CITY COUNCIL EXAMINES FLOOD DAMAGE AND STREET REPAIRS

Water seemed to be the main topic of discussion and business at the Waukon City Council meeting Monday evening.
Dan Schlitter, representing the Waukon Economic Development Corporation (WEDC), asked the Council to consider a grant application for sewer and water to loop the city with the newly created industrial park. The state grant assumes financial burden for 60 percent of the $550,000 to $600,000 project. Schlitter explained that the application was due in two weeks and cited the city's chances of receiving the grant as favorable.
Work may begin as soon as this fall and is to follow the newly created road through the south side of the city park. On a motion by Dennis Paul and second by Terri Krueger, the council gave WEDC the permission to apply.
Related to the grant application was discussion on the newly created park roadway named 11th Ave. SW. Payments were scheduled to be made for finished work on the yet unopened street at the evening's meeting. Due to the recent flooding damage to the road near the highway entrance below the city, park pond payments were delayed pending further cost figures. The Council opted to have WEDC obtain cost figures on the installation of two cement box culverts while repair work is completed. The box-type culverts have been estimated at $55,000 each. TIF funding was investigated as a payment option for the additional work. In discussion with project engineer, Lyle TeKippe, the Council expressed a desire to open the road for travel before the coming fall. TeKippe thought the request reasonable.
Dave Hogendorn, also representing WEDC, updated the Council on actual flood damage to the new 11th Ave. SW park road. Damage is estimated at $6,000. Hogendorn informed the body that special disaster funds would be applied for via the county engineer.

It was noted that numerous Waukon residents experienced flooding problems with last week's Thursday evening flash flood. During public comments, Mike Moose and John McMorrow addressed specific personal water damage problems. Moose experienced extensive damage due to sewer backup and was instructed to visit with the city's insurance carrier. McMorrow's concerns related to watershed and city rightaways. Jim Garret, city attorney, is to examine any legal concerns relating to McMorrow's ditch.
Butch Kessel, city water works supervisor, requested and was received permission to purchase a new sewer jet cleaner with video camera. The new state of the art equipment was reported to be a much-needed $36,000 machine. The cost falls within the water works equipment budget. Kessel also noted the purchase of a small building for $1,350 to cover the outside pumps at the fairgrounds. He noted that the million-gallon sewer plant lagoon completely filled up from recent flood waters and storm sewer manholes bubbled up to two feet in parts of the community.
A lone bid came in for summer street work to be completed this summer. (See corresponding front page map for details.) Carlson's in Decorah submitted the $159,920 single bid. DuWayne Snitker noted the figure well over the $144,300 anticipated work estimate, due in part to higher fuel costs and a busy construction season. The Council approved the work and slated the project for completion this summer.
Police Chief Loren Fiet requested a four-way stop sign next to the St. Patrick's school at the corner of 2nd Ave. and 2nd St. SW. Fiet also noted the traffic study was complete concerning the Townline Road past Quillin's and Pamida. He hoped to discuss traffic speeds with the county at the next City Council meeting.
In other matters, final reading and passage of amending zoning property classification to B-2 (general business) for Family Chiropractic Associates for a new bank locating there was held and approved.
Nick Rissman was hired as part-time help for the street department. Troy Lubahn has been appointed to the position of fire marshall.
A variance request was granted for Pat McMillan to add a garage to apartments near the golf course.
A special work meeting was scheduled to review job applications for the impending retirement of DuWayne Snitker, street superintendent. The meeting is to take place Monday, June 12 at 6 p.m.