The semi-monthly meeting of the City Council of Walcott, Iowa, was held on Monday, April 1, 2024, at Walcott City Hall. Mayor John Kostichek called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m. Council members present: Everett Bieri, Harry Knutsen, Kirk Koberg, Lisa Mengler, and Jacob Puck. Absent: None. Staff present: Jeff Blake, Lisa Rickertsen, Paul Stagg, and Tabetha Wright.

Approval of Agenda. Mengler moved and Knutsen seconded to approve the agenda. Motion carried.

Introduction of Audience/Public Comments. Randy Moeller, Jeremy and Jenn Schaeffer, Joanne Pohl, Kurt Easton, Lisa Tauke, Chris Hebbel, Jeff and Lindsay Frantz, Kristal Schaefer, Darryl Schwarz, Ethan and Skylar Roling, Rick Needham, Brian Garlock, and Tim and Andrea Newcomb.  

Consent Agenda. Puck moved and Bieri seconded to approve the consent agenda including the invoices minutes from March 18, 2024, and Tax Increment Financing (TIF) rebate payments per agreements to Iowa 80 Truckstop, Inc. for ½ of the 4^th year rebate on the main building expansion in the amount of $9,578.92 and Atlantic Bottling Company for ½ of the 3^rd year rebate on the distribution building in the amount of $29,875.07. Motion carried.

Kristal Schaefer/Westbrook Residents – Proposed Recreational Trail Extension – Phase 2. Kristal Schaefer stated during the first phase of the recreational trail the residents on Michelle Lane worked with the former recreational trail committee to move the trail to the north side of Mud Creek, and to the west side of the creek (west side of the Westbrook Subdivisions) for the future trail extension (Phase 2). Several concerns were expressed from the property owners adjacent to the proposed trail extension. Their concerns include the following: claims of insufficient communication from the City regarding the proposed trail extension; proposed location of trail behind their homes; limited or no options available to provide delineation between city and private properties (due to flood plain and easements on their properties); current trail maintenance and snow removal; and safety concerns with flooding, trail hours, no trail lighting, proximity of the trail to the creek, and potential trespassing. Ethan Roling stated past council minutes reflect that only two people asked about pursuing phase 2 of the trail and the residents in attendance tonight are all against it. Lindsay Frantz stated she was told by City staff that the trail was to be located on the west side of the creek, instead of on the city-owned parcel between the creek and her property. Frantz also stated that Davenport replaces the Duck Creek Parkway asphalt trail every two years. Darryl Schwarz stated they have maintained the property (parcel between their property and creek) for over 20 years, not because they had to but because they wanted to and Schaefer stated they didn’t mind maintaining and taking care of it. During the October 2, 2024 meeting, the City Council directed the Recreational Trail Advisory Committee to continue with the trail on the south side of Mud Creek, adjacent to the north and west sides of the Westbrook subdivisions, connecting to the current trail and following the creek to W. Otis Street (all on city-owned property).Residents requested the City research other options, including re-routing the proposed trail extension to the north side of Mud Creek and the west side of the North-South creek and looking into utilizing cement culverts instead of bridges to potentially reduce costs. The residents were thanked for attending the meeting. All audience left the meeting except for Kurt Easton. Council directed the proposed recreational trail extension, phase 2, to be on the next regular meeting agenda.

Special Class C License including Outdoor & Sunday Sales for Walcott Unified Fund at Victory Park. Puck moved and Mengler seconded to approve the Special Class C license for Walcott Unified Fund at Victory Park, effective 04/22/2024, pending submittal of insurance. Motion carried.  

Special Class C License including Outdoor & Sunday Sales for Walcott Unified Fund at Wescott Park. Mengler moved and Puck seconded to approve the Special Class C license for Walcott Unified Fund at Wescott Park, effective 04/22/204, pending submittal of insurance. Motion carried. 

Approval of 2024 Seal Coat Project. Koberg moved and Knutsen seconded to approve the chip seal maintenance project with LL Pelling in the amount of $29,442.20. Motion carried. This work will be on portions of N. Downey St., E. Otis St., S. Parker St., S. Main St., and W. Memorial Road.

