Waukon City Council will enforce 24-hour snow removal ordinance, approves on split vote completion of grant funding application for former Tierney building

by Joe Moses

The Waukon City Council met in regular session Monday, February 19 to address a full agenda of items, including the final application for the Catalyst Grant, a letter of support for the Walk On Waukon committee and the former Tierney building structural integrity inspection results.

Mayor Pat Stone called the meeting to order with approval of the current meeting agenda and meeting minutes of the February 5, 2018 regular session. During Public Comment, Coordinator Ardie Kuhse with Waukon Economic Development Corporation (WEDC) discussed the 2015 City of Waukon Comprehensive Plan as being a resource for the Council in terms of economic development and tourism and shared copies of the plan’s goals.

Under Departmental Reports, Park and Rec Wellness Director Jeremy Strub discussed that youth soccer will be starting and that advertisements for summer employment will be running in the newspaper. Strub discussed the heating system in the Wellness Center and that another estimate was received for the replacement of the non-functioning heat exchangers but was higher than the previous estimate from Winona Controls, Inc.

City Manager Dean Hilgerson provided an update discussing the publication of the Request for Proposal (RFP) for the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) writing and application. Hilgerson indicated that the RFPs that are received will be evaluated by a committee. Hilgerson also advised that the Iowa Department of Transportation (IDOT) 2019 Street project meeting will take place Thursday, March 8 at 5 p.m. at the Waukon Wellness Center. Hilgerson advised that he and Water and Sewer Superintendent Bob Campbell will be part of upcoming tours of oxidation ditch wastewater treatment facilities in anticipation of the construction of a new wastewater treatment facility in Waukon.

Under Regular Business, Executive Director Val Reinke with Allamakee County Economic Development (ACED) and Regional Planner Ashley Christensen with Upper Explorerland Regional Planning Commission (UERPC) provided an overview of the Allamakee County Housing Survey and information specific to Waukon. Reinke and Christensen discussed that this data and analysis will be beneficial for grant applications and will assist developers and stakeholders in developing strategies for housing improvement in Waukon. The Allamakee County Housing Survey data and analysis can be viewed at www.uerpc.org/allamakee-co-housing-study.html.

Maps indicating vacant lots in north and south Waukon were used by Reinke to show areas that could be developed with existing infrastructure likely in place. Other maps displaying focus areas were also utilized by Reinke in discussing homes with the potential for rehabilitation. Council member Gayle Decker discussed that from a business standpoint, rehabilitation of houses can be difficult in turning a profit and that non-profit organizations and programs may be an avenue to pursue. Reinke discussed low income housing programs that have been successful in other counties that also have similar potential to benefit Allamakee County.

Investment Banker/Managing Director Travis Squires with Piper Jaffary presented information about financing options for the new wastewater treatment facility. Squires discussed the $8.6 million project, $9 million adjusted for inflation, and multiple revenue scenarios involving water rate increases, tax increment financing (TIF) and the CDBG involved with the yearly financing strategy to be used by the City of Waukon. The Council approved the Municipal Advisor Agreement and set March 12 at 7 p.m. as a special session to discuss sewer rates.

The Council moved into discussion of the former Tierney building’s structural inspection. City Clerk Allen Lyon discussed the Catalyst Grant process with the pre-application completed and approval of the final grant application being needed from the Council. Hilgerson indicated that the building will need $60,000 of repair work to be determined structurally sound. Decker expressed concerns with the required matching funds for the $100,000 Catalyst Grant and additional costs related to structural repairs. Decker motioned to not proceed with the final grant application, which did not carry with a vote of 2-3. The Council approved to proceed with the final grant application with a vote of 3-2.

The grant writing contract with Northeast Iowa Resource Conservation and Development Inc. (RC&D) was discussed by the Council. This contract involves grant development and writing assistance for the State Revolving Fund (SRF) Clean Water Sponsored Projects Program and involves a $750 upfront writing fee and a two-percent fee from any subsequent SRF grant award. The grant writing contract was approved.

The Council moved into the Aveka Nutra Processing facility update regarding noise and odor reduction. Council members Arvid Hatlan and Decker discussed recent work that has been completed at Aveka. Decker indicated that the silencer has been re-installed in the smokestack resulting in noise reduction, meeting the deadline set for the February 19 Council meeting. Hatlan discussed that the humming noise from the Aveka facility could not be heard from his residence, indicating improvement.

Lyon discussed the bid letting results for the Green Valley Bridge project with Brennan Construction of Lansing bidding $724,106.00, Icon Constructors, LLC of Mabel, MN bidding $934,882.00 and Skyline Construction of Decorah bidding $597,917.09. The bid amount from Iowa Bridge and Culvert LC of Washington was incomplete due to a missing TSB form and was not read aloud or considered. The Council approved the low bid from Skyline Construction.

The Council discussed the liquor license refund for Susan Grotegut of the Waukon Vet’s Club. The Council approved a refund of $308.75.

Hilgerson discussed the letter of support that has been drafted for the Walk On Waukon committee which will aid in their pursuit of grant opportunities benefiting trails, walking spaces and participation in the Iowa Walking College educational and fellowship program. The Council approved the letter of support, which does not involve a financial commitment.

The Council discussed the Development Agreement with Mike Snitker at First Street SW. The Council approved to complete 60 feet of curb and a small section of asphalt to be completed no later than July 1, 2018.

Snow removal from sidewalks was discussed, with the City ordinance requiring snow removal within 24 hours of snowfall. The Council agreed the ordinance will be enforced, with the property owner being contacted and habitual offenders will have their sidewalk shoveled at a $200 per incident charge.

Waukon Police Chief Phil Young discussed the recent resignation of an officer and the need to advertise the vacant position. The Council and Young agreed to widen the search due to a limited number of applicants received for another recent vacancy that has since been filled. The Council agreed that vacation will be paid out to the officer that resigned pursuant to the Union contract.

Under Other Matters, Lyon discussed research into accepting credit card payments at City Hall, online bill payment and potential website changes. Hilgerson discussed potential street projects and the potential purchase of a truck for the Street Department.