Waukon City Council forges ahead with new plan for Third Street NE project

by Dwight Jones

The Waukon City Council met in regular session the evening of Tuesday, February 19, delayed one day due to the President’s Day holiday. The full council was in attendance.
Under Regular Business, Howard Van Ruler with Waukon Economic Development Corporation (WEDC) was in attendance to announce that the group had decided on a buyer for the Ulring Building downtown, otherwise known as the “Building for a Buck”. He then introduced Tom Lewan, who provided a development plan and timeline which shows work starting with the downstairs rental units this spring with the entire project to be completed by May 2014. Lewan explained that he had overseen similar projects in Lansing, including TJ Hunters, the Safehouse Saloon and others. The Council showed support for Lewan’s plan, though no action was taken but will be at an upcoming meeting.
The Council then discussed the 2013 Street Improvements Project involving Third Street NE. Prior to this meeting, the Council held an informational meeting for property owners from that area regarding updated costs and assessments.  The Council is currently considering an 80%/20% cost share assessment with property owners paying the larger portion. The Council then approved the plans and specifications, and letters will be sent to property owners with details on the specifics of the assessment as it relates to them.
Next, the Council approved the plans and specifcations for the 13th Avenue SW Street Improvements Project, which will create a driveway that connects to the new Iowa Department of Transportation facility near the Industrial Park. The next step is for bid letting, which will be addressed at a future meeting.
City Attorney Jim Garrett then addressed the pending condemnation of the Bresnahan property. He explained that the appraisal had been received and the logical next step would be for the City to prepare a proposal. Condemnation rules state that an offer cannot be for less than the appraisal. The City will address the issue at its next meeting, and Garrett was going to determine if closed-session discussion would be appropriate.
The City’s property and casualty insurance is scheduled to renew in April, and three years ago when switching to Bieber Insurance from Leschensky Insurance the Council had discussed switching every three years between those two, the only insurance offices in Waukon that can sell the required coverage. The Council approved moving the coverage back to Leschensky, with Councilman Steve Wiedner voting against the change.  Coverage for the airport, which currently is with Bieber, will be put out for bid.
The U.S. Postal Service had contacted the City requesting to “test” a multi-compartment mailbox near City Hall that would include mail for several properties on the block. The concept would involve placing the units, similar to what are used in apartment complexes, etc., throughout the city. According to a councilman, the Postal Service’s five-year plan is to phase out most direct delivery (including residential) to be replaced by similar units.  The Council agreed to allow it to be installed pending placement approval.
The Council then approved a final pay request for a CDBG Homeowner Assistance Program payable to Kruse n’ Bries. Several resolutions were then approved for standard funds transfers and the meeting was adjourned.