Waukon City Council discusses changes due to COVID-19, including waiving late fees and disconnects for water/sewer

by Joe Moses

The Waukon City Council met in regular session Monday, April 6 via Zoom web conferencing software in response to COVID-19 restrictions and guidelines prohibiting public meetings with more than ten attendees. There was no Public Comment during that portion of the meeting.

Mayor Pat Stone began the meeting with the removal of an agenda item and approval of the amended agenda by the council. The council moved into the next matter with Stone reading aloud the proclamation declaring April 2020 as Sexual Assault Awareness Month.

The council moved into Department Reports. Police Chief Paul Wagner reported that the Iowa Law Enforcement Academy (ILEA) has shut down in response to COVID-19 and as a result Waukon Officer Fallon Cassidy has not completed in-person training but will be completing her training through webinars and hands-on training sessions through nearby agencies with an anticipated April 17 graduation date.

Street Superintendent Keith Burrett indicated that his department has moved to a four-day 10-hour work week and that the Street Department Shop is closed to the public. Burrett discussed that work is ongoing relating to street sweeping and other maintenance projects.

Water and Sewer Superintendent Jim Cooper indicated that a fire hydrant north of the former Shopko building was struck by a vehicle last Friday night with an isolation valve stopping the leak but a permanent repair and expense expected in the near future. Cooper also provided an update relating to the Hidden Creek lift station, indicating its emergent status allows the for the waiving of the typically required bid letting process for the project.

Park and Rec Wellness Director Jeremy Strub reported that the Waukon Wellness Center is closed until the end of the month and that he is working with the school district in closing outside playgrounds per State guidelines during the COVID-19 pandemic. Strub suggested that youth activities will be coordinated with the school district if students are able to return May 1. Strub advised that Wellness Center memberships were not charged for the month of April and that work continues with a limited crew in the City Park with other Park, Recreation and Wellness staff not currently working.

During Strub’s update, council member Gayle Decker advised that the campground area would need to be closed in the City Park following the most recent order issued by Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds. Strub clarified that the Governor’s recent directive does not apply to long-term or permanent residents, as there is currently one camper, a health care worker employed at the Good Samaritan Center, who has been approved for a two-month stay at the campground under a previous arrangement. In response to council questions, Strub also advised that outdoor spaces, such as trails, in the City Park are open to the public.

City Manager Gary Boden advised that work at the Hy-Vee Dollar Fresh store, the former Shopko location, will begin this week with work to begin at The Plaza in downtown Waukon scheduled to start in a week. Boden updated the council about a current nuisance abatement issue with ongoing communication taking place with a property owner.

Under City Council Reports, council member John Ellingson indicated that some bricks have fallen from the Spring Avenue Pub building in downtown Waukon with Burrett agreeing to barricade the area as a safety precaution. Council member Arvid Hatlan indicated that work may have begun at the Hy-Vee Dollar Fresh location with several contractor vehicles having been seen in the building’s parking lot recently.

Boden addressed the next agenda item relating to a Resolution establishing and implementing a stepped pay plan for full-time Department of Public Works employees. Boden discussed that this resolution was developed per direction received in closed session with an Assistant Street Superintendent position to be added with an effective date of July 1. The Resolution was approved by the council.

City Attorney Jim Garrett addressed Kolby Martin’s request to have a service dog at his residence. Garrett indicated that Martin has acknowledged that the dog is a pitbull breed, which is prohibited under City Code. Ellingson questioned whether the dog would be considered a therapy or companion animal or if it would be considered a service animal, in essence a medical device, that is trained to perform a physical task under the guidelines of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). The council agreed to table the matter until documentation is received verifying the dog is considered a service animal.

