April 17, 2017 Minutes
City of Walcott
April 21, 2017
The semi-monthly meeting of the City Council of Walcott, Iowa, was held on Monday, the 17th day of April, 2017, 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, Lisa Rickertsen, Tom Schirman, and Paul Stagg.
Approval of Agenda. Mengler moved and Latimer seconded to approve the agenda. Motion carried.
Public Comments. There were no public comments.
Consent Agenda. Mengler moved and Koehler seconded to approve the consent agenda including the invoices, minutes from April 3, 2017, March 2017 financial reports, Class C Liquor license renewal (including Sunday license and outdoor area) for Lampliter, Resolution 2017-18, Transfer of Funds, and the following TIF rebate payments, totaling $18,111.39:
- JDW Holdings – Midfield Pattern Project $2,508.49
- Iowa 80 Truckstop – Morton Building Project $578.32
- Iowa 80 Truckstop – 60×240 Building Project $1,604.40
- Ossian, Inc. – Salt Processing/Storage Project $3,391.31
- Sterling Partners – Multi-Use Building Project $9,045.06
- Eugene Meyer – Geno’s Ice Cream & Subs $983.81
Roll call ayes: Mengler, Koehler, Jackie Puck, Jacob Puck, and Latimer. Motion carried.
Brenda Warner – SBDF Run Approval & Appropriate Street Closures. Brenda Warner presented information about SBDF (Shelly Bridgewater Dreams Fund) and requested approval to have a 5K run on October 28th. The route will be the same as last year, which is the same route used for the Walcott Day 5K. Jacob Puck moved and Latimer seconded to approve the 5K Run and closure of appropriate streets, from approximately 9 – 11 a.m., on October 28th . Motion carried.
Utility Right-of-Way Application. Mengler moved and Jacob Puck seconded to approve the utility permit application from Century Link for expanding their services in the right-of-way on Walker Street. Motion carried.
Disposal of Vehicles. Koehler moved and Jackie Puck seconded to approve selling the 1983 Ford dump truck to the high bidder for $851, as recommended by Stagg. Motion carried. Jackie Puck moved and Latimer seconded to approve selling the 1993 Ford fire truck (mini pumper) to the high bidder for $10,101, as recommended by Chief Geigle. Motion carried.
Resolution 2017-19, Accepting Project & Approval of Final Payment for the Main Street Channel Shaping Project. Koehler moved and Latimer seconded to approve Resolution 2017-19, as recommended by the project engineer. Motion carried. The final payment, $1,516.55, will be made to Brandt Construction Company.
Ordinance 492-17, Amending Chapter 165 Pertaining to Signs. Mengler moved and Jacob Puck seconded to approve the third and final reading of Ordinance 492-17. Roll call ayes: Mengler, Jacob Puck, Koehler, Latimer, and Jackie Puck. Motion carried. This ordinance will allow electronic, freestanding, and monument signs in all commercial and industrial zoning classifications.
Police Department Report. Chief Blake presented quotes on purchasing a new squad car which would replace the 2011 Crown Victoria. Koehler moved and Jacob Puck seconded to approve the purchase of a 2017 Dodge Charger AWD, not to exceed $26,188, as recommended by Chief Blake. Motion carried.
Public Works Department Report.
- Well #5 Update. Stagg asked if there were any questions on the timeline of events, as requested by the Council, which was presented at the last meeting regarding well #5. Stagg stated that during the March 20th council meeting resident John Brockmann called the competence of the affidavit water operator into question and alleged that well #5 was out of service for ninety days with nothing being done to address the problem. The timeline clearly illustrates that the response by the affidavit water operator was swift and adequate for the situation, and that the allegations made are not supported by the facts.
- Lighting Upgrades. Stagg presented costs to upgrade to LED lighting at the public works shop and the water plant. The upgrade will save on energy costs, reduce maintenance, and increase lighting. Following discussion, Mengler moved and Koehler seconded to approve the LED lighting upgrades at the water plant and public works shop as presented. Motion carried. The initial project cost is $11,025 but $4,295 will be received in rebates from Alliant Energy, bringing the total project cost to $6,730.
- Main Street Bridge Closure. Stagg stated that the bridge on North Main Street will be closed for approximately ½ day on Thursday, April 27th for repairs.
Attorney’s Report. Attorney Schirman reported the property at 1113 N. Main Street has sold and the developer expressed their appreciation of the cooperation provided by city staff.
Mayor’s Report. Mayor Kostichek stated he was glad the property will go back on the property tax rolls and appreciated everyone’s hard work in helping with this worthwhile project.
Hearts and Hands Foundation – Donation Request for Electronic Sign. No committee members were in attendance so the request will be placed on a future agenda.
Mengler moved and Jacob Puck seconded to adjourn at 6:32 p.m. Motion carried. All votes on motions were unanimous, unless noted.
April 17, 2017 Signed Minutes and Claims