Waukon City Council discusses proposal to provide human resources services, approves moving forward with MSA Professional Services for engineering services
by Joe Moses
The Waukon City Council met in regular session Monday, July 21 to address a full agenda of matters including the consideration of a proposal to provide human resource services, discussion on amending City Code relating to specific leash laws, and the consideration of a professional services agreement relating to an engineering services provider.
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. There was no Public Comment with the meeting then moving into Department Reports.
Park, Recreation and Wellness Director Jeremy Strub made note of the Conference Swim Meet hosted in Waukon Saturday, July 12 which he advised was a great event made possible with the help of parents, volunteers, staff and swimmers. He reported that a grant of almost $70,000 from the Alice Hermeier Foundation has been awarded to the pool which allowed for the purchase of two shade structures, pool heaters and completion of the City Park Master Plan. Strub advised that this is the final week for Music in the Park for this year with Annie Ellingson scheduled as the music performer this Thursday, July 24. He also noted that the Culpepper and Merriweather Circus will be in Waukon August 7 and 8 with tickets now on sale at local banks, Fareway and the Wellness Center. Strub further discussed the start of fall programming and registrations.
Street Superintendent Keith Burrett advised that a replacement bucket truck has arrived and has been in use. He discussed methods of selling the old bucket truck including online or local auctions, among other options. Hatlan recommended that the matter be added to the next meeting agenda for consideration.
Police Chief Paul Wagner discussed ongoing work relating to the completion of grant applications to allow for the replacement of storm sirens. City Clerk Sarah Snitker, Finance Director Lana Snitker and City Manager Gary Boden all noted that they did not have new information to report at this time.
For the City Council Report, Engrav made note of the Conference Swim Meet and Waukon’s performance as host exceeding other communities in comparison.
For the Mayor’s Report, Hatlan made note of the recent presentation in Des Moines relating to the Iowa Thriving Communities designation through the Iowa Economic Development Authority (IEDA) and the Iowa Finance Authority (IFA), a designation that improves a city’s standing relating to competitive grant applications pertaining to the development of housing. He advised that Waukon’s presentation went well with designation recipients to be publicly announced September 2. Hatlan also advised that work is progressing at the former Bresnahan property in northwest Waukon relating to the twin home/duplex project by Tailwind Capital Partners, LLC. He discussed progress specifics relating to footings and digging at the project site.
As a reminder, Hatlan noted that the public should be aware that enforcement is ongoing relating to grass and weed maintenance within city limits. He explained that grass and vegetation over eight inches tall on residential and commercial properties and over 12 inches tall on undeveloped properties will be mowed at the property owner’s expense. Hatlan advised that this is City Code and no other warning will be provided with the matter also being publicized through the newspaper, among other means.
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