Waukon City Council holds regular meeting

by Dwight Jones

The Waukon City Council met in regular session the evening of Monday, November 1. Councilman Steve Wiedner was absent due to illness.
Under Departmental Reports, Water and Sewer Superintendent Bob Campbell questioned the Council on the possibility of hiring another full-time member for his department. Due to current workloads and the amount of time it takes someone to get enough experience to pass testing requirements, Campbell thought it was time to get someone hired. The Council asked Campbell to advertise the opening to begin the hiring process, which will be handled under terms of the current union contract.
Moving on to Regular Business, the first item was to review bids for work on the Waukon Sports Field Project. The low bidder was Skyline Construction in the amount of $77,921.66, and they were awarded the bid. Work could begin soon, but due to possible weather issues, is not scheduled for completion until early May 2011.
The ongoing issue of noise near the Waukon Wellness Center was then again discussed. Though the Council had little new to discuss, Tami Onsager, who is part owner of a property in the area, had much to say. Onsager told the Council that they “have a nuisance ordinance, and I’m asking you to enforce it”, basically upon themselves for the noise the heating and cooling system creates, adversely affecting their property. She also read text from the “disorderly conduct” ordinance, and felt that it was relevant in this situation as well.
Councilman Joe Cunningham questioned Onsager on the current occupancy situation with the home, and when it may be occupied again. After discussion, the Council agreed to continue to address the issue and find a resolution.
Danielle Bucknell, Director of the Wellness Center, was in attendance and asked the Council for permission to run ads for snow removal at the Center, which was approved. Bucknell also gave the Council information on problem areas for snow, including the sidewalk on the south side and the stairwells for the emergency fire exits. Snow fence will be tried for the sidewalk, and Bucknell will talk to a contractor about a tarp or cover for the emergency exit stairwells which would still allow them to be used in an emergency but will be much easier to maintain.
Next, Campbell explained that all of the emergency sirens in town are now working after some recent repairs were made. He also provided cost estimates for updating the system, though no action was taken at this time. Beginning this coming Thursday, November 4, the Council will begin monthly testing of the siren system at 10 a.m. Similar tests will be scheduled for the first Thursday of each month forthcoming. The City will have individuals listening, so the public is not required to call to report working or problem sirens during the test periods.
The Council then approved a payment in the amount of $64,277 for its share of road work around the new Iowa Department of Transportation building in southwest Waukon. According to Cunningham, the amount was much less than anticipated.
City Engineer Lyle TeKippe then provided the Council with three cost estimates for work on Third Avenue NW. The estimates that were provided involved three areas – Allamakee Street to First Street, First Street to Second Street and Second Street through Ninth Street. The Council asked for clarification on some things and will review the numbers. TeKippe will be getting measurements done for the project, which is much easier to do before the snow flies. Possible curb and gutter assessments were also discussed. All will be discussed at an upcoming work session November 29.
The Council then approved the expenditure for professional services for TeKippe Engineering for the 2011 Street Improvements Project and Lift Station Improvement Project. Approval was also given to the ordinance making a portion of Fifth Street NW no parking. The Council waived the final two readings and adopted the ordinance, making it effective immediately.
Moving on, the Council temporarily approved a cable television antenna for Al Burg. Once Burg’s current contract ends with his cable provider, approximately six months from now, the antenna will be removed.
The Council then approved sidewalk signs for Design, Inc. and Hair, Mind and Body Salon and Day Spa. These are the first signs approved under the City’s new temporary sign ordinance.
Two issues originating from the Planning and Zoning Board were then discussed. These included pools and/or ponds and how they could be regulated, and daycares. Zoning Administrator Al Lyon provided the Council information on both, and no action was taken. The P&Z Board will continue to develop clarifications for the monitoring and regulations for both.
The Council then approved expenditures for its annual audit and a TIF report. Following the approval of four internal advances for various projects, the meeting was adjourned.