Waukon City Council hears initial recommendations in regard to City Hall, will continue discussion at next meeting, arrange for public input
by Joe Moses
The Waukon City Council met in regular session Monday, November 2 to address a full agenda of matters including a presentation relating to the City Hall Building Project, the consideration of additional solid waste services and the consideration of a City Façade Improvement application. The meeting was called to order by Mayor Arvid Hatlan with council members present including John Lydon, Steve Wiedner, Cassie Handke, Nicholas Engrav and Tim Smedsrud.
During Public Comment, Josh Miller made note of his concerns relating to the Final Project Report provided by Gronen, the Dubuque based construction company performing the City Hall building structural evaluation and City space and facility needs assessment. Miller questioned whether Gronen was chosen by the City through a competitive bidding process in addition to noting the cost of the Final Project Report provided, which he advised is not a full analysis and is lacking in detail.
Miller discussed concerns relating to the core committee involved in the City Hall evaluation process and whether this committee has the necessary experience and background in construction. He noted concerns relating to the City Hall recommendations in the Final Project Report by Gronen and that the Street Department building is not being addressed at this time.
Pat Stone made note of his agreement with Miller’s comments in addition to discussing the need for more information to be provided to the public relating to costs and structural and safety specifics associated with the movement of walls in the City Hall building. Stone suggested that opportunities need to be made available for public comment and feedback with engineers present to address questions.
DEPARTMENT REPORTS
Under Department Reports, Park, Recreation and Wellness Director Jeremy Strub advised that the City Park and other areas have been winterized in preparation for cold temperatures. Strub provided an update relating to travel basketball in addition to noting that the Park and Recreation Board is working on a proposal relating to a dog park.
Water and Sewer Superintendent Jim Cooper discussed a variety of fall maintenance projects taking place in addition to water main repairs. Street Superintendent Pat Egan discussed equipment maintenance being performed and other winter preparation which is ongoing.
Police Chief Paul Wagner reported that Drug Abuse Resistance Education (D.A.R.E.) Week recently concluded with events and programming taking place with elementary students throughout the week.
Among D.A.R.E. Week specifics shared by Wagner, a Safety Day was held at the Waukon Fire Station coordinated by Officer Alyssa Rostad, D.A.R.E. Instructor.
City Clerk Sarah Snitker advised that City offices will be closed November 11 in recognition of Veterans Day.
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