Waukon City Council approves Facade Improvement Grant funding for hospital signage on split vote, amends fireworks ordinance to comply with State guidelines
by Joe Moses
The Waukon City Council met in regular session Monday, June 2 to address a full agenda of matters including Veterans Memorial Hospital’s Facade Improvement Grant Application, the Ordinance Amending Provisions Related to Fireworks, and discussion of the West Street SW Project and associated landscaping. The meeting was called to order by Mayor Arvid Hatlan with council members present including Steve Wiedner, Dave Blocker, Tim Smedsrud and John Lydon.
There were no comments during the first Public Comment portion of the meeting with the council moving into Department Reports. Park, Recreation and Wellness Director Jeremy Strub reported that the swimming pool has been open since last Thursday, the last day of school. He made note of the new swimming pool heater which has been beneficial in keeping the water temperature within an acceptable range. Strub advised that the Music in the Park performances are off to a great start for the summer with JayR Brink’s performance being well received Thursday, May 29 and the next musical act, Amanda Fahey, scheduled for this Thursday, June 5. Strub noted that City Park employees are busy with a variety of improvements and maintenance.
Water and Sewer Superintendent Jim Cooper noted that the public should be aware that the city is mowing yards and properties that are too long at owner expense with this also including backyards. Cooper discussed the heat/air exchanger at the Wastewater Treatment Plant will require follow up from the contractor prior to the release of funds for final payment. He advised that additional thermostat monitoring is necessary in operating the heat/air exchanger until the issue is resolved by the contractor.
Street Superintendent Keith Burrett discussed several ongoing and upcoming projects. Burrett made note of curb and gutter replacement along a portion of the Waukon State Bank parking lot with the contractor to provide an estimate by next week.
Police Chief Paul Wagner, City Clerk Sarah Snitker, Finance Director Lana Snitker and City Manager Gary Boden did not have new information to provide at this time.
For the City Council Report, Smedsrud recognized the efforts of city employees in addition to noting the preparation and work by the Waukon Police Department relating to the first-degree murder trial held last week at the Allamakee County Courthouse. Wiedner, Blocker and Lydon did not have new information to report at this time.
For the Mayor’s Report, Hatlan discussed a recent meeting with Lynch Dallas, P.C., the law firm designated as Waukon’s City Attorney, relating to nuisance abatement issues including junk vehicles, maintenance of trees, grass and weeds, among other issues. Hatlan advised that amendments to City Code may be necessary to address duplications or language updates with some of these matters potentially to be addressed as early as the next city council meeting.
To read the full article, pick up the Wednesday, June 4, 2025 print edition of The Standard or subscribe to our e-edition or print edition by clicking here.
