The semi-monthly meeting of the City Council of Walcott, Iowa, was held on Monday, the 15th day of June, 2015, at Walcott City Hall. Mayor John Kostichek called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m. Council members present were: Tim Koehler, Virgil Wayne Latimer, Lisa Mengler, Jackie Puck, and Jacob Puck. Absent: None. City employees present: Jeff Blake, Josh Geigle, Lisa Rickertsen, and Tom Schirman.

Approval of Agenda. Jackie Puck moved and Latimer seconded to approve the agenda. Motion carried.

Audience. Mike Byington, Randy Moeller, Kent Arp, Brent Puck, Brent Arp, and Roger Robb.

Consent Agenda. The cigarette permit renewal for Lampliter and the Class A liquor license renewal for Walcott Legion Post #548 were removed from the consent agenda due to lack of submittal of necessary documents. Koehler moved and Jacob Puck seconded to approve the consent agenda including the invoices, minutes from June 1st, May 2015 financial reports, annual cigarette permit renewals for Casey's, Pilot Travel Centers #043 & #268, and Iowa 80 Truckstop, and Class C liquor license renewal for Foley Entertainment d/b/a Walcott Coliseum. Motion carried.

June 8, 2015 Minutes. Jackie Puck moved and Latimer seconded to approve the minutes from June 8, 2015. Motion carried. Mengler abstained due to absence from meeting.

Walcott Day.
Parade. Jacob Puck moved and Mengler seconded to approve the Walcott Day Parade and closure of appropriate streets on July 18, 2015. Motion carried.
Street Closures. Jacob Puck moved and Latimer seconded to approve closing N. Henry Street, between James and Lincoln Streets; E. Otis Street, between Downey and Main Streets; and N. Downey Street, between James and Lincoln Streets on July 18, 2015. Motion carried.
Fireworks : July 17, 2015. Discussion was held on the location of fireworks and access to the area from the property owner. Chief Blake will contact the property owner. Jacob Puck moved and Jackie Puck seconded to approve the fireworks display application and supporting documents for the Walcott Day fireworks on July 17th. Motion carried.
Fireworks Donation. Koehler moved and Jacob Puck seconded to approve the donation of $1,000 to the Walcott Day Committee for the fireworks display. Motion carried.
5K Race & Street Closure Jacob Puck moved and Latimer. seconded to approve the 5K race route as submitted and approve the E. Bryant Street closure (race starting line), between Main & Henry Streets, from 5:00 a.m. : 9:00 a.m. on July 18th. Motion carried.

Blake Selby : Proposal for 1113 N. Main Street. A proposal to utilize 1113 N. Main Street was received from Mr. Selby prior to the meeting, but he was not present. Mr. Selby is proposing that the building be renovated as a fitness center. He plans to invest in renovations and equipment and would offer free gym memberships for all Walcott residents for 10 years. In return, he is requesting that the City gift him the building and property and allow a ten year, 100% tax abatement. Attorney Schirman stated the City cannot legally gift the property, unless it is to another governmental agency. Jackie Puck moved and Mengler seconded to deny the request from Selby. Motion carried.

Iowa 80 Fireworks. Mengler moved and Jacob Puck seconded to approve the fireworks display application and supporting documents for the Iowa 80 Truckstop/Jamboree fireworks on July 9th & 10th. Motion carried.

Review of Employee Benefits.
Health Insurance. Roger Robb (Group Specialist of GBL) and Brent Arp were present to discuss the City's employee medical insurance benefits and health insurance law changes. A lengthy discussion was held with Robb on health benefits requirements. Following discussion, it was determined that Arp and Robb will do further research and bring different plan designs and options back to a future meeting.
Sick Leave/Payout. Mengler moved and Jackie Puck seconded to not payout any sick time after it reaches a total of 960 hours. Following further discussion, Mengler and Jackie Puck rescinded their motion and Koehler moved and Mengler seconded to table the sick time/pay until the next meeting. Motion carried.
Vacation Leave. Koehler moved and Jackie Puck seconded to revise the vacation leave policy to five days (40 hours) after one year of service and 10 days (80 hours) after two years of service. Motion carried. The remaining vacation leave policy will remain as is.

Vision Committee Report. Byington reported the committee has selected the name of "Walcott Hearts and Hands Foundation" for the new organization following approval of a 501c.3 status. He also reported on their proposed mission statement. Discussion was held on generating a web-based survey for citizens for a possible fitness center. Discussion was also held on the city-owned building at 1113 N. Main Street and that the City is currently working with a realtor to sell the building. If the building has not sold when the contract with the realtor is done, they will have to look at other options. Council consensus was to allow the committee to proceed with the research on setting up a web-based survey and submit possible survey questions to the council at a future meeting.

