June 20, 2011

The semi-monthly meeting of the City Council of Walcott, Iowa, was held on Monday, the 20th day of June, 2011. Mayor Jim Couper called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m. Council members present were: Larry Koberg, John Kostichek, Jackie Puck, and Jacob Puck. Absent: Tim Koehler. City employees present: L. Rickertsen, J. Brockmann, T. Schirman, J. Blake, and J. Hahn.

Koberg moved and Jackie Puck seconded to approve the agenda. Motion carried.

Consent Agenda. Jackie Puck moved and Kostichek seconded to approve the consent agenda including the invoices, minutes from 06/06/ 2011, Class A liquor license renewal for Walcott Legion Post #548, Class C liquor license renewal for Weisrock, Inc. (Walcott Coliseum), cigarette permit renewals for Lampliter, Casey's, Weisrock, Inc., Pilot Travel Centers #043 & #268, and Iowa 80 Truckstop, May 2011 financial reports, and Resolution 2011-30 Transfer of Funds. Roll call ayes: Jackie Puck, Kostichek, Koberg, and Jacob Puck. Motion carried.

Street Closure Request. Brian Ehlers was present on behalf of the Walcott Community Club to request closing a portion of E. Bryant Street. Jackie Puck moved and Jacob Puck seconded to close Bryant Street, between Main Street and Henry Street, on July 1st from 4:30 p.m. : 11 p.m. for the Community Club. Motion carried. It was reported that they anticipate only closing the north side of the street.

Recreational Trail & Park Project. Discussion was held on various project concerns including: seeding, weeds, erosion/drainage, and shoulder grading. Engineer Jon White was present and reported the contractor stated the reasons they have not addressed unresolved project items was due to scheduling conflicts and weather delays. Further discussion was held on the fall "dormant" seeding and apparent lack of cover crop. White will check with the IDOT (Iowa Department of Transportation) regarding seeding options and what type of actions the City can proceed with. Jackie Puck moved and Kostichek seconded to table payment #6, in the amount of $26,294.37, to McCarthy Improvements Company until White talks to the IDOT. Motion carried.

Walcott Day.

  • Fireworks Permit. Rickertsen reported all required documents were received and the Fire Chief approved the application. Kostichek moved and Jacob Puck seconded to approve the fireworks permit for Jon Blackert, Crater Fireworks, for Walcott Day Fireworks on Friday, July 15, 2011. Motion carried.
  • Parade. Kostichek moved and Jacob Puck seconded to approve the Walcott Day Parade and closure of appropriate streets on July 16, 2011. Motion carried.
  • Street Closures. Jacob Puck moved and Koberg seconded to approve closing E. Lincoln Street, between Grove and Century Streets on July 16, 2011. Motion carried.
  • Fireworks Donation. Jackie Puck moved and Kostichek seconded to approve a donation of $1,000 to Walcott Day Committee for July 15th fireworks. Motion carried.

Codification Update. Jackie Puck moved Koberg seconded to approve hiring Iowa Codification, Inc. to complete a comprehensive update of the existing city code book at a cost of $5,200. Motion carried.

Resolution 2011-31, Awarding Contract for the N. Downey Street Pavement Improvements Project. Jackie Puck moved and Koberg seconded to approve Resolution 2011-31. Roll call ayes: Jackie Puck, Koberg, Jacob Puck, and Kostichek. Motion carried. The project was awarded to the low bidder, Muscatine Bridge Company, at a cost of $256,138.75. Motion carried.

Resolution 2011-32, Approving Contract and Bonds for the Fire Department Expansion Project. Jacob Puck moved and Kostichek seconded to approve Resolution 2011-32. Roll call ayes: Jacob Puck, Kostichek, Koberg, and Jackie Puck. Motion carried.

Resolution 2011-33, Approving Iowa 80 Fifth Addition Preliminary Plat. Jackie Puck moved and Jacob Puck seconded to approve Resolution 2011-33. Roll call ayes: Jackie Puck, Jacob Puck, Kostichek, and Koberg. Motion carried.

Resolution 2011-34, Setting Employee Wages for FYE 2012. Koberg moved and Jacob Puck seconded to approve Resolution 2011-34. Motion carried.

Public Works Department Report. Brockmann discussed the following issues regarding the recreational trail:

  • Water is not draining in the parking lot
  • Obtaining cost estimates for seeding grass next to trail versus tall prairie grass
  • Reports of swimming in the ponds : which is not allowed
  • Purchasing life safety vests and rings for city police and public works department vehicles

Discussion was held on Mediacom possibly changing the City's IP address which may result in potential problems with the water meter reading system.

City Attorney Report. Schirman reported he talked with two appraisers regarding property acquisition for the sewer lift station project. Consensus was to have Schirman proceed with ordering the appraisal at a cost of $1,500.

Questions/Concerns. It was reported that approximately 1,000 : 2,000 riders will be participating in an organized RAGBRAI Training Ride on Saturday, July 9th. The ride will be from Davenport to Coralville, starting at approximately 8 a.m.

