The semi-monthly meeting of the City Council of Walcott, Iowa, was held on Monday, the 15^th day of July, 2013, at Walcott City Hall. Mayor John Kostichek called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m. Council members present were: Virgil Wayne Latimer, Tim Koehler, Lisa Mengler, Jackie Puck and Jacob Puck. Absent: None. City employees present: Jeff Blake, John Brockmann, Lisa Rickertsen, Linda Rivers, and Tom Schirman.

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

Public Hearing. Mayor Kostichek opened the public hearing on the proposed twenty-five year natural gas franchise renewal with MidAmerican Energy. Mark Reinders, MidAmerican Franchise Manager, discussed and reviewed the proposed franchise ordinance and revisions, as agreed upon between him and the City Attorney. No additional comments were expressed and Rickertsen reported no written comments were received. Jackie Puck moved and Latimer 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, minutes from July 1, 2013, beer permit renewal for Pilot Travel Center #043, and the June 2013 financial reports. Motion carried.

Audience. Mark Reinders, Larry Koberg, Kirk Koberg, Mike Engler, Carol Snay, and Mary Lincoln.

Ordinance 465-13, 25-Year Natural Gas Franchise with MidAmerican Energy. Jackie Puck introduced and moved to approve the first reading of Ordinance 465-13. Seconded by Koehler. Roll call ayes: Jackie Puck, Koehler, Latimer, Jacob Puck, and Mengler. Motion carried.

Carol Snay : Sale of Property. Carol Snay was present to discuss a letter presented to the City Council regarding the City's interest in purchasing two lots, owned by her and two siblings, located across from Wescott Park. In the City's pursuit to provide more recreational activities, the property owners, would like the area to be utilized as a splash pad, rather than a skate park. Snay stated a splash pad would provide an activity for all ages of children and families. Following discussion, Koehler moved and Mengler seconded to table the issue until additional information is gathered. Motion carried. Rickertsen will continue to work with vendors on obtaining prices for a splash pad and obtain answers on water pressure and zoning issues. Council members agreed that the offer was a reasonable proposal and thanked Snay and family for offering their property for improving youth opportunities.

Trees Forever Native Grant. Discussion was held regarding a grant opportunity for native plants from Trees Forever that was forwarded from a citizen. Rickertsen reported she contacted a Trees Forever representative regarding the grant details/requirements but has not received a response. Brockmann stated his concerns about additional maintenance, although he was not objecting, he would like a maintenance free area. Koehler moved and Jacob Puck seconded to table the issue until further information is received. Motion carried. The issue will be placed on the next park board agenda.

Walcott Day Committee. Kirk Koberg was present to report on the festival safety requirements, as provided by Building Official, Linda Rivers. He reported he had recently met with Rivers and now has a good understanding of what she is looking for and that during last week's committee meeting he had not yet listened to a message left by Rivers regarding the requirements, therefore there was some confusion. Rivers is the first Walcott Building Official that is also a certified Fire Inspector. Following discussion, Mayor Kostichek stated he appreciates what the committee does for the community and their cooperation to have a safe event.

Quad City Convention Bureau (QCCB) Contribution Request. Discussion was held on the $1,000 contribution to the QCCB. Rickertsen stated that Walcott organizations can go online and submit community events at www.visitquadcities.com. Mengler moved and Koehler seconded to approve the $1,000 contribution request to QCCB. Motion carried.

1113 N. Main Street. Koehler stated the City needs to move forward and obtain a plan/design for a new fire station at the location. Puck stated she received a call from a resident that the location would be great for a combo fire and police station. Comments suggesting a fire station and police station were also received from the survey done a few months ago. Discussion was held on the committee that worked on the initial renovation plan at the property. It was stated that the former Mayor dissolved the committee since the goal he gave them when he formed the committee was completed. Following further discussion, Koehler moved and Mengler seconded to allocate $20,000 for architect fees to develop a plan for a new fire station only at 1113 N. Main Street. Motion carried. Mayor Kostichek will address establishing a new committee at the next meeting.

Regulation of Number of Animals. Discussion was held on adding a provision to the city code regulating the number of pets allowed on each premise. Several examples were reviewed from other Iowa communities. Council consensus was to pursue an ordinance change to limit the number of dogs and cats to a maximum combined total of four on each premise. Rickertsen will prepare an ordinance for the next regular meeting.

