January 20, 2014 Minutes
City of Walcott
January 20, 2014
The semi-monthly meeting of the City Council of Walcott, Iowa, was held on Monday, the 20th day of January, 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, Linda Rivers, and Tom Schirman.
Mengler moved and Jackie Puck seconded to approve the agenda. Motion carried.
Consent Agenda. Koehler moved and Latimer seconded to approve the consent agenda including the invoices, minutes from January 16, 2014, and the December 2013 financial reports. Motion carried.
Audience. Engineers Jay Brady and Jason Holdorf.
January 8, 2014 Minutes. Latimer moved and Koehler seconded to approve the minutes from January 8, 2014. Jacob Puck and Mengler abstained due to absence. Motion carried.
Main Street Enhancement Project. Jason Holdorf, Missman Inc., presented and discussed the agreement for services for the Main Street Enhancement (streetscape) project. This gateway development project would include sidewalks and decorative lighting for the area on Main Street from the bridge north. Main Street enhancement/decorative lighting is one of the top priorities from the Vision Committee & City Council following the Main Street Assessment Report in 2012. Rickertsen stated that this project could be funded with TIF funds. Koehler moved and Jacob Puck seconded to approve the agreement with Missman Inc. as presented. Motion carried.
Sanitary Sewer Inflow and Infiltration Study. Jay Brady, Stanley Consultants, was present to discuss the proposed sanitary sewer inflow and infiltration study. The first phase of the work consists of flow metering, system mapping and manhole inspection work. Following discussion, Mengler moved and Jackie Puck seconded to proceed with Phase I of the study at an approximate cost of $155,000. Motion carried. Actual costs may be less, especially depending on the length of time needed for flow metering.
No Parking Area by School. Discussion was held that since a crosswalk was approved by council last fall there should not be any parking within ten feet of the crosswalk.
Building Department Report. Building Official, Linda Rivers, presented her report including a recap of the permits she issued in 2013, an update of open permits/projects, and rental housing property/ownership updates. She also reported on the following:
- Dangerous Building Update. Rivers reported she spoke further with the Iowa Department of Natural Resources and resubmitted the bid documents for demolition of the barn to ten contractors. Sealed bids are due January 31st by 2:00 p.m. at which time they will be opened.
- Junk & Junk Vehicles. Rivers presented changes to Chapter 51, Junk and Junk Vehicles, which council concurred. Rickertsen will prepare an ordinance for the proposed changes for the next regular meeting.
- Parking on Private Property. A lengthy discussion was held on parking on private property in residential areas. Discussion included whether or not parking of vehicles and towables/trailers should be allowed to park on grass on private properties or restricted to a certain number allowed per property. No action was taken but this topic will be discussed again during the February 17th meeting.
- Mobile Home Ordinance Update. Rivers reported Chapter 145, Mobile Home Park Regulations, needs to be updated due to state law changes regarding licensing/requirements for plumbing and electrical work. The proposed changes will be prepared in ordinance form for the next regular meeting.
Police Department Report. Chief Blake requested approval for Officer Mayberry to attend a two week training in Des Moines this spring. The cost includes travel and meal reimbursement and $300 for lodging. Chief Blake stated he expects the training fee of $175 to be paid by the local LEIN (Law Enforcement Intelligence Network) office. Since there is still funding remaining in the Police Department budget for training and related expenses, Jackie Puck moved and Latimer seconded to approve the training. Motion carried.
City Clerk's Report. A budget meeting was scheduled for January 27th at 5:30 p.m.
New Business/Concerns. Koehler expressed his concern regarding a succession plan at such time when John Brockmann chooses to retire.
Mengler moved and Jacob Puck seconded to adjourn at 7:42 p.m. Motion carried. All votes on motions were unanimous, unless noted.