DISCUSSION OF UPCOMING CONSTRUCTION PROJECTS HIGHLIGHTS MONDAY'S WAUKON CITY COUNCIL MEETING

Monday night's Waukon City Council meeting met with little controversy and was highlighted by the approval of a series of resolutions pertaining to upcoming street improvement projects throughout the city.
The meeting was opened with a public hearing on proposed amendments to the FY 1999-2000 city budget. Changes would reflect the receipt of two grants to Robey Memorial Library, the first for $5,000 from the Gelatt Foundation, the second for $817 from an Enrich Iowa grant, used to purchase computer equipment at the site.
A total of $10,000 was also transferred to allow the city to pay for damages to lights at the city softball complex earlier the year, as well as insurance costs related to the incident.
There being no comments, a resolution formally approving the budget amendments was later passed.
A second public hearing offered the public an opportunity to voice concerns on the plans and specifications, form of contract and estimated cost to implement the Fourth Street NW storm sewer project.
Again, there being no comments, all aspects of the project were formally approved in a subsequent resolution. The bid for the project, originally estimated to cost $110,102 by engineer speculation, was awarded to Skyline Construction Inc. of Decorah for a total of $119,524.13, or an estimated 8.5% over engineer's estimate. Two other bids were also received, each approximately 11% over the estimated cost.
Under public comments, Dave Hogendorn notified the council of the completion of the Eleventh Ave. SW extension. However, prior to opening the right-of-way for through traffic, Hogendorn did suggest that guard rails be implemented at certain locations along the roadway, locations he cited to be particularly dangerous should someone drive off the traveled way. Council members also briefly discussed the implementation of necessary signage prior to the formal opening of the street.
Attorney James Garrett noted the need for the property to be deeded from Waukon Economic Development Corporation to the City of Waukon.
Currently, the road is closed with barracades as the engineer did suggest allowing the road to settle for a couple of weeks prior to opening it to the public. Council members did ask that the issue be placed on the next regular agenda for final approval and opening.
Hogendorn estimated that paving of the road would begin in approximately two years, after the implementation of water and sanitary sewer lines.
In other discussion, council members approved plans and specifications for the 2000 street improvements project. A public hearing and bid letting will be held at the June 5 regular council meeting, at which time the estimated and actual costs will be revealed, as well as a complete list of streets scheduled for construction in the upcoming year.
The second readings for three zoning requests were passed as follows: the list of permitted uses in a "B-2" general business district was amended to include financial service firms; the property on which Family Chiropractic Associates is currently located was rezoned "B-2" general business as opposed to "R-4" transition district; and property located at the corner of Ninth Street SW and Eleventh Ave. SW, south of Pamida, was rezoned "B-2" general business district as opposed to "M-1" manufacturing and "A" agricultural.
Bob Irons and Tony Link were granted a variance request specifically allowing the team to build a duplex at 901 2nd Ave. NW, 4' from the north property line and 18' from the south property line. In recommending the request, the zoning board did ask that a copy of an agreement pertaining to a joint sanitary sewer line of Irons-Link and Don Tobin, neighbor, be furnished the council. Tobin has also requested that a 6' high privacy fence be erected along the north property line.
Brief discussion followed on a proposed Second Street SW extension project in which the city would, with the cooperation of a joint property owner, extend the current street for open traffic into the city park. The city would equip the street with curb and gutter, as well as a sidewalk along the east side of the extension. In addition, the city would propose to pave the street within three years of construction.
Within ten years of proposed road construction, plans would include installation of both water and sanitary sewer lines.
Council members moved to submit the construction outline to the attorney of the joint property owner so that it may be drawn up as a formal agreement between the two parties.
On another topic, a resolution was passed authorizing the transfer of $40,837.50 from the Water Revenue Fund to the Debt Service Fund for principal/interest payment on water meters, as well as a resolution approving the transfer of $46,998.66 from the Tax Increment Fund to the Debt Service Fund for principal/interest due on an urban renewal tax increment revenue bond note.
The mayor formally declared June 4 Martin Luther Homes of Iowa Day and May 19-20 VFW Buddy Poppy Days.
And in final discussion, the formal resignations of Francis Kessel, water works superintendent, and DuWayne Snitker, street and zoning administrator, were regretfully accepted, effective June 30.