March 6, 2023 City Council Minutes

The Waukon City Council met in regular session on March 6, 2023 at 6:00 P.M. in the council room of City Hall, 101 Allamakee Street and via Zoom technology. Mayor Pat Stone presided. Council members present: Arvid Hatlan, John Lydon, Andy Sires and Steve Wiedner.  Council members absent: Kevin Johnson.  Others present: Police Chief Paul Wagner; Street Superintendent Keith Burrett; City Attorney Jeff Swartz; Water/Sewer Superintendent Jim Cooper; Park, Rec & Wellness Director Jeremy Strub; Library Director Cate St. Clair; Standard- Joe Moses; Fehr Graham –Sam Ertl; Keith Bresnahan; Laurie Adrian; and citizens.

The Mayor called the meeting to order.

Moved by: Lydon | Seconded by: Wiedner

To approve the consent agenda with that change.

  • Agenda
  • Minutes of February 20, 2023 regular session
  • Resolution – Agreeing to the transfer of $56,884.05 from the Sewer Revenue Fund to the Sewer Revenue Bond Sinking Fund for the principal/interest payment on the Sewer Revenue Bond, Series 2019 ($47,966.08) and Series 2021-$1M ($5,202.76) and Series 2021-$750K ($3,715.21). The Clerk assigned number 23-24 to the resolution.
  • Resolution – agreeing to the transfer of $10,987.66 from the Wellness Center Operating Fund to the General Fund for the Wellness Center employee share-reimbursement for the February, 2023 payroll salaries. The Clerk assigned number 23-25 to the resolution.
  • Resolution – Ordering preparation of detailed plans, specifications, notice of hearing, notice to bidders and form of contract for the 4th Street NW and 8th Ave. NW Sidewalk Project. The Clerk assigned number 23-26 to the resolution.
  • Approval of letters of support for enhanced child care assistance pilot program – Iowa House File 343 (also known as HSB50)
  • Approval of changes for updated code of ordinances: Chapter 9 no change; remove wording regarding Hospital Board of Trustees from sections 7.01, 7.04, 7.05(2), 7.08, 17A.03 (6), (7), (8), 18.10, 18A (7); remove subsection 7.05(9); remove Chapter 24; Change section 50.06 to add “a posted notice on the front door of the residence”; change section 120.02 to add “the location”; delete section 120.04; add verbiage in section 135.09 (9) regarding a lien on the premises for nonpayment.
  • Approval of Claims

 

Yes: Hatlan, Wiedner, Lydon, Sires | Absent: Johnson | No:  0

The Mayor declared the motion carried.

 

Under Public Comments: No comments

 

Under Department Reports: Water & Sewer Superintendent Jim Cooper mentioned there was a sewer backup on West Street that is a trouble spot and might require more jetting until it gets replaced. He noted they are doing door knockers for those who have not installed their water meters yet and also wanted to remind everyone that usage on water will go up due to the new meters. Park, Rec and Wellness Director Jeremy Strub noted they are hiring in Park and Rec and that they need more workers for the pool. Street Superintendent Keith Burrett noted the sweeper is ready for use once weather allows. Chief Wagner mentioned the open house held at the station went well and if anyone missed it, they can stop by or call to view it. Library Director Cate St. Clair noted the 3-year accreditation for the State was completed and there have been some new foundation purchases at the library in the children’s area.

 

Fehr Graham Engineer Sam Ertl noted there was a meeting held last week regarding Pladsen Addition Project costs. He also provided an update and timeline on the 4th St. NW and 8th Ave. NW sidewalk project.

 

City Clerk Snitker mentioned the Allamakee County Solid Waste Department is completing a Waste & Recycling Comprehensive Plan so if residents have any suggestions or remarks for Recycling and Waste Reduction improvements to notify their waste department or contact City Hall. Spring clean up has been scheduled for May 6th and the City of Waukon will have an ad featured in the Destination Driftless 2023 Visitor’s Guide.

