by Joe Moses
The Waukon City Council met in regular session Tuesday, September 8 following the Monday, September 7 Labor Day holiday to address a full agenda of matters. The meeting was called to order by Mayor Arvid Hatlan with council members present including Steve Wiedner, John Lydon, Nicholas Engrav and Tim Smedsrud.
During Public Comment, Jim Pladsen, a candidate for the Allamakee County Board of Supervisors in the November 3 General Election, provided a brief introduction. Pladsen shared that he serves on the Soil and Water Conservation District Board and has been on the County’s Planning and Zoning Commission for 17 years with 11 of those years serving as chairperson. Pladsen recognized Waukon’s efforts in stormwater management, flood reduction and clean water for residents. He elaborated that Waukon’s stormwater control structures benefit other areas of the county by slowing stormwater, which helps preserve county roads and bridges. Pladsen also touched upon a variety of other topics including Waukon’s comprehensive planning process, among other matters.
Under Department Reports, Park, Recreation and Wellness Director Jeremy Strub discussed his department’s move into fall activities with the Wellness Center being busy with after-school practices for middle schoolers, high school P.E. classes and travel-team volleyball practices, in addition to a variety of scheduled games each weekend.
Water and Sewer Superintendent Jim Cooper discussed an upcoming Department of Natural Resources (DNR) inspection at the Wastewater Treatment Plant. Among other matters, Cooper reported that sludge hauling will begin next week if weather permits.
Street Superintendent Pat Egan briefly discussed the current street project with a portion of 2nd Street SE near Veterans Memorial Hospital (VMH) parking to be dug up after settling due to truck traffic.
Police Chief Paul Wagner discussed concerns relating to Flock Safety cameras and automated license plate readers (ALPR). Wagner advised that for transparency, he wanted to provide an update on this matter. He noted that grant funding provided a majority of the cost to allow a Flock camera to be installed on 9th Street NW and 3rd Avenue NW to provide greater pedestrian safety with this intersection having a great deal of foot traffic as children travel to and from school.
Wagner explained that the camera at this location was intended to record footage of any vehicle-related accidents and vehicles running the portable stop sign with many incidents having been reported by crossing guards. He also said that the Flock camera installed is not capable of collecting license plates as originally promised by Flock Safety, which has prompted him not to extend the one-year contract, with Flock Safety later insisting that the city is locked into a three-year contract. Wagner advised that a letter and follow-up by Waukon’s City Attorney has allowed for the termination of the contract with Flock Safety with that camera now removed.
In addition, Wagner advised that the council approved two Axon brand ALPRs last year to replace the Flock camera and to allow for a second ALPR installation elsewhere in Waukon with discussion in the Iowa Legislature later prompting State of Iowa agencies to pause all permits relating to the placement of ALPRs on state highways. With ALPRs continuing to be a hot topic, Wagner noted that the Axon ALPR purchase has been canceled with the initial payment to Axon to be used in exchange for other Axon-related training or equipment. Wagner recommended that other options continue to be pursued for the replacement of this camera when allowed by the State.
Wagner further advised that Officer Dustin Harrington will be attending the “Catching Predators Online” training sessions being held in Manchester Wednesday and Thursday of that same week as the council meeting. Wagner also discussed the distribution of e-bike information which has decreased violations of the city’s ordinance.
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