Solid Waste and Recycling Contract Renewal. Questions arose on some language in the proposed contract. The contract would renew for a five year period, with 3% annual increases, beginning July 1, 2016. The current rate paid to the contractor would remain the same for the year beginning July 1, 2015. Attorney Schirman will review the contract further. Koehler moved and Mengler seconded to proceed with renewing the contract with Allied Waste d/b/a Republic Services, contingent upon further review by Attorney Schirman. Motion carried. This will be listed on the July 6th agenda.

South Water Tower Painting. Mengler moved and Koehler seconded to table until the next regular meeting. Motion carried.

Roof Repairs at Victory Park. Koehler moved and Mengler seconded to approve the low bid from Brian Ganzer Roofing at $1,810 to replace the north side of the south shelter at Victory Park. Motion carried.

Resolution 2015-23, Approving Contract & Bonds for the Main Street Streetscape Enhancement Project. Jackie Puck moved and Mengler seconded to approve Resolution 2015-23. Roll call ayes: Jackie Puck, Mengler, Jacob Puck, and Latimer. Nays: Koehler. Motion carried.

Resolution 2015-24, Transfer of Funds. Mengler moved and Jacob Puck seconded to approve Resolution 2015-24 as discussed. Roll call ayes: Mengler, Jacob Puck, Jackie Puck, Koehler, and Latimer. Motion carried.

Resolution 2015-25, Setting Wages for Fiscal Year Beginning July 1, 2015. Jackie Puck moved and Mengler seconded to approve Resolution 2015-25. Roll call ayes: Jackie Puck, Mengler, Latimer, and Jacob Puck. Nays: Koehler. Motion carried.

Fire Department Report. Chief Geigle presented a project worksheet for the set-up costs associated with programming the outdoor warning sirens so they can be set off by the SECC (Scott Emergency Communication Center). Geigle stated the sirens would be activated for tornado warnings, high winds, or golf ball sized hail. Mengler moved and Koehler seconded to approve the expense of $580 for Racom to program and set-up the siren for SECC to activate them. Motion carried. Geigle will check with Racom on a time frame so notification of the change can be made to the public (flyers, newsletter, and water bills).

Police Department Report. Chief Blake's project worksheet is to replace one squad car laptop. Mengler moved and Jacob Puck seconded to approve the purchase of a new Panasonic Toughbook laptop from CDW Government at a cost of $3,842.16. Motion carried.

Attorney's Report. Attorney Schirman will contact Cenpeco's attorney regarding the status on a meeting with the owner.

Questions/Concerns. Mengler questioned the phone box at Welcome Park. Century Link will be contacted regarding get it fixed/replaced.

Mengler moved and Jacob Puck seconded to adjourn at 8:20 p.m. Motion carried. All votes on motions were unanimous, unless noted.

June Newsletter

The semi-monthly meeting of the City Council of Walcott, Iowa, was held on Monday, the 1st day of June, 2015, at Walcott City Hall. Mayor John Kostichek called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m. Council members present were: Tim Koehler, Virgil Wayne Latimer, Lisa Mengler, Jackie Puck, and Jacob Puck. Absent: None. City employees present: Jeff Blake, John Brockmann, Lisa Rickertsen, Linda Rivers, and Tom Schirman.

Approval of Agenda. Latimer moved and Jacob Puck seconded to approve the agenda. Motion carried.

Audience. Joe & Kelly Quick, Gene Meyer, Janice Dawson, and Kent Arp.

Consent Agenda. Mengler moved and Jackie Puck seconded to approve the consent agenda including the invoices, minutes from May 18th, and minutes from May 27th. Motion carried.

RAGBRAI Update. Joe and Kelly Quick gave an update on the RAGBRAI pre-ride on June 6th. They questioned if the condition of E. Bryant Street could be improved. Brockmann will be doing minor repairs and clean-up to the street this week.

FYE 2016 Sidewalk Reimbursement Program. Rivers presented a list and pictures of properties requiring sidewalk repairs. The list includes twenty-three residential, owner-occupied properties which are eligible for the Residential Sidewalk Repair Program (RSRP). Koehler moved and Jacob Puck seconded to approve the list as presented. Motion carried. Property owners that qualify for the RSRP will receive a reimbursement of 50% of sidewalk repair costs.

Main Street Streetscape Enhancement Project. Rickertsen stated the contract and bonds had not been received yet so the resolution to approve the documents will be placed on a future agenda.
Resolution Establishing Project Fund & Authorizing Transfer of Funds. Mengler moved and Jacob Puck seconded to approve Resolution 2015-21. Roll call ayes: Mengler, Jacob Puck, and Jackie Puck. Nays: Koehler and Latimer. Koehler stated since he didn't vote for the project he has to vote no.
Construction Observation. Rickertsen stated the project engineer recommended a full-time inspector to oversee the construction of sidewalks, driveways, lighting, and pedestrian bridge. Discussion was held on the proposal received from Missman, Inc. for the construction observation services. Since Rivers is a certified electrical inspector and would be inspecting the electrical and sidewalks anyway, discussion was held that she could do the construction observation/inspections and to contact the engineer with other items, such as the pedestrian bridge span extension. Rivers reported she viewed the plans and requested the electrical panel be moved so that it is behind a pole adjacent to city-owned property instead of locating it in front of an existing business. Mengler moved and Koehler seconded to have Rivers do the daily construction observation/inspections and to contact the engineer with items as needed. Motion carried.