Resolution 2024-17, Approving Contract and Bonds for the 2024 CIPP Sewer Main Lining Project. Bieri moved and Koberg seconded to approve Resolution 2024-17, Approving Contract and Bonds for the 2024 Sewer Main Lining Project. Roll call ayes: Bieri, Koberg, Knutsen, Puck, and Mengler. Motion carried. 

Resolution 2024-18, Approving Contract and Bonds for the 2024 Walcott N. Plainview Road/Walker Street Pavement Patching Project. Mengler moved and Knutsen seconded to approve Resolution 2024-18, Approving Contract and Bonds for the 2024 Walcott N. Plainview Road/Walker Street Pavement Patching Project. Roll call ayes: Mengler, Knutsen, Koberg, Puck, and Bieri. Motion carried.      

Personnel Policy Handbook. Koberg moved and Knutsen seconded to table item 11, personnel policy handbook items (sick leave and medical reimbursement policies), until the next meeting. Motion carried.  

City Clerk’s Report. Set Public Hearing Date for FYE 2025 Budget. Knutsen moved and Koberg seconded to set the public hearing date for the FYE 2025 budget for April 15, 2024, at 6:00 p.m. Motion carried.

Council Member Comments. Mengler expressed thanks to the residents that attended the meeting and for providing feedback about the proposed trail project. She stated she wished more residents would be involved, and not only when they have concerns, which would help to foster communication.

Koberg moved and Knutsen seconded to adjourn at 7:05 p.m. Motion carried. All votes on motions were unanimous, unless noted. 

A special meeting of the City Council of the City of Walcott, Iowa, was held on Monday, April 1, 2024, at Walcott City Hall. Mayor John Kostichek called the meeting to order at 5:30 p.m. Council members present were: Everett Bieri, Harry Knutsen, Kirk Koberg, Lisa Mengler, and Jacob Puck. City staff present: Jeff Blake, Lisa Rickertsen, Paul Stagg, and Tabetha Wright.   

Mayor Kostichek opened the public hearing on the proposed property tax levy for fiscal year beginning July 1, 2024, and ending June 30, 2025. No written comments were received and there was no audience. Rickertsen reported on the proposed property tax levy hearing notices mailed to property owners. There were no additional comments.   

Bieri moved and Mengler seconded to close the public hearing and adjourn at 5:40 p.m. Ayes: All. Motion carried.

The semi-monthly meeting of the City Council of Walcott, Iowa, was held on Monday, March 18, 2024, at Walcott City Hall. Mayor John Kostichek called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m. Council members present: Everett Bieri, Harry Knutsen, Kirk Koberg, Lisa Mengler, and Jacob Puck. Absent: None. Staff present: Jeff Blake, Lisa Rickertsen, and Paul Stagg.

Approval of Agenda. Stagg requested items 18 and 19 (possible closed session and action) be removed from the agenda. Knutsen moved and Bieri seconded to approve the agenda with the deletion of items 18 and 19. Motion carried.

Introduction of Audience/Public Comments. Jordan Orcutt questioned the regulations on chickens. Rickertsen reported that City Code, Chapter 55.05, only allows chickens (not roosters) in Suburban Agricultural zoning districts with the following restrictions: the number of chickens does not exceed 25 hens; chickens are confined to a coop at all times; and coops may only be located in rear yards and must be located at least 500 feet from all other zoning districts.   

Consent Agenda. Mengler moved and Puck seconded to approve the consent agenda including the invoices, February 2024 financial reports, and designating Spring Clean-Up Day for May 4, 2024, from 2:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. Motion carried. The dumpsters will be located at the compost area and the area will be closed from Friday, May 3^rd until Monday, May 6^th, except during the clean-up day hours.

March 4, 2024 Minutes. Koberg moved and Bieri seconded to approve the minutes from March 4, 2024. Motion carried with Knutsen abstaining due to absence from meeting.

