Waukon City Manager advises council of Kwik Trip, Inc. decision to not move forward with plans for current R.W. Pladsen property; Council approves ordinance changes for water rates, vegetation
by Joe Moses
The Waukon City Council met in regular session Monday, July 15 to address a full agenda of matters. The meeting was called to order by Mayor Arvid Hatlan.
During Public Comment, Ian Zahren, an Independent candidate running for the Iowa House of Representatives District 64, discussed being an advocate for small communities like Waukon. Zahren requested feedback from the council for follow-up in Des Moines with council member Steve Wiedner discussing the need for stronger enforcement relating to illegal drugs. Assistant City Attorney Hattie Frana discussed the need for more resources beyond court-ordered mental health related treatment. Zahren noted the approximate 3.5 million dollar statewide opioid settlement with options available to apply for that funding as a city and as a county.
Resident and business owner Pat Stone questioned the council about the municipal parking lot project and decisions made relating to a section of cement behind Cunningham Hardware in the alley portion of that project. Stone recommended that this section of cement be replaced. Stone also questioned the council relating to funding for storm sewer repairs.
Hatlan read aloud a question received as a text message through Zoom web-conferencing from Jennifer O’Neill relating to whether the City Attorney had signed off on the closed session listed on this meeting’s agenda. Hatlan advised that to his knowledge that had not taken place prior to this council meeting. Hatlan clarified that it is the expectation the council is briefed by the City Attorney prior to each closed session. Frana noted that she had not received instructions relating to closed sessions.
The meeting moved into Department Reports with Park, Recreation and Wellness Director Jeremy Strub noting that the swimming pool has been busy. Strub advised that most of the youth Summer Recreation programs have finished for the season with preparations beginning for fall sports and registration. Strub noted that the City Park has been busy, as expected from Memorial Day through Labor Day each year, with the Wellness Center also being busy this summer.
Water and Sewer Superintendent Jim Cooper provided an update relating to sewer jetting with some problem areas now complete and the regular sewer jetting program to begin. Cooper advised that a meeting recently took place relating to sewer odor concerns across town and in various buildings.
Cooper noted that a company in Waukon is in compliance with testing and pH levels for water discharges but will be experimenting and putting additional measures in place to address issues contributing to sewer odor issues. He further noted that the City’s wastewater treatment system is working correctly.
Street Superintendent Keith Burrett discussed some recent tree damage and maintenance with street patching and pavement marking painting both ongoing. Police Chief Paul Wagner noted that new gutters have been installed on the Waukon Police Station.
Engineer Sam Ertl of Fehr Graham Engineering advised that he will not be available for the Monday, August 5 city council meeting due to scheduled vacation time. Ertl provided an update relating to several ongoing projects including the municipal parking lot resurfacing project.
City Clerk Sarah Snitker made note of upcoming meetings including a downtown and business development program meeting in Decorah. Snitker advised that a meeting coordinated through Upper Explorerland Regional Planning Commission (UERPC) and Iowa Economic Development Authority (IEDA) is being planned for the fall to include a five-county region.
Finance Director Lana Snitker advised that the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funding allocation is complete with a fire truck purchase, the 1st Avenue/1st Street Storm Sewer Project and improvements to City Hall, the airport and police station all receiving funds.
Frana did not have new information to add relating to the City Attorney’s report.
In his report, City Manager Gary Boden noted that Kwik Trip/Kwik Star has decided against moving forward with a relocation or expansion to the Rossville Road location currently occupied by R.W. Pladsen, Inc. Boden noted that this proposed project would have been a $7-8 million commitment by Kwik Trip, Inc. but the site has been determined too difficult for construction and not economically viable by Kwik Trip, Inc. officials. Boden advised that the current Kwik Star location may see improvements with operations at this location to continue. Boden also discussed keeping the City’s general fund within acceptable limits and noting options available in continuing the Facade Improvement Grant Program, among other matters.
For the City Council Report, Wiedner and council members Dave Blocker and John Lydon did not have new information to add at this time. Council member Kevin Johnson noted his support of continuing the Facade Improvement Grant Program.
For the Mayor’s Report, Hatlan noted that he wanted to remind food truck owners and operators that a permit is needed prior to any food sales in Waukon. Hatlan discussed a recent meeting with Aveka Nutra Processing and that similar to last year, Aveka will not be in operation during the Allamakee County Fair. Hatlan noted that odor concerns were discussed during this recent meeting with company representatives noting some temporary mechanical issues that will be resolved and will provide improvement relating to the odor issue in the coming weeks.
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