Ordinance change by Waukon City Council prohibits all-night, on-street parking in downtown business district to help facilitate snow removal
by Joe Moses
The Waukon City Council met in regular session Monday, November 18 to address a full agenda of matters. The meeting was called to order by Mayor Arvid Hatlan with council members Steve Wiedner, Dave Blocker, Kevin Johnson and John Lydon present.
There was no Public Comment with some changes to the meeting agenda being made including the removal of the Closed Session: Strategy Meeting relating to employee union negotiations - exempt from Iowa open meetings law by Iowa Code Chapter 20.17 (3).
Two items were moved from the consent agenda to the regular meeting agenda including the City Council Appointment - City Attorney: Lynch Dallas, PC and the Contract for Legal Services with Lynch Dallas, PC. Following a brief discussion, the council approved these matters.
Under Department Reports, Park, Recreation and Wellness Director Jeremy Strub made note of a roof repair at the swimming pool. He also said a design person will be present at the upcoming Park Board meeting.
Water and Sewer Superintendent Jim Cooper noted a roof repair has been completed at a building near the south water tower. Cooper advised that similarly the building rented by Mediacom will receive a new roof next year. He also discussed maintenance taking place prior to winter.
Street Superintendent Keith Burrett advised that leaf pick-up will continue until next Wednesday, before Thanksgiving. He advised that equipment maintenance is ongoing in preparation for the winter season and snow removal.
Police Chief Paul Wagner made note of the arson-related charges associated with the Mindy Jones trial which is ongoing but likely to wrap up this week. Wagner also discussed the Special Traffic Enforcement Program (sTEP) grant funding which allows for increased waves of patrols and enforcement. He outlined the goal of sTEP from a safety standpoint in promoting seatbelt use, obeying speed limits, reducing crashes and fatalities, stopping impaired driving, among other benefits.
Wagner also made note of ongoing work with the Allamakee Community School District relating to pedestrian safety in streets and parking areas near West Elementary and Waukon High School. Later in the meeting, Wagner discussed a program being coordinated through the Fayette County Sheriff’s Department relating to the leasing of license plate reading equipment to other law enforcement agencies in northeast Iowa.
City Manager Gary Boden advised that Verizon has contacted him expressing interest in adding equipment to the south cell tower with their proposal specifics and contract needing council review and approval. Boden said that he and Finance Director Lana Snitker will be attending the upcoming budget meeting hosted by the Iowa League of Cities and Iowa Department of Management.
City Clerk Sarah Snitker did not have new information to report at this time. Council members Wiedner, Blocker, Johnson and Lydon did not have new information to report at this time.
For the Mayor’s Report, Hatlan noted that Waukon City Hall will be closed Thursday, November 28 and Friday, November 29 in observance of the Thanksgiving holiday. Due to this holiday next week, Hatlan advised that 4 p.m. Tuesday, November 26 is the deadline for items to be added to the next council meeting agenda.
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