Waukon City Council amends ordinance regarding City-owned off-street parking during a snow emergency, hears budget process presentation
by Joe Moses
The Waukon City Council met in regular session Monday, December 2 to address a full agenda of matters including a Hazard Mitigation Plan presentation, discussion of the Fiscal-Year 2026 Budget and discussion of downtown signage relating to snow removal and parking.
The meeting was called to order by Mayor Arvid Hatlan with council members Steve Wiedner, Nicholas Engrav and Dave Blocker present in the City Council Chambers. Councilman Kevin Johnson was present via Zoom web-conferencing. There was no Public Comment with the meeting moving into Department Reports.
Park, Recreation and Wellness Director Jeremy Strub reported that use of the Wellness Center has picked up with basketball practices having started. He also noted that Thanksgiving weekend is one of the Wellness Center’s busiest weekends and that plans are currently to fill the ice-skating rink at the tennis court later in the week. Strub noted that temperatures last year resulted in a later start for the ice-skating rink and fewer weeks of solid ice, which he is hopeful will not be the case this year.
Water and Sewer Superintendent Jim Cooper discussed a letter that was sent to customers relating to galvanized water lines. Cooper explained that a lead water line inventory and galvanized water line inventory were conducted as part of the water meter upgrade and that the remaining lead water line, which was one of two within town, will be replaced either this week or next.
For public information, Cooper noted that there are no concerns relating to galvanized water lines or water quality, which is tested every three years for lead and copper. Cooper further noted that no action is being requested or required of customers relating to the 248 galvanized water lines that were inventoried in town. He added that customers that wish to have their water tested may contact his office and he will put them in contact with the right people.
Street Superintendent Keith Burrett noted that snow fence placement was finished earlier in the day with other maintenance going well.
Police Chief Paul Wagner advised that Officer Luke Schulte will be starting this pay period and will be attending academy training starting January 6. Wagner noted that there have been many recent reports of scams with Wagner advising that a website or mailing to provide information to the public may be developed. He advised that a speed warning sign near the airport needs maintenance with a contractor to repair the issue that allows high winds to spin the signage around.
City Clerk Sarah Snitker reported that Upper Explorerland Regional Planning Commission (UERPC) recently contacted her relating to the expiration of her term on the Regional Housing Authority (RHA) Board. Snitker recommended adding this matter to the next council meeting agenda for approval if the council wishes for her to continue on that board.
Finance Director Lana Snitker made note of the budget calendar provided to each council member with a quorum, the minimum number of members required to conduct official business, needing to be present for public hearings Monday, March 31 and Monday, April 21. Hatlan clarified with Snitker that a minimum of three council members would need to be in attendance to constitute a quorum.
City Manager Gary Boden did not have new information to add at this time. For the City Council Report, Wiedner, Engrav, and Blocker did not provide new information at this time. Johnson briefly spoke with Hatlan about a matter covered in the report submitted by Engineer Sam Ertl of Fehr Graham Engineering.
The meeting moved into the Hazard Mitigation Presentation by Allamakee County Emergency Management Coordinator Corey Snitker, who provided an overview of the Hazard Mitigation Plan update process with the county, cities and school districts to all be among the entities involved in this update. Snitker discussed the National Flood Insurance Program, flood mitigation, grant funding, evacuation/storm shelters, among a variety of topics. He noted that the volunteer program has been successful with 10 members currently in that group to provide assistance during disaster situations.
Among the goals discussed, Snitker advised that this update process will improve the public’s awareness of disasters and steps to be taken in response. Snitker noted ongoing work relating to the continuing operations (co-op) plan relating to the continuation of government operations and services in situations where County or City buildings are not usable following a disaster. No action was taken relating to this informational matter.
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