2024 Summer Youth Program. Rickertsen reported on the survey responses on the proposed week-long summer youth program at Camp Abe Lincoln. Camp Abe Lincoln/YMCA would provide the transportation to and from Walcott (Wescott Park) to Camp Abe Lincoln. Discussion was held on the preferable camp weeks, program cost, and city residency requirement. Mengler moved and Puck seconded to approve the 2024 Summer Youth Program, offering two weeks, June 10^th – 14^th and July 15^th – 19^th, with each child only permitted to sign up for one week (through the City’s program/sponsorship), and a fee of $100 for each eligible child. Motion carried. Registration information will be posted on the City’s website and Facebook page once it’s available from Camp Abe Lincoln. Youth wanting to attend more than one week of camp will be able to sign up directly through the YMCA for additional weeks, at full cost and not through the City’s program. 

Purchase Approval for Security Cameras. Stagg presented a project worksheet to purchase six security/public safety cameras for public buildings/property. He recommended purchase of Verkada.cameras from Heartland Business Systems. Following discussion, Koberg moved and Bieri seconded to purchase the Verkada security cameras, at a cost not to exceed $32,813, which includes a 10-year license. Motion carried. The cameras and 10-year license fees will be paid from American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds.    

Resolution 2024-12, Approving Concessionaire Agreement Between the City of Walcott and Walcott Unified Fund, Inc.  Mengler moved and Knutsen seconded to approve Resolution 2024-12, Approving Concessionaire Agreement between the City of Walcott and Walcott Unified Fund, Inc. Roll call ayes: Mengler, Knutsen, Bieri, and Puck. Motion carried with Koberg abstaining due to conflict of interest due to his role with Walcott Unified Fund, Inc.

Resolution 2024-13, Approving Hourly Wage Increase for James Poggenpohl. Puck moved and Bieri seconded to approve Resolution 2024-13, Approving Hourly Wage Increase for James Poggenpohl for his Grade 1 Water Distribution license. Roll call ayes: Puck, Bieri, Mengler, Koberg, and Kuntsen. Motion carried. 

Resolution 2024-14, Awarding Contract for the 2024 Walcott N. Plainview Road/Walker Street Pavement Patching Project. Stagg stated this project is to replace the entrance to Walker Street and he recommended approving the low bid from All American Concrete, Inc. for $64,890. Questions arose on the timeline. Stagg stated the project will be done in two phases so one lane will be open for traffic and it must be completed prior to June 7, 2024. Following discussion, Koberg moved and Puck seconded to approve Resolution 2024-14, Awarding Contract for the 2024 Walcott N. Plainview Road/Walker Street to All American Concrete, Inc. for $64,980. Motion carried. Stagg will obtain additional information from the contractor on the proposed timeline.     

Resolution 2024-15, Awarding Contract for the 2024 CIPP Sewer Main Lining Project. Stagg reported on the base bids and the secondary bid item (joint grouting), which he anticipates will be minimal. Stagg stated he felt Visu-Sewer was the best bid and recommended the contract be awarded to them. Following discussion, Council deemed it to be in the best interest of the City to award the contract to Visu-Sewer, with a base bid amount of $275,613. Mengler moved and Koberg seconded to approve Resolution 2024-15, Awarding Contract for the 2024 CIPP Sewer Main Lining Project to Visu-Sewer. Roll call ayes: Mengler, Koberg, Knutsen, Bieri, and Puck. Motion carried.  

Policy & Administration Committee (Bieri and Puck) Recommendations

• Resolution 2024-16, Setting Wages for Employees for Fiscal Year Beginning July 1, 2024.  Puck movedand Bieri seconded to approve Resolution 2024-16, setting Wages for Employees for Fiscal Year Beginning July 1, 2024. Roll call ayes: Puck, Bieri, Mengler, Koberg, and Knutsen. Motion carried. This is a 4% wage increase.   
• Sick Leave Policy Amendments. A lengthy discussion was held on changes to the sick leave policy. A resolution approving the proposed changes will be prepared for the next meeting.

Discussion was held on changing the medical reimbursement policy for future employees. This will be listed on the next meeting agenda.   

City Clerk’s Report. Rickertsen reported the City was awarded a $1,000 grant from the Iowa Foundation for Parks and Recreation for a multigenerational swing. This swing allows adults and children (under 5) to swing together. Rickertsen requested permission to seek a grant for a new swing-set frame. Council consensus was to proceed with a grant application for a new frame. Rickertsen briefly reported on the public hearing on the proposed property tax levy at 5:30 p.m. on April 1, 2024.  

