Waukon City Council sets public hearing for Monday, October 6 regarding sale of city parking lot adjacent to the Kwik Star location to Kwik Trip, Inc.
by Joe Moses
The Waukon City Council met in regular session Monday, September 22 to address a full agenda of matters including the Veterans of Foreign Wars Buddy Poppies Proclamation, consideration of the Humane Society of Northeast Iowa agreement and the Resolution to set a public hearing relating to the sale of city property to Kwik Star. The meeting was called to order by Mayor Arvid Hatlan with council members present including Steve Wiedner, Dave Blocker, Tim Smedsrud and John Lydon.
During Public Comment, Executive Director Val Reinke with Allamakee County Economic Development recommended that an update relating to the city’s comprehensive plan timeline and progress be included as an agenda item at an upcoming council meeting. Reinke made note of the removal of an agenda item at the Monday, September 8 council meeting relating to defining the authority and responsibilities for the positions of mayor, city clerk and city manager. She advised that there is a need to discuss and clarify the city manager role which takes direction from the council while working with developers, among other stakeholders in the community.
The meeting moved into Department Reports with Park, Recreation and Wellness Director Jeremy Strub noting that the Recreation Department has been busy with activities most nights of the week in addition to Saturdays and Sundays including travel volleyball, youth football and youth volleyball.
Strub stated that the Waukon Wellness Center has not been as busy this September as it was last year at this time likely due to good weather conditions.
Water and Sewer Superintendent Jim Cooper reported that both water and sewer operations are going well. Cooper updated the council about bio-solids and maintenance at the Wastewater Treatment Plant. Pat Egan with the Street Department made note of a small storm sewer failure and repair last week.
Police Chief Paul Wagner advised that a USDA grant has been awarded to the Waukon Police Department with this funding to assist in the purchase of a new squad car up to 35-percent of the cost, or $21,800. Wagner noted that a full-scale active shooter exercise will be taking place Wednesday, September 24 in the morning at school buildings within Waukon. He advised that this is only a drill with law enforcement and emergency vehicles to be present as part of this exercise and that no students will be present that day due to a scheduled professional development day that will allow school district staff to also take part in the training.
City Clerk Sarah Snitker noted that an open meetings/records update and training has been scheduled for October 8 to include a minimum of 15 participants. She shared that the city attorney has advised that all board members participate in this training. Snitker also provided a brief update relating to Community Catalyst Remediation Grant funding.
Finance Director Lana Snitker, City Manager Gary Boden and council members Lydon, Wiedner, Blocker and Smedsrud did not have an update at this time.
For the Mayor’s Report, Hatlan advised that he attended the annual Iowa League of Cities Conference last week which included a variety of networking opportunities, meetings and seminars. He noted Street Superintendent Keith Burrett’s retirement with last Thursday being Burrett’s last day at work.
Hatlan noted that Burrett was not available to be at tonight’s council meeting but would be invited to attend the next meeting to be recognized for his years of service to the city.
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