Waukon City Council approves filling vacant council seat by appointment, interested candidates can apply at City Hall; Citywide clean-up day has been slated for May 3
by Joe Moses
The Waukon City Council met in regular session Monday, March 3 to address a full agenda of items. The meeting was called to order by Mayor Arvid Hatlan with council members Steve Wiedner, Dave Blocker and John Lydon present. Council member Nicholas Engrav attended the meeting via Zoom web-conferencing.
During Public Comment, Mike Johnson addressed the council and expressed interest in being considered for appointment to fill the current council member vacancy, a position previously held by his brother, At-Large council member Kevin Johnson, who passed away February 11.
The meeting moved into Department Reports with Park, Recreation and Wellness Director Jeremy Strub noting that the Wellness Center is very busy this time of year. Strub discussed Wellness Center expenses and revenues in comparison to last year, which he advised are similar with some heating system expenses being higher this year. Relating to Park and Recreation, Strub noted that a good number of lifeguards have been hired with an additional hire to include pool manager responsibilities still being needed. An individual committed to return in that role will be starting late and leaving early in the season due to their employment out of state during the school year.
Water and Sewer Superintendent Jim Cooper made note of several recent water main breaks and repairs. Street Superintendent Keith Burrett reported that the street sweeper will be out in the next week if weather permits.
Police Chief Paul Wagner advised that a Police Department vehicle, a 2021 Chevy Tahoe, was involved in a collision last Wednesday night with the officer not being at fault (see article on Page 4 in this week’s edition of The Standard). Wagner noted that the department is waiting on follow-up from the other vehicle’s insurance carrier.
Wagner also discussed comments received relating to the pedestrian crossing on West Main Street and signage options available for improved safety based upon a recent pedestrian traffic count. He noted that the pedestrian crossing in front of Hartig Drug on Main Street is also a critical area to be addressed.
City Clerk Sarah Snitker advised that the spring clean-up day has been set as Saturday, May 3 with an advertisement from Town and Country Sanitation to be in the newspaper prior to that date to include specifics. Snitker also made note of a vacancy on both the Park, Recreation and Wellness Board and the Library Board.
City Manager Gary Boden made note of study legislation before the State Senate that involves the elimination of franchise fees which he advised would result in a $175,000 decrease in the General Fund. Boden further noted that this decrease in revenue, if approved, would negatively impact the Police Department and not allow for 24/7 coverage. He shared that both property tax reform and the proposed elimination of franchise fees are issues that will be brought to legislators during the Iowa League of Cities’ Local Leaders Day at the Iowa State Capitol Tuesday, March 4.
For the council report, Blocker, Lydon and Engrav did not have new information to add. Wiedner noted feedback from residents relating to the need for a sidewalk along the golf course. Wiedner further noted that pedestrians walk on the roadway due to the absence of sidewalk.
As a reminder, Hatlan noted that before the March 24 council meeting, a 5:15 p.m. public hearing is scheduled. Finance Director Lana Snitker did not have new information to report.
The meeting moved into the Resolution agreeing to close 3rd Avenue NW from 13th Street NW to 11th Street NW from 7-10 a.m. April 22. Hatlan advised that this closure relates to a mock car accident exercise near Waukon High School. The council approved the closure.
The Public Hearing amending the current budget for Fiscal-Year ending June 30, 2025 was opened and closed without comment. The Resolution approving amending the current budget for Fiscal-Year ending June 30, 2025 was approved.
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