Waukon City Council hears update on assessment of City Hall, holds public hearing on 1st Avenue SE reconstruction project
by Joe Moses
The Waukon City Council met in regular session Monday, July 6 to address a full agenda of matters including a City Hall building structural evaluation update, the review and consideration of the First Reading of the Ordinance amending Chapter 76 Bicycles and Skateboards, and the Second Reading of the Ordinance amending Chapter 105 “Solid Waste Control”. The meeting was called to order by Mayor Arvid Hatlan with council members present including Cassie Handke, Nic Engrav, Tim Smedsrud and Steve Wiedner.
Hatlan provided a reminder relating to Public Comment in which he noted that this is a time designated for the public to address the mayor and council directly relating to matters of concern or items included on the agenda with a three-minute time limit per person. Hatlan added that no official action will be taken by the council during the Public Comment portion of the meeting. Hatlan explained that the council is to listen only, without comment or discussion, during the Public Comment portion of the meeting with no comment from the public allowed during the council’s discussion of agenda items later in the meeting.
The meeting moved into Public Comment with resident Richard Lindenmuth reading aloud a letter previously sent to the mayor, council, city manager and city engineer relating to a 14-feet temporary construction easement agreement to be signed by homeowners along 1st Avenue SE allowing for the reconstruction of that road, sewer, sidewalk, among other infrastructure. Lindenmuth’s statement noted concerns relating to the terms of the agreement and the lack of specifics relating to property owner liability and the project timeline which may leave sidewalks and driveways unfinished presenting a hazard for residents and pedestrians late in the season.
Cory Huinker, a member of the Board of Adjustment (BOA), discussed concerns relating to variances approved by the BOA which have in turn been remanded back by the council. Huinker discussed specifics relating to the council’s variance denials, Iowa Code 414, local code relating to setbacks and the hardship criteria used by the BOA in its decision-making process. Huinker noted that the BOA is a volunteer group and due to his concerns, he is not planning to serve another term following the completion of his current term in approximately two years.
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