Mayor’s Report. Mayor Kostichek proclaimed April 4, 2024, and every first Thursday of April hereafter as Junior Achievement Day in the City of Walcott. 

Koberg moved and Mengler seconded to adjourn at 7:41 p.m. Motion carried. All votes on motions were unanimous, unless noted. 

March 18, 2024 Signed Minutes & Claims

               

The semi-monthly meeting of the City Council of Walcott, Iowa, was held on Monday, March 4, 2024, at Walcott City Hall. Mayor John Kostichek called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m. Council members present: Everett Bieri, Kirk Koberg, Lisa Mengler, and Jacob Puck. Absent: Harry Knutsen. Staff present: Lisa Rickertsen and Paul Stagg.

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

Introduction of Audience/Public Comments. None.

Consent Agenda. Mengler requested the minutes be pulled from the consent agenda to be approved separately. Mengler moved and Puck seconded to approve the consent agenda which includes the invoices and Resolution 2024-11, Approving Official Zoning Map of the City of Walcott. Roll call ayes: Mengler, Puck, Bieri, and Koberg. Motion carried. 

February 19, 2024 Minutes. Mengler moved and Bieri seconded to approve the minutes from February 19, 2024. Motion carried with Koberg abstaining due to absence from meeting. 

2024 Summer Youth Program. Rickertsen reported the director from Camp Abe Lincoln notified the City that they are no longer able to offer the same Summer Youth Program as past years. Instead, they have proposed a full-day, full week program and transportation to and from Walcott to Camp Abe Lincoln. Discussion was held on the program cost, the City’s contribution towards the program (approximately 65% of cost) for eligible residents, and posting a survey online to gauge interest in the proposed program and preferable camp weeks. Survey results will be shared with the City Council during the March 18^th meeting. 

2024 CIPP Sewer Lining Project. Stagg reported five bids were received on the 2024 CIPP Sewer Lining Project. He stated the bids are close and has requested additional information/clarification from the two low bidders. His recommendation is to table action on the project until the March 18^th meeting. Koberg moved and Mengler seconded to table action on the project until the next regular meeting. Motion carried. 

Ordinance 545-24, Amending Chapter 74 Pertaining to Golf Carts. Koberg moved and Bieri seconded to waive the requirement for the second reading of Ordinance 545-24, Amending Chapter 74 Pertaining to Golf Carts. Roll call ayes: Koberg, Bieri, Mengler, and Puck. Motion carried. Puck moved and Bieri seconded to approve the third and final reading of Ordinance 545-24, Amending Chapter 74 Pertaining to Golf Carts. Roll call ayes: Puck, Bieri, Mengler, and Koberg. Motion carried.  

Public Works Department Report. Stagg questioned if the City Council is interested in applying dust control on the gravel portions of Memorial Road and W. Cedar Lane Drive this year. He presented cost estimates for the dust control applications and consensus was to schedule the spring application.

City Clerk’s Report. Rickertsen reported on a proposed lease between the City and Walcott Unified Fund (WUF) for use of the concession stands. The lease is expected to be listed on the next agenda for council approval, which is needed in order for WUF to obtain liquor licenses at the parks.  

Koberg moved and Mengler seconded to adjourn at 6:30 p.m. Motion carried. All votes on motions were unanimous, unless noted. 

March 4, 2024 Signed Minutes & Claims

The semi-monthly meeting of the City Council of Walcott, Iowa, was held on Monday, February 19, 2024, at Walcott City Hall. Mayor John Kostichek called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m. Council members present: Everett Bieri, Harry Knutsen, Lisa Mengler, and Jacob Puck. Absent: Kirk Koberg. Staff present: Jeff Blake and Lisa Rickertsen.

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

Introduction of Audience/Public Comments. None.

Public Hearing. Mayor Kostichek opened the public hearing on the plans and specifications, form of contract, and cost estimate for the 2024 CIPP Sewer Main Lining Project. No written or oral comments were received. Puck moved and Mengler seconded to close the public hearing and resume the regular meeting. Motion carried.

