October 21, 2024 City Council Minutes

The Waukon City Council met in regular session on October 21, 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, Nick Engrav, Kevin Johnson, and Steve Wiedner. Council members absent: Dave Blocker. Others present: City Manager Gary Boden; Street Superintendent Keith Burrett; Water/Sewer Superintendent Jim Cooper; Police Chief Paul Wagner; Park, Rec & Wellness Director Jeremy Strub; 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, and all recited the Pledge of Allegiance.

 

Moved by: Wiedner | Seconded by: Lydon

To approve the consent agenda

  • Approval of Agenda
  • Minutes of October 1, 2024
  • Resolution – Agreeing to the transfer of $9,061.35 from the Street Improvement/LOST Fund to the 22/23 Street Improvement Fund for street project. The clerk assigned number 24-130 to the resolution.
  • Resolution – that the annual City Street Financial Report be submitted for July 1, 2023-June 30, 2024. The clerk assigned number 24-131 to the resolution.
  • Resolution – authorizing internal advance for funding of the Northwest Street Blight Alleviation Project. The clerk assigned number 24-132 to the resolution.
  • Resolution – authorizing internal advance for funding of the Façade Improvements Program. The clerk assigned number 24-133 to the resolution.
  • Approval of claims

 

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

The mayor declared the motion carried.

 

Under Public Comments:  none

 

Under Department Reports: Water/Sewer Superintendent Cooper noted they are still jetting and changing oil in the gear boxes next week. Street Superintendent Burrett mentioned they started leaf pick up and are trimming trees that are over the streets and sidewalks. Police Chief Wagner stated officers went to the range last week and everyone qualified. Park, Rec and Wellness Director Strub mentioned the park will be open a little longer due to the nice weather and that they received a grant for pool and park items.

 

Ertl gave updates on projects. Clerk Snitker noted the LMI surveys are still being collected with some going out on Wednesday night to collect any that are put on their doors. City Manager Boden shared they we have received the health insurance quote and will be bringing that back at the next meeting for discussion. Council members Johnson wanted to thank the local EMT, paramedics, PD and Drs for recent help.

 

The mayor read the proclamation recognizing the Veterans of Foreign Wars with the purchase of buddy poppies on November 1, 2024.

 

The mayor opened the public hearing on Urban Renewal Plan Amendment for the Southeast Urban Renewal Area. The clerk stated there were no oral or written comments received and the mayor closed the hearing.

 

Moved by: Lydon | Seconded by: Wiedner

To declare necessity and establish an Urban Renewal Area, pursuant to Section 403.4 of the Code of Iowa and approve Urban Renewal Plan Amendment for the Southeast Urban Renewal Area.

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

The mayor declared the motion passed and the clerk assigned number 24-134 to the resolution.

 

Moved by: Wiedner | Seconded by: Blocker

To approve the 1st reading of the ordinance amending the Code by changing the ATV/UTV Operation in City Park and Hours of Operation.

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

The mayor declared the motion carried.

 

Moved by: Lydon | Seconded by: Wiedner

To waive the additional readings of the ordinance amending the Code by changing the ATV/UTV Operation in City Park and Hours of Operation.

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

The mayor declared the motion carried.

 

Moved by: Lydon | Seconded by: Blocker

To adopt the ordinance amending the Code by changing the ATV/UTV Operation in City Park and Hours of Operation.

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

The mayor declared the motion carried and the deputy clerk assigned number 851 to the ordinance.

 

Discussion was had about changing the city’s election process. The ordinance would need to be amending if changed.

Moved by: Engrav | Seconded by: Wiedner

To eliminate having a runoff election.

Yes: 4 | Absent: 1 | No: 0

The mayor declared the motion carried.

 

Wagner discussed the details of the vehicle they would like to purchase for PD and noted the mileage on all their current vehicles.

Moved by: Lydon | Seconded by: Johnson

To approve the Karl Ford 2025 police Interceptor Utility AWD Base, outfitting from Karl Emergency Vehicles and laptop from Dell for a total of $66,698.28.

Yes: 4 | Absent: 1 | No: 0

The mayor declared the motion carried.

 

Strub discussed a grant the park and rec received which would cover costs for their department to have a park landscape design done. $9,000 in funds was given for the design.

Moved by: Lydon | Seconded by: Engrav

To approve the standard services agreement with Perez Planning & Design, LLC for $7,500.

Yes: 4 | Absent: 1 | No: 0

The mayor declared the motion carried.

 

Moved by: Engrav | Seconded by: Wiedner

To approve the proposal for additional services with Fehr Graham for West St. SW Improvements Project.

Yes: 4 | Absent: 1 | No: 0

The mayor declared the motion carried.

 

Ertl discussed with the council the options regarding working days for the West Street SW project.

Moved by: Lydon | Seconded by: Johnson

To approve pay estimate #3 for $61,007.00 to Skyline Construction for the West Street SW Improvements Project and to not grant additional working days.

Yes: 4 | Absent: 1 | No: 0

The mayor declared the motion carried.

 

Boden discussed tax rates and possibly raising water rates to 10% and have that instigated by the upcoming calendar year to take care of capital need. He also discussed a $2 per month increase in storm sewer rates.

Moved by: Lydon | Seconded by: Wiedner

To give direction to move forward with a 10% increase on water rates and $4 increase in the storm sewer rate per billing cycle.

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

The mayor declared the motion carried.

 

Under Public Comments: None

 

Moved by: Wiedner | Seconded by: Lydon

To enter Closed Session: Strategy meeting regarding employee union contract negotiations- exempt from Iowa open meetings law by Iowa Code Chapter 20.17 (3)

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

The mayor declared the motion carried.

 

Moved by: Engrav | Seconded by: Johnson

To exit closed session

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

The mayor declared the motion carried.

 

Moved by: Wiedner | Seconded by: Lydon

To enter open session

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

The mayor declared the motion carried.

Roll call was taken.

 

Moved by: Lydon | Seconded by: Engrav

To adjourn the meeting.

Yes: 4 | Absent: 1 | No: 0

The mayor declared the motion carried.

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