Waukon City Council approves Police Chief retirement date, additional personnel, other matters discussed

by Joe Moses

The Waukon City Council met in regular session Monday, August 19 to address a full agenda of items including an interim compensation agreement for the City Manager position, retirement proposals for Police Chief Phil Young and a presentation from Upper Explorerland Regional Planning Commission. Mayor Pro-Tem Gayle Decker called the meeting to order due to the scheduled absence of Mayor Pat Stone.

The Public Hearing on the proposed disposition of interest in real property - West Side Subdivision Lot 1 of Lot 1 was opened and closed without comment from the public in attendance. City Clerk Lana Snitker indicated that no written or verbal comments were received prior to the meeting.

During Public Comment, Director Ardie Kuhse of Waukon Economic Development Corporation (WEDC) discussed Waukon Corn Days and thanked those that assisted with the event and the public that were in attendance. Kuhse commented that the Friday evening meal was a great success with children’s activities and family events throughout the weekend being well received.

Kuhse indicated the Allamakee County Housing Advisory Committee will be hosting a low income housing tax credit presentation in conjunction with Northeast Iowa Community Action Corporation (NEICAC) from 3-5 p.m. August 29 at Northeast Iowa Community College (NICC) in Calmar.

Kuhse explained that this presentation is open to the public, developers, lenders and those working in economic development and will provide a greater understanding of tax credits available.

Under Department Head Updates, Police Chief Phil Young indicated that an officer will soon be returning from police academy training. Young discussed the potential transfer of a crew-cab pickup from the Police Department to the Park and Recreation Department with the council in agreement.

Street Superintendent Keith Burrett discussed repainting crosswalks and the placement of stop signs in preparation for the new school year. Water and Sewer Superintendent Jim Cooper provided an update on the north water tower painting project which has experienced some moisture damage. Cooper indicated that paint samples have been sent in and that the primer is holding with the contractor creating a plan to repair damage while requesting that the paint be monitored over the next several seasons to verify the problem does not spread. Cooper also discussed the delivery of a sewer camera and associated training that is taking place.

Park and Rec Wellness Director Jeremy Strub indicated that the public swimming pool will be closing Wednesday, August 21 with the winterization process to begin shortly after. Strub indicated that two weeks remain of Music in the Park at the City Park Amphitheater with a “Waukon’s Got Talent” competition scheduled for Wednesday, September 4. Strub also provided an update on the tennis courts project indicating the first layer of asphalt will be applied soon with project completion being possible this fall.

City Manager Dean Hilgerson provided an update on the Wastewater Treatment Facility project indicating that concrete work is moving forward.

Under Regular Business, the council approved the second reading of the Ordinance reducing the number of Municipal Tree Board members from seven to three. The Resolution relating to the conveyance of interest in real property - West Side Subdivision Lot 1 of Lot 1 was approved.

The council individually reviewed and approved several financial matters including the Resolution to transfer from the Sewer Utility Fund to the Sewer Plant Improvement Fund for project costs, the Resolution to transfer from the General Fund to the City Hall Improvements Fund and the Resolution authorizing an internal advance to the Tax Increment Sub Fund.

Executive Director Rachelle Howe of Upper Explorerland Regional Planning Commission (UERPC) provided an overview of the multi-county organization’s history and work with city and county government in comprehensive planning, housing programs and grant writing.

Newly-hired City Manager Gary Boden discussed a proposal allowing him to assume that position on a part-time basis following the retirement of current City Manager Dean Hilgerson and prior to his contracted start date. Boden indicated that he would work a 20-hour part-time schedule for the three weeks following the Labor Day holiday with an hourly wage based upon the salary specified in his contract. The council approved the proposal.

Project Engineer Lucas Elsbernd with Fehr Graham Engineering provided an overview of the Wastewater Treatment Plant Project: Change Order #2. Elsbernd discussed the additional expense due to excavation and replacement of material. The council approved the change order. Elsbernd provided an overview of the next agenda item involving the Pay Application #3 for the same project relating to work completed by a contractor. The council approved the pay application.

City Attorney Jim Garrett provided an update on the Robey Memorial Library roof. Garrett indicated that a recent conversation with Cresco Building Service was very positive and that he is under the impression that they will make necessary repairs at no cost to the City and that they have agreed to follow up with Library Director Cate St. Clair. Garrett indicated that he will keep the council updated on this matter.

The council discussed the temporary closure of Second Street SW for gas testing. Council member Arvid Hatlan advised that testing of this nature may take less than the four days being requested. The council was in agreement to allow the temporary closure of Second Street SW.

Senior Project Manager Lyle TeKippe of Fehr Graham Engineering provided an update on the Plaza Project engineering. TeKippe indicated that the design process is progressing with plans to be completed before August 30 with the bid letting process and publication to follow. TeKippe indicated that the project could potentially be completed this fall.

Assistant Police Chief Paul Wagner discussed a proposal for a firewall and network security upgrade for the Waukon Police Department. Council member John Ellingson advised that a workstation and server upgrade need to be researched with the long-term needs of the Police Department being considered. Repairs to the current Police Department building were also discussed.

Hilgerson provided an update on the Iowa Department of Transportation (DOT) grant process for asphalt resurfacing of a portion of the Waukon Municipal Airport. Hilgerson discussed cost estimates in relation to quotes received and that an update on the matter may be provided at the next council meeting.

Hilgerson discussed potential streambank stabilization projects including an area south of the school and the Waukon Wellness Center in addition to another drainage location within Waukon. Hilgerson indicated that an assessment is a requirement to qualify for funding as a Department of Natural Resources (DNR) special water project with Northeast Iowa Resource Conservation and Development (RC&D) providing an assessment quote not to exceed $1,200. The council approved to move forward with the assessment by RC&D.

The council, Burrett and Kuhse reviewed several design and pricing options for downtown trash cans. Burrett provided a recommendation that garbage containers should include a side access allowing ease in changing garbage bags. The need for a design including a cover to prevent the accumulation of rain water within garbage bags and within the trash container was discussed. The matter was tabled to allow all council members to review the designs and quotes received thus far.

Hilgerson provided a brief update on the DOT Street Project indicating that milling was expected to start this week. Hatlan discussed some concerns and potential changes that may need to be made by the contractor relating to Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) accessibility and some crosswalks. Decker requested that Hilgerson view the crosswalks being discussed for potential follow-up with the DOT contractor.

The council moved into discussion of the policy relating to accumulated time, hours and compensation for police officers. City Clerk Lana Snitker indicated that by contract, this compensation is paid out at the end of the fiscal-year. Following discussion, no action was taken.

Proposals for the retirement of Police Chief Phil Young were reviewed by the council and Young. The council approved the proposal (Option C) with October 1 as Young’s final work day on the schedule, December 27 as his official retirement date and final paycheck January 2, 2020. The council approved the appointment of Wagner as Interim Police Chief as of October 1.

The council discussed that Tuesday, September 3 is the date of the next City Council meeting due to the Labor Day holiday. Prior to adjournment, the council briefly discussed performance reviews for the City Clerk, Street Superintendent and Water and Sewer Superintendent. The council approved to refer the matter to the Personnel Committee.