The Waukon City Council met in regular session on July 10, 2023 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, Andy Sires and Steve Wiedner. Council members absent: One Vacancy. Others present: City Manager Gary Boden; Street Superintendent Keith Burrett; Water/Sewer Superintendent Jim Cooper; Assistant City Attorney Kevin Stinn; Park, Rec & Wellness Director – Jeremy Strub; Finance Director – Lana Snitker; Police Chief Paul Wagner; MSA – Shannon Gapp; The Standard – Joe Moses; Fehr Graham –Sam Ertl; Mel Johnson; Matt Teslow; Park, Rec & Wellness Board Members; Waukon Chamber – Mandy Halverson; and citizens.
The Mayor called the meeting to order. He noted the Pladsen Addition Improvements Project payment approval will be removed and discussion on the storm sewer installation for 607 2nd Ave. SW will be moved up two places.
Moved by: Lydon | Seconded by: Johnson
To approve the consent agenda with those changes.
- Approval of Agenda
- Minutes of June 19, 2023 regular session
- Approval to renew 3-year board term for Dennis Lyons, Park & Rec
- Approval of DOT Row Agreement – fiber cable installation along Hwy 9
- Approval of Class C Alcohol License with outdoor service for AJ’s Steakhouse, 12 W Main St.
- Approval of Special Class C Retail Alcohol License for Town Theater, 38 W Main St. (pending dramshop approval).
- Resolution – Agreeing to the transfer of $15,799.66 from the General Fund to the Capital Equipment Fund – General/Police for the Taser & Axon Body Cameras. The Clerk assigned number 23-92 to the resolution.
- Resolution – Agreeing to the transfer of $58,759.27 from the Sewer Revenue Fund to the Sewer Revenue Bond Sinking Fund for the principal/interest payment on the Sewer Revenue Bond, Series 2019 ($50,002.56) and Series 2021-$1M ($5,088.18) and Series 2021-$750K ($3,668.53). The Clerk assigned number 23-93 to the resolution.
- Resolution – Agreeing to the transfer of $571.75 from the Sewer Revenue Fund to the Sewer Plant Improvement Fund for engineering costs for the Wastewater Treatment Plant Project. The Clerk assigned number 23-94 to the resolution.
- Resolution – Agreeing to the transfer of $7,671.50 from the Sewer Fund to the Water Resource Restoration Fund for engineering costs for the Water Resource Restoration Sponsored Project. The Clerk assigned number 23-95 to the resolution.
- Resolution – Agreeing to the transfer of $41,453.72 from the Street Improvement/LOST Fund to the Road Use Tax/RUT Fund for Johnston Vacuum Sweeper. The Clerk assigned number 23-96 to the resolution.
- Resolution – Agreeing to the transfer of $41,453.72 from the Road Use Tax Fund to the Debt Service Fund to cover principal/interest payment on Johnston Vacuum Sweeper Lease. The Clerk assigned number 23-97 to the resolution.
- Resolution – Authorizing internal advance to tax increment subfund not to exceed $9,996.50. The Clerk assigned number 23-112 to the resolution.
- Resolution – Authorizing internal advance to tax increment subfund not to exceed $4,188.00. The Clerk assigned number 23-98 to the resolution.
- Resolution – Agreeing to the transfer of $15,500 from the Wellness Center Operating Fund to the Wellness Center Capital Reserve Fund for future purchases. The Clerk assigned number 23-99 to the resolution.
- Resolution – Agreeing to the request from Robey Memorial Library to transfer $11,185.00 from the Trust & Agency Library Fund to the Library General Fund for building improvements. The Clerk assigned number 23-100 to the resolution.
- Resolution – Agreeing to the transfer of $76,970.50 from the General Fund to the Library Fund for operations. The Clerk assigned number 23-101 to the resolution.
- Resolution – Agreeing to the transfer of $18,721.06 from the Wellness Center Operating Fund to the General Fund for the Wellness Center employee share-reimbursement for the June, 2023 payroll salaries. The Clerk assigned number 23-102 to the resolution.
- Resolution – Agreeing to the transfer of $5,644.90 from the C-Mart/Police Facility Project subfund to the tax increment financing fund to close out the C-Mart/Police Facility project subfund. The Clerk assigned number 23-103 to the resolution.
- Resolution – Agreeing to the transfer of $1,871.75 from the GIS Project Fund to the Sewer Operations Fund for annual subscription to GIS mapping and to close out the fund. The Clerk assigned number 23-104 to the resolution.
- Resolution – Agreeing to the transfer of $100,000 from the Capital Project-Maintenance Garage Fund for the General Fund. This amount is being returned to the General Fund to replenish the fund balance. The Clerk assigned number 23-105 to the resolution.
