May 6, 2013

The semi-monthly meeting of the City Council of Walcott, Iowa, was held on Monday, the 6^th day of May, 2013, at Walcott City Hall. Mayor Pro Tem John Kostichek called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m. Other council members present were: Tim Koehler and Jacob Puck. Absent: Mayor Couper, Lisa Mengler, and Jackie Puck. City employees present: Jeff Blake, John Brockmann, Lisa Rickertsen, Tom Schirman, and Joe Hahn.

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

Consent Agenda. Koehler moved and Kostichek seconded to approve the consent agenda including the invoices, April 2013 financial reports, and Resolution 2013-15, Transfer of Funds. Roll call ayes: Koehler, Kostichek, and Jacob Puck. Motion carried.

Audience. Josh Geigle, Bethany Smith, Wayne Latimer, Kristal Schaefer, Betty Teel, Tim and Kayla Powell, Robert Fox, Becky Fisher, Steve Stender, Lon Warnecke, and Jim Kirkley.

Minutes from 04/15/13. Koehler moved and Jacob Puck seconded to approve the minutes from 04/15/13. Motion carried.

Farmer's Market Approval. Kristal Schaefer was present to request a new location for this year's Farmer's Market. Koehler moved and Jacob Puck seconded to allow the Farmer's Market to be held in the SE corner of Victory Park, starting Thursday, June 6^th from 5:00 : 7:00 p.m. Motion carried.

W. Bryant & Powers Streets Improvements Project. Rickertsen reported the City Engineer estimated the cost to include the portions of Parker Street and Rowe Lane, between Bryant and Durant Streets in the project to be approximately $100,000. Council consensus was to add the streets to the project. These improvements will provide that entire quadrant of the city with concrete streets. Rickertsen reported the City Engineer will schedule a preconstruction meeting with all property owners affected by the improvements. Rickertsen reported on the assessment process and distributed the preliminary plat, preliminary assessment schedule, and forms to the property owners within the project area that do not currently have public sidewalks. The City intends to follow the same process as they did on the Memorial Road project and pay for 50% of public sidewalk construction costs, if all affected property owners agree to be voluntary assessed. Several affected property owners were present to discuss the proposed assessment project. Issues regarding city right-of-way and sidewalk placement were discussed. Rickertsen will contact the City Engineer and request he meet with concerned property owners next week regarding sidewalk placement.

Approval of TIF (Tax Increment Financing) Rebate Payments. Kostichek moved and Jacob Puck seconded to approve the TIF rebates to Iowa 80 Truckstop (3 rebates – $18,832.59) and Ossian Walcott Investments LC ($16,836.70), total amount of $35,669.29 per the Development Agreements. Motion carried.

Dogs on City Property. Discussion was held that residents are utilizing the city-owned lot on the SE corner of Lincoln and Main Streets as a dog park and the area has become full of animal waste. Rickertsen will send letters to the adjacent property owners. Residents are reminded that it is unlawful for any person owning or having custody or control of an animal to fail to promptly clean up, remove and lawfully dispose of the animal waste deposited by such animal upon public property, public right-of-way, or property of another person.

Resolution 2013-16, Building Official Wage Increase. Rickertsen reported that Building Official, Linda Rivers, obtained the ICC Fire Inspector 1 certification and according to Walcott Personnel Policy Handbook she is eligible for a $.50/hour wage increase. Koehler moved and Jacob Puck seconded to approve Resolution 2013-16. Roll call ayes: Koehler, Jacob Puck, and Kostichek. Motion carried.

Police Department Report. Chief Blake presented his department report including the following:

• Tasers. Blake presented a project worksheet to purchase two tasers with donation funds received from Walcott Day Committee in the amount of $2,544. The department currently has two tasers but only one is operable. Koehler moved and Jacob Puck seconded to approve the purchase of two tasers and accessories, not to exceed $2,544. Motion carried.
• K9. Blake stated he will have to travel to Des Moines to train with the dog for ten consecutive days, starting June 23^rd. He reported on his plans for lodging and meals during the training period.

Fire Department Report.

• LED Flashlights. Geigle presented a project worksheet for the purchase of twenty LED flashlights to replace unserviceable flashlights. Koehler moved and Jacob Puck seconded to approve the purchase of twenty LED flashlights from Sandy Fire Supply at a total cost of $1,060. Motion carried. Geigle reported that fire department equipment is catalogued and stamped.
• Daytime Responders Proposal. Discussion was held on the proposal and job description regarding hiring temporary part-time staff to assist the Fire Department due to shortage of personnel during daytime hours. Geigle stated they are organizing an EMS class so that new fire department members can receive the necessary EMS training. Discussion was held on the 28E Agreement for mutual aid with neighboring fire departments. After a lengthy discussion, Koehler moved and Jacob Puck seconded to approve the job description and hiring of temporary part-time EMT/Firefighters, at a rate of $12.00 – $16.00. Personnel must remain available for calls at the fire station with the exception of breaks and training within city limits. Current Walcott Fire Department volunteers are not eligible for these paid positions. Motion carried.

Public Works Department Report. Brockmann presented a project worksheet on purchasing a used box spreader. Kostichek moved and Koehler seconded to approve the purchase, not to exceed $10,000. Motion carried. Brockmann questioned having the police officers take an EMS class to assist the fire department. Chief Blake will obtain details on the training and report back to the council.

City Clerk's Department Report. Rickertsen reported on the building department activities for the month of April. Council consensus was to move the May 20^th meeting to the fire meeting room, in anticipation of a larger audience.

Koehler moved and Jacob Puck seconded to adjourn at 8:13 p.m. Motion carried. All votes on motions were unanimous, unless noted.