 

Attorney Jeff Swartz stated they are still waiting on abstracts for the Veteran’s Memorial Hospital transfer.

 

City Manager Boden noted that the updated tax valuations were received and that the budget is scheduled for review at the next meeting.

 

Moved by: Lydon | Seconded by: Hatlan

Setting Maximum Property Tax Dollars for the 2023-2024 Fiscal Year at $1,398,572.

Yes: Hatlan, Lydon, Sires, Wiedner | Absent: Johnson | No: 0

The Mayor declared the resolution passed. The Clerk assigned number 23-27 to the resolution.

 

Ertl discussed the bids received for the 1st St. NW to 1st Ave. NW Storm Sewer Improvements Project. The low bid came in at almost $100,000 over the engineer’s estimated cost. There was discussion on where the additional funding would come from and if the project should be re-bid at a later date.

Moved by: Lydon | Seconded by: Wiedner

To award contract for 1st St. NW to 1st Ave. NW Storm Sewer Improvements Project to Skyline Construction for $571,140.10.

Yes: Hatlan, Lydon, Sires, Wiedner | Absent: Johnson | No: 0

The Mayor declared the resolution passed. The Clerk assigned number 23-28 to the resolution.

 

Snitker discussed a letter received regarding a formal dispute for water charges at 502 1st Ave. SE. The last three bills for the property were discussed with it being noted the high usage for one month might have been from a reported leak that lasted 3 weeks. There was discussion on testing the meter with the cost being charged to either the owner or city depending on results of the meter; however, council wants to wait another month for the owner to see what the next bill comes to.

No action taken.

 

Discussion on the Development Agreement for the Bresnahan Housing Development was had with Boden noting that Runyan Brothers Construction mentioned their financing is being held up due to waiting on the abstract. Council wants Boden to find out the timeline of the abstract completion to decide on a date for an extension and bring back to discuss at the next meeting.

No action taken.

 

Ertl discussed the West Street SW Improvement Project and cost estimate. Stone asked why the engineering cost was so high compared to the project cost with Ertl noting additional work regarding utility and property owner coordination.

Moved by: Lydon | Seconded by: Wiedner

To approve the proposal for professional engineering services with Fehr Graham for the West Street SW Improvements Project.

Yes: 4 | Absent: 1 | No: 0

The Mayor declared the motion carried.

 

Boden discussed the water utility, sanitary sewer utility and road use tax budgets.

Moved by: Wiedner | Seconded by: Lydon

To tentatively approve the budgets for the water utility, sanitary sewer utility and road use tax.

Yes: 4 | Absent: 1 | No: 0

The Mayor declared the motion carried.

 

Lydon noted he requested the ordinances and duties of the Mayor and City Manager be discussed in case there were any questions and also requested Boden to draft an organizational chart. Stone noted he felt the mayor and council should be able to get access from the City Manager or Finance Director at anytime regarding the budget. There was additional discussion on ways more information can be obtained and different ways to review the budget if the council chooses. A couple citizens spoke up with one noting he would like open meetings where the council went over the budget so the public was able to be more involved and the other noted it seems there is a communication issue between two major roles in the City that should be addressed.

No action taken.

 

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:  Hatlan, Lydon, Wiedner, Sires | Absent: Johnson | No:  0

The Mayor declared the motion carried.  Roll call was taken: Hatlan, Lydon, Wiedner, Sires

 

Moved by: Lydon | Seconded by: Hatlan

To exit closed session

Yes:  Hatlan, Lydon, Wiedner, Sires | Absent: Johnson | No:  0

The Mayor declared the motion carried.

 

Moved by: Lydon | Seconded by: Hatlan

To enter into open session.

Yes:  Hatlan, Lydon, Wiedner, Sires | Absent: Johnson | No:  0

The Mayor declared the motion carried.

 

Moved by: Hatlan | Seconded by: Lydon

To adjourn.

Yes: 4 | Absent: 1 | No: 0

The Mayor declared the motion carried.

Payment of Claims PDF
City Council 2023 Minutes
All Meetings & Minutes