Spring Avenue spring leak, yard waste on streets and wastewater treatment facility among the numerous items discussed by Waukon City Council

by Joe Moses

The Waukon City Council met in regular session Monday, May 7 to discuss a variety of matters including a potential Street Department dump truck lease or purchase, yard waste and debris on City streets and the Spring Avenue spring leak. Mayor Pat Stone called the meeting to order, indicating that an agenda item involving a presentation from Emergency Management Coordinator Corey Snitker would be removed.

During Public Comment, Coordinator Ardie Kuhse with Waukon Economic Development Corporation (WEDC) discussed a request made at the April 16 City Council meeting for WEDC to conduct a presentation about its history and ongoing economic development activities. Kuhse and the council discussed setting a time before or after an upcoming council meeting or the possibility of a special session.

Eagle Scout candidate Charlie Waters of Troop 64 addressed the council with a project proposal to build a shelter by a trail at Waukon City Park and presented information regarding the project. Park and Recreation Wellness Director Jeremy Strub indicated that the Park and Rec Board has reviewed and approved the project. Waters agreed to file a building permit for the project.

Bob Irons discussed his property at 610 Fifth Avenue NW, stating that in developing an adjacent property, he would like to discuss options relating to which sewer line it can be connected to. Water and Sewer Superintendent Bob Campbell discussed issues relating to more than one home being connected to the same sewer line. Irons indicated that he will further consult with Campbell regarding city code and easement requirements to connect his property to sewer service.

Under Departmental Reports, Campbell advised the storm sewer water flow has been high due to the recent rainfall. Campbell discussed the former C-Mart property and indicated that it is important to have this property connected to water and sewer for development and as a possible location for a new police station.
Waukon Police Chief Phil Young discussed interviewing candidates to fill officer vacancies in the Waukon Police Department.

Strub discussed that the park and campground are now open and provided an update on some water leakage and repairs that will be done at the swimming pool. Strub indicated that some concerns have been raised about gophers at the airport. Council member John Ellingson indicated that anhydrous application on cropland commonly draws gophers to adjacent properties. The council was in agreement to not trap gophers at the airport, keeping the grounds near the runway clear of traps or debris in case of emergency landings near the runway.

City Manager Dean Hilgerson discussed working with Street Superintendent Keith Burrett on getting estimates for signs to replace faded and worn street signs. Hilgerson also indicated that following the results of the low-to-moderate income survey, Waukon can qualify for the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG).

Hilgerson also discussed a recent street light committee meeting and a recent presentation by a company that manufactures controls used in oxidation ditch wastewater treatment facilities. Hilgerson indicated that there are plans to tour the oxidation ditch water treatment facility in Dyersville, which will be comparable to Waukon’s new water treatment facility.

Under Regular Business, Hilgerson discussed the Street Department truck lease and indicated that the price quoted in March has since increased due to impending steel tariffs and price increases by vendors. Burrett indicated that the 2002 model year dump truck, the oldest of three dump trucks, is a medium-duty model that has had broken axle issues. The council discussed postponing the dump truck purchase and no action was taken at this time.

Hilgerson discussed the Street Department asphalt machine indicating that several companies have been contacted and that a demonstration has yet to be provided or offered. The matter was tabled by the council.

The council approved the request by Tim and Nicki Smedsrud at 26 Third Avenue NW for side yard setback variances. The council combined the next two agenda items for a single vote to approve the request by the Allamakee County Cattleman’s Association to conduct a grilling event on the sidewalk in the initial block of Main Street May 21 from 2-8 p.m. and the request by the Allamakee County Dairy Board to sell ice cream on the adjacent West Street May 21 from 3:30-8 p.m.

The Village Farm and Home high utility bill was discussed, with the council approving to keep the utility policy the same. Stone, Hilgerson and the council discussed improvements for City parking lots, agreeing to get bids for various resurfacing, patching and repairs.

Hilgerson discussed a potential property purchase agenda item, a matter previously proposed by a property owner as a potential site for a parking lot. Hilgerson indicated that he has been in contact with the Good Samaritan Society, an adjacent property owner, and that he has requested to meet with them regarding future parking plans that could involve them. The matter was tabled for discussion at a later time.

The council moved into the approval of the real estate acquisition in reference to the Wastewater Treatment Facility. Hilgerson advised that this is a necessary step in the State Revolving Fund (SRF) process with approval by the council being a requirement, which was granted by a unanimous vote.

A Waukon resident addressed the council regarding the pit bulls agenda item discussing a mixed breed dog that he believes has become a service animal, providing emotional support to his daughter, who has seen improvement in school grades over the three months they have cared for the dog with the whereabouts of the original owner being unknown at this time. The council discussed the City Ordinance relating to vicious dogs and prohibited breeds, which was put in place to protect the public, and related issues including the lack of certification for the dog as a service animal. The council agreed to make no changes to the existing ordinance but a 30-day grace period would be granted to allow the dog to be placed in a new home outside of city limits.

The council discussed various sidewalk-related matters, with Hilgerson agreeing to research estimates for a per linear foot cost to replace damaged sidewalks. The matter was tabled for discussion at the May 21 council meeting.

Hilgerson discussed the Spring Avenue spring leak, recommending that someone with professional expertise be involved in the digging process to investigate the situation. Hilgerson discussed the history of this location as being the site of a horse watering trough, with the natural spring still producing water, which may need to be diverted into the storm sewer as street repairs and improvements are made. The council approved getting bids to investigate and repair the Spring Avenue spring leak.

Senior Project Manager Lyle TeKippe with Fehr-Graham Engineering and the council discussed the First Avenue NW sub-surface soil testing. TeKippe recommended several contractors that have the necessary testing equipment for sub-base tests. The council approved to move forward with the sub-base testing.
Burrett discussed his list of streets needing core-outs, with the council approving to move forward with these projects.

Yard waste and debris on City streets was discussed by the council, with Mayor Stone indicating he recently received a request from a resident to stack yard waste in the boulevard. The council discussed the misconception that the City removes yard waste from the street throughout the year, instead of just a designated time during the fall season when leaves begin to fall. The council approved to publish a notice that no yard waste is to be left in the street.

The Personnel Committee was discussed with members to include council members Arvid Hatlan and John Lydon, Hilgerson and Stone, which the council approved to publish in the meeting minutes.

The  council discussed posting the Water/Sewer Superintendent position to be vacated later this year due to retirement, developing a written advertisement and a job description. The council also approved to post the employment listing with assistance from Campbell in developing the text. The council also approved the posting of the City Clerk position, also to be vacated later this year due to retirement.

The second reading of the ordinance amending sewer rates was approved. The third reading was waived with adoption being approved. The council approved May 21 as the date of the Public Hearing for the SRF Planning and Design Loan in the amount not to exceed $658,000 for improvements to the sanitary sewer system. The Resolution for the Direct Deposit for SRF Loan funds was also approved.

The DOT Street Project was discussed, with the council focusing on street lighting and related issues. Various options were discussed including reusing the existing light poles with new circuitry and LED bulbs or replacing existing light poles with decorative light poles. Kuhse discussed feedback from the business community supporting decorative lighting. The council discussed Alliant Energy’s commitment to service and maintain the existing light poles versus the positive cosmetic effect of decorative lighting with associated costs to the City. No action was taken.

Under Other Matters, Decker and Hatlan will follow up with Aveka regarding noise levels and take additional readings. Ellingson discussed policies and ordinances prohibiting the pumping of water on or near streets flowing into the storm sewer. Council member Ben Rausch discussed a recent Broadband Committee meeting.