The Waukon City Council met in regular session on November 6, 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 (via zoom due to illness), Dave Blocker, Andy Sires and Steve Wiedner. Council members absent: None. Others present: City Manager Gary Boden; Assistant Street Superintendent Pat Egan; Water/Sewer Superintendent Jim Cooper; Park, Rec & Wellness Director Jeremy Strub; Library Director Cate St. Clair; Police Chief Paul Wagner; Finance Director Lana Snitker; Assistant City Attorney Hattie Frana; The Standard – Joe Moses; Fehr Graham –Sam Ertl; 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 October 23, 2023 regular session
- Resolution – agreeing to close the extension of Highway IA 76 and Iowa 9 for the period beginning at 2PM and ending at 3:15PM on September 20, 2024 for the Allamakee CSD/Waukon High School Homecoming Parade. The Clerk assigned number 23-160 to the resolution.
- Resolution – agreeing to close the extension of HWY 76 N and HWY 9/76 for the period beginning at 6PM and ending at 7:30PM on December 9, 2023 for the Waukon Holiday Parade. The Clerk assigned number 23-161 to the resolution.
- Resolution – Setting date for public hearing amending the current budget for the City of Waukon for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2024, November 20, 2023 at 6PM. The Clerk assigned number 23-162 to the resolution.
- Resolution – agreeing to rescind 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. Per direction from the City Manager, transfer will be done at a later date when final cost is due upon delivery of the fire truck. The Clerk assigned number 23-163 to the resolution.
- Resolution – agreeing to the transfer of $15,100 from the 9 & 11 Allamakee Street Fund, for internal advance repayments, to the Street Improvement Fund. The Clerk assigned number 23-164 to the resolution.
- Resolution – rescinding the transfer of $563.50 from the Sewer Revenue Fund to the WWTP Construction Fund for engineering costs for the Wastewater Treatment Plant Project. Transfer should have been to Fund Sewer Plant Improvement Fund. The Clerk assigned number 23-165 to the resolution.
- Resolution – agreeing to the transfer of $563.50 from the Sewer Revenue Fund to the Sewer Plant Improvement Fund for engineering costs for the Wastewater Treatment Plant Project. The Clerk assigned number 23-172 to the resolution.
- Resolution – agreeing to the transfer of $58,759.30 from the sewer Revenue Fund to the Sewer Revenue Bond Sinking Fund for the principal/interest payment on the Sewer Revenue Improvement and Refunding Bond, Series 2022 ($50,002.57) and Series 2023 ($5,088.18) and Series 2021 ($3,668.55). The Clerk assigned number 23-166 to the resolution.
- Resolution – agreeing to the transfer of $31,700 from the Emergency Fund to the General Fund. The Clerk assigned number 23-167 to the resolution.
- Resolution – agreeing to the transfer of $68,000.04 from the TIF Fund to the Debt Service Fund to pay the (2) monthly principal grant payments of $3,000 and $2,666.67 to the Allamakee/Clayton Electric Cooperative for the Waukon Fire Station Loans. The Clerk assigned number 23-168 to the resolution.
- Resolution – agreeing to the transfer of $160 from the TIF Fund to the Debt Service Fund for the annual premium of the Letter of Credit per loan premium agreement between the City of Waukon and Allamakee/Clayton Electric Cooperative, Inc. for the Fire Station. The Clerk assigned number 23-169 to the resolution.
- Approval of Liquor Licenses: Class C Retail for Lids Bar & Grill, 1650 9th St. SW
- Approval of urban revitalization program exemption for 1005 2nd St. SW
- Approval of Claims
Yes: Lydon, Johnson, Wiedner, Blocker, Sires | No: 0
The Mayor declared the motion carried.
Under Public Comments: no comments
Under Department Reports: Park, Rec & Wellness Director Strub noted they are getting the park ready to be closed up within the next week or two. Mayor Hatlan asked about priorities of projects from the Park master plan with Strub noting the board will look at those for discussion. Police Chief Wagner mentioned they gave a conditional job offer for a police officer candidate and stated snow parking ordinance starts November 15th but they will not be enforcing that until there is measurable snow fall. Wagner also noted that the polls going up coming into town are not for speed cameras but for speed warning signs. Assistant Street Superintendent Egan noted leaf pickup will go until Thanksgiving unless there is measurable snow sooner. Water/Sewer Superintendent Cooper mentioned there is a water valve on 5th St. and 5th Ave. that will be replaced and their staff has been busy doing locates for the fiber project. Library Director St. Clair noted they have the teddy bear sleepover this Friday and the November/December story walk has started and those who complete the walk can stop at the library for a free book.
