Waukon City Council awards contract for wastewater treatment plant project, stands firm on $200 fines for snow removal violations despite concerns from residents

by Joe Moses

The Waukon City Council met in regular session Monday, December 17 to discuss a full agenda of items including police compensation, sidewalk snow removal and bids received for the new Wastewater Treatment Plant. The meeting began with a pair of public hearings.

The Public Hearing to review an application for a State Revolving Fund (SRF) loan and to make available contents of an Environmental Information Document (EID) and the City’s project plan was opened and closed without written or verbal comment. The Public Hearing for the proposed plans, specifications, form of contract and estimated cost of the Wastewater Treatment Plant Improvements Project was also opened and closed without written or verbal comment.

There was no Public Comment on any other matters either, and the council moved into Departmental Reports. Street Superintendent Keith Burrett indicated that tree trimming and vehicle maintenance have been ongoing.

Water and Sewer Superintendent Jim Cooper discussed that new hire Wyatt Blake began work that same day (Monday) and that a new sewer jet will be delivered soon. City Manager Dean Hilgerson read aloud a portion of an email from Park and Rec Wellness Director Jeremy Strub. Hilgerson indicated that Strub would not be in attendance at the meeting due to a schedule conflict. Strub’s email provided an update on youth and adult activities and the timeline for the tennis court project bid letting.

Hilgerson provided an update on the Hawkins property and indicated that the art project will be delivered and put in storage. Hilgerson also discussed the Department of Transportation (DOT) street project bid letting process with final cost estimates having been prepared, as well as his involvement in an upcoming budget workshop and the budget preparation process.

Under Regular Business, the Ordinance reducing the number of members of the Planning and Zoning Commission from seven to five was adopted.

The next five agenda items involving ordinances were combined into a single vote waiving the second and third readings with adoption. These included amending provisions pertaining to alcoholic beverage control, traffic regulations, cigarette and tobacco permits, repealing provisions relating to imprisonment for persons convicted of city code violations and imposing liability on the owner of any lot or parcel abutting on a public sidewalk for injury resulting from failure to maintain the sidewalk in a state of good repair.

The Resolution finally approving and confirming plans, specifications and form of contract for the Wastewater Treatment Plant Improvements Project was approved.

The Resolution awarding the contract for the Wastewater Treatment Plant Improvement Project was discussed. Hilgerson provided feedback on the bids received for the project, which were higher than earlier projections due to the positive state of the economy and a surplus of potential projects available to contractors. Hilgerson provided a recommendation of the low bidder, Wapasha Construction Co. of Winona, MN, at $11,232,861.61.

Project Engineer Lucas Elsbernd of Fehr Graham Engineering discussed factors affecting the higher than expected bids following a request for clarification from council member Gayle Decker. Council member John Ellingson proposed tabling the matter for discussion later in the meeting, with the rest of the council in agreement.

The matter was revisited later in the meeting, allowing the council additional time to review the bids, with Hilgerson advising that discussion for the new police station funding be put on hold with the Wastewater Treatment Plant funding needing to be solidified. The low bid from Wapasha Construction Co. was accepted.

The next several agenda items involved resolutions that were individually reviewed and approved by the council including compiling ordinances as a supplement to the Code of Ordinances of the City of Waukon, accepting work covering the Valley Trail Flood Repairs Project, delegating authority to certify delinquent municipal utility charges to the County Treasurer, the transfer of $2,715.37 from the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Housing Rehabilitation Fund to the General Fund and setting January 7 as the Public Hearing date for the DOT Street Project.

Resident Rob Johanningmeier addressed the council regarding sidewalk snow removal and the $200 fine he received following the Street Department having shoveled his sidewalk without notification. Johanningmeier indicated that he believed he had removed snow from the sidewalk in a satisfactory manner. Michelle Dickson expressed similar concerns regarding her sidewalk, snow removal, the $200 fine and lack of notification. Justin Piggott discussed similar concerns relating to a rental property that he owns.

Mayor Pat Stone provided some clarification on the ordinance requiring snow removal within 24 hours following a snowfall. Burrett discussed the timeline in these cases as being seven days following the last snowfall with an announcement being broadcast on local radio over the weekend prior to the Street Department moving forward with sidewalk shoveling on a Monday. Ellingson discussed publication of the ordinance in The Standard newspaper as notification to the public. Decker indicated that penalties should not be waived with this being a safety issue with residents needing to be able to traverse around the city in a safe manner. No action was taken by the council.

The appointment to the Board of Adjustment with a term expiring December 31, 2023 was briefly discussed but no action was taken. The resignation of Library Board member John Simmons was discussed with the appointment of Joey Lapel to finish the term expiring June 30, 2023 being approved.

The council approved to release the mortgage on land in the Industrial Park where a new federal building will be built.

The council moved into discussion of sidewalk ordinances and enforcement with council member Arvid Hatlan advising that city code needs to be enforced for sidewalks that are in disrepair. Ellingson discussed ordinances used in other communities involving quadrants, a one-year notice being provided prior to mandatory sidewalk repairs which are accomplished by a designated contractor for sidewalk repairs not fixed by property owners or a contractor of their choosing. The fixing of sidewalks in disrepair was discussed as a first step with residences without sidewalks to be addressed at a later time.

Hilgerson indicated that he will have a firm provide a presentation early next year regarding a sidewalk analysis and repair cost estimates.

Hilgerson discussed the Centurylink Line Volume Plan contract agenda item, indicating that contract discussions are taking place in an effort to reduce costs to the City. Hilgerson advised that he will be reporting back to the council regarding this matter soon.

The council approved the use of Tri-State Adjustments for debt collection relating to utility accounts past the five-year statute of limitation. Stone indicated that Waukon City Hall will also be closed Monday, December 24 for the Christmas holiday.

Police Chief Phil Young discussed the police compensation agenda item by providing feedback regarding challenges being faced in retaining officers who are choosing to join other police departments or the County Sheriff’s Department at a higher hourly wage. Assistant Police Chief Paul Wagner indicated that five officers have been with the Waukon Police Department for four or fewer years.

Stone indicated that Waukon needs to be more competitive from a compensation standpoint and retain officers. Stone recommended a $3 raise in the per hour wage for all officers to get them to a competitive pay rate. Ellingson advised that a percentage pay increase would be preferable.

Ellingson further discussed the benefits of a hierarchical graduated system rewarding officers based on rank and responsibility level and indicating that step increases are common in most civil service positions. Several Waukon Police Department officers were in attendance and provided feedback regarding compensation. Ellingson advised that the Union representative and attorney be involved in further discussion of this matter. The council approved to reopen Union negotiations with the Waukon Police Department with the intent to adjust wages.

Under Other Matters, Decker indicated that a closed session may be advisable for discussion of recommendations relating to the City Attorney and City Engineer. Decker clarified that he would like to have Hilgerson provide recommendations and options relating to these positions with continuity relating to the City Attorney being beneficial.

Hilgerson commended Elsbernd for his work related to the Wastewater Treatment Plant. City Clerk Lana Snitker discussed a budget amendment related to the Ambulance Trust Fund. Stone recommended adding the St. Patrick’s Day street closing to the next meeting agenda.