April 23, 2012 Minutes – City Code Review

A special meeting of the City Council of the City of Walcott, Iowa was held on Monday, April 23, 2012, with Mayor Pro Tem Kostichek calling the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m. Council members present were: Tim Koehler, Jackie Puck, Lisa Mengler, and Jacob Puck. City employees present were: J. Huston.
Koehler moved and Jacob Puck seconded to approve the agenda. Motion carried.
Audience Members: Planning & Zoning Commission members : Chris Thompson, David Trees, Lon Warnecke, Mike Byington, and Mike Sissel.
Huston presented the recommended Code changes from the Subdivision and Zoning Chapters. The Planning & Zoning Commission spent several months reviewing the Code and they are recommending the changes. All changes were reviewed with the following discussed in detail:
  • Notification signs for Site Plans and Residential Preliminary Plats
  • Accessory Buildings : This change would allow two garages, both 900 sq. ft. Huston is opposed to the change due to a drastic increase in residential lot coverage by structures and hard-surfaced driveways. All P&Z members are in favor of the change as it allows homeowners to choose additional garages to house vehicles and equipment.
  • Downtown or Commercial Parking Area : this area would be expanded to allow P&Z to consider off-street parking on a case-by-case basis.
Dangerous Buildings Ordinance: Council reviewed and discussed the sample ordinance. This ordinance would allow the city to take action regarding dilapidated, hazardous buildings.
All recommended changes will be placed on a future Council agenda.
Kostichek moved and Jackie Puck seconded to adjourn at 6:56 p.m. Motion carried.