Kostichek moved and Jackie Puck seconded to adjourn at 7:02 p.m. Motion carried. All votes on motions were unanimous, unless noted.

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June 6, 2011

The semi-monthly meeting of the City Council of Walcott, Iowa, was held on Monday, the 6th day of June, 2011. Mayor Couper called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m. Council members present were: Koberg, Koehler, Kostichek, Jackie Puck, and Jacob Puck. City employees present: L. Rickertsen, J. Brockmann, T. Schirman, J. Blake, and J. Hahn.

Koehler moved and Kostichek seconded to approve the agenda. Motion carried.

Public Hearings. Mayor Couper opened the public hearing on the plans and specifications for the N. Downey Street Pavement Improvements Project. No oral or written comments were received from the public. Jackie Puck moved and Koberg seconded to close the public hearing and resume the regular meeting. Motion carried.

Consent Agenda. Koehler moved and Koberg seconded to approve the consent agenda including the invoices and minutes from 05/16/ 2011. Motion carried.

Police Department Report. Chief Blake introduced his new officer, Brian Mayberry. Jackie Puck moved and Jacob Puck seconded to approve Resolution 2011-28, Approving Hourly Wage for New Officer. Roll call ayes: Jackie Puck, Jacob Puck, Koehler, Kostichek, and Koberg. Motion carried. Mayor Couper welcomed Officer Mayberry and administered the oath of office to him. Resolution 2011-29, Regulating the Operation of Golf Carts During the Annual Walcott Day Celebration. Discussion was held on allowing carts to be operated on the Sunday following Walcott Day until 2:00 p.m. The resolution already included use on Friday and Saturday nights until Midnight. For use in this resolution "golf cart" is defined as a motorized vehicle designed to transport person(s) on a golf course and includes ATV's and utility vehicles. Kostichek moved and Jacob Puck seconded to approve Resolution 2011-29 with the change as discussed. Roll call ayes: Kostichek, Jacob Puck, Jackie Puck, Koberg, and Koehler. Motion carried. No "golf cart" may be operated during the annual Walcott Day celebration unless the operator obtains a permit from the Walcott Police Chief and meets all requirements as listed in Resolution 2011-29.

Street Closure Request. Jacob Peters attended and requested approval to close E. Bryant Street in front of the Walcott Coliseum on Saturday, June 11th. Peters will be getting married on June 11th and the reception will be at the Walcott Coliseum. Rickertsen will check with the insurance agent regarding liability concerns. Koehler moved and Koberg seconded to close E. Bryant Street, from Main Street to Henry Street, from 6 : 11 p.m. on June 11, 2011, contingent upon endorsement from the insurance agent. Motion carried.

Walcott Day Fireworks & Street Closures. Diane McKinley was present to discuss the fireworks display on July 15, 2011. Following discussion, Koberg moved and Jacob Puck seconded to approve the concept/location of the fireworks display on July 15, 2011. Motion carried. The fireworks permit cannot be approved until an application and all required documents are submitted. McKinley also discussed street closures needed around Victory Park during Walcott Day, particularly for the car show. Following discussion, Kostichek moved and Jacob Puck seconded to approve the following street closures on July 15, 2011: N. Henry Street, between James Street and Otis Street; E. Otis Street, between Henry Street and Downey Street; and N. Downey Street, between James Street and Lincoln Street. Motion carried.

Midfield Pattern : Compaction Issues. Koberg reported the council Park Committee (Koberg & Koehler) met with Jake Worden and John Brockmann regarding the compaction issues on his lot on Main Street. Following discussion with Jake Worden, citizen Mike Sissel questioned if it had been considered that maybe the soil wasn't the type that is suitable for compaction and he referenced the compaction issues he had when building the assisted living facility, located adjacent to the recreational trail area. Discussion was held on requesting the City Engineer, Jon White, attend a council Committee of the Whole meeting on June 27, 2011 at 5:30 p.m. to discuss the issue. The reimbursement request for dirt excavation costs as discussed during the May 16th council meeting was withdrawn.

Vision Committee Report. Brent Puck updated the council on topics the Vision Committee has been working on and encouraged input from the council. Mayor Couper expressed his appreciation with the Committee's efforts.

Recreational Trail & Park Project.

  • Committee Update. Brent Puck also updated the council on the Recreational Trail and Park Project. Discussion was held on the seeding that was done last fall. It takes approximately three years for a native seeding to become established and regular mowings will be necessary to control weeds and help the native plants become established. Discussion was also held on project items that have not been resolved.
  • Ribbon Cutting Ceremony. A ribbon cutting ceremony will be held in the evening on Friday, July 15th, prior to the fireworks display.
  • Name. Puck reported they received approximately thirty recommendations name of the park/trail. The committee recommended naming the park Prairie View Park and naming the trail Heritage Trail. Koehler moved and Jacob Puck seconded to approve the Recreational Trail & Park Committee's naming recommendations of Prairie View Park and Heritage Trail. Motion carried. Mayor Couper expressed his thanks and appreciation to the Committee.
  • Approval of Payment No. 6. Due to unresolved project items, Jackie Puck moved and Kostichek seconded to table payment no. 6, in the amount of $26,294.37, to McCarthy Improvements Company. Motion carried.

