March 4, 2013

The semi-monthly meeting of the City Council of Walcott, Iowa, was held on Monday, the 4^th day of March, 2013, at Walcott City Hall. Mayor Jim Couper called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m. Council members present were: Tim Koehler, John Kostichek, Lisa Mengler, Jackie Puck, and Jacob Puck. Absent: None. City employees present: Jeff Blake, John Brockmann, Jackie Huston, Lisa Rickertsen, Linda Rivers, and Tom Schirman.

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

Public Hearing. Mayor Couper opened the public hearing on the FYE 2014 budget. The proposed tax levy will remain at 9.9999 per $1,000 valuation on regular property. Rickertsen reported the budget includes $500,000 for a proposed fire truck and $915,000 in proposed capital projects. These will be paid from reserve funds that were set-aside for the vehicle purchase and projects. No other oral or written comments were received. Jackie Puck moved and Kostichek seconded to close the public hearing and resume the regular meeting.

Consent Agenda. Koehler moved and Jacob Puck seconded to approve the consent agenda including the invoices and minutes from February 18, 2013. Motion carried.

Audience. Wayne Latimer and Sandy Liebbe.

Liability/Property/WC Insurance Renewal. Rickertsen recommended renewing in the IAMU Safety Group Insurance Program with EMC Insurance Company. Kostichek moved and Mengler seconded to renew the insurance with EMC Insurance Company. Motion carried.

Summer Youth Program. Rickertsen reported the rate for a six-week summer youth program with Scott County YMCA will remain the same as last year. Mengler moved and Koehler seconded to approve the 2013 Summer Youth Program as presented. Motion carried. Fees are $65 per participant for children residing in city limits or Fire District #6 and $191.70 for non-residents. The program will run from June 17^th : July 26^th on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays.

Resolution 2013-9, Approving the Adoption of the Budget for FYE 2014. Jackie Puck moved and Kostichek seconded to approve Resolution 2013-9. Roll call ayes: Jackie Puck, Kostichek, Koehler, Mengler, and Jacob Puck. Motion carried.

Resolution 2013-10, Accepting Mack Road Improvements. Rickertsen reported the developer's project engineer submitted a letter stating the public improvements were completed and recommended the City accept the improvements and the maintenance bond was in order. Koehler moved and Jacob Puck seconded to approve 2013-10. Roll call ayes: Koehler, Jacob Puck, Jackie Puck, Mengler, and Kostichek. Motion carried.

Resolution 2013-11, Adopting the Revised Articles of Agreement of the Bi-State Regional Commission. Rickertsen reported Bi-State Regional Commission made revisions to the Articles of Agreement that create the Commission. The revisions were necessitated by the desire to match the timing of municipal elections for small member government representatives and to update warrant approval language as it is stated within the By-Laws. All local government members need to take formal action to approve of the changes. Koehler moved and Jackie Puck seconded to approve Resolution 2013-11. Roll call ayes: Koehler, Jackie Puck, Jacob Puck, Kostichek, and Mengler. Motion carried.

Ordinance 461-13, Amending Chapter 92 Regarding Water Rates. Kostichek moved and Mengler seconded to approve the second reading of Ordinance 461-13. Roll call ayes: Kostichek, Mengler, Koehler, Jacob Puck, and Jackie Puck. Motion carried. The rates will increase $.50 per 1,000 gallons of water usage, beginning with the July 1^st bill.

Ordinance 462-13, Amending Chapter 65 Pertaining to Four-Way Stop Intersections. Sandy Liebbe questioned the necessity of placing a four-way stop at the intersection of Main and James Streets. She stated she was not aware of any problems and believes the lights may create more problems. Jackie Puck responded the proposed four-way stop is due to safety issues (crossing guard may not always be present) and Mengler stated they are looking at it to be proactive. Brockmann reported it will be costly to install flashing lights at the intersection but he will have costs, including other options, to present at the next meeting. Jackie Puck moved and Kostichek seconded to table the second reading of Ordinance 462-13. Motion carried. This ordinance will add a four-way stop at the intersection of Main and James Streets.

Proposed Municipal Building Renovation at 1113 N. Main Street. Mayor Couper read past council minutes regarding the property at 1113 N. Main Street so that all present had a complete history of actions taken since February 2010. Discussion was held on the flyer and information regarding the proposed renovation. Rickertsen was asked to contact the architect and include the cost of a new building with comparable square footage at 1113 N. Main Street. Following further discussion, changes will be made to the flyer and brought back to council at the next meeting for their approval.

Building Department Report. Linda Rivers, Building Official, introduced herself and reported on permits and inspections for the month of February. She also reported on recent letters sent to businesses regarding backflow prevention. She stated there are different ways to achieve backflow prevention, depending on what the business risk level is and not all types need to be inspected every year. Rivers will also be sending letters out this spring to properties that do not have their address numbers displayed properly. Rivers reported on property nuisances she has been working on and questioned the Council about proceeding with the dilapidated buildings across from the school. Council consensus was for Rivers to proceed with buildings as defined in the Dangerous Buildings Ordinance.

Police Department Report. Chief Blake reported on the Citizen Police Academy and officer training.

Public Work's Department Report. Brockmann reported the costs of an engine replacement for a City dump truck is $21,000. Discussion was held on snow removal issues and Brockmann asks that residents contact him directly if they have issues.

Mayor's Report. Mayor Couper reported that the Fire Department is short on volunteers for day-time calls. Rickertsen stated she anticipates Fire Chief Hahn will be present at the next meeting.

Kostichek moved and Mengler seconded to adjourn at 7:40 p.m. Motion carried. All votes on motions were unanimous, unless noted.