Waukon City Council issues proclamation regarding efforts during February 10 fire, discusses flashing beacons to improve pedestrian safety at crosswalks

by Joe Moses

The Waukon City Council met in regular session Monday, March 2 to address a full agenda of items including a proclamation relating to the fire at Gus and Tony’s Pizza and Steakhouse, a grant opportunity for lighted pedestrian signage and the purchase of a pothole repair machine.

During Public Comment, Director Ardie Kuhse of Waukon Economic Development Corporation (WEDC) discussed the Waukon Chamber of Commerce Banquet taking place the evening of Saturday, March 7 with awards to be presented for Person of the Year and Business of the Year. Kuhse indicated that a new chamber director has not yet been named with the application process ongoing.

Under Department Reports, Director Cate St. Clair of Robey Memorial Library provided an update about the completion of 45 continuing education credit hours for her recertification as director and the library’s accreditation process with paperwork submitted as of the end of February. St. Clair indicated the three-year cycle for recertification and the four-year cycle for accreditation coincided this year with Robey Memorial Library having the distinction as a tier 3 library, meeting the highest standards for accessibility, patron programming, opportunities, materials, technology levels and staff certification. St. Clair presented copies of the library’s March newsletter to council members and discussed the availability of DVDs at the library.

Water and Sewer Superintendent Jim Cooper reported that employee Mark Benda has passed his Grade 1 water distribution and wastewater certifications with only his Grade 1 water treatment certification remaining and that employee Wyatt Blake will be attending classes in April for Grade 1 wastewater certification. Cooper advised that the first 500 yards of the oxidation ditch will be poured Tuesday, March 3 at the new wastewater treatment facility.

Street Superintendent Keith Burrett reported the street sweeper will be used this week to clean sand from streets if weather permits, with other maintenance projects also to be addressed.

Police Chief Paul Wagner discussed a grant that could potentially replace the Special Traffic Enforcement Program (sTEP) grant. Wagner also reported that eight applicants for the administrative assistant position were interviewed last week and that two portable breath testing units (PBT) through sTEP have arrived.

Mayor Pat Stone reported that City Manager Gary Boden was not present at the meeting due to a recent injury. The council moved into the Ordinance adding an exception to the all-night parking prohibition for a portion of Seventh Street SW. The second and third readings were waived with adoption being approved.

Mayor Stone read aloud the Resolution proclaiming the gratitude of the Waukon community for services in connection with the Gus and Tony’s Pizza and Steakhouse fire that took place February 10. The proclamation recognized the efforts of volunteers, fire fighters and law enforcement in rescuing individuals and protecting structures to the extent possible.  The efforts of private individuals including Dan Mathis and Barry Nobles, employees of A-OK Well Service, were mentioned as rescuing, at some risk to themselves, the endangered occupants of the structures. The proclamation was approved by the council.

Brooke Troendle with Walk-On Waukon discussed the recommendation received through the Wellmark Healthy Hometown walking audit for rapid flashing beacons (RFB) for improved pedestrian safety at crosswalks. Troendle indicated that Walk-On Waukon is working on funding for the next phase of sidewalk projects with RFBs being an additional project the group is pursuing in the meantime. Troendle discussed six potential locations for the lighted signage, a grant through the Iowa Department of Transportation (IDOT) that may help fund this project and the recommendation from Police Chief Wagner to place RFBs at school crosswalks. Troendle also advised that Wagner recommended the use of pedestrian-initiated RFBs requiring the use of a button rather than utilizing constant flashing lights. The council and Troendle discussed the City’s application for this grant and timeline requirements.

Executive Director Rachelle Howe of Upper Explorerland Regional Planning Commission (UERPC) discussed grant opportunities she was made aware of by Trisha Shelton of Veterans Memorial Hospital (VMH). Howe further explained that these grant opportunities relate to technology and equipment but may need to be on hold due to the status of the former Mayo Clinic building. Howe requested that the City of Waukon be the applicant on behalf of VMH relating to grants with the council approving.

Project Engineer Lucas Elsbernd of Fehr Graham Engineering provided a brief update relating to the proposal for the lift station at Hidden Creek Estates and the agreement for professional services. The council approved the proposal and agreement. The lift station at Hidden Creek Estates was previously discussed at the February 17 council meeting with extensive work being necessary at this site due to aging equipment with parts being difficult to acquire.

The council approved the final payment relating to work completed for the Waukon Industrial Park Sidewalk Project by Roger Mohn. The St. Patrick School Peddlers and Solicitors License Application was approved. The council also approved the agreement for the purchase of land and the termination of land lease of the former Mayo Clinic property.

The council moved into the Street Department Durapatcher agenda item with City Clerk Lana Snitker indicating that Road Use Tax and the General Fund would be used for this purchase of a pothole repair machine. Burrett indicated that an unused 2018 model year Durapatcher is available at a cost of $63,377.27. The council approved the purchase.

The Urban Revitalization Program Application for Property Tax Exemption by Mike and Shawna Sweeney was reviewed and approved. The council also approved Monday, April 13 at 6 p.m. as the date and time for the next town hall meeting.

Council member John Ellingson addressed the next agenda item relating to the review of duties of City officials. Ellingson discussed some redundancies in responsibilities between the city manager, mayor and city council. Ellingson recommended that in the absence of a city manager, these responsibilities would revert back to the city council or mayor as previously assigned. The type of government utilized by Waukon was discussed by the council with City Attorney Jim Garrett indicating that approximately 90% of city governments in Iowa use a similar type of government. Ellingson recommended continuing the review of this matter in late April.

The council moved into closed session to discuss strategy pertaining to employee union contract negotiations exempt from Iowa open meeting law by Iowa Code Chapter 20.17 (3). When the council returned to open session, the hiring of Tyler O’Neill as street maintenance worker at $15.96 per hour was approved.