Consent Agenda. Mengler moved and Bieri seconded to approve the consent agenda including the invoices, minutes from February 5, 2024, January 2024 financial reports, and Resolution 2024-9, Adopting the Annual Supplement to the Code of Ordinances. Roll call ayes: Mengler, Bieri, Puck, and Knutsen. Motion carried. 

Resolution 2024-10, Approving Plans & Specifications and Form of Contract for the 2024 CIPP Sewer Main Lining Project. Bieri moved and Knutsen seconded to approve Resolution 2024-10, Approving Plans & Specifications and Form of Contract for the 2024 CIPP Sewer Main Lining Project. Roll call ayes: Bieri, Knutsen, Mengler, and Puck. Motion carried.

Grant Submissions for Tennis Court Rehabilitation and Pickleball Courts Project. Puck moved and Mengler seconded to approve two grant submissions for the Tennis Court Rehabilitation and Pickleball Courts Project. Motion carried.

Lincoln/Durant Streets Flushing Manholes Replacement Project. Discussion was held on the project worksheet to replace two flushing manholes, which will allow them to be accessible for jetting, cleaning, lining or other maintenance activities. Mengler moved and Puck seconded to approve the Lincoln/Durant Streets Flushing Manholes Replacement Project with the low bidder, Triple B Construction, for $18,755. Motion carried.  

Ordinance 545-24, Amending Chapter 74 Pertaining to Golf Carts. Ordinance 545-24 was introduced and discussed. Mengler moved and Knutsen seconded to approve the first reading of Ordinance 545-24, Amending Chapter 74 Pertaining to Golf Carts. Roll call ayes: Mengler, Knutsen, Bieri, and Puck. Motion carried. Application forms will no longer require all operators to be listed.

Policy & Administration Committee (Bieri and Puck) Recommendations.

• Sick Leave Policy Amendments. Bieri moved and Puck seconded to table the discussion of the sick leave policy until the March 18^th meeting. Motion carried. 
• Employee Wages for Fiscal Year Beginning July 1, 2024. Puck moved and Bieri seconded to direct the City Clerk to prepare a wage resolution as presented and discussed. Motion carried.

Mayor Report. Mayor Kostichek reported on a recent meeting he and Puck had with Davenport Community School Superintendent Schneckloth.

Puck moved and Knutsen seconded to adjourn at 6:27 p.m. Motion carried. All votes on motions were unanimous, unless noted. 

February 19, 2024 Signed Minutes & Claims

The semi-monthly meeting of the City Council of Walcott, Iowa, was held on Monday, January 15, 2024, at Walcott City Hall. Mayor John Kostichek called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m. Council members present: Everett Bieri, Harry Knutsen, Kirk Koberg, Lisa Mengler, and Jacob Puck. Staff present: Jeff Blake, Lisa Rickertsen, and Paul Stagg.

Approval of Agenda. Bieri moved and Koberg seconded to approve the agenda. Motion carried.

Consent Agenda. Mengler moved and Bieri seconded to approve the consent agenda including the invoices, Resolution 2024-4, Approving Applications for the City of Walcott Low-and-Moderate Income (LMI) Furnace Replacement Program, and Resolution 2024-5, Transfer of Funds. Roll call ayes: Mengler, Bieri, Puck, Koberg, and Knutsen Motion carried. 

Approval of January 2, 2024 Minutes. Puck moved and Bieri seconded to approve the minutes from January 2, 2024. Motion carried with Knutsen abstaining due to absence from meeting.

Resolution 2024-6, Approving the Designation of State and Local Recovery Funds. Mengler moved and Puck seconded to approve Resolution 2024-6. Roll call ayes: Mengler, Puck, Bieri, Knutsen, and Koberg. Motion carried. Remaining funds will be used towards additional plant upgrades at the water and wastewater treatment plants, security cameras, and generator/electrical upgrades at the Police/Public Works Departments building.

Purchase of High Service Pump VFDs (Variable Frequency Drives) at Water Plant and Control Panel Upgrade VFD at Wastewater Plant. Puck moved and Koberg seconded to purchase 3 high service pump VFDs for the water plant and upgrade the control panel and two VFDs at the wastewater plant, at a total cost of $39,120 from Electric Pump. Motion carried.  