- Resolution – Agreeing to the transfer of $89,000 from the Street Improvement Fund to the Capital Equipment Fund for the purchase of a fire truck, with the understanding that when sufficient funds are received in the General Fund, this amount will be paid back by transfer to the LOST fund. The Clerk assigned number 23-106 to the resolution.
- Resolution – Agreeing to the transfer of $1,243.25 from the Sewer Fund to the Water Resource Restoration Fund for engineering for the Water Resource Restoration Sponsored Project. The Clerk assigned number 23-107 to the resolution.
- Approval of Claims
Yes: Wiedner, Lydon, Johnson, Sires | Vacant: 1 | No: 0
The Mayor declared the motion carried.
Under Public Comments: Waukon Chamber Director Mandy Halverson mentioned that decedents of John Waukon will be in town July 24th – July 27th. She also noted that KCRG are coming back to town for the Our Town segment.
Under Department Reports: Street Superintendent Keith Burrett mentioned they are working on street patching and hope to have a recommendation for the job opening in their department at the next meeting. Park, Rec & Wellness Director Jeremy Strub noted that summer rec programs are finishing up. Water & Sewer Superintendent Jim Cooper mentioned they are continuing the jetting on the north side of town. Police Chief Wagner mentioned he has an upcoming meeting with IDOT regarding speed signs, they submitted an application to USDA for a grant for a patrol vehicle, we will present a life-saving award at the next council meeting, the storm siren in the park is not working and if we want cameras in the park we need to come up with locations. Finance Director Lana Snitker discussed some of the resolution transfers from the consent agenda.
Fehr Graham Engineer Sam Ertl provided an update on projects and noted that 8th Ave. NW sidewalk should be finished by the time the fair is in town with the exception of the seeding.
City Clerk Snitker mentioned Iowa Economic Development Authority awarded the Community Catalyst Building Remediation grant to Town Theater with an award letter and contract to be coming.
City Manager Boden noted the City will be one of the sponsor’s for Our Town.
Mayor Hatlan addressed some house keeping items to include: agenda deadline of 10AM on Thursday prior to a council meeting with packets to go out by noon, he would like department heads to provide a report if they are not able to make a meeting, if there are items that need to be discussed they should not be done during reports but be added to the agenda for discussion and he wants to implement shared calendars so council can see if staff are out. Hatlan plans to be in council chambers on July 22nd from 8-10AM for the public if they want to talk to him and he noted that Rob Sand will be at the Freedom Rock in the park on July 14th from 6:15-7:15PM.
Matt Teslow asked for council consideration of an adjustment on a water bill for his rental property at 105 1st Ave. SW.
Moved by: Wiedner | Seconded by: Lydon
To table discussion on this item for next meeting.
Yes: 4 | Vacant: 1 | No: 0
The Mayor declared the motion passed.
Discussion was had on other options besides storm sewer installation for 607 2nd Ave. SW with the understanding that it still might not solve all the problems. Also, that some sort of agreement might need to be signed since work could go across multiple properties.
Moved by: Lydon | Seconded by: Wiedner
To get an estimate for grading and shaping and approve it without coming back to council if the cost comes in under $3,000.
Yes: 4 | Vacant: 1 | No: 0
The Mayor declared the motion passed.
Chamber Director Halverson discussed the events happening for Crazy/Corn days with a meal to take place Friday night, August 4th from 4-8 downtown on Main Street. The parade is scheduled for the morning of August 5th.
Moved by: Lydon | Seconded by: Johnson
To approve two resolutions regarding road closure on August 4, 2023 and August 5, 2023 for Waukon Corn Days.
Yes: Sires, Johnson, Lydon, Wiedner | Vacant: 1 | No: 0
The Mayor declared the resolutions passed. The Clerk assigned numbers 23-108 and 23-109 to the resolutions.
Shannon Gapp with MSA provided a presentation on the recently completed Park and Recreation Master Plan. There were comments given by some park, rec and wellness board members as well as from Park, Rec and Wellness Director Strub.
No action taken.
Clerk Snitker discussed the current Council Ward 3 seat vacancy and that one person has expressed interest.
Moved by: Wiedner | Seconded by: Lydon
To appoint the City Council Ward 3 seat at the July 24th city council meeting.
Yes: 4 | Vacant: 1 | No: 0
The Mayor declared the motion passed.
Chief Wagner discussed a recent incident regarding a crosswalk but noted otherwise there has not been problems.
No action taken.
Cooper mentioned they received no bids for the Ford Crown vehicle and asked if it could be scrapped.
Moved by: Lydon | Seconded by: Sires
To go ahead with having Iron Mine dispose of the vehicle.
Yes: 4 | Vacant: 1 | No: 0
The Mayor declared the motion passed.
Council Member Lydon noted how great of a job Lansing Brothers Construction have done.
Moved by: Lydon | Seconded by: Wiedner
To approve payment of $10,000 to Lansing Brothers Construction for 9 & 11 Allamakee St. Project.
