April 21, 2014

City of Walcott April 21, 2014

The semi-monthly meeting of the City Council of Walcott, Iowa, was held on Monday, the 21st day of April, 2014, 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, Josh Geigle, Lisa Rickertsen, 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 plans, specifications, contract documents, and cost estimate for the W. Bryant Street Improvement project. No oral or written comments were received. Jackie Puck moved and Mengler 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 and minutes from April 7, 2014. Motion carried.

Audience. Bridget Geigle and Nicole Schueller.

Allied Waste : Recycling Recognition. Nicole Schueller, Allied Waste/Republic Services, presented a plaque to the City recognizing the City's recycling efforts in 2013. She congratulated the City on recycling 79 tons of material which saved 1,336 trees and eliminated 40 tons of air pollutants.

Planning & Zoning Commission Appointment. Rickertsen reported a member of the Planning & Zoning Commission resigned due to a change in work schedule. Latimer moved and Mengler seconded to appoint Leah Patton to the Planning & Zoning Commission for a term ending 12/31/17. Motion carried. Patton had previously applied when a reappointment was made in January.

Resolution 2014-15, Approve Plans, Specifications, Form of Contract, and Estimate of Cost for the West Bryant Street Pavement Improvements Project. Koehler moved and Jacob Puck seconded to approve Resolution 2014-15. Roll call ayes: Koehler, Jacob Puck, Jackie Puck, Mengler, and Latimer. Motion carried.

Ordinance 470-14, Amending Certain Provisions Pertaining to Parking Prohibited. Mengler moved and Jackie Puck seconded to approve the second reading of Ordinance 470-14. Roll call ayes: Mengler, Jackie Puck, Jacob Puck, Latimer, and Koehler. Motion carried. The amendment includes a change in the introduction of Chapter 69.06, to define that vehicles include towables/trailers, and adding that front yard parking in residential R-1, R-2, and R-3 zoning areas is prohibited unless parking is on an approved driveway surface. This ordinance is not effective until after three readings are held and publication of ordinance.

Ordinance 471-14, Amending Chapter 99 Regarding Sewer Rates. Jackie Puck introduced and moved to approve the first reading of Ordinance 471-14. Mengler seconded. Roll call ayes: Jackie Puck, Mengler, Latimer, Koehler, and Jacob Puck. Motion carried. The sewer rates will increase $.25 per 1,000 gallons of water usage, beginning with the July 1st bill.

Fire Department Report. Chief Geigle stated the department has responded to 116 calls since January 1st. He also reported on the status of the new truck and an upcoming EMS (emergency medical services) class. Mayor Kostichek expressed his thanks to the Fire Department members for their service to the community.

Police Department Report.

  • EMS Training. Discussion was held on the three full-time officers attending the upcoming EMS class. Chief Blake stated he is already a trainee on the Fire Department but the other two officers would also have to be affiliated with the Fire Department. He also stated that part-time help to cover the training time would only be needed during the fastpitch tournaments. Following further discussion, Koehler moved and Jackie Puck seconded to approve the three full-time officers attending the EMS training as discussed, at a cost not to exceed $1,350 in wages and $2,700 in training and testing fees. Motion carried.
  • UTV's (Utility Terrain Vehicle). Chief Blake also reported that the Iowa LEIN Office in Blue Grass will be closing and stated the UTV's they own will be transferred to Scott County. Blake stated these are the UTV's that the department utilizes during Walcott Day and Iowa 80 Trucker's Jamboree. He stated there is a possibility that if we store and maintain the two UTV's, the police department would be able to utilize them. Blake will obtain additional information to present at a future meeting.

Public Work's Report. Brockmann stated they are converting equipment from snow removal to grass cutting and due to an equipment failure, will be switching boxes on two trucks. He also reported he is working with the engineer on a permit from Iowa Department of Natural Resources for the replacement of a portion of E. James Street water main.

City Clerk's Report. Rickertsen reported on the proposed budget amendment for FYE 2014. Koehler moved and Jacob Puck seconded to set the public hearing date for the FYE 2014 Budget Amendment for May 19th at 6:00 p.m. Motion carried. She stated she has not received any questions and that no one attended the consultation meeting regarding the Urban Renewal Expansion and Plan Amendment.

Mayor's Report. Mayor Kostichek would like to encourage all residents to attend council meetings if they have any concerns.

Questions/Concerns. Questions arose on a possible dead tree in the right-of-way, request for a new street light, and a possible duck race during Walcott Day activities. Brockmann stated he had no problems with the duck race and he will look at the tree. Requests for new street lights must be placed on a council agenda so appropriate action can be taken.

Koehler moved and Jackie Puck seconded to adjourn at 6:50 p.m. Motion carried. All votes on motions were unanimous, unless noted.

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