Appointment of Paul Wagner as new Police Chief, Luke Inglett as Assistant Chief among the variety of matters addressed by Waukon City Council

by Joe Moses

The Waukon City Council met in regular session Monday, October 21 to address a full agenda of items including Mayor appointments for Police Chief and Assistant Police Chief, a recommendation for computer and information technology services and discussion of soil and drainage issues at a proposed development.

During Public Comment, Director Ardie Kuhse of Waukon Economic Development Corporation (WEDC) advised that Tuesday, October 22 is Census 2020 Applicant Day at Robey Memorial Library with census representatives being available to discuss census-related employment opportunities. Kuhse discussed the importance of the census affecting funding for the county and representation in government.

Kuhse also advised that a candidate forum is scheduled for 7 p.m. Monday, October 28 at the Robey Memorial Library Community Room in Waukon. The public is invited to the forum, which will involve a moderated question and answer session with mayor and city council candidates for the City of Waukon on the ballot for the November 5 election (see shaded box below for additional information).

Under Departmental Reports, Interim Police Chief Paul Wagner discussed budget-related work and that there have been some recent weekend fighting incidents in the downtown area and that planning is taking place to combat these situations. Wagner indicated that an officer is currently attending a Smith and Wesson armory training which will provide a three-year certification for making repairs and providing maintenance on firearms.

Street Superintendent Keith Burrett indicated that fall leaf pick-up has begun as of the day of the meeting (Monday, October 21) and will continue until Thanksgiving or until the first snow accumulation. He reported that budget information for his department has been submitted.

Water and Sewer Superintendent Jim Cooper discussed that his department has been trained in the use of the new sewer camera. Cooper indicated that while attending this training in Dubuque, he learned that approximately 10 years ago Waukon had begun geographic information system (GIS) mapping and that he plans to utilize this tool, which will be beneficial to contractors as well.

Park and Rec Wellness Director Jeremy Strub provided an update on the tennis courts project indicating that due to the cold weather, the nets and surface portion of the project will be completed in the spring with lights to be installed yet this fall. Strub indicated that next week the City Park will be winterized.

City Manager Gary Boden provided an update on budget work that is ongoing. Boden discussed a potential 24% increase in health insurance costs next year and that a request for the City’s health insurance provider to make a presentation to the council has been made. Boden provided an update on several Planning and Zoning matters.

Mayor Pat Stone provided an update on matters relating to the sidewalk project in the southwest part of town and communication he has had relating to a proposed development owned by Maury Regan. Stone discussed attending a recent Veterans Memorial Hospital (VMH) Board meeting with council member Gayle Decker. Stone indicated that with the hospital’s recent audit, things appear to be moving in a positive direction. Stone advised that Jason Fish has decided to resign from the Planning and Zoning Commission and that two openings now exist on that committee.

The Public Hearing relating to the loan agreement not to exceed $1,660,000 for financing construction of street improvements and refunding the outstanding balance to the City’s General Obligation Corporate Purpose Bonds was opened and closed without comment. City Clerk Lana Snitker indicated that no written or verbal comments were received.

The Public Hearing relating to the loan agreement not to exceed $400,000 for the purpose of acquiring municipal buildings and renovating, improving and equipping municipal buildings was opened and closed without comment. Snitker indicated that no written or verbal comments were received.

The Resolution expressing intent to enter into the General Obligation Essential Corporate Purposes Loan Agreement and General Obligation General Corporate Purposes Loan Agreement was approved by the council.

The Wastewater Treatment Plant Project Pay Application #5 in the amount of $176,983.76 to Wapasha Construction Company was approved. The sign permit request by Josh Miller was also approved.

Boden addressed the next agenda item relating to hardware, software and information technology (IT) services from Wright Way Computers of Decorah. Boden indicated that two proposals have been reviewed and that a recommendation is being made to go with low bidder Wright Way Computers. Wagner discussed that as a small firm, Wright Way offers a customized approach to IT services with their bid including equipment, computers and labor. The council discussed the potential of extending the service contract to Robey Memorial Library in the future. The council approved the agreement with Wright Way Computers.

Options relating to the tillable land lease renewal for land in the northwest corner of town near the current water retention basin were discussed with the council in agreement that the lease be continued with the stipulation of hay or oats production only. The council approved to extend the lease offer on that basis.

Boden addressed the next agenda item relating to the request for direction from the Personnel Committee. Boden indicated that a City Hall salary study was discussed at a recent Personnel Committee meeting. Boden advised that a statistical analysis of similar positions and salaries within comparable communities could be used to provide an average and establish benchmarks. Boden indicated this process may take a few months for information gathering and analysis. The council approved to move forward with a comparative analysis of salary and benefits with a retroactive date of October 1 pending the results of analysis.

Stone addressed the Mayor appointment/selection agenda item relating to the Waukon Police Department in light of Police Chief Phil Young retiring. Stone indicated that Paul Wagner has now been appointed as Waukon Police Chief and that Luke Inglett is appointed as Assistant Police Chief. Wagner has served as Assistant Police Chief for the department since 2014 and Inglett has been with the Waukon Police Department since early 2018 and was previously an officer in Lansing.

The council moved into discussion of the proposed development on the north edge of the city, the north side of Sixteenth Avenue NW. This issue was previously discussed at the October 7 council meeting relating to a variety of matters including run-off and drainage issues, a culvert in right-of-way, petroleum-based millings in the right-of-way and a driveway not matching discussed plans.

Boden indicated that the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is planning to conduct a drone fly-over of the property with winds delaying this until Wednesday of this week. Boden discussed that the DNR has contacted property owner Maury Regan and provided recommendations to address concerns relating to top soil stabilization and water drainage.

The curb replacement at St. Patrick Church was discussed by the council. Burrett indicated that 118 feet of curb was replaced by St. Patrick Church and that a request for reimbursement from the City has been made. Following discussion, the matter died for lack of a motion.

Prior to adjournment, it was noted that a Special Session will take place Wednesday, October 23 at 6 a.m. relating to the rezoning of the property located at 808 Allamakee Street owned by Aveka Nutra Processing, LLC and adjacent to the existing plant facility. A public hearing will take place regarding changing the zoning district classification for that property from R-2 Single Family Residence to M-1 Manufacturing District.