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May 21, 2012

The semi-monthly meeting of the City Council of Walcott, Iowa, was held on Monday, the 21st day of May, 2012, at Walcott City Hall. Mayor Jim Couper called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m. Council members present were: Tim Koehler, John Kostichek, Lisa Mengler, Jackie Puck, and Jacob Puck. Absent: None. City employees present: John Brockmann, Lisa Rickertsen, Tom Schirman, Jeff Blake, and Joe Hahn.
Koehler moved and Jackie Puck seconded to approve the agenda. Motion carried.
Mayor Couper opened the public hearing on the Development Agreement with Sterling Partners I, LLC. Rickertsen stated this is in connection with the construction of a new multi-purpose facility located at 250 Mack Road, with proposed annual appropriation, incremental property tax payments to the company, in a total amount not exceeding $400,000. No oral or written comments were received. Koehler moved and Kostichek seconded to close the public hearing and open the public hearing on the Development Agreement with JDW Holdings, LLC. Motion carried. Rickertsen stated this is in connection with the construction of a new building located at 1000 N. Main Street, with proposed annual appropriation, incremental property tax payments to the company, in a total amount not exceeding $40,000. No oral or written comments were received. Jackie Puck moved and Kostichek seconded to close the public hearing and open the public hearing on the Development Agreement with T & C Storage. Motion carried. Rickertsen stated this is in connection with the construction of a new storage facility located at 305 E. Walcott Road, with proposed annual appropriation, incremental property tax payments to the company, in a total amount not exceeding $6,000. No oral or written comments were received. Mengler moved and Jacob Puck seconded to close the public hearing and resume the regular meeting. Motion carried.
Consent Agenda. Koehler moved and Jacob Puck seconded to approve the consent agenda including the invoices, May 7th minutes, April 2012 Financial Reports, and Resolution 2012-22 : Transfer of Funds. Roll call ayes: Koehler, Jacob Puck, Jackie Puck, Mengler, and Kostichek. Motion carried.
Audience. Nicole Schoeller, David Darby, Stephanie Smith, Randy & Deb Moeller, David Paulsen, Janice Dawson, Wayne Latimer, Kevin Cole, Jason Holdorf, and Chad Burt.
Allied Waste. Nicole Schoeller, Municipal Manager with Allied Waste, presented a plaque to the City recognizing the City's recycling efforts in 2011. She congratulated the City on recycling 161 tons of material which saved 2,742 trees and eliminated 164,546 pounds of air pollutants.
David Darby : Historic Route 6. DavidDarby was present on behalf of the Iowa U.S. Route 6 Tourist Association. He discussed the efforts of the Association to regain commerce in towns along Route 6 bypassed by Interstate 80 and asked that Walcott join the association and network with Durant and Wilton to drive tourism along the "Lost Route 6" corridor of County Road F58. Following discussion, Koehler moved and Mengler seconded to send the request to the Vision Committee for their recommendation. Motion carried. Darby stated there is a meeting scheduled at the Wilton Community Center on Thursday, June 14th at 6 p.m. for anyone interested.
S. Downey Street. Randy & Deb Moeller expressed their concerns regarding the following issues: relocation of mailbox, other sidewalk violations, storm sewer connections, and S. Downey Street surface condition. Following discussion between Moellers, Stephanie Smith, staff and council, Kostichek moved and Jacob Puck seconded to allow Moeller's to participate in the current year's Residential Sidewalk Repair Program for funding assistance to relocate their sidewalk around their mailbox. Motion carried. The program reimburses the property owner for fifty percent of the paid invoice for the removal and repair or replacement of public sidewalks. It was suggested to provide additional tar & chip on S. Downey Street as a temporary fix to the street surface. During the May 7th meeting, engineering services were engaged from Verbeke-Meyer to provide a construction cost opinion to pave South Downey Street, south of Memorial Road. The storm sewer connection issue will be discussed during the June 18th council meeting.
Televising Sewer Lines. Brockmann presented a project worksheet to hire a company to inspect the main sanitary sewer and lateral lines on S. Downey Street. Koehler moved and Jacob Puck seconded to approve the proposal from Visu-Sewer at an approximate cost of $5,138. Motion carried.