Ordinance 543-24, Amending the Official Zoning Map. Koberg moved and Knutsen seconded to approve the third reading of Ordinance 543-24. Roll call ayes: Koberg, Knutsen, Bieri, Mengler, and Puck. Motion carried. This is to rezone the property located at 303-305 E. Walcott Road from M-2, Moderate Industrial District, to C-2, Central Business District.

Ordinance 544-24, Amending Provisions Pertaining to All-Terrain Vehicles. Koberg moved and Knutsen seconded to approve the second reading of Ordinance 544-24. Roll call ayes: Koberg, Knutsen, Bieri, Mengler, and Puck. Motion carried. These changes better align with state code ATV regulations.

Public Works Department Report. Koberg and Mayor Kostichek thanked the department for a job well done during the recent snow storms.

City Clerk Report. Further budget discussion for fiscal year 2025 will be held during the February 5^th regular meeting.

Council Member Comments. Mengler thanked the Fire Department volunteers for their continued commitment to the community, especially during the weekend snow storm.    

Koberg moved and Bieri seconded to adjourn at 6:25 p.m. Motion carried. All votes on motions were unanimous, unless noted. 

January 15, 2024 Signed Minutes & Claims

The semi-monthly meeting of the City Council of Walcott, Iowa, was held on Tuesday, January 2, 2024, at Walcott City Hall. Mayor John Kostichek called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m. Council members present: Everett Bieri, Kirk Koberg, Lisa Mengler, and Jacob Puck. Absent: Harry Knutsen. Staff present: Lisa Rickertsen, and Paul Stagg.

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

Consent Agenda. Bieri moved and Koberg seconded to approve the consent agenda including the invoices, minutes from December 18, 2023, Resolution 2024-1, Designating the North Scott Press as Official Newspaper, Resolution 2024-2, Authorizing Certain Payments Before a Council Meeting, and Resolution 2024-3, Establishing the Standard Mileage Rate Reimbursement. Roll call ayes: Bieri, Koberg, Mengler, and Puck. Motion carried. 

Review of Capital Improvement Projects. Discussionwas held on the potential capital improvement projects ranked by the Mayor and City Council. Stagg will obtain budget estimates for projects ranked for the next fiscal year.

Ordinance 543-24, Amending the Official Zoning Map. Mengler moved and Puck seconded to approve the second reading of Ordinance 543-24. Roll call ayes: Mengler, Puck, Bieri, and Koberg. Motion carried. This is to rezone the property located at 303-305 E. Walcott Road from M-2, Moderate Industrial District, to C-2, Central Business District.

Ordinance 544-24, Amending Provisions Pertaining to All-Terrain Vehicles. Koberg moved and Bieri seconded to approve the second reading of Ordinance 544-24. Roll call ayes: Koberg, Bieri, Mengler, and Puck. Motion carried. These changes better align with state code regulations.

Public Works Department Report. Stagg reported on the insurance settlement from the damage to the Veterans Memorial in Welcome Park. The City has received payment from the insurance company, which was nearly $12,000, to replace the damaged items. Bieri questioned what the locate flags were for near W. Parkview Drive. Stagg responded that MidAmerican submitted a locate for a gas main installation in that area.

City Clerk Report. Rickertsen presented the survey results which were sent to agricultural property owners regarding potential future development. A lengthy discussion was held on the results, including potential residential development areas, future infrastructure needs, and funding. A budget workshop is tentatively planned for January 15^th.    

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

January 2, 2024 Signed Minutes & Claims

The semi-monthly meeting of the City Council of Walcott, Iowa, was held on Monday, December 18, 2023, at Walcott City Hall. Mayor John Kostichek called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m. Council members present: Everett Bieri, Kirk Koberg, Harry Knutsen, Lisa Mengler, and Jacob Puck. Staff present: Jeff Blake, Lisa Rickertsen, and Paul Stagg.

Approval of Agenda. Mengler moved and Knutsen seconded to approve the agenda. Motion carried.

Introduction of Audience & Public Comments. Korry Kraft and Ben McKibbin were present on behalf of the Fire Department.