Sidewalk Assessment Project (W. Bryant St, S. Powers St, Rowe St, and S. Parker St).

• Jackie Puck moved and Mengler seconded that Verbeke-Meyer Consulting Engineers be designated as engineers in connection with the sidewalk improvements assessment project. Motion carried.
• Jacob Puck moved and Koehler seconded to approve Resolution 2013-21, Covering Sidewalk Improvements Project. Roll call ayes: Jacob Puck, Koehler, Jackie Puck, Latimer, and Mengler. Motion carried.
• Latimer moved and Mengler seconded to approve Resolution 2013-22, Approving and Adopting Preliminary Plans and Specifications, Estimate of Cost, Plat and Schedule. Roll call ayes: Latimer, Mengler, Koehler, Jackie Puck and Jacob Puck. Motion carried.
• Jacob Puck moved and Koehler seconded to approve Resolution 2013-23, Resolution of Necessity. Roll call ayes: Jacob Puck, Koehler, Latimer, Mengler, and Jackie Puck. Motion carried.
• Jackie Puck moved and Mengler seconded to approve Resolution 2013-24, Ordering Preparation of Detailed Plans, Specifications, Notice of Hearing, Notice to Bidders and Form of Contract. Roll call ayes: Jackie Puck, Mengler, Latimer, Koehler, and Jacob Puck. Motion carried.

Ordinance 464-13, Ordinance Amending Provisions Pertaining to Water Rates. Jackie Puck moved and Koehler seconded to waive the second reading of Ordinance 464-13. Roll call ayes: Jackie Puck, Koehler, Latimer, Mengler, and Jacob Puck. Motion carried. Mengler moved and Jacob Puck seconded to approve the third and final reading of Ordinance 464-13. Roll call ayes: Mengler, Jacob Puck, Jackie Puck, Latimer, and Koehler. Motion carried.

City Clerk's Department Report. Rickertsen reported one bid was received for the sale of the slide that was recently removed from Wescott Park. No bids were received for the merry-go-round. Council consensus was to proceed with the sale of the slide. Rickertsen presented the annual Investment Report for FYE 2013. Latimer moved and Koehler seconded to approve the Investment Report as presented. Motion carried.

Building Official, Linda Rivers, updated council on the following:

• Festival Inspections at Trucker's Jamboree
• Sidewalk Repairs, which are required to be done by August 31^st
• 911 Addressing : She stated the ordinance passed by council last year requires 4" numbers versus the old requirement of 2 ¬Ω" numbers. This will help the new Fire Department/EMS staff who are not familiar with the properties.
• New home construction on W. Meadow Lane
• Dilapitated buildings at 780 E. James Street

Mayor's Report. Mayor Kostichek stated he wants to review the Downtown Assessment report that was completed last summer and fit projects into upcoming budgets.

Questions/Concerns. Jackie Puck reported on a resident that had complaints regarding the summer program. Rickertsen stated this is the first she has heard of the complaints and parents should contact City Hall so staff can discuss the issues with Camp Abe Lincoln.

Jackie Puck moved and Latimer seconded to adjourn at 7:40 p.m. Motion carried. All votes on motions were unanimous, unless noted.

The semi-monthly meeting of the City Council of Walcott, Iowa, was held on Monday, the 1^st day of July, 2013, at Walcott City Hall. Mayor John Kostichek called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m. Council members present were: Tim Koehler, Lisa Mengler, Jackie Puck and Jacob Puck. Absent: None. City employees present: John Brockmann, Joe Hahn, Lisa Rickertsen, and Tom Schirman.

Mengler moved and Jacob Puck seconded to approve the agenda. Motion carried. Rickertsen stated the property at 1113 N. Main Street will be listed on the July 15^thagenda.

Consent Agenda. Koehler moved and Mengler seconded to approve the consent agenda including the invoices, minutes from June 17, 2013, Class A liquor license renewal for Walcott Legion Post #548, and Class C beer permit renewal for Pilot Travel Center #268. Motion carried.

Audience. Virgil Wayne Latimer, Cloe McKinley, Larry Koberg, and Josh Geigle.