Recreational Trail Committee. Chad Burt discussed the proposed landscaping plan for Prairie View Park. He stated it would be a phased project and the parking area and east seating area would be done first and the other areas are planned for future memorials and service projects. Mengler moved and Jacob Puck seconded to approve the master landscaping plan for Prairie View Park. Motion carried. Discussion was held on the landscaping maintenance and native plantings. Burt stated the landscaping plan was developed so there would be minimal maintenance. Discussion was held on some recent complaints regarding the weeds and mowing at the area. Burt stated that mowing needs to be continued a few times each year to allow the natives to grow. Burt provided an update on the CAT (Community Attractions and Tourism) grant and his collaboration with legislators to resolve grant issues. Mayor Couper thanked Burt and Committee members for their efforts and dedication to the project.
Engineering Services : N. Henry. Discussion was held on the need to determine elevation of N. Henry Street from Otis Street to Lincoln Street. Koehler moved and Mengler seconded to approve the engineering services from Verbeke-Meyer at a cost of $1,200 to provide a construction cost opinion to pave N. Henry Street, from Otis Street to Lincoln Street. Motion carried.
Architect Selection for 1113 N. Main Street.Jackie Puckmoved and Jacob Puck seconded to select Gere/Dismer Architects for services at 1113 N. Main Street. Ayes: Jackie Puck, Jacob Puck, Koehler, and Mengler. Nays: Kostichek. Motion carried.
Municipal Building Committee. During the April 2nd meeting Mayor Couperestablished a Municipal Building Committee for the proposed project at 1113 N. Main Street and appointed Council Members Jackie Puck and Tim Koehler to lead a committee of two local business leaders, two residents, and one Vision Committee member. Jackie Puck stated she asked four women, all of which declined to be on the committee. Jackie Puck moved and Kostichek seconded to approve the appointments of Jackie Puck, Tim Koehler, Lon Warnecke, Dick Newcomb, Verlyn Dietz, Wayne Latimer, and Dick Hagen to the Municipal Building Committee. Motion carried.
Sidewalk Reimbursement Program. Rickertsen discussed the residential properties identified for the Residential Sidewalk Repair Program (RSVP). Koehler moved and Jacob Puck seconded to proceed with the RSRP for FY 2012-2013, sending notices and program information to the twelve residential properties as presented. Motion carried. Notices will also be sent to commercial and non owner-occupied properties that do not qualify for the program but have repairs needed to the public sidewalks adjacent to their property.
2012 Pavement Markings. Jackie Puck moved and Mengler seconded to approve the Pavement Markings Program with Scott County. Motion carried.
Fireworks Display for Walcott Truckers Jamboree. Kostichek moved and Jacob Puck seconded to approve the fireworks display application and supporting documents for the Walcott Truckers Jamboree on July 12, 2012. Motion carried.
Resolution 2012-23, Approving Development Agreement with Sterling Partners I LLC. Jackie Puckmoved and Koehler seconded to approve Resolution 2012-23. Roll call ayes: Jackie Puck, Koehler, Jacob Puck, Mengler, and Kostichek. Motion carried.
Resolution 2012-24, Approving Development Agreement with JDW Holdings LLC. Jacob Puck moved and Mengler seconded to approve Resolution 2012-24. Roll call ayes: Jacob Puck, Mengler, Kostichek, Koehler, and Jackie Puck. Motion carried.
Resolution 2012-25, Approving Development Agreement with T & C Storage. Mengler moved and Kostichek seconded to approve Resolution 2012-25. Roll call ayes: Mengler, Kostichek, Koehler, Jackie Puck, and Jacob Puck. Motion carried.
Fire Department Report. Koehler questioned the status of the driver training program, for fire department members, which is required with a federal vehicle grant application. Hahn responded that he is trying to get the class scheduled for next month.
Police Department Report. Chief Blake presented his report including recent car burglaries of unlocked vehicles.
Public Work's Report. Brockmann presented his report including update on the lift station project. Jackie Puck moved and Kostichek seconded to approve the purchase request for tractor forks from Titan Machinery at a cost of $3,250. Motion carried.
City Clerk's Report. Rickertsen reported that the City was required to pay the taxes on the payment to Iowa Interstate Power (Alliant Energy) for the extension work as the State Utilities Board regulates the tax must be received by the specific customers that benefit by the work.
Mayor's Report. Mayor Couper read and proclaimed June 18th as the War of 1812 Remembrance Day.
Questions/Concerns. Koehler questioned the status of the demolition project at 106 W. Lincoln Street. Brockmann responded that the gas utility was just disconnected last week and he will be moving forward with developing specifications for the project. Questions arose on the proposed changes to accessory buildings/garages. The topic will be discussed during the June 4th meeting during review of City Code and Zoning Administrator, Jackie Huston, will be asked to attend the meeting.
Koehler moved and Jacob Puck seconded to adjourn at 8:17 p.m. Motion carried. All votes on motions were unanimous, unless noted.

