October 3, 2022 City Council Minutes

The Waukon City Council met in regular session on October 3, 2022 at 7:00 P.M. in the council room of City Hall, 101 Allamakee Street and via Zoom technology. Mayor Pat Stone presided. Council members present: Kevin Johnson, John Lydon, Arvid Hatlan, Andy Sires and Steve Wiedner.  Council members absent: None. Others present: City Manager Gary Boden; Police Chief Paul Wagner; Water & Sewer Superintendent Jim Cooper; Assistant City Attorney Kevin Stinn (zoom); Street Superintendent Keith Burrett; Park, Rec & Wellness Director Jeremy Strub; Library Director Cate St. Clair; Finance Director Lana Snitker; Standard- Joe Moses; Fehr Graham – Lyle TeKippe; and citizens.

The Mayor called the meeting to order.

Moved by: Wiedner| Seconded by: Lydon

To approve the consent agenda.

  • Agenda
  • Minutes of September 19, 2022 regular session
  • Resolution – Agreeing to the transfer of $26,600 from the General Fund to the CDBG Housing Rehab Fund for contract costs for Owner-occupied Housing Rehabilitation Program, with the understanding that, when reimbursements are received through the Community Development Block Grant the amount will be paid back to the General Fund.  The Clerk assigned number 22-153 to the resolution.
  • Resolution – Agreeing to the transfer of $9,316 from the General Fund to the CDBG Housing Rehab Fund for contract costs for Owner-occupied Housing Rehabilitation Program, with the understanding that, when reimbursements are received through the Community Development Block Grant the amount will be paid back to the General Fund.  The Clerk assigned number 22-154 to the resolution.
  • Resolution – Agreeing to the transfer of $56,498.18 from the Sewer Revenue Fund to the Sewer Revenue Bond Sinking Fund for the principal/interest payment on the Sewer Revenue Bond, Series 2019 ($47,638.80) and Series 2021-$1M ($5,144.17) and Series 2021-$750K ($3,715.21). The Clerk assigned number 22-155 to the resolution.
  • Resolution – Agreeing to the transfer of $37,192.37 from the Road Use Tax Fund to the Capital Equipment Fund for dump truck purchase. The Clerk assigned number 22-156 to the resolution.
  • Resolution – Agreeing to the transfer of $9,958.51 from the Wellness Center Operating Fund to the General Fund for the Wellness Center employee share-reimbursement for September, 2022 payroll salaries. The Clerk assigned number 22-157 to the resolution.
  • Approval of pay request #2 for $9,316.00 to The Restyling Specialists for CDBG HSG Project – Vonderohe
  • Approval of pay request # for $26,600 to The Restyling Specialists for CDBG HSG Project – Ahlstrom
  • Approval of repair work on the canopy at Gundersen Clinic for $11,625.00.
  • Approval of variance requests: 103 1st Ave. SW and 511 2nd Ave. SW
  • Approval of purchase of Lot 8 of Waukon Industrial Park 3rd Addition for $49,325
  • Approval of entrance door estimate for City Hall project with Decorah Mobile Glass for $8,615.96.
  • Approval of Liquor License: Temporary premise update: Alcohol will be served in the Pavilion and can be carried into the Livestock Show barn for a benefit event held October 22nd – 23rd, 2022. Allamakee County Agricultural Society, 705 Allamakee St.
  • Approval of Class B Native Wine Permit (WBN), with Sunday Sales for Rain or Shine Treasures, dba Buck me Up Boutique & Gift, 5 E Main Street. (approval pending receipt of sketch)
  • Approval of Premises and Ownership Update for Rain or Shine Treasures, 3 E Main St. & 5 E Main St.
  • Approval of Changes for Updated Code of Ordinance
    • Chapter 1, section 1.10 – remove last sentence
    • Chapter 3, section 3.01 – no change
    • Chapter 7, section 7.03 (3&4) – no change
    • Chapter 7, section 7.07 (3 & 5) for #3 – Add Finance Director as well as the Mayor. For #5 add Finance Director or Department Head
    • Chapter 17, section 17.05 – Remove Fire Marshal, Health Officer, Water Superintendent, Sanitary Sewer Superintendent and Street Superintendent
    • Chapter 19, Health Officer – remove chapter
    • Chapter 24, Hospital Board of Trustees- no change
    • Chapter 25, Tree Board- remove chapter
    • Chapter 26, Airport Board – no change
    • Chapter 27, Airport Authority – remove chapter
    • Chapter 31, Reserve Peace Officers – remove chapter
    • Chapter 37, Fire Department – no change
    • Chapter 36, Fire Marshal – remove chapter
    • Chapter 46, section 46.01 (2) – no change
  • Approval of claims

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

The Mayor declared the motion carried.

