved by: Lydon | Seconded by: Engrav

To waive the additional readings of the ordinance changing the direction of traffic at the Waukon High School during certain hours.

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

The mayor declared the motion carried.

 

Moved by: Wiedner | Seconded by: Lydon

To adopt the ordinance changing the direction of traffic at the Waukon High School during certain hours.

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

The mayor declared the motion carried and the clerk assigned number 838 to the ordinance.

 

Hatlan and Stinn discussed the current nuisance abatement ordinance regarding vegetation. The council will keep the hourly rate the same but noted listing days the city would go and clean up properties. Discussion on length of grass prior to being mowed was also mentioned to change from 6” to 8” for developed properties and 12” for undeveloped properties.

Moved by: Engrav | Seconded by: Lydon

For the attorney to move forward with changing the ordinance on nuisance abatement regarding vegetation.

Yes: 4 | Absent: 1 | No: 0

The mayor declared the motion carried.

 

Ertl discussed that the contractors found an abandoned box culvert behind Cunningham’s Hardware when they were doing work on the alley and gave the council a couple of possibilities on how to move forward. The council would like to move forward with the block wall. Ertl noted a change order would be forthcoming.

No action taken.

 

Under Public Comments: none

 

Moved by: Lydon | Seconded by: Wiedner

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

The mayor declared the motion carried.

 

Moved by: Wiedner | Seconded by: Engrav

To exit closed session.

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

The mayor declared the motion carried.

 

Moved by: Lydon | Seconded by: Wiedner

To enter open session.

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

The mayor declared the motion carried.

 

Moved by: Lydon | Seconded by: Engrav

To adjourn.

Yes: 4 | Absent: 1 | No: 0

The mayor declared the motion carried.

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