Waukon City Council appoints Tim Smedsrud to vacant At-Large council seat, approves offer from Allamakee County Fair Board for purchase of land within fairgrounds property

by Joe Moses

The Waukon City Council met in regular session Monday, April 7 to address a full agenda of matters including the Sexual Assault Awareness Month Proclamation, appointment of the at-large council vacancy seat and discussion of the outdoor warning siren system. The meeting was called to order by Mayor Arvid Hatlan with council members Steve Wiedner, Nicholas Engrav, Dave Blocker and John Lydon present.

The meeting moved into Public Comment with West Street SW property owner Ann Fossum recognizing the Street Department for installing speed limit signage on her street. Fossum made note of follow-up from Engineer Sam Ertl of Fehr Graham Engineering relating to a variety of matters. She expressed her appreciation for his work.

Under Department Reports, Park, Recreation and Wellness Director Jeremy Strub advised that City Park employees have started back to work with a variety of maintenance projects taking place. Strub advised that the ice-skating rink has been taken down and that a variety of work is being done in preparation for soccer including work related to soccer goals. Strub advised that over 400 kids have signed up for soccer this year.

Relating to the swimming pool, Strub noted that a new pool heater and two shade structures have been purchased with grant funding and will be installed before the swimming pool opens for the season. Strub advised that the swimming pool is anticipated to open to the public the last day of school with the swim team practicing prior to that.

Water and Sewer Superintendent Jim Cooper noted that he did not have any new water main breaks or issues to report. Cooper noted that biosolids are being hauled away from the wastewater treatment plant.

Pat Egan with the Street Department noted that his department has resumed the four-day/10-hour weekly work schedule, snow fencing has been taken down and that there are plans to burn vegetation within the water retention area at the former Bresnahan property.

Police Chief Paul Wagner advised that a new patrol vehicle has been delivered to Ankeny with law enforcement equipment to be installed next week.

City Clerk Sarah Snitker noted interest has been expressed by a couple business and building owners downtown relating to the CAT Grant (Community Catalyst Building Remediation Program) which assists communities in the rehabilitation or redevelopment of buildings. Snitker advised that the Allamakee Community School District will be having a safety planning workshop April 25 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Waukon Fire Station.

Finance Director Lana Snitker did not have new information to report at this time.

City Manager Gary Boden made note of media reports relating to proposed property tax reform which will not likely happen this year due to concerns raised by local governments across the state. He noted that state level elected officials are concerned about the impact proposed legislation will have upon tax increment financing (TIF). Boden advised that the most recent property tax reform, which has been in effect for two years, has taken away the advantage of new construction being added to a community’s tax base, reducing the ability of cities to collect property taxes, which in turn penalizes new construction and growth. Boden also discussed a planning meeting this week scheduled with Upper Explorerland Regional Planning Commission (UERPC) and that he will be attending a conference later in the week.

For the City Council Report, Lydon noted that he responded with a form submission relating to property tax reform to Representative Jason Gearhart of Iowa House District 64. Lydon noted that the form questionnaire asked whether property taxes should be increased, stay the same or be decreased. 

Boden added further context by discussing property tax reform’s impact upon funding and services offered by cities. Blocker discussed the city’s role in providing necessary services for residents. Wiedner and Engrav did not have new information to report at this time.

For the Mayor’s Report, Hatlan briefly discussed property tax reform and the most recent version which punishes cities for growth. Hatlan noted growth and improvements throughout Waukon including foundational digging and work related to new locations for People’s State Bank and R.W. Pladsen.

To read the full article, pick up the Wednesday, April 9, 2025 print edition of The Standard or subscribe to our e-edition or print edition by clicking here.