 

Under Public Comments: None

 

Under Department Reports: Library Director Cate St. Clair thanked Chris Kerndt for standing in as interim director in her absence. She noted that there were 323 volunteer hours logged for 2021-2022 and they had 312 parents/kids logged for story time over the summer. Police Chief Wagner noted Assistant Chief Luke Inglett submitted his resignation and the department is hiring for an officer. Street Superintendent Keith Burrett stated he has heard from Tri State Truck regarding the dump truck.  Water & Sewer Superintendent Jim Cooper mentioned he and Mark Benda will be attending trainings this week in Dubuque. Park, Rec & Wellness Director Jeremy Strub briefed they have started looking for a truck for the department and talked about applying for an Alliant Energy grant for trees.

 

City Clerk Snitker noted she had someone contact her regarding a stop sign or children’s crossing sign being put up on 2nd Street NW.  Snitker had correspondence with someone from USDA regarding a grant for a utility vehicle. She also mentioned that when the work on the City Hall entrance starts that the drop box will be moved to the front entrance of the building and anyone who needs additional assistance due to the stairs can call in.

 

Mayor Stone discussed snow rates and asked if those will be an issue. Council member Lydon asked about lights downtown with Keith mentioning he has contacted the dealer about some bulbs to get them replaced.  Council Member Hatlan noted that there is a gas line underneath the City Hall entrance that will need to be re-run prior to the construction project taking place.  He noted that Black Hills Energy decided not to charge the City for that and they anticipate that work starting next week.

 

City Clerk Snitker discussed the Rural Housing Readiness Assessment and a need to establish a housing steering committee.

Moved by: Hatlan | Seconded by: Lydon

To approve the resolution establishing a temporary housing steering committee to support the rural housing readiness assessment initiative.

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

The Mayor declared the resolution passed.  The Clerk assigned number 22-158 to the resolution.

 

Moved by: Hatlan | Seconded by: Lydon

To adopt the ordinance amending the code of ordinances by changing where a permit for displaying merchandise on sidewalks can be obtained, to being done by the City staff.

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

The Mayor declared the ordinance passed.  The Clerk assigned number 821 to the ordinance.

 

City Clerk Snitker discussed the Merchandise Display Policy.

Moved by: Wiedner | Seconded by: Lydon

To approved the Merchandise Display Policy.

Yes: 5 | No:

The Mayor declared the motion passed.

 

There was discussion on agreements for the properties at 9 and 11 Allamakee Street.  Council Member Hatlan noted he would like to review the agreement before approving and it was discussed to hold a special meeting once the agreements were ready for review.

Moved by: Lydon | Seconded by: Wiedner

To approve the agreements for 9 and 11 Allamakee Street pending final review and approval by the City Attorney.

Yes: Lydon, Wiedner | No: Hatlan, Johnson, Sires.

The Mayor declared the motion failed.

 

Water/Sewer Superintendent Cooper discussed a quote for a lift station at the Waukon Mobile Home Community.

Moved by: Lydon | Seconded by Wiedner

To approve the estimate from Electric Pump of $41,700 for a lift station replacement at the Waukon Mobile Home Community.

Yes: 5 | No: 0

The Mayor declared the motion passed.

 

Water/Sewer Superintendent Cooper discussed a quote received on the Waukon Municipal Well #2 that listed costs that might occur if issues arise during inspecting the well.

Moved by: Lydon | Seconded by: Sires

To approve moving forward with the inspection on the well and the possible costs from Northway Well and Pump Co. that might occur if replacement or additional work is needed.

Yes: 5 | No: 0

The Mayor declared the motion passed.

 

There was discussion on the Allamakee County School Board’s request to change 6th Street NW back to a one-way with council being disappointed that no one came to discuss the request.

No action taken.

 

Moved by: Hatlan | Seconded by: Lydon

To adjourn.

Yes: 5 | No: 0

The Mayor declared the motion carried.

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