March 5, 2012
City of Walcott
March 5, 2012
The semi-monthly meeting of the City Council of Walcott, Iowa, was held on Monday, the 5th day of March, 2012 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: John Brockmann, Jackie Huston, Tom Schirman, and Jeff Blake.
Jackie Puck moved and Mengler seconded to approve the agenda. Motion carried.
Mayor Couper opened the Public Hearing on the FYE 2013 Budget. No written or oral comments were received. The levy rate will be $9.9999. Jackie Puck moved and Koehler seconded to close the hearing and resume the regular meeting at 6:02 p.m.
Consent Agenda. Koehler moved and Jacob Puck seconded to approve the consent agenda including the invoices and February 20th minutes. Motion carried.
Audience. Joe Taylor & Margo McIinnis from the Quad City Convention Bureau, Kristal Koberg-Schaefer, Wayne Latimer, and Jason Holdorf. Joe Taylor thanked the Council for their donation and stated that Delia Meier agreed to allow them to place a Visitors Center at the Iowa 80 Truck Museum. There will be an "opening ceremony" on May 9, 2012.
North Lift Station Project. Following discussion, Kostichek moved and Mengler seconded to approve payment request #1 to Jim Schroeder Construction in the amount of $175,083.58. Motion carried.
Prairie View Park & Heritage Trail. Jason Holdorf presented the two quotes for landscaping design services and explained that the committee wanted to create an overall master plan for landscaping. A portion of the plan may be funded this spring with additional funding in the future. Koehler moved and Jake Puck seconded to approve Freeman Tree Farm to provide landscaping design services at a cost of $500.00. Motion carried. Mr. Holdorf also reported that Mickey Burt would be attending the CAT grant board meeting in Des Moines to clarify the requirement to refund a portion of the grant award. Remaining available funds for the project were discussed and Mr. Holdorf stated that they would have to scale back the expenditures if in fact the amount requested by the CAT grant administrative staff needs to be refunded. The Mayor and Council thanked the committee for their efforts.
Liability Insurance Renewal. Mengler moved and Jackie Puck seconded to pursue renewing the liability, property, and workers' compensation insurance with EMC Insurance Company. Motion carried.
Fence at North Water Plant. Brockmann presented a Project Worksheet with three quotes for fencing. This fence will replace an aging, damaged fence that the state requires for water plants. Homeland Security also recommends fencing to help ensure the safety of the municipal water supply. Mengler moved and Jackie Puck seconded to approve the quote from Sampson Fence to install a 6' chain link fence at the north water plant at a cost of $25,486.00 Motion carried.
Resolution 2012-11, Approving the Adoption of the Budget for FYE 2013. Kostichek moved and Jake Puck seconded to approve. Motion carried with unanimous roll call vote.
Resolution 2012-12, Approving Wage Increase for Chief Blake. Jackie Puck moved and Mengler seconded to approve. Motion carried with unanimous roll call vote. This increase is due to Blake's certification as a Field Sobriety Testing Instructor. Chief Blake reported on upcoming instructional schools.
Public Work's Report. Brockmann presented his report including project updates and sewer problems on West Lincoln Street.
Questions/Concerns –
Vision Committee-Kristal Koberg-Schaefer. Koberg-Schaefer wanted to clarify that the party interested in purchasing the property at 123 W. Walcott Road is still interested if the price goes down, however only wishes to donate the empty corner lot and not the lot with the building. She stated that the corner lot does have contamination but the DNR standards don't require anything to be done with it. The Vision Committee is requesting an assessment by Main Street Iowa that costs $2,500.00. They hope to solicit private funds in the amount of $2,400.00 and will ask the city to donate $100.00 towards the project. The assessment involves touring the city and interviewing citizens and staff to determine the potential success of applying for a Main Street Iowa grant. Since this item was not on the agenda, the Council expressed a consensus to allow the Vision Committee to proceed with private funding requests and place it on the next agenda for approval. The Vision Committee is also investigating the interest in a Farmers' Market and grants for plantings on Main Street. These items will be discussed at a future Council meeting.
Mr. Holdorf questioned if West Bryant Street would be improved this year and Brockmann responded affirmatively.
It was reported that there has still not been a response to the letter that was sent to the Mobile Home Park owner regarding the installation of a street light. Attorney Schirman will follow up.
Koehler moved and Jackie Puck seconded to adjourn at 6:45 p.m. Motion carried. All votes on motions were unanimous, unless noted.