Public Works Director Position.
Resolution 2015-22, Approving Public Works Director Job Description. Changes to the Public Works Director job description were made as discussed during the special meeting on May 27th. Koehler moved and Jacob Puck seconded to approve Resolution 2015-22. Roll call ayes: Koehler, Jacob Puck, Latimer, Mengler, and Jackie Puck. Motion carried.
Review of Benefits. Koehler asked Brockmann for an approximate retirement date to facilitate hiring a replacement. Brockmann responded his estimated date would be mid-September. Koehler moved and Mengler seconded to table the review of benefits. Motion carried. Review of benefits for new hires will be discussed at a future special city council meeting.

2015 Pavement Markings. Mengler moved and Jackie Puck seconded to approve participating in the Pavement Marking Program with Scott County. Motion carried.

Ordinance 479-15, Amending Chapter 99 Regarding Sewer Rates. Koehler moved and Jackie Puck seconded to approve the third reading of Ordinance 479-15. Roll call ayes: Koehler, Jackie Puck, Jacob Puck, Latimer, and Mengler. Motion carried. The rate will increase by $.50 per 1,000 gallons, beginning with the July 1, 2015 billing.

Ordinance 480-15, Amending Chapter 92 Regarding Water Rates. Jacob Puck moved and Mengler seconded to approve the third reading of Ordinance 480-15. Roll call ayes: Jacob Puck, Mengler, Latimer, Koehler, and Jackie Puck. Motion carried. The rate will increase by $.50 per 1,000 gallons, beginning with the July 1, 2015 billing.

FYE 2016 Wages. Koehler stated when determining wage increases he believes all benefit cost increases should be taken into consideration. Following discussion, the Policy & Administration Committee, Mengler & Jacob Puck, moved and seconded to approve a 1.5% hourly wage increase for employees for FYE 2016. Ayes: Mengler, Jacob Puck, and Jackie Puck. Nays: Koehler and Latimer. Motion carried. A resolution will be prepared for the June 15th meeting.

Police Department Report. Chief Blake reported on the $18,000 grant received from Scott County Regional Authority towards a new squad and $4,000 grant from the Governor's Traffic Safety Bureau for officer overtime pay towards traffic safety.

Public Works Report.
Purchase of Tractor. Brockmann presented a project worksheet for the purchase of a new John Deere utility tractor with a 59" two-stage snow blower and a 72" mower deck. Concerns regarding the value of the purchase and adding to the city fleet were expressed from Mayor Kostichek and council. Brockmann stated the current tractor is not capable of handling the amount of snow that will be on the new sidewalks on the city-owned lots on N. Main Street and it has an enclosed cab. He also stated the current tractor would not have much of a trade value and could be kept as a back-up. Following further discussion, Jackie Puck moved and Latimer seconded to approve the quote from River Valley Turf, not to exceed $36,995.54, for a new John Deere tractor, snow blower and mower deck. Motion carried.
Additional PT Grade 3 Wastewater (WW) Operator. Brockmann stated he hired an additional part-time Grade 3 WW Operator to assist at the wastewater treatment plant (WWTP). This individual will be assisting with the lab certification and staff coverage at the plant. Koehler questioned if this would help with eliminating some over-time at the plant and Brockmann responded that it would not. Following discussion, Koehler moved and Mengler seconded to approve the hiring of Anthony Rupe as a part-time Grade 3 WW Operator, at the current part-time certified operator rate of $35.53/hour, to assist with lab set-up and staff coverage for time-off. Motion carried. Once the lab is certified it will eliminate paying for some monthly testing fees to an outside facility.

City Clerk's Report. Rickertsen stated the Walcott Chamber of Commerce questioned if they could place their welcome banner on the city-owned lot at 1113 N. Main during Walcott Day and RAGBRAI events. Jacob Puck moved and Mengler seconded to approve the request from the Chamber of Commerce as presented. Motion carried. Rickertsen also reported the Zoning Board of Adjustment will be meeting on June 10th at 6:00 p.m. regarding a fence and driveway variance request from the property owner at 200 W. Flagg Street.

Questions/Concerns. Mengler questioned the project at Victory Park. Brockmann stated there is poor drainage between the north shelter and swings. He will be installing tile and sidewalks from the shelter to the playground area.

Koehler moved and Mengler seconded to adjourn at 7:33 p.m. Motion carried. All votes on motions were unanimous, unless noted.