Fehr Graham Engineer Sam Ertl provided an update on projects noting the asphalt work on 4th Street NW has been completed with some punch list items remaining. He noted there is also an increased estimated engineering amount for the project.
City Clerk Snitker noted the first meeting with the Community Visioning Steering Committee was held last week with the monthly meetings to be the 2nd Monday of the month at 6:30 held at City Hall starting in January. Snitker also noted staff had a training regarding accepting online payment and anticipates that will be available soon. Finance Director Snitker noted the budget amendment was set for the next council meeting and the amendment documents are available at the Library or by requesting them from her. Assistant City Attorney Frana noted she is working on how the City needs to proceed with 9 & 11 Allamakee Street with anticipation of that being on the next council agenda. City Manager Boden stated he and Lana attended a budget meeting where the property tax reform was discussed and noted this will change how the budgeting will be done. He also noted he wants to change the council meeting dates in January.
Council member Sires and Wiedner had comments from residents regarding the speed cameras. Council member Blocker asked if there could be snippets put out on things coming up or projects, he would like to see more communication and would like it put in our bid specs that we would like construction timelines and communication. Mayor Hatlan noted he wants to have monthly meetings with department heads and mentioned he plans to have coffee with the mayor on November 18th from 8-10AM at city hall.
Moved by: Wiedner | Seconded by: Lydon
To approve the first reading amending the Code of Ordinances vacating street currently occupied by Veterans Memorial Hospital Emergency Department parking lot, helipad and clinic building.
Yes: Sires, Blocker, Johnson, Wiedner, Lydon | No: 0
The Mayor declared the motion passed.
Moved by: Lydon | Seconded by: Blocker
To waive the additional readings amending the Code of Ordinances vacating street currently occupied by Veterans Memorial Hospital Emergency Department parking lot, helipad and clinic building.
Yes: Sires, Blocker, Johnson, Wiedner, Lydon | No: 0
The Mayor declared the motion passed.
Moved by: Lydon | Seconded by: Wiedner
To adopt the Code of Ordinances vacating street currently occupied by Veterans Memorial Hospital Emergency Department parking lot, helipad and clinic building.
Yes: Sires, Blocker, Johnson, Wiedner, Lydon | No: 0
The Mayor declared the ordinance adopted and the Clerk assigned number 832 to the ordinance.
The Mayor announced this was the time and place for the public hearing approving and directing the conveyance of interest in real property for VMH properties. The Clerk announced there were no oral or written comments received. The Mayor declared the hearing closed.
Moved by: Blocker | Seconded by: Sires
To approve and direct the conveyance of interest in real property for the VMH properties.
Yes: Sires, Blocker, Johnson, Wiedner, Lydon | No: 0
The Mayor declared the resolution passed. The Clerk assigned number 23-170 to the resolution.
Moved by: Sires | Seconded by: Blocker
To approve the agreement of transfer of assets from the City of Waukon all of the EMS Service assets to Veterans Memorial Hospital.
Yes: Sires, Blocker, Johnson, Wiedner, Lydon | No: 0
The Mayor declared the resolution passed. The Clerk assigned number 23-171 to the resolution.
Clerk Snitker discussed a city façade grant application received with a project total of $12,953 to adjust the rough opening for storefront windows, replace windows and replace rotted wood above windows.
Moved by: Lydon | Seconded by: Sires
To approve the city façade grant application for 7 West Main Street in the amount of $6,476.50.
Yes: 5 | No: 0
The Mayor declared the motion carried.
Blocker noted he would like to have some work sessions on city work/projects. Council decided to have a special meeting on November 20th at 5PM to take an hour to go through some items.
No action taken.
Cooper discussed the possibility of working with the city of New Albin with council noting they are okay if he does work with them.
No action taken.
Cooper discussed Aveka’s request for increased effluent limits in their wastewater industrial user agreement. Council stated they would like to keep their limits where they are.
No action taken.
Clerk Snitker discussed request to change the city’s late payment penalty amount and getting that added in the newly adopted code.
Moved by: Lydon | Seconded by: Blocker
To change the city ordinances to increase the late payment penalties and administrative fees to $40.
Yes: 5 | No: 0
The Mayor declared the motion passed.
Wagner discussed adding penalties to city ordinances for vapor device violations.
