January 17, 2011
City of Walcott
January 17, 2011
The semi-monthly meeting of the City Council of Walcott, Iowa, was held on Monday, the 17th day of January, 2011. Mayor Couper called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m. Council members present were: Dietz, Koberg, Koehler, Kostichek, and Puck. City employees present: J. Huston, J. Brockmann, and J. Vaughan.
Koberg moved and Kostichek seconded to approve the agenda. Motion carried.
Mayor Couper opened the Public Hearing on the Development Agreement with T&C Storage at 6:01 p.m. The Development Agreement is in connection with the construction of a storage building, which agreement provides for certain financial incentives in the form of annual appropriation, incremental property tax payments in a total amount not to exceed $8,500. No written or oral comments were received. Dietz moved and Puck seconded to close the Public Hearing and resume the regular meeting. Motion carried.
Consent Agenda. Koehler moved and Kostichek seconded to approve the consent agenda including the invoices, minutes from January 15, 2011, liquor license renewal for Gramma's Kitchen & The Checkered Flag Bar & Grill, and December 2010 Financial Reports. Motion carried.
Minutes from January 3, 2011. Puck moved and Dietz seconded to approve the minutes. Motion carried with Koberg abstaining due to absence.
Joe Taylor-QC Convention & Visitors Bureau. The Bureau is requesting funding from the city in the amount of 5% of its Hotel/Motel Tax annual revenue starting in 2012. Mr. Taylor reported that by contributing, Walcott would gain advertising through their organization which should reap benefits from increased tourism. Following discussion, the Council determined to consider the funding at the next budget meeting.
Waste Commission of Scott County. Kathy Morris was present to discuss the Commission's activities and benefits to its member communities. Ms. Morris reported that the Regional Comprehensive Plan is being prepared and the Council can review and comment on the plan. The Commission will be offering a new grant program for member communities in the amount of $2,500 annually which will replace the free clean up days currently offered. This grant may be used for a variety of projects including: clean up days, E-waste bin collection, or florescent bulb collection.
Resolution 2011-6, Approving Development Agreement with T&C Storage. Dietz moved and Puck seconded to approve Resolution 2011-6. Motion carried with unanimous roll call vote.
Ordinance 448, Amending Chapter 160, Pertaining to Sewer Ejectors. Kostichek moved and Koehler seconded to approve the third reading of Ordinance 448. Motion carried with unanimous roll call vote.
Ordinance 449, Amending Chapter 166, Pertaining to Subdivision Regulations. Dietz moved and Koehler seconded to approve the third reading of Ordinance 449. Motion carried with unanimous roll call vote.
Ordinance 450, Amending Chapter 167, Pertaining to Floodplain Management. Puck moved and Dietz seconded to approve the third reading of Ordinance 450. Motion carried with unanimous roll call vote.
Ordinance Adding Chapter 142, Recreational Trails. Kostichek moved and Koberg seconded to table this item until the next meeting. Motion carried.
Police Chief's Report. Chief Vaughan presented information on the Iowa Attorney General's Opinion regarding the new firearms permit law. The Chief reported that according to the opinion, municipalities could adopt rules that would ban weapons from public buildings without a professional weapons permit. Enforcement could be provided through the current trespassing ordinance. The Scott County Courthouse allows only professionally licensed individuals to carry weapons in their facility. Discussion followed regarding appropriateness, effectiveness, and enforcement of adopting a ban policy.
Public Works Director's Report. Brockmann reported that he was working with Koehler and Harry Knutsen in regards to a generator for Calvary Church.
City Clerk's Report. Huston reported that a representative from Iowa's Trees Forever will hold a meeting at City Hall on January 27th at 1:30 p.m. to discuss the Emerald Ash Borer and other tree issues. Another meeting is scheduled for February 3rd with an IDNR representative to discuss the street tree survey findings.
Koehler moved and Puck seconded to adjourn at 7:21 p.m. Motion carried. All votes on motions were unanimous, unless noted.