Waukon City Council holds hearing on solar energy lease agreement, approves solar generation purchase agreement
by Joe Moses
The Waukon City Council met in regular session Monday, August 3 to address a full agenda of matters including the review of the Board of Adjustment variance approval at 702 5th Avenue SW, the Public Hearing on the proposed solar energy lease and easement agreement, and the Resolution approving the bid and contract for the Storm Siren Replacement Project.
The meeting was called to order by Mayor Arvid Hatlan with council members present including Cassie Handke, Steve Wiedner, John Lydon and Tim Smedsrud. As a reminder to the public, Hatlan made a statement to those in attendance relating to the Public Comment portion of council meetings. Hatlan advised that each individual is allowed up to three minutes of Public Comment time to address the mayor and council directly relating to new matters or items on the meeting agenda with no official action to take place during this time or comment from the council.
The meeting moved into Public Comment with Gayle Decker, a resident and former council member, discussing concerns relating to the quality of garbage collection and recycling services provided by Republic Services. Decker presented a clear storage bag containing glass fragments, the remnants of a broken glass container left on the street in front of his home by Republic Services during the process of emptying his recycling toter into their truck. Decker advised that these and other service issues need to be addressed with Republic Services.
With time remaining, Decker requested follow-up from Finance Director Lana Snitker relating to the current General Fund balance and the average monthly expenses of the city. Decker noted that the average monthly expenses figure was used as criteria in setting what the General Fund balance should be. He also requested an update regarding the former Bresnahan Property, the location of the duplex/townhouse project by Tailwind Capital Partners, relating to the number of units sold at this point and the city’s current role in financing the project.
Jennifer Garin of 702 5th Avenue SW made note of the variance request which was part of the meeting’s agenda. Garin noted that the variance would allow for the construction of a deck to cover an old storm shelter and uneven cement steps which will provide for greater pedestrian safety and improved access to the home.
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