Waukon City Council discusses Iowa Thriving Communities designation, approves purchase of bucket truck for Street Department and computers for City Hall offices
by Joe Moses
The Waukon City Council met in regular session Monday, July 7 to address a full agenda of matters including the consideration of a bucket truck purchase for the Street Department, the consideration of computer purchases for City Hall and the consideration of changing meeting dates in September.
The meeting was called to order by Mayor Arvid Hatlan with council members present including Steve Wiedner, Nicholas Engrav, Dave Blocker, Tim Smedsrud and John Lydon.
Hatlan made note of the removal of two agenda items including discussion relating to Fiscal-Year 2026 (FY26) General Fund expenditure and revenue projections in addition to the Closed Session relating to the purchase or sale of real estate. He also made note of a correction to the consent agenda relating to the Park, Recreation and Wellness Board term renewal for Julie Rotach which was incorrectly listed as a term renewal with the Library Board.
There was no comment during the initial Public Comment portion of the meeting with the council then moving into Department Reports. Park, Recreation and Wellness Director Jeremy Strub noted that the last six weeks have been very busy for Park and Recreation with activities and youth sports.
Strub made note of an upcoming two-week break prior to the start of fall activities. He advised that two Music in the Park performances remain for the summer season, one before and another after the week of the Allamakee County Fair.
Strub also reported that it is Waukon’s turn to host the Conference Swim Meet this Saturday with this hosting opportunity taking place every eight years. He anticipates over 1,000 individuals will be present in the City Park this weekend due to this event.
Water and Sewer Superintendent Jim Cooper reported that sewer jetting should wrap up on the southeast side this week before moving on to the southwest side of town. Cooper also made note of an employee resignation in his department.
Street Superintendent Keith Burrett talked about work to be done at the compost pile prior to next week’s Allamakee County Fair. Hatlan advised that Police Chief Paul Wagner provided a brief report in which he noted that Assistant Police Chief Mason Kwilinski has submitted his resignation.
City Clerk Sarah Snitker reported that Waukon’s Thriving Communities presentation team will be in Des Moines Tuesday. As previously discussed, the Iowa Thriving Communities designation through the Iowa Economic Development Authority (IEDA) and the Iowa Finance Authority (IFA) is a designation that improves a city’s standing relating to competitive grant applications pertaining to the development of housing.
To read the full article, pick up the Wednesday, July 9, 2025 print edition of The Standard or subscribe to our e-edition or print edition by clicking here.