Moved by: Blocker | Seconded by: Lydon
For Wagner to work with the attorney to proceed with adding vapor violations to the city code.
Yes: 5 | No: 0
The Mayor declared the motion passed.
Moved by: Blocker | Seconded by: Sires
To approve Park and Rec funding towards the Reviving of the Fields Commitment not to exceed $6,140.
Yes: 5 | No: 0
The Mayor declared the motion passed.
Boden discussed the 2024 health insurance plan renewal noting differences in costs if the city decided to pick up more costs for non-single employee premiums. There was also discussion on dental insurance being added with employee picking up about 50% of cost if elected.
Moved by: Lydon | Seconded by: Wiedner
To approve the 2024 health insurance plan renewal including option for dental insurance and an additional 20% coverage by the city for the family, employee children and employee spouse plans.
Yes: 5 | No: 0
The Mayor declared the motion passed.
Wiedner noted he would like to see a biking/walking path around the golf course with Hatlan stating it was previously approved to set aside $300,000 for this project. It was noted to put this item on the next agenda.
No action taken.
Ertl addressed the discussion on the street lights in the Pladsen addition with Hatlan noting he would like to see those lights installed sooner rather than later and feels we need to budget that.
Moved by: Wiedner | Seconded by: Lydon
To approve Interstate Power & Light Company Exhibit “B” street lighting facilities extension agreement for the purchase of 9 lighting poles at $19,872.
Yes: 5 | No: 0
The Mayor declared the motion passed.
Moved by: Wiedner | Seconded by: Lydon
To approve change order #3 for the 1st St. NW to 1st Ave. NW Storm Sewer Improvements Project.
Yes: 5 | No: 0
The Mayor declared the motion passed.
There was discussion on the sidewalk and curb in front of 101 1st Ave. NW being broken up. Council stated they would like to wait to address this until spring.
No action taken.
There was discussion on the paving schedule for the 1st St. NW and 1st Ave. NW Storm Sewer Project with Ertl giving a few options for council to consider. Council noted they would like to pave as much this year as possible and to move forward with the impede Intraseal. It was requested for Ertl to get together with Kent Sweeney to discuss his driveway.
No action taken.
Boden noted he would like to get estimates from architectural engineers to evaluate the issues with the water leaks at City Hall.
Moved by: Wiedner | Seconded by: Lydon
To direct the City Manager to get three estimates from architectural engineers to find where the water leak is coming from.
Yes: 5 | No: 0
The Mayor declared the motion passed.
Boden discussed the memorandum he sent to council regarding options for the use of Local Option Sales and Service Tax and direction on the composition for the referendum renewal. Council member Blocker and Mayor Hatlan expressed concern with utilizing LOSST funding for sources other than infrastructure. It was noted this was just to get started with the resolution regarding the language and is not the final decision.
Moved by: Blocker | Seconded by: Lydon
To give direction to move forward with getting the language for the Local Option Sales and Service Tax renewal to reflect usage of the money for public safety vehicles, building projects limited to the street/parks and rec garage and city hall, operation costs and what we are currently utilizing it for now.
Yes: 5 | No: 0
The Mayor declared the motion carried.
Moved by: Wiedner | Seconded by: Lydon
To give direction to formally engage Dorsey & Whitney to prepare the referendum documents.
Yes: 5 | No: 0
The Mayor declared the motion carried.
Under Public Comments: Kent Sweeney commented that communication is big as he had no notice regarding the 1st St. NW/1st Ave. NW project and has concerns if the street is not going to be paved this year it would cause another shut down of the street and his business and wants there to be communication if that happens. Christina Smith had questions regarding the vapor device violations at the school and noted she is happy to hear council discussing a sidewalk around the golf course.
Moved by: Lydon | Seconded by: Blocker
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: Sires, Blocker, Johnson, Wiedner, Lydon | No: 0
The Mayor declared the motion carried. Roll call was taken: Lydon, Johnson, Blocker, Sires, Wiedner.
Moved by: Lydon | Seconded by: Blocker
To exit closed session
Yes: Johnson, Wiedner, Sires, Blocker, Lydon | No: 0
The Mayor declared the motion carried.
Moved by: Sires | Seconded by: Blocker
To enter into open session.
Yes: Johnson, Wiedner, Sires, Blocker, Lydon | No: 0
The Mayor declared the motion carried.
Moved by: Sires | Seconded by: Blocker
To adjourn.
Yes: 5 | No: 0
The Mayor declared the motion passed.