Waukon City Council approves one year of funding for Allamakee Child Care Solutions Fund, agrees to review options for its City Facade Grant Program
by Joe Moses
The Waukon City Council met in regular session Monday, January 5 to address a full agenda of matters including discussion of the City Facade Grant Program, consideration of change orders relating to the 4th Avenue NW Addition and discussion of the agreement relating to the Allamakee Child Care Solutions Fund. The meeting was called to order by Mayor Arvid Hatlan with council members present including Steve Wiedner, Nicholas Engrav, Cassie Handke, Tim Smedsrud and John Lydon. There was no comment during the first Public Comment portion of the meeting.
The council moved into Department Reports with Park, Recreation and Wellness Director Jeremy Strub making note of the Free Walking Event taking place this week at the Waukon Wellness Center January 5-9. Strub also discussed data relating to the Wellness Center with 34,175 check-ins by individuals taking place in 2025 which he advised is approximately 1,400 more than the previous year, illustrating that the public’s use of the Wellness Center continues to be strong. Strub clarified that this data does not include after-hours or sports team use of the Wellness Center.
Water and Sewer Superintendent Jim Cooper noted that weather conditions have continued to be favorable for operations at the Wastewater Treatment Plant including the oxidation ditch and water mains across the city in general. Relating to Well #5, Cooper advised that there have been some delays with a contractor scheduled to perform repairs and maintenance.
Interim Street Superintendent Pat Egan advised that routine maintenance is going well with preparations continuing for the next snowfall. City Clerk Sarah Snitker, Finance Director Lana Snitker and City Manager Grayson Rowlet did not have updates at this time.
Via Zoom web-conferencing, Police Chief Paul Wagner noted that end-of-year numbers are being closed out for reporting purposes. He advised that a grant is being pursued through the Department of Justice for matching funds to purchase three bullet proof vests. Wagner further advised that this grant funding assisted in the purchase of four bullet proof vests last year. In conclusion, Wagner noted that Officer Patrick Downey has begun training at the academy as of the day of the meeting.
For the Council Report, Wiedner discussed his recent visit at the Happy Heifer Quilting Company on Rossville Road, a new business that held its grand opening a month ago in early December. Wiedner made note of his recent conversation with business owner, Wendy Smethurst, whom he advised is enjoying being part of Waukon’s business community.
For the Mayor’s Report, Hatlan welcomed newly-elected council member Cassie Handke, who represents Waukon’s Ward 3 and was elected to the council in the City/School Election held Tuesday, November 4.
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