Council Vacancy – Appointment. Both Virgil Wayne Latimer and Cloe McKinley both requested to be appointed to fill the council vacancy. Jackie Puck moved and Koehler seconded to appoint Virgil Wayne Latimer as council member until the next regular election on November 5, 2013. Motion carried. Mayor Kostichek administered the oath of office to Latimer. McKinley was thanked for her interest and encouraged to run for election this fall if still interested.

MidAmerican Energy : Franchise Renewal. The memo from Attorney Schirman, regarding the proposed franchise renewal ordinance, was discussed. Council consensus was to keep the franchise fee language in the ordinance but the fee will be set as 0%. Attorney Schirman will work with Larry Koberg and/or other MidAmerican Energy representatives on suggested changes to the proposed ordinance. Koehler moved and Jacob Puck seconded to set the public hearing date, regarding the twenty-five year franchise renewal of natural gas, for July 15^th at 6:00 p.m. Motion carried.

Walcott Day.

• Fireworks Permit. The insurance agent and attorney both approved the insurance certificate and documents as provided. Puck moved and Latimer seconded to approve the fireworks display application and supporting documents for the Walcott Day Fireworks on July 20^th. Motion carried.
• Donation. Mengler moved and Jacob Puck seconded to approve the annual fireworks donation to Walcott Day Committee for $1,000. Motion carried.

Iowa Trucking Company : Gramma's Kitchen 5-Day Class B Outdoor License. Rickertsen reported this outdoor service is during the Trucker's Jamboree and a sketch of the outdoor service area has been approved by the Police Chief. Mengler moved and Jacob Puck seconded to approve Gramma's Kitchen outdoor service area license as presented. Motion carried.

Ordinance 464-13, Ordinance Amending Provisions Pertaining to Water Rates. Rickertsen stated this ordinance change will set the minimum usage at 1,400 gallons, which is consistent with the minimum usage for sewer. Jackie Puck introduced and moved to approve the first reading of Ordinance 464-13. Seconded by Koehler. Roll call ayes: Jackie Puck, Koehler, Latimer, Mengler, and Jacob Puck. Motion carried.

Fire Department Report. Assistant Chief Geigle reported on the vehicle design/purchase status and updated council on the temporary EMT/FF positions. Koehler questioned grant opportunities for a vehicle. Following discussion, the Fire Department was instructed to research possible grants. Chief Hahn reported on recent issues with the neighbor's dogs running at large on City Hall/Fire Station property. Discussion was regarding the city ordinance that requires dogs to be restrained on a leash when off the premises of the owner. Council consensus was to request the Police Department enforce the leash laws more vigorously.

Public Works Department Report. Brockmann reported on recent department activities including new sidewalks, handicap mats, and handicap accessible curb corners. He also presented a letter in response to a complaint regarding street condition of South Downey Street. Discussion was also held on the issues at the compost area.

City Clerk's Department Report. Rickertsen reported on the following:

• Zoning Board of Adjustment meeting on July 10^th regarding fence variance request
• Meeting with sales representative on splash pads and skate parks
• June Building Department report
• Reminded and distributed information to council on requirements of Iowa's open meetings law, which includes electronic communication
• Distributed Iowa League of Cities Conference information
• Purchase of cellular phone for Mayor
• Closure of CAT grant for Prairie View Park and Heritage Trail

Attorney Report. Schirman reported on the recent administrative search warrant served on a property on E. James Street.

Questions/Concerns. Jill Hernandez, tenant at 116 W. Lincoln Street, arrived and complained that fire department members are placing food scraps, near the creek area, that are attracting her four large dogs onto city property. She stated she had complained to Chief Hahn in the past regarding this issue. She requested the City pay for ¬Ω the cost of a fence to be installed on the east property line of City Hall/Fire Department to keep her dogs from coming onto city property. Jackie Puck stated it is not the City's responsibility to install a fence to keep Ms. Hernadez's dogs off city property. The food disposal issue has been addressed with members/employees and should no longer be an issue, however it is always the dog owner's responsibility to keep their dogs on the owner's premises or leashed when off premises. Further discussion was held on the issues involved with Ms. Hernandez fencing her landlord's property. Hernandez was referred to the Zoning Administrator if she wants to pursue fencing for her dogs at 116 W. Lincoln Street.

Jacob Puck moved and Jackie Puck seconded to adjourn at 7:20 p.m. Motion carried. All votes on motions were unanimous, unless noted.