Waukon City Council holds public hearings and approves changes on zoning classifications, approves hiring of Recreation Director

by Joe Moses

The Waukon City Council met in regular session Monday, July 18 with Mayor Pat Stone calling the meeting to order. There was no Public Comment and the meeting moved into Department Reports.

Water and Sewer Superintendent Jim Cooper provided an update on the Wastewater Treatment Plant. He discussed a planned open house for the public to view the new Wastewater Treatment Plant scheduled for Saturday, August 13 from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.

Cooper also discussed a repair of two sections of sanitary sewer on 4th Street NW. He noted that 10 manholes have been refurbished recently with a similar process to take place throughout the community each summer moving forward, and he advised that sewer jetting is taking place on the southwest side of town.

Police Chief Paul Wagner advised that he did not have anything new to report in addition to the agenda item he would address later in the meeting, but said he is available to answer questions from the council. Park, Recreation and Wellness Director Jeremy Strub advised that the Summer Recreation programs will be ending for the season with a youth tennis program taking place for the next few weeks in late July and early August (see Page 17 in this week’s edition of The Standard).

Strub said that a schedule for the remainder of the swimming pool season is being developed with many lifeguards also being involved in high school athletics, which may cause some modifications to that schedule. Strub also discussed that he and City Manager Gary Boden will be attending a meeting with a company in Dubuque relating to the development of a master plan.

City Clerk Sarah Snitker advised that she submitted a reimbursement request relating to the Community Catalyst Remediation Program Grant through the Iowa Economic Development Authority (IEDA) relating to the former JCPenney/Tierney building renovation project. Snitker also noted that a Des Moines Register’s Annual Great Bicycle Ride Across Iowa (RAGBRAI) meeting is scheduled for later in the week. She and the council briefly discussed a request for the Street Department to use the street sweeper on the parking lot near the former Mulligan’s location to help further clean up the area prior to the July 30 arrival of RAGBRAI.

Assistant City Attorney Kevin Stinn noted that he did not have anything specific to report but would be available to answer questions. Boden provided the City Manager’s Report and advised that the Street Committee had a productive meeting earlier that day. Boden advised that discussion took place relating to 4th Street NW plans for next year with the intersection of 4th Street NW and 8th Avenue NW to be addressed. He also discussed a recommendation from the Street Committee relating to the intersection of 2nd Street NW and 8th Avenue NW.

Boden advised that discussion has also taken place relating to sidewalks on 8th Avenue NW leading to Allamakee Street. He said Fehr Graham Engineering will prepare an addendum to this project and include cost estimates for the proposed sidewalks. Council member Arvid Hatlan and Boden further discussed 8th Avenue NW repairs and sidewalks.

Boden also updated the council about the downtown fiber optic installation scheduling change following a recent meeting with Allamakee Clayton Electric Cooperative. Boden advised the project has experienced a slight delay due to the trenching company’s workload with the installation still taking place this fall and some new users possibly not being hooked up to fiber optic until next spring.

During the City Council Report, Hatlan discussed feedback from residents relating to the one-way street next to East Elementary. Hatlan advised that many residents have recommended that this be changed to a two­-way street with the council agreeing to add the matter to the next meeting agenda.

Hatlan also discussed Water Department certifications and the employee handbook. Boden advised that these employees are required to complete certifications every five years with this requirement to be covered under department policy.

Council member Kevin Johnson briefly discussed the potential review of City Council member salaries, with the last pay raise for council members in Waukon having taken place in 2001. Johnson also discussed upcoming events with the Allamakee County Fair, RAGBRAI and Waukon Corn Days being scheduled within the next several weeks, with Johnson adding that he hopes to see everyone at these events.

There was no Mayor’s Report, with the meeting moving into the Resolution to set a date for the Public Hearing on the proposal to enter into an amended Sewer Revenue Loan and Disbursement Agreement and to borrow money not to exceed $10,850,000 with that Public Hearing date to be August 1, 2022 at 7 p.m. The council approved the Resolution as presented.

The council moved into the Public Hearing for the Ordinance Changing the Zoning District Classification for the Waukon-owned property on the 500 and 600 Block of 9th Street NW; parcel in the Northwest Quarter of the Southwest Quarter of Section 30, Township 98 North, Range 5 West. The Public Hearing was opened and closed with Snitker advising that no written or oral comments have been received.

The Public Hearing for the Ordinance Changing the Zoning District Classification of Lot 10 of Waukon Industrial Park 2nd Addition, Lot 11 of Waukon Industrial Park 2nd Addition and Lot 4 of Waukon Industrial Park 1st Addition. The Public Hearing was opened and closed with Snitker advising that no written or oral comments have been received.

The council moved into the next matter relating to the Ordinance Changing the Zoning District Classification for the Waukon-owned property on the 500 and 600 Block of 9th Street NW; parcel in the Northwest Quarter of the Southwest Quarter of Section 30, Township 98 North, Range 5 West. The First and Additional Readings with adoption of the ordinance were all approved by the council.

The Ordinance Changing the Zoning District Classification of Lot 10 of Waukon Industrial Park 2nd Addition, Lot 11 of Waukon Industrial Park 2nd Addition and Lot 4 of Waukon Industrial Park 1st Addition was next addressed by the council. Boden discussed the proposed change in zoning in those areas from industrial to business to better complement other nearby properties and businesses. The First and Additional Readings with adoption of the ordinance were all approved by the council.

Strub addressed the next matter relating to the hiring of Carter Duerkop as Recreation Director. Strub provided a recommendation to hire Duerkop, a recent graduate of Minnesota State University in Mankato, for this position at $18.57 per hour starting August 22 of this year. The council approved the hiring of Duerkop, who will replace former director Kim Kraus after she found employment elsewhere.

Wagner discussed the Police Department Training Contract agenda item. Wagner reported that Assistant Police Chief Luke Inglett has researched training options to fulfill the bi-annual continuing education requirements for the Waukon Police Department. Wagner added that continued education also covers bias and de-escalation training, among other educational topics. Following discussion, the council approved the contract with Police Legal Science, Inc. for the Waukon Police Department’s continuing education requirements.

Prior to adjournment, the council moved into Closed Session: Per Iowa Code Chapter 21.5 (1)(j) to discuss the purchase or sale of particular real estate only where premature disclosure could be reasonably expected to increase the price the governmental body would have to pay for that property or reduce the price the governmental body would receive for that property.