June 23, 2014 – Special Meeting
City of Walcott
June 23, 2014
A special meeting of the City Council of the City of Walcott, Iowa was held on Monday, June 23, 2014, with Mayor John Kostichek calling 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 were: John Brockmann, Josh Geigle, Lisa Rickertsen, and Tom Schirman. Audience: Larry Koberg, Karen Puck, and Building Committee members: Bernard Brus, Jeanne Brus, Jason Holdorf, and Brent Puck.
Jackie Puck moved and Latimer seconded to approve the agenda. Motion carried.
Building Committee Recommendation. During the June 2nd council meeting the committee presented information, including four sites, for a potential new municipal building. Their recommendation is to construct a municipal building adjacent to the current City Hall, which would require purchase of two additional parcels. The majority of Council Members expressed their concerns about purchasing additional property and would prefer to construct a new municipal building on the city-owned property at the SE corner of Main and Lincoln Streets. All council members agreed to eliminate sites 3 & 4, as listed on the committee's report, for a potential new municipal building. Following discussion, Koehler moved and Jacob Puck seconded to proceed with selling the city-owned lots (identified as sites 3 & 4) located on Main Street, north of the bridge. Motion carried. Further discussion ensued and committee members explained their rationale for their recommendation to construct a new municipal building adjacent to the current City Hall. Discussion was held on exploring costs for both potential sites. Council directed Attorney Schirman and Rickertsen to proceed in contacting property owners adjacent to City Hall and realtors regarding the city-owned lots north of the Main Street bridge. This topic will be placed on the July 7th agenda.
Vision Committee Status. Mayor Kostichek reported the last Vision Committee meeting was held in conjunction with the City Council on April 10, 2013. Following discussion, Larry Koberg agreed to act as chairperson and pursue revitalization of the committee.
City Attorney Report. Attorney Schirman reported on the status of the proposed storm sewer pipeline crossing under the railroad. Schirman stated the appropriate applications have been filed, both with Iowa Interstate Railroad and Hawkeye Land Company. He questioned if the project was time sensitive as it could take up to 35 days for a response from Hawkeye Land Company or he could proceed with negotiations now. Brockmann recommended waiting since the remaining portions of the project can proceed as planned.
Karen Puck stated she is in the process of establishing a historical society. She reported on her collection of historical items and the need for storage/display.
Koehler moved and Jacob Puck seconded to adjourn at 7:25 p.m. Ayes: All. Motion carried.