February 19, 2018
City of Walcott
February 19, 2018
The semi-monthly meeting of the City Council of Walcott, Iowa, was held on Monday, the 19th day of February, 2018, at Walcott City Hall. Mayor John Kostichek called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m. Council members present were: John Brockmann, Tim Koehler, Lisa Mengler, Jacob Puck, and Larry Smith. Absent: None. City staff present: Jeff Blake, Lisa Rickertsen, Tom Schirman, and Paul Stagg.
Approval of Agenda. Mengler moved and Puck seconded to approve the agenda. Motion carried.
Introduction of Audience/Public Comments. Several residents were in attendance for agenda item nine, Mail Delivery/Sidewalks Abutting Curb. Bernard Brus reported on a concrete panel at the intersection of Main Street & Bryant Street.
Public Hearing – Plans and Specifications, Form of Contract and Cost Estimate for the Splash Pad Project. Rickertsen reported there were no written comments received. Project Engineer, Bryce Johnson, reported on the base bid costs and alternates. Bids will be accepted until 2:00 p.m. on March 13, 2018. There were no additional comments. Puck moved and Smith seconded to close the public hearing and resume the regular meeting. Motion carried.
Consent Agenda. Mengler moved and Smith seconded to approve the consent agenda including the invoices, January 2018 financial reports, and the insurance renewal with Arp Insurance & EMC Insurance. Motion carried.
Resolution 2018-8, Approving Plans, Specifications, Form of Contract, and Cost Estimate for the Splash Pad Project. Smith moved and Koehler seconded to approve Resolution 2018-8, Approving Plans, Specifications, Form of Contract, and Cost Estimate for the Splash Pad Project. Roll call ayes: Smith, Koehler, Mengler, Puck, and Brockmann. Motion carried.
February 5, 2018 Minutes. Mengler moved and Puck seconded to approve the February 5, 2018, minutes. Koehler abstained due to absence. Motion carried.
Mail Delivery/Sidewalks Abutting Curb. Complaints from several residents regarding the recent letter from the Walcott Postmaster, requiring those who live more than a ¼ mile from the Post Office to pay box rent if they do not request curbside delivery, prompted Rickertsen to request that a compliance officer from the United States Postal Service (USPS) explain the options. Rickertsen stated the USPS compliance employee from Des Moines confirmed the recent audit of the PO Box section at the Walcott Post Office and the requirements stated in the resident’s letters. Most of the residents in attendance live on streets with sidewalks abutting the curb, therefore new mailboxes cannot be placed at the curb in front of their residences. Resident Billy Brown expressed his frustration with the letter he received from the USPS and requiring him to pay for a box since he cannot place a home delivery mailbox behind his curb. He proposed placing a cluster mail box unit(s) at Prairie View Park parking lot and requested the City’s assistance in purchasing the unit(s). Mengler stated that streets are the first priority during snow removal, not the parking lot, and therefore the park would not be a good location and in her opinion, the City shouldn’t pay for mail units for residents. Other residents also expressed their frustration with the USPS letter, communications with the USPS, and the short time frame allowed to comply. Following further discussion, Mengler moved and Smith seconded to have the Building Official work with residents and Postmaster to find a possible location to locate a cluster box unit(s) and request the USPS extend their deadline to May 1st. Motion carried.
Disposal of HVAC Equipment. Rickertsen stated only one bid was received on the HVAC equipment. Brockmann moved and Puck seconded to accept the bid from Korry Kraft in the amount of $20 for the HVAC equipment. Motion carried.
Public Works Department Report. Stagg reported on the estimates from the City Engineer to prepare cost estimates for top projects as ranked by City Council for future capital improvement projects. Council consensus was to have the City Engineer prepare cost opinions for W. Otis Street improvements and water main replacements on N. Downey Street and E. James Street.
City Clerk Report. Rickertsen requested to utilize the State Auditor’s Office to perform the required annual examination for FYE 2018. Puck moved and Mengler seconded to request the State Auditor’s Office perform an annual examination for FYE 2018. Motion carried.
City Attorney Report. Attorney Schirman stated he would prepare a waiver of liability for the removal of the HVAC equipment.
Mayor’s Report. Mayor Kostichek thanked the citizens for attending and expressing their concerns.
Mengler moved and Smith seconded to adjourn at 6:50 p.m. Motion carried. All votes on motions were unanimous, unless noted.