Public Hearing on Rezoning at 303-305 E. Walcott Road. Mayor Kostichek opened the public hearing on the request from Andrew Snyder to rezone the property located at 303-305 E. Walcott Road from M-2, Moderate Industrial District, to C-2, Central Business District. Rickertsen stated the Planning & Zoning Commission met on December 11^th and recommended approval of the rezoning. Mengler moved and Koberg seconded to close the public hearing and resume the regular meeting. Motion carried.

Consent Agenda. Puck moved and Bieri seconded to approve the consent agenda including the invoices and minutes from December 4, 2023. Motion carried.   

Fire Department Report.

• Fire Chief Appointment. Puck moved and Bieri seconded to reappoint Korry Kraft as the Fire Chief with a term ending 12/31/2024. Motion carried.
• Change Order for New EMS Truck (Unit #6 Replacement). Kraft and McKibbin responded to several questions on the proposed change orders for the new truck. They reported that equipment will be removed from Unit #6 and be delivered to Ward Apparatus in New York this spring. The truck is expected to be completed in July. Puck moved and Knutsen seconded to approve the change orders for the new EMS truck, in the amount of $4,795.26. Motion carried. The total truck purchase price with the change orders is $609,378.26.

Appointments by Mayor.  Mayor Kostichek made the following appointments:

• Council Committees:
• Police & Animal Control – Knutsen and Koberg
• Policy & Administration/City Hall – Puck and Bieri
• Streets, Solid Waste, & Parks – Koberg and Puck 
• Fire & Civil Defense – Mengler and Knutsen
• Water & Sanitary Sewer – Bieri and Mengler
• Mayor Pro Tem – Jacob Puck
• Park Board. Mayor Kosticheck reappointed Lisa Hagen to the Park Board with a term ending 12/31/28. Mengler moved and Puck seconded to approve the Mayor’s appointment of Lisa Hagen to the Park Board. Motion carried.

Appointments by Council.

• Planning & Zoning Commission. Puck moved and Koberg seconded to reappoint Christine Thompson to the Planning & Zoning Commission with a term ending 12/13/2028. Motion carried. 
• Zoning Board of Adjustment. Mengler moved and Knutsen seconded to reappoint Bernard Brus to the Zoning Board of Adjustment with a term ending 12/31/28.  Motion carried.
• City Clerk. Bierimoved and Puck seconded to reappoint Lisa Rickertsen as the City Clerk with term ending 12/31/25. Motion carried. 
• City Attorney. Koberg moved and Knutsen seconded to reappoint Brooks Law Firm/Tom Schirman & Jeff McDaniel as the City Attorney with term ending 12/31/25. Motion carried

Ordinance 543-24, Amending the Official Zoning Map. Ordinance 543-24 was introduced and Koberg moved and Knutsen seconded to approve the 1^st reading of Ordinance 543-24. Roll call ayes: Koberg, Knutsen, Puck, Mengler, and Bieri.   

Ordinance 544-24, Amending Provisions Pertaining to All-Terrain Vehicles. Ordinance 544-24 was introduced and Mengler moved and Puck to approve the first reading of Ordinance 544-24. Roll call ayes: Mengler, Puck, Bieri, Knutsen, and Koberg.

Review of Capital Improvements Project. This will be discussed at the next regular meeting.

Police Department Report. Blake reported the squad is at the dealership but it will take a few more months before the equipment installation is completed and the squad is in service.   

Public Works Department Report. Stagg reported the sewer main lining project was completed last Monday and two water main breaks, which happened at the same time, were fixed on Friday. He expressed thanks and appreciation to Needham Excavating Inc. for their quick response in repairing the breaks.    

City Clerk Report. Rickertsen reported the City recently launched a new website. City offices will be closed on December 25^th & 26^th and January 1^st. The next regular meeting will be on Tuesday, January 2^nd.

Mayor’s Report. Mayor Kosticheck thanked Kraft and McKibbin for attending and providing explanations on the change orders for the new fire truck.

Koberg moved and Mengler seconded to adjourn at 6:23 p.m. Motion carried. All votes on motions were unanimous, unless noted. 

December 18, 2023 Signed Minutes & Claims