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April 16, 2012 Minutes

The semi-monthly meeting of the City Council of Walcott, Iowa, was held on Monday, the 16th day of April, 2012, at Walcott City Hall. Mayor Pro Tem John Kostichek called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m. Other council members present were: Tim Koehler, Lisa Mengler, Jackie Puck, and Jacob Puck. Absent: Mayor Couper. City employees present: John Brockmann, Lisa Rickertsen, Tom Schirman, and Adam Hill.
Jackie Puck moved and Koehler seconded to approve the agenda with deletion of item six. Motion carried. The item deleted, Municipal Building Committee appointments will be placed on the May 21st agenda.
Consent Agenda. Koehler moved and Jacob Puck seconded to approve the consent agenda including the invoices, April 2nd minutes, and March 2012 Financial reports. Motion carried.
Audience. Jim Woodward, Chris Pauley, Wayne Latimer, and Kristal Schaefer.
W. Memorial Road Dust Control. Chris Pauley and Jim Woodward attended and expressed concerns regarding dust blowing from W. Memorial Road. Following discussion, Mengler moved and Jackie Puck seconded to approve hiring River Valley to apply tree sap on W. Memorial Road at an approximate cost of $600. Motion carried.
Vision Committee Report.
Main Street Assessment. Kristal Schaefer presented an update regarding funding and scheduling for the Main Street Assessment program. Schaefer reported that funding commitments of $1,601 have been received from local businesses and individuals toward the program costs.
Farmer's Market. She also reported that a committee has been established under the Chamber of Commerce to organize and manage a Farmers Market. They are requesting to utilize the city-owned site on the SE corner of Main Street & Lincoln Street, beginning Thursday, May 31st from 5 : 7 p.m. Schaefer also reported the committee requested a monetary donation from the City. Koehler responded he would prefer the City participate with "in-kind" (garbage services, property use, etc.) donations. Jacob Puck moved and Kostichek seconded to allow utilization of the city-owned property at the SE corner of Main Street & Lincoln Street for a Farmer's Market. Motion carried.
Gazebo & Shelter Reservations. Discussion was held on the Park Board recommendationto initiate a rental fee of $50 for the gazebo at Prairie View Park and a $25 rental fee for the gazebo at Welcome Park and the shelters at Wescott and Victory Parks. Rickertsen expressed concerns with changing the current reservation fee to a rental fee. Following discussion, Jackie Puck moved and Mengler seconded to proceed with updating the current policy and increasing the reservation fee for all shelters and gazebos from $25 to $35, beginning January 1, 2013. Motion carried. Rickertsen will update the reservation policy and bring to a future meeting.
Lift Station Building. Brockmann presented a project worksheet for a 12'x12' insulated building. Four bids were received. Jackie Puck moved and Kostichek seconded to hire Brian Ganzer Carpentry & Roofing to construct a 12'x12' insulated building at a cost of $4,913.45. Motion carried.
Resolution 2012-16, Approving Site Plan for Wingfoot Truck Care Center. Koehler moved and Jacob Puck seconded to approve Resolution 2012-16. Roll call ayes: Koehler, Jacob Puck, Jackie Puck, Mengler, and Kostichek. Motion carried.
Resolution 2012-17, Establishing New Project Fund & Authorizing Transfer of Funds. Jackie Puck moved and Koehler seconded to approve Resolution 2012-17. Roll call ayes: Jackie Puck, Koehler, Jacob Puck, Mengler, and Kostichek. Motion carried. This resolution establishes a project fund for Flagg Street paving project and authorizes a transfer of $100,000 from the Road Use Tax Fund.
Ordinance 456-12, Amending Sewer Rates. Kostichek moved and Mengler seconded to approve the third and final reading of Ordinance 456-12. Roll call ayes: Kostichek, Mengler, Jackie Puck, Jacob Puck, and Koehler. Motion carried. The rates will increase $.50 per 1,000 gallons of water usage, beginning with the July 1st bill.
Ordinance 457-12, Amending Speed Zones. Jacob Puck moved and Mengler seconded to waive the second reading of Ordinance 457-12. Roll call ayes: Jacob Puck, Mengler, Jackie Puck, Kostichek, and Koehler. Motion carried. Jacob Puck moved and Mengler seconded to approve the third and final reading of Ordinance 457-12. Roll call ayes: Jacob Puck, Mengler, Jackie Puck, Koehler and Kostichek. Motion carried. This reduces the speed limit on Walcott Road (County Road F58) to 50 MPH from the west city limits to the east city limits.
Police Department Report. Sergeant Hill reported on the two-week Criminal Intelligence course he recently attended. Discussion was held on having the Police Department look into security issues at the parks.
Public Work's Report. Brockmann presented his report including several project updates: storm water issues on W. Bryant Street, vandalism at Victory Park north shelter, north lift station project, and fence installation at the north water tower.
City Clerk's Report. Rickertsen reported on the following: recent legislative action regarding TIF (Tax Increment Financing), update on CAT Grant meeting, railroad projects, grand opening of QC Visitors Center at 12:30 p.m., May 9th, and a free Boards and Commissions training session sponsored by Bi-State Regional Commission. Rickertsen questioned if council wishes to pursue sidewalk assessments on both sides of W. Bryant Street and Powers Street. Council consensus was to pursue sidewalk assessments for both sides of Powers Street and W. Bryant Street in conjunction with the proposed street improvements project. Council will interview potential architects for the building at 1113 N. Main Street on May 1st at 4:00 p.m. A special meeting to review the Zoning and Subdivision chapters of the City Code was scheduled for April 23rd at 6:00 p.m.
Questions/Concerns. Koehler questioned the status of demolition for 106 W. Lincoln Street and Brockmann responded he is waiting for other utility disconnections before sending out RFP's.
Mengler moved and Jackie Puck seconded to adjourn at 7:18 p.m. Motion carried. All votes on motions were unanimous, unless noted.

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April 2, 2012

The semi-monthly meeting of the City Council of Walcott, Iowa, was held on Monday, the 2nd day of April, 2012, at WalcottCity Hall. Mayor Couper called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m. Council members present were: Tim Koehler, John Kostichek, Lisa Mengler, Jackie Puck, and Jacob Puck. Absent: None. City employees present: John Brockmann, Lisa Rickertsen, Tom Schirman, Jeff Blake, and Joe Hahn.

Koehler moved and Mengler seconded to approve the agenda with deletion of items seven and eight. Motion carried. The items deleted, LiftStationBuilding and Storm Sewer Study : W. Bryant Street, will be placed on a future agenda.

