September 11, 2023 City Council Minutes – Special Session

The Waukon City Council met in special session on September 11, 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: Andy Sires, John Lydon, Kevin Johnson and Steve Wiedner.  Council members absent: Dave Blocker.  Others present: City Manager Gary Boden; Police Chief Paul Wagner; Street Superintendent Keith Burrett; Troy Gress; Standard – Joe Moses; and citizens.

The Mayor called the meeting to order and everyone read the pledge of allegiance.

 

The Mayor noted this discussion is relating to nuisance abatement procedures with Clerk Snitker stating a resident called in with the following comments: they wondered about people parking their cars in their yards for long periods of time and mentioned that we need to make sure our ordinances are being enforced and done fairly.

 

Police Chief Wagner discussed the current operating procedures the Police Department has been following regarding grass, weed and other vegetation abatement.  There were questions asked from citizens in attendance about enforcement. It was also addressed that the City has property with long weeds that they believe should be addressed. Lengthy discussion was had regarding who should be in charge of determining nuisances and enforcing them. City Manager Boden noted there is not staff available for the amount of time it takes to do nuisance abatement and there currently are not funds available to hire someone specifically just for that task.

 

Mayor Hatlan was going to discuss further with the Park and Rec department as Troy Gress noted they should have availability to take on the abatement work for nuisances relating to grass, weeds and other vegetation. There was discussion about having someone check into other nuisances and relate those back to someone for enforcement.

 

There was discussion on how snow is currently being removed in the downtown business district with council wanting to check how the City of Decorah does removal and discuss this item at the next council meeting. Our current ordinance says the City can establish a fee by resolution to charge the B-1 business district if the City removes snow that businesses deposit on public streets or parking lots. It was also discussed that enforcement of sidewalk snow removal needs to start upon the first snowfall and for the public to be aware that will occur. Council would also like to address bill relief at the next council meeting.

 

Under public comments: Chief Wagner reminded everyone there will be an E-911 meeting on Wednesday night at 7PM at the Sheriff’s office.

 

Moved by: Lydon | Seconded by: Sires

To adjourn.

Yes: 4 | Absent: 1 | No: 0

The Mayor declared the motion carried.

City Council 2023 Minutes
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