December 1, 2014

The semi-monthly meeting of the City Council of Walcott, Iowa, was held on Monday, the 1st day of December, 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, Lisa Rickertsen, and Tom Schirman.

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

Consent Agenda. Jackie Puck moved and Koehler seconded to approve the consent agenda including the invoices, minutes from November 17, 2014, Resolution 2014-40, Transfer of Funds, and the 2014-2015 Winter Maintenance Proposal with Scott County. Roll call ayes: Jackie Puck, Koehler, Latimer, Mengler, and Jacob Puck. Motion carried.

Introduction of Audience. Larry Koberg and David Nichols.

Vision Committee. Larry Koberg reported the Vision Committee discussed exploring a "Friends of the School" group to provide assistance as needed. Karla Burt will be at the December 15th meeting to discuss the idea further with the City Council.

Proposed Municipal Building : Architect Contract. Attorney Schirman had concerns with a few items in the proposed contract. Architect David Nichols responded in the event the City elects not to proceed with a phase of the project, the billing would be consistent with the amount of work done to that point. He also stated if the project did not move forward and the City later wanted drawings, they would release them following a request in writing from the City. Latimer moved and Mengler seconded to approve the architect contract with Downing Architects. Motion carried.

Resolution 2014-41, Accepting Improvements & Authorizing Final Payment for S. Downey Street Watermain Project. Mengler moved and Jacob Puck seconded to approve Resolution 2014-41. Roll call ayes: Mengler, Jacob Puck, Jackie Puck, Koehler, and Latimer. Motion carried. The project total is $65,442.61 and the final payment to Ellsworth Excavating is $3,272.13.

Resolution 2014-42, Approving an Amendment to the Personnel Policy Handbook. Koehler moved and Mengler seconded to approve Resolution 2014-42. Roll call ayes: Koehler, Mengler, Latimer, and Jacob Puck. Nays: Jackie Puck. Motion carried. This change discontinues the reimbursement of employee prescriptions.

Public Works Department Report. The vacation policy and the importance of cross-training personnel were discussed. Brockmann stated he is cross-trained to perform the basic functions at the wastewater treatment plant and he is still considering options regarding a Grade 3 operator position.

City Clerk's Department Report. Since the City Council had no changes or concerns with the new city website, it will be launched later this week.

Questions/Concerns. Koehler questioned the health insurance renewal process. Rickertsen stated the renewal rates are usually received in late October but quotes will be obtained from other companies earlier next fall for the 2016 renewal. He also had questions on the lighted utility pole decorations.

Mengler moved and Jacob Puck seconded to adjourn at 6:47 p.m. Motion carried. All votes on motions were unanimous, unless noted.