Waukon City Council addresses extensive regular session agenda

by Dwight Jones

The Waukon City Council met in regular session the evening of Monday, March 21 with the full council in attendance. The first item of business  involved the proposed annual insurance renewal by Jim Bieber with Bieber Insurance Agency.  The proposal was for the City’s policy covering buildings, equipment, workman’s compensation, etc. Bieber explained that the premium had risen by roughly $4,000 from last year. The Council approved the renewal, in addition to a proposed airport policy which is scheduled for renewal next month.
Rental property owner Matt Teslow was in attendance regarding a high water bill he had received at his property at 105 First Avenue SW. Teslow explained that the last bill of last year was somewhat higher than normal, and the first bill of this year was much, much higher (approximately six times larger) than normal. Teslow explained that he had had a local repairman go through the house, and though they had found a few minor leaks, etc., nothing was found that they felt could have produced the amount of water needed to reach a bill of that size. The culprit may have been an upstairs toilet with a known leak, but Teslow questioned whether it could have produced the water generated on the bill.
Water Superintendent Bob Campbell explained that it was possible, though doubtful, that the meter had “sped up”. It was agreed that the issue would be tabled and the meter sent in for testing before determining a next step. The Council does have a policy in place to handle situations such as this that offers some relief if the bill meets certain criteria, one being that the problem was located and repaired, which obviously is not yet the case in this matter.
The Waukon Golf and Country Club was next on the agenda with a similar request, with the difference being that they knew what their problem was (a broken pipe). The council approved a reduction of $100.06 per the above-mentioned policy.
The Council then approved a request by Mosaic for use of public property at the corner of Main Street and Spring Avenue June 1 from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. for a “foot traffic” promotional event.
Moving on, the Council addressed and approved the second reading of the ordinance amending provisions pertaining to the regulation of daycare centers under the zoning ordinance. No one on the Council had received any comments from the public regarding the issue, though one “grandfathered” provider had requested a conditional use permit be issued.
Next, the plans and specifications, notice of hearing and notice to bidders were all approved for the Northgate Lift Station Project, which is expected to be completed later this year.
Councilman Joe Cunningham then gave details on a proposed “burn” at the Waukon City Park to clear brush, etc. from select areas. Some of the land proposed for the burn was on land currently being leased by Waukon Economic Development Corp. (WEDC) to the City. Cunningham was proposing that the Council approve the burn, in addition to instructing City Attorney Jim Garrett to draft a more detailed lease agreement than the one currently held between the parties. The Council approved the requests.
Dennis DeBuhr, owner of Parkview Trailer Court, was in attendance asking the Council to consider taking over ownership of commercial water meters throughout the city. DeBuhr explained that all other entities providing metered service, such as gas, electric, etc., own their own meters. But within Waukon, though they own them on the residential side, the City does not own meters on the commercial/business side. Such meters are expected to be tested every two to three years, with each business owner being responsible for their own scheduling and testing, a scenario that could be handled much more cost effectively, in DeBuhr’s opinion, if the City owned and oversaw the meters. Campbell estimated that there are 40-50 such meters throughout the city, and provided a checklist of 10 items that he would suggest being addressed or completed before the City consider such a takeover. No action was taken and the issue was tabled for additional review.
Street Superintendent Randy Murphy then informed the Council of the apparent collapse of a very old segment of storm sewer at the Bev Needham residence, 207 Second Avenue NW. Murphy explained that though there was clearly the need for action to fix the problem, he “had no idea where to start or where it would end.” The Council asked Murphy and Engineer Lyle TeKippe to take a look at the project and provide them with additional details, including their proposed “fix” and cost estimate to complete the work needed. The storm sewer in question is constructed of rock and likely built 90-100 years ago.
Mayor Loren Beneke then explained that he had received a request from the County to repair or replace a portion of the sidewalk near the County Courthouse, but questions arose about who was actually responsible for the repairs, and no action was taken. The Council then re-appointed Frank Byrnes to the Airport Board.
Next, Cunningham proposed the Council consider a new, larger lawn mower for use by the Waukon Park and Recreation Department. According to Cunningham, the amount of grass required to be mowed continues to grow and the equipment being used is both old and undersized. Also, other departments, including the Street and Water departments, are currently required to mow areas within the city and it was discussed if it would be more feasible to move more of the mowing duties to the Park Department. Councilman Trent Mitchell questioned the spend during a time when money is tight, but Cunningham explained that it was just a proposal but having better equipment could very possibly end up saving money in the long run vs. increased labor hours needed to operate the undersized options currently in place. No action was taken, but the issue will be revisited at an upcoming meeting.
The Council then reviewed the procedures it will be using during the street assessment hearing scheduled for April 4 at 7 p.m. The City is planning to replace Third Avenue NW and is asking adjoining property owners to assist with the costs via an assessment.  Eighty-three letters were sent to affected property owners, and the Council is anticipating at least that many visitors at the meeting, which will provide as much information as possible to the property owners, including an opportunity for questions from the public.
The ongoing issue of noise around the Waukon Wellness Center was discussed to close out the meeting. The Council has been receiving proposed remedies for some time, and the consensus on this night was that some form of concrete block wall, filled with either sand or concrete, would likely be a good starting point, though no formal action was taken. The wall, similar to what is done along interstate roadways, was proposed by Rusty Berger, and the Mayor and Councilman Dave Sanderson will be visiting with Berger in the next week or two to gain more information.