Yes: 4 | Vacant: 1 | No: 0
The Mayor declared the motion passed.
Moved by: Lydon | Seconded by: Johnson
To approve partial pay estimate #2 of $103,073.52 to Skyline Construction for the 4th St. NW and 8th Ave. NW Improvement Project.
Yes: 4 | Vacant: 1 | No: 0
The Mayor declared the motion passed.
Ertl noted discussions he has had with Lumen to try to get them to remove their service lines.
Moved by: Lydon | Seconded by: Wiedner
To approve the resolution declaring Lumen (Century Link) non-responsive to request for relocation for public street improvements project.
Yes: Sires, Johnson, Lydon, Wiedner | Vacant: 1 | No: 0
The Mayor declared the resolution passed. The Clerk assigned number 23-110 to the resolution.
Moved by: Lydon | Seconded by: Wiedner
To approve Storm Water Quality Improvement Project: change order #3 Contract C, change order #1 Contract B, pay estimate #4 of $8,319.15 and final pay estimate of $17,532.94 both pay estimates to Skyline Construction and approve resolution accepting work covering Storm Water Quality Improvements Project, Contract B.
Yes: Sires, Johnson, Lydon, Wiedner | Vacant: 1 | No: 0
The Mayor declared the motion and resolution passed. The Clerk assigned number 23-111 to the resolution.
Moved by: Lydon | Seconded by: Johnson
To approve 2nd reading amending the Code of Ordinances by Establishing Special speed Restrictions, Stop Signs and No Parking Regulations on 8th Ave. SW.
Yes: Wiedner, Johnson, Lydon, Sires | Vacant: 1 | No: 0
The Mayor declared the motion passed.
Moved by: Lydon | Seconded by: Wiedner
To adopt amending the Code of Ordinances by Establishing Special speed Restrictions, Stop Signs and No Parking Regulations on 8th Ave. SW.
Yes: Wiedner, Johnson, Lydon, Sires | Vacant: 1 | No: 0
The Mayor declared the ordinance passed. The Clerk assigned number 829 to the ordinance.
Moved by: Lydon | Seconded by: Sires
To approve 1st reading amending the Code of Ordinances by changing tree planting specifications.
Yes: Wiedner, Johnson, Lydon, Sires | Vacant: 1 | No: 0
The Mayor declared the motion passed.
Moved by: Lydon | Seconded by: Wiedner
To waive additional readings amending the Code of Ordinances by changing tree planting specifications.
Yes: Wiedner, Johnson, Lydon, Sires | Vacant: 1 | No: 0
The Mayor declared the motion passed.
Moved by: Lydon | Seconded by: Wiedner
To adopt amending the Code of Ordinances by changing tree planting specifications.
Yes: Wiedner, Johnson, Lydon, Sires | Vacant: 1 | No: 0
The Mayor declared the ordinance passed. The Clerk assigned number 827 to the ordinance.
Moved by: Lydon | Seconded by: Johnson
To approve 1st reading amending the Code of Ordinances by changing the driveway regulations.
Yes: Wiedner, Johnson, Lydon, Sires | Vacant: 1 | No: 0
The Mayor declared the motion passed.
Moved by: Lydon | Seconded by: Johnson
To waive additional readings amending the Code of Ordinances by changing the driveway regulations
Yes: Wiedner, Johnson, Lydon, Sires | Vacant: 1 | No: 0
The Mayor declared the motion passed.
Moved by: Lydon | Seconded by: Sires
To adopt amending the Code of Ordinances by changing the driveway regulations.
Yes: Wiedner, Johnson, Lydon, Sires | Vacant: 1 | No: 0
The Mayor declared the ordinance passed. The Clerk assigned number 830 to the ordinance.
Under Public Comments: Chamber Director Halverson asked if coffee with the Mayor will be a monthly thing with Hatlan noting that is the intent but it will depend on how it goes. A resident asked what number should be used for non-emergency concerns with Chief Wagner noting that number is 568-9000.
Moved by: Lydon | Seconded by: Wiedner
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, Wiedner, Sires, Lydon | Vacant: 1 | No: 0
The Mayor declared the motion carried. Roll call was taken: Sires, Johnson, Wiedner, Lydon
Moved by: Lydon | Seconded by: Sires
To exit closed session
Yes: Johnson, Wiedner, Sires, Lydon | Vacant: 1 | No: 0
The Mayor declared the motion carried.
Moved by: Lydon | Seconded by: Sires
To enter into open session.
Yes: Johnson, Wiedner, Sires, Lydon | Vacant: 1 | No: 0
The Mayor declared the motion carried.
Moved by: Lydon | Seconded by: Sires
To adjourn.
Yes: 4 | Vacant: 1 | No: 0
The Mayor declared the motion passed.