May 7, 2018 Minutes
City of Walcott
May 7, 2018
The semi-monthly meeting of the City Council of Walcott, Iowa, was held on Monday, the 7th day of May, 2018, at Walcott City Hall. Mayor John Kostichek called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m. Council members present were: John Brockmann, Tim Koehler, Lisa