Resolution 2011-26, Approving Plans & Specifications for N. Downey Street Pavement Improvements Project. Jackie Puck moved and Koehler seconded to approve resolution 2011-26. Roll call ayes: Jackie Puck, Koehler, Jacob Puck, Kostichek, and Koberg. Motion carried. Bids will be received on June 16th and forwarded to the council for their consideration on June 20th.

Resolution 2011-27, Awarding Contract for the Fire Department Expansion Project. Rickertsen reported four bids were received, ranging from $58,076.10 – $99,500. Rickertsen stated the lowest bidder did not submit the bid security with the bid as required but he called the day after the bid opening and stated he could provide it. Koehler moved and Koberg seconded to approve Resolution 2011-27. Roll call ayes: Koehler, Koberg, Kostichek, Jackie Puck, and Jacob Puck. Motion carried. The contract was awarded to Sissel Construction for $58,777.20,

Approval of Fireworks Display for Walcott Truckers Jamboree on July 14, 2011. Koehler moved and Koberg seconded to approve the fireworks display on July 14, 2011. Motion carried.

Handicap Curb Ramps & Alley (sidewalk) Replacements. Brockmann presented a project worksheet for the curb ramps and sidewalks with bids from three contractors. Kostichek moved and Jackie Puck seconded to approve hiring Grunder Concrete to replace specific curb ramps and sidewalks at a total project amount not to exceed $5,185. Motion carried. City staff will remove old concrete and purchase the curb detectable warning mats. The approved project amount includes the purchase of curb detectable warning mats.

Residential Handicap Policy. Rickertsen obtained a written residential handicap parking policy from the City of Clinton. Following discussion, Koberg moved and Kostichek seconded to table the issue until a later time. Motion carried.

Ordinance 454-11, Amending the Zoning Map : 131 E. Bryant Street. Discussion was held on the central business district area. Koberg moved and Jackie Puck seconded to approve the second reading of Ordinance 454-11. Roll call ayes: Koberg, Jackie Puck, Jacob Puck, Koehler, and Kostichek. Motion carried. Jackie Puck moved and Koberg seconded to waive the third reading of Ordinance 454-11. Roll call ayes: Jackie Puck, Koberg, Jacob Puck, Koehler, and Kostichek. Motion carried. This changes the zoning from C-2 (Central Business District) to R-3 (Multiple-Family Dwelling District). The property has been utilized as multiple-family for many years.

Public Work's Report. Brockmann expressed thanks to the Walcott Lions for their donation of plants and planting them in a perennial garden at Welcome Park. Also, a special thanks to Janet Brockmann for the brick donation for edging around the perennial garden. Brockmann reported on what the recent hot weather has done to some of the streets and that they are accepting donations to purchase new picnic tables. Kostichek questioned the guardrail on the bridge along Main Street and Mayor Couper questioned a fence at the Water Treatment Plant. Brockmann stated he will check on the guardrail and he has not pursued a fence yet.

Fire Department Report. Hahn presented a project worksheet for purchasing replacement hoses and nozzles. Questions arose on quotes from other vendors. Hahn stated he received three quotes and Alexis Fire was the lowest. Hahn will forward the other quotes to the council. Mayor Couper offered to pick up the equipment which will save approximately $100 in shipping charges. Koberg moved and Jacob Puck seconded to approve the purchase from Alexis Fire, not to exceed $2,710. Motion carried. Hahn reported the Fire Department has been recertified as an EMT-I level service. He also reported on questions regarding the siren tones. Discussion was held on obtaining magnets that include information on the siren tones/signals.

FYE 2012 Wages. Discussion was held on wages for FYE 2012. Koberg moved and Koehler seconded to proceed with a $.55 hourly increase for full-time staff and part-time increases as recommended by department heads. Motion carried. A wage resolution will be prepared for the next regular meeting.

City Attorney Report. Schirman reported on the status of the property acquisition for the sewer lift station project. Following discussion, Koberg moved and Jacob Puck seconded to acquire an appraisal on the property. Motion carried.

Mayor's Report. Mayor Couper made a few changes to the council committees. The 2011 Council Committees are as follows:

  • Police, Fire, Street Lights, Animal Control, Civil Defense, ZBA, Forever Green : Jackie Puck & Koberg
  • Sanitary Sewer, Solid Waste : Jacob Puck & Kostichek
  • Streets, Parks, Equipment Operations : Koehler & Koberg
  • Policy & Administration, Mayor, Council, Clerk, Treasurer, P&Z, Elections, City Hall & Building Kostichek & Jackie Puck
  • Water Plant Operations, Distributions & Maintenance : Jacob Puck & Koehler

Koberg moved and Jackie Puck seconded to adjourn at 8:35 p.m. Motion carried. All votes on motions were unanimous, unless noted.

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