Waukon City Council will consider surcharges, shutting off water to properties that do not allow water meter upgrades
by Joe Moses
The Waukon City Council met in regular session Monday, December 5 to address a full agenda of matters including discussion of water meter replacement charges, a presentation relating to electric vehicles and an update relating to the Allamakee County Hazard Mitigation Plan.
There was no Public Comment and the meeting moved into Department Reports with Water and Sewer Superintendent Jim Cooper providing an update. Cooper advised that the water meter replacement and installation process is moving forward. He also discussed a water treatment process taking place at the Wastewater Treatment Plant. Council member Arvid Hatlan made note of positive feedback that he has received relating to the professionalism of the contractor performing the water meter installations in Waukon.
Park, Recreation and Wellness Director Jeremy Strub discussed a recent meeting with MSA Professional Services, the company contracted by the City of Waukon to provide services relating to planning, engineering and market research relating to park and recreation comprehensive planning. Strub noted that it was a good meeting and start to this process with a survey scheduled to go out to the public in the next few weeks. Strub also discussed some changes relating to the recruitment and advertising to take place for summer lifeguard positions. He advised that these positions will be advertised starting yet this year (see Page 31 in this week’s edition of The Standard) in anticipation of lifeguard classes to start earlier in 2023 in an effort to increase the number of lifeguards for the summer season.
City Clerk Sarah Snitker advised that a Housing Committee meeting took place last week relating to the Rural Housing Assessment. Snitker noted that 180 surveys were completed as part of this process with those results to be shared soon. She noted that the contractor is anticipated to perform some clean-up in mid-December at the fire damaged buildings on Allamakee Street with unstable portions of wall next to the sidewalk likely to be addressed first.
Assistant City Attorney Kevin Stinn noted that he did not have anything specific to report but would be available to answer questions relating to items on the agenda. Police Chief Paul Wagner noted that he did not have anything new to report, and there was no City Council report or update from Mayor Pat Stone.
City Manager Gary Boden elaborated on the Rural Housing Assessment report mentioned by Snitker during her update. Boden advised that there are four subcommittees involved in this process with each focusing on different housing-related needs or matters. Boden discussed specifics addressed by these subcommittees including land use planning, business development, ordinances, inspections, among other matters.
Boden also discussed Waukon’s Holiday Parade scheduled for 7 p.m. this Thursday, December 8. He noted that 35 parade entries are registered for this year’s parade, which is an increase over last year. Boden also discussed the Holiday Hop event taking place that same date in downtown Waukon businesses from 4-7 p.m. prior to the start of the parade.
Engineer Sam Ertl of Fehr Graham Engineering updated the council about planning and options available relating to the repaving of the municipal parking lot behind Hartig Drug. Ertl and the council discussed grade requirements, traffic flow and options relating to the placement of three or more handicapped parking spots.
The meeting moved into the next agenda item relating to discussion of the Water Meter Replacement Charge. Stinn, Boden, Stone and the council discussed a potential scenario relating to property owners who are unwilling to allow access to their house or structure for the replacement of water meters during this upgrade process. Stinn advised that other than a fine, this could potentially be added as a municipal infraction. For these rare situations, Boden clarified that a surcharge could be added to water bills due to the manual meter reading required each billing cycle for those choosing to not allow this replacement.
Stone noted that the City is providing a service with water meter replacement being necessary as the old water meters are becoming obsolete. Stone advised that a water service shut-off would be an option in these cases. Stinn noted that remedies including surcharges, water shut-off and municipal infraction are all tools available for those not allowing access to repair or replace water meters per administrative code. The council’s consensus was to update the relevant Ordinance with language to include the shut-off of water service.
The council moved into discussion of approving the Development Agreement for approximately 3.25 acres of the east side of the 500 block on 9th Street NW. Boden noted that this agreement was previously discussed in closed session and relates to the extension of a commitment to Runyan Brothers Construction of Cedar Falls. Boden added that the agreement is contingent upon Runyan Brothers Construction’s acquisition of financing by February 1, 2023. Boden discussed specifics of the agreement’s structure noting that Runyan Brothers will have the option to purchase the second half of the property after selling five of the eight duplex units being constructed in the first phase of this development. Following discussion, the council approved the agreement with the addition that no tax abatement will be included.
Discussion of the Veterans Memorial Hospital (VMH) City-owned to County-owned conversion was next addressed relating to 28E Agreements, properties, utility billing and other items as presented. Boden noted that VMH has requested that the waiver of utility billing continue under the County-ownership conversion. Stone discussed an annual estimate of $50,000 for utilities provided by CEO Michael Coyle of VMH, and Stone provided a recommendation that the City of Waukon could absorb this cost for two years, allowing time for VMH’s operation and budgeting to better adapt under County ownership.
Hatlan recommended a one-year period for this accommodation. Following discussion, the council approved to waive water and sewer utility billing until June 30, 2024. The council also discussed several other matters regarding the conversion, including the location of Gundersen Clinic, which remains a City-owned building, and that review of property lines and easements relating to the helicopter pad and parking lot will be researched.
Regional Planner Michelle Barness of Upper Explorerland Regional Planning Commission (UERPC) provided a presentation relating to electric vehicles (EV). Barness discussed EV trends and the impact EVs will have on northeast Iowa and what communities can do to adapt and benefit from the increased use of EVs by residents and travelers. Charging infrastructure, environmental benefits and incentive programs were among the topics covered in the presentation.
Prior to adjournment of the meeting, Allamakee County Emergency Management Coordinator Corey Snitker introduced the next agenda item relating to the Allamakee County Hazard Mitigation Update. Snitker noted UERPC’s role as the contractor assisting with this update. Barness provided an overview of the County’s Hazard Mitigation Plan relating to various hazards including flooding, hazardous materials, transportation incidents, among other topics. Snitker noted that this plan is updated every five years with each city council in the county reviewing this update.
