February 16, 2015 Minutes

The semi-monthly meeting of the City Council of Walcott, Iowa, was held on Monday, the 16th day of February, 2015, 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.

Latimer moved and Jacob Puck seconded to approve the agenda. Motion carried.

Consent Agenda. Koehler moved and Jacob Puck seconded to approve the consent agenda including the invoices, minutes from February 2, 2015, minutes from February 12, 2015, January 2015 Financial reports, and Resolution 2015-10, Adopting the 2014 Supplement to the Walcott Code of Ordinances. Roll call ayes: Koehler, Jacob Puck, Jackie Puck, Latimer, and Mengler. Motion carried.

Introduction of Audience. Michael Hart, Bernard Brus, Jill Hernandez, Gene Meyer, Donna Housley, and Joe & Kelly Quick.

Bond Financing/Northland Securities. Michael Hart discussed the City's current outstanding debt, debt capacity, procedures for using TIF (tax increment financing), and General Obligation Bonds versus TIF Revenue Bonds. Future financing options were discussed for the Main Street Enhancement project and the proposed Municipal Building project. Mayor Kostichek thanked Hart for the presentation.

RAGBRAI Pass-Through Agreement. Rickertsen stated a chairperson is needed for this year's RAGBRAI events. Joe Quick volunteered to co-chair the event. Koehler moved and Jackie Puck seconded to approve the RAGBRAI XLIII Pass-Through Town Agreement for July 25th. Motion carried. The agreement states that the City agrees to shut down outdoor activities by 2:30 p.m.

101 S. Main Street Lot. A letter expected from Central Petroleum Company regarding their concerns with the City constructing a municipal building on the city-owned lot (101 S. Main Street), west of Cen-Pe-Co, had not been received yet. City Hall neighbor, Jill Hernandez, was present and stated she doesn't have the same attachment to her house as she had in the past and had plans to put her home for sale.

Full-Time Grade III WW Operator Position. Discussion was held on hiring a full-time certified Grade III Wastewater Operator. Currently the City has a part-time certified operator that is only at the plant on a limited basis. Brockmann stated our certified operator and full-time wastewater employee have been discussing issues and Brockmann will report on options at the next meeting. Council asked that an updated job description be prepared for the next meeting.

Call Service for Code Enforcement. Discussion was held on the information presented by the Building Official/Code Enforcement Officer at the last meeting regarding utilizing a call service for code enforcement violations. Following discussion, Mengler moved and Jackie Puck seconded to not proceed with utilizing a call service as presented. Motion carried.

2015 Summer Youth Program. Rickertsen reported the rate for a six-week summer youth program with Scott County YMCA will remain the same this year. Mengler moved and Jackie Puck seconded to approve the 2015 Summer Youth Program with Scott County YMCA, same fees as last year. Motion carried. Fees will be $70 per participant for children residing in city limits or Fire District #6 and the full cost of $196.45 for non-residents.

Police Department Report. Chief Blake reported he will present a proposed weapons policy at the next meeting. Mayor Kostichek stated he had citizen inquiries pertaining to the police dog, Titan. Chief Blake reported he isn't doing much with Titan this time of year and there have not been any large seizures. He stated the policies for prosecuting have changed since he had a police dog in another community several years ago.

Public Work's Report. Brockmann presented a project worksheet for a used 2006 International Dump Truck with an underbody plow. He stated the new truck will replace the 1992 International dump truck, which will move to the sewer plant and replace the 1983 Ford K7000 dump truck. Discussion was held on options of either advertising for sealed bids or trade-in for the 1983 truck. Following further discussion, Koehler moved and Jacob Puck seconded to proceed with purchasing a 2006 International dump truck with an underbody plow. Motion carried. The cost of the truck and sandblasting and painting is expected to be $42,800. The 1983 Ford K700 dump truck will be advertised for sale. Brockmann stated he is also researching costs of a new dump truck/snow plow, or another used one if available. Brockmann also reported on a recent water main break, snow plowing issues, and hauling of snow piles (due to safety concerns).

City Clerk's Report. Jacob Puck moved and Mengler seconded to request the State Auditor's Office perform the annual examination for FYE 2015. Motion carried. Discussion was held on the building at 1113 N. Main Street and the high heating bill.

Mayor's Report. Mayor Kostichek stated the municipal building project is going to take time as it needs to be something that will last 70 : 80 years and he wants to do it properly and hopes the public is patient through the process.

Mengler moved and Latimer seconded to adjourn at 7:28 p.m. Motion carried. All votes on motions were unanimous, unless noted.