Consent Agenda. Jackie Puck moved and Kostichek seconded to approve the consent agenda including the invoices and March 19th minutes. Motion carried.

Audience. Brent Puck, Jason Holdorf, Janice Dawson, and Wayne & Beth Latimer.

Approval of Beer Permit & Sunday License for Walcott Unified Fund (W.U.F.) at Victory Park. Jacob Puck moved and Mengler seconded to approve the beer permit & Sunday license for W.U.F. at VictoryPark.

Approval of Beer Permit & Sunday License for Walcott Unified Fund (W.U.F.) at Wescott Park. Kostichek moved and Jackie Puck seconded to approve the beer permit & Sunday license for W.U.F. at WescottPark.

 

N. Lift Station Project.

Resolution 2012-15, Approving Change Order #2. Jackie Puck moved and Kostichek seconded to approve Resolution 2012-15. Roll call ayes: Jackie Puck, Kostichek, Mengler, and Jacob Puck. Koehler abstained due to conflict of interest since Koehler Electric is a subcontractor for the project. Motion carried. This change order includes multiple items but overall it reduces the total project amount by $1,639.62.

Approval of Payment #2. Mengler moved and Jacob Puck seconded to approve payment #2 to Jim Schroeder Construction Inc. in the amount of $60,298.87. Koehler abstained. Motion carried.

Architect Proposals : 1113 N. Main Street. Six proposals were received from local architectural design firms. Discussion was held on the six proposals including comments from audience to: think about building functionality, long-term utilization, and consider firms that have similar project experience. Following discussion, Koehler moved and Mengler seconded to interview Downing Architects, SGGM Architects, and Gere/Dismer Architects. Motion carried. The council will interview the selected firms at a later date. Mayor Couper stated he wants to appoint a committee for the project. He appointed Council Members Jackie Puck and Tim Koehler to lead a committee of , two local business leaders, two residents, and one Vision Committee member, which will be selected by Jackie Puck and Koehler.

Ordinance 456-12, Amending Sewer Rates. Kostichek moved and Mengler seconded to approve the second reading of Ordinance 456-12. Roll call ayes: Kostichek, Mengler, Koehler, Jacob Puck, and Jackie Puck. Motion carried. The rates will increase $.50 per 1,000 gallons of water usage, beginning with the July 1st bill.

Ordinance 457-12, Amending Speed Zones. Jacob Puck introduced and moved to approve the first reading of Ordinance 457-12. Seconded by Koehler. Roll call ayes: Jacob Puck, Koehler, Kostichek, Mengler, and Jackie Puck. This reduces the speed limit on Walcott Road (County Road F58) to 50 MPH from the west city limits to the east city limits.

Fire Department Report. Chief Hahn presented a project worksheet to purchase two toughbook laptops from the City of Davenport Fire Department. He stated the laptops will be utilized for: receiving call information from dispatch, fire inspections, and other fire related information. Hahn confirmed that the laptops would not be removed from the building, unless located in a city fire department vehicle. Jackie Puck moved and Kostichek seconded to approve the purchase from the City of Davenport in the amount of $5,942 plus monthly air card charges. Motion carried. The total monthly fee for the air cards, to access the Internet, is approximately $80/month. The purchase will be paid from the Fire Department Donation Fund and the monthly air card fees will also be paid from the donation fund until June 30, 2013.

Review of City Code. This topic was tabled until the next regular meeting.

Public Work's Report. Brockmann presented his report including several project updates including the following: Flagg Street Project, W. Bryant Street Project, WelcomePark clean-up (landscaping), water run-off on North Henry Street, and status of demolition of 106 W. Lincoln Street.

City Clerk's Report. Rickertsen reported that Dr. Mickey Burt will be attending a meeting in Des Moines, on behalf of the Recreational Trail Committee, regarding the CAT Grant funds.

Mayor's Report. Mayor Couper reported on SisterCity (Bredenbek, Germany) upcoming activities.

Questions/Concerns. Brent Puck reported the Vision Committee is seeking donations for the Main Street Iowa Assessment. Donations should be dropped off at City Hall.

Employee Handbook Review. The handbook was reviewed and discussed.

City Code Review. Outstanding questions and concerns from the codification company were reviewed and discussed.

Koehler moved and Jake Puck seconded to adjourn at 7:43 p.m. Motion carried. All votes on motions were unanimous, unless noted.

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