December 18, 2017 Minutes
City of Walcott
December 18, 2017
The semi-monthly meeting of the City Council of Walcott, Iowa, was held on Monday, the 18th day of December, 2017, at Walcott City Hall. Mayor John Kostichek called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m. Council members present were: Virgil Wayne Latimer, Tim Koehler, Lisa Mengler, Jackie Puck, and Jacob Puck. Absent: None. City staff present: Scott Bengfort, Adam Hill, Lisa Rickertsen, Tom Schirman, and Paul Stagg.
Approval of Agenda. Mengler moved and Latimer seconded to approve the agenda. Motion carried.
Introduction of Audience/Public Comments. George Peddle stated E. Bryant Street was rough and questioned when it would be fixed. Mayor Kostichek responded it would be looked into.
Public Hearing on the Proposed Designation of the 2017 Walcott Urban Revitalization Area and Plan. Rickertsen reported the public hearing notice was published in the North Scott Press on December 13, 2017. This is to designate an area as an economic development area which is related to construction of new single-family housing. No written or oral comments were received. Latimer moved and Mengler seconded to close the public hearing and resume the regular meeting. Motion carried.
Consent Agenda. Rickertsen reported on the transfers listed in Resolution 2017-45. Mengler moved and Jacob Puck seconded to approve the consent agenda including the invoices, minutes from December 4, 2017, Resolution 2017-45, Transfer of Funds, and the November financial reports. Roll call ayes: Mengler, Jacob Puck, Latimer, Koehler, and Jackie Puck. Motion carried.
Nuisance Abatement – Parcel #820655138 –5 – S. Grove Street. Bengfort reported on his meeting with Glen Houghton and on the report he prepared following the meeting. He also had a detailed map and photos available for viewing. Attorney Schirman stated Bengfort’s report represents an accurate statement of what needs to be done and noted one addition to the report and that it has been submitted to the property owner’s attorney. Koehler moved and Jackie Puck seconded that the report prepared is an appropriate position for the City to take regarding the nuisance abatement. Motion carried. An agreement will be drafted between the City and property owner.
Rain-Drop Splash Pad Equipment. Jackie Puck moved and Mengler seconded to approve moving forward with purchasing equipment for the splash pad from Rain-Drop at a cost not to exceed $55,000. Motion carried.
Resolution 2017-46, Proposed Plan for the 2017 Walcott Urban Revitalization Area. Rickertsen stated this plan is for the purpose of providing property tax exemption incentives on the construction of new single-family residential homes in the Westbrook subdivisions. Mengler moved and Latimer seconded to approve Resolution 2017-46. Roll call ayes: Mengler, Latimer, Jacob Puck, Koehler, and Jackie Puck. Motion carried.
Resolution 2017-47, Approving Amendments to the Governing Body Rules & Procedures Policy. Jackie Puck moved and Mengler seconded to approve Resolution 2017-47. Roll call ayes: Jackie Puck, Mengler, Koehler, Latimer, and Jacob Puck. Motion carried.
Ordinance 496-17, Designating an Area of Walcott as the 2017 Walcott Urban Revitalization Area. This designates an area of the City as a revitalization area for economic development of and the promotion of housing and residential development. Koehler introduced and moved to approve the first reading of Ordinance 496-17, seconded by Jacob Puck. Roll call ayes: Koehler, Jacob Puck, Mengler, Latimer, and Jackie Puck. Motion carried. This is the first of three readings on the Ordinance.
Public Works Department Report. Stagg presented a project worksheet for the purchase of a dump box for the 2018 Ford F550. He stated that compared to a regular steel box, the stainless steel box is more durable, corrosion resistant, does not need painted, and has greater longevity. Mengler moved and Jackie Puck seconded to approve the purchase of a new dump box for the 2018 Ford F550 from Henderson Products at a cost of $12,174. Motion carried.
City Clerk Report. Rickertsen stated City Hall will be closed on December 25th & 26th, and January 1st.
Mayor’s Report. Mayor Kosticheck presented certificates to Latimer and Jackie Puck and thanked them for their years of service on the City Council.
Council Member Comments. Latimer stated he learned a lot during his term and thanked everyone. Koehler and Mengler both thanked Latimer & Puck for their service and Mengler welcomed Brockmann and Smith to the City Council. Jackie Puck stated she was proud to serve with the current council, committees, and staff and thanked the staff for their support and encouraged them to continue to work well together in the future.
Oath of Office. Mayor Kostichek administered the oath of office to council elect John Brockmann. The oath of office will be administered to Larry Smith before the next meeting as he was not present.
Mengler moved and Koehler seconded to adjourn at 6:25 p.m. Motion carried. All votes on motions were unanimous, unless noted.