March 21, 2016 Minutes

City of Walcott March 21, 2016

The semi-monthly meeting of the City Council of Walcott, Iowa, was held on Monday, the 21st day of March, 2016, 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, Steve Bowman, Lisa Rickertsen, Linda Rivers, and Tom Schirman.

 Approval of Agenda. Mengler moved and Jacob Puck seconded to approve the agenda.  Motion carried.

Consent Agenda.  Rickertsen reported she received a call from Karen Puck stating that the Historical Society was only offered space for display cases, not a room, as stated during the March 7th meeting.  Koehler moved and Latimer seconded to approve the consent agenda including the invoices, minutes from March 7, 2016, minutes from March 16, 2016, and the February 2016 financial reports.  Motion carried.

Dave Nichols, Downing Architects – Proposed Municipal Building.  Nichols presented the proposed municipal building design plans to council and audience.  Karen Puck inquired about an area for the Historical Society, as there was not space identified in the building plans. Mengler stated there may be space available at the current City Hall location but they are waiting for the Fire Chief to present their needs for additional space.  Further discussion, Jackie Puck moved and Mengler seconded to have Downing Architects proceed to the next phase (construction documents) of the project.  Motion carried.

North Main Street Decorative Light Poles.  On behalf of the Walcott Day Committee, Mengler reported the Committee would like to hang wreaths on eight of the decorative poles on N. Main Street.  She stated they would have padding for the pole plates and straps to protect the poles.  Due to the cost, they are only able to purchase eight wreaths this year but may be able to purchase garland and additional wreaths in future years, or the City could purchase some.  They will also be purchasing 5’ lighted stockings for other poles this year.  Puck moved and Jacob Puck seconded to allow the Walcott Day Committee to hang the wreaths, with protective padding, on the decorative light poles.  Motion carried.

Building Department Report.     

  • Main Street Streetscape Enhancement Project. Rivers reported the contractor is scheduled to resume construction around April 11th.  She suggested moving the east-west crosswalk at Vernon and Main Street to line up with the crosswalk across from the recreational trail entrance.  She estimated the cost to be an additional $200. Koehler moved and Jackie Puck seconded to approve the change, contingent upon Rivers approving the cost.  Motion carried.  She also suggested running corrugated pipe underneath the sidewalk (adjacent to Newell’s Automotive property) and drain it into the grate. Council had no issues with her suggestion but asked her to work with Bowman on the plan.  Discussion was held on the steel pylons that are being temporarily stored at 102 E. Vernon Street. These are for the proposed sidewalk crossing on the west side of the bridge.  The project engineer is still working with the IDNR for approval for that portion of the project.  Following further discussion of relocating the pylons off of private property, to a city-owned property or another nearby private property, Mengler moved and Jackie Puck seconded to check with River Valley, or have Rivers use judgement on the location, allowing a cost up to $1,500 to relocate them if needed.  Motion carried.  Karen Puck stated some sidewalks have heaved.  Rivers will check the sidewalks and stated before final payment is made, any construction issues will be addressed.  Rivers also reported on the need for traffic control road signs to place in the project area.  Rivers and Bowman were asked to work together to either purchase or rent the necessary signs.
  • Amending Chapter 160 Pertaining to Building Codes. Rivers reported that a public hearing is necessary for amending Chapter 160 to update all the building codes.  The hearing will be on April 18th at 6:00 p.m.  Veronica Bales expressed her concerns with the proposed amendments.

City Clerk Report.  Rickertsen stated the need to come up with some guiding principles for any future TIF rebates.  She will gather additional information for the next meeting.    

Mayor’s Report.  Mayor Kostichek proclaimed April 7th as Junior Achievement Day, as an opportunity to recognize and celebrate Junior Achievement of the Heartland for empowering our young people to own their economic success.

Audience Comments.  Vernoica Bales questioned the notification process for the public hearing on the amendments to Chapter 160.  Rickertsen stated the hearing notice will be published in the North Scott Press, the City’s designated newspaper, as required by state statute.

Latimer moved and Mengler seconded to adjourn at 7:32 p.m. Motion carried.  All votes on motions were unanimous, unless noted.

MARCH 21, 2016

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