by Joe Moses
The Waukon City Council Meeting met in regular session Monday, June 17 to address a full agenda of matters including discussion of the City Facade Grant Program application for the St. Patrick Thrift store at 10 East Main Street, a speed zone change on 2nd Street SW from 6th Avenue SW and the Urban Chicken Ordinance.
The meeting was called to order by Mayor Arvid Hatlan. There was no Public Comment with the meeting moving into Department Reports. City Clerk Sarah Snitker advised that Park, Recreation and Wellness Director Jeremy Strub provided an update in his absence. Strub’s report noted that there are a few openings for swimming lessons, City Park shelters and campgrounds are close to being fully booked most weekends, Recreation programming is going well, and that Music in the Park is three weeks into its schedule of performances.
Water and Sewer Superintendent Jim Cooper reported that the jetting program has begun with northeast and southeast portions of town to be addressed this summer. Cooper noted work relating to the sewer lines and the fiber optic installation.
Pat Egan with the Street Department reported ongoing maintenance including street patching with crosswalk painting being close to completion.
Police Chief Paul Wagner advised that the contractor has completed exterior painting of the Waukon Police Station. Wagner discussed feedback received via email from Traffic Technician Craig Wood of the Iowa Department of Transportation (IDOT) relating to the potential addition of a rectangular rapid flashing beacon (RRFB) at the crosswalk in front of Hartig Drug. Wagner noted his own opinion, stating that this is a critical area for pedestrian safety with permitting through the IDOT for a RRFB or other signage being options.
Engineer Sam Ertl with Fehr Graham Engineering advised that the start date for the municipal parking lot resurfacing project behind Hartig Drug is yet to be determined due to weather conditions. Ertl noted that traffic control measures have been removed from Rossville Road near TNT Gymnastics in addition to providing an update relating to the seeding of portions of the Pladsen Addition.
City Clerk Snitker noted that she would be attending an Iowa Economic Development Authority (IEDA) Downtown Forum relating to the power of signage later that week in Oelwein. Snitker noted that Executive Director Mandy Halverson with the Waukon Chamber of Commerce would also be attending this forum. Snitker further advised that Upper Explorerland Regional Planning Commission (UERPC) is updating the region’s long-range transportation plan with residents being welcome to complete a survey online.
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