Waukon City Council addresses matters involving loitering, hourly wage for part-time police officers and the December 6 Lighted Holiday Parade
by Joe Moses
The Waukon City Council met in regular session Monday, November 3 to address a full agenda of matters including the Resolution approving the road closure for the Waukon Lighted Holiday Parade, discussion of concerns relating to garbage and recycling services for residential properties, and discussion of a request for proposal for City Hall ceiling repairs.
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 noted that the agenda item relating to the consideration of hiring an assistant police chief has been removed from the meeting agenda.
There was no comment during the first Public Comment portion of the meeting with the council then moving into Department Reports. Park, Recreation and Wellness Director Jeremy Strub advised that the City Park is closed down for the winter season. Strub clarified that the water is turned off but there may be some campers yet this fall with some of these individuals being hunters and camping for just a few days at a time.
Water and Sewer Superintendent Jim Cooper advised that sludge hauling from the Wastewater Treatment Plant has been completed. Cooper noted that the roof materials for a repair of the Mediacom building near the south water tower should be arriving this week. He also made note of other work and ongoing maintenance at the Wastewater Treatment Plant.
Interim Street Superintendent Pat Egan made note of storm water intakes that have been damaged with that repair being discussed. Egan advised that he is waiting on price quotes from a few vendors relating to the replacement of several downtown street lights that have turned blue in color.
Police Chief Paul Wagner noted that the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has requested a clarification relating to the city’s grant application for the replacement of storm sirens. Wagner advised that this is favorable, with the state having moved the application forward to FEMA and it now being in that agency’s review process. He noted that requested information would be provided with the application resubmission.
City Clerk Sarah Snitker noted that a representative from the city’s insurance provider conducted an inspection last week of city buildings with a report to be provided. She advised that a recommendation to have a structural engineer look at City Hall may be part of that report. Snitker advised that City Hall will be closed Tuesday, November 11 in observance of Veterans Day. She also noted that the Waukon FBLA chapter will be having its food drive Thursday, November 6 with food pick-up starting at 6:30 p.m.
Finance Director Lana Snitker reported that she will be attending a budget workshop later in the week. Hatlan noted that he did not have information to add for the Mayor’s Report.
For the City Council Report, Blocker provided a reminder for the public to get out and vote in the Tuesday, November 4 city/school election. Blocker and Egan discussed ongoing street repairs, comments received from residents and the timeline for asphalt application. Smedsrud made note of the Allamakee Community School District’s recent statewide recognition of a number-one rating and excellence award.
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