Wagner discussed the proposed installation of rectangular rapid flashing beacons (RRFB) at several crosswalks. Wagner reported that he met with an Iowa Department of Transportation (IDOT) official per the request of Brooke Troendle of the Walk-On Waukon group. Burrett and Wagner discussed that grant opportunities to support this project are being researched by Walk-On Waukon. Wagner recommended the RRFB with pedestrian-activated flashing beacons as being more effective than continuously flashing lights in making motorists more aware of the need to yield to pedestrians in crosswalks. Wagner described the RRFB models being pursued as being solar powered. The council approved to support the RRFB project.

Cooper provided an overview of the next agenda item relating to the Bobcat/Toolcat trade for the Water and Sewer Department. Cooper indicated that a trade-in has been scheduled every two years as a budgeted expense. Cooper reported that the $8,500 cost includes a new bucket at $1,600 as a necessary replacement. The Bobcat purchase with trade was approved by the council.

Boden addressed the next matters relating to COVID-19 issues including discussion of City budget financial implications. Boden indicated that revenue this fiscal year would be as projected and discussed trends relating to road use tax (RUT) and local option sales tax which may see a decrease in the next fiscal year. Boden discussed water and sewer billing practices being used elsewhere during the COVID-19 pandemic including the waiving of late fee penalties. Following discussion, the council approved to waive water and sewer late fee penalties for the quarter of April through June and to not disconnect those services during this quarter.

Boden and the council discussed contracting duplex subdivision design work. Boden indicated that there is interest from members of the public in the proposed subdivision project but recommended that some caution may be in order in the current climate and unpredictability of the housing market in the next six months. Boden suggested holding off on the project temporarily. The council agreed to table the matter until the first council meeting in July.

Wagner discussed the potential use of the FirstNet phone service for the Waukon Police Department. Wagner provided an overview of FirstNet, which is a service that prioritizes emergency and first responders on cell towers with infrastructure being developed by AT&T. Wagner indicated that 100% coverage for this service is expected to be accomplished in the next two years and provided some cost figures associated with changing the police department’s phone service to AT&T in order to take part in the service. It was suggested Wagner gather further information on the matter for additional consideration.

The council discussed the competitive bid sale of a City-owned property on Second Street SW. Stone recused himself from the discussion due to a potential conflict of interest. Boden indicated that Stone may have interest in purchasing the property. Following discussion, the council agreed that selling the property through public auction was the proper protocol to follow.

The leasing of 60,000 square feet at $500 per month effective May 1 for the Hawkins property was next addressed by the council. Boden discussed that a commitment has been made to lease this property for the storage of City equipment and the opportunity exists to lease an additional 60,000 square feet, 120,000 square feet in total at $1,000 per month, for five years and two months. Boden suggested that this would provide needed storage at a value. The council approved to have Boden prepare the lease for 120,000 square feet at $1,000 per month for council review.

The council agreed to postpone the town hall meeting originally scheduled in April until further notice due to concerns relating to COVID-19.

Public surveillance cameras were also discussed by the council. Council member Gayle Decker questioned why recent placement of surveillance cameras in certain areas was not discussed by the council. Stone indicated that a couple of cameras were placed in high crime areas and this was not a publicized decision. The council discussed the potential liability to property owners if surveillance cameras were to cause damage or ignite a fire. Garrett indicated that liability concerns and electricity use could be resolved through a written agreement with the property owner.

A potential City policy relating to surveillance cameras was discussed. Garrett advised that the City can establish guidelines but surveillance cameras are commonly being used without legal issue. Decker motioned to turn off existing cameras until the City has a policy in place, and that motion was approved by the council.

The council discussed how to move forward with Boden’s six-month evaluation as City Manager. Using the Personnel Committee for such an evaluation was suggested with the council deciding to use evaluations by department heads and council members. Decker and council member Ben Rausch agreed to receive the completed evaluation forms to be used for further consideration.

Prior to adjournment, Stone expressed concerns relating to surveillance cameras not being used until a City policy is adopted. Stone stated, “In the meantime, I hope something does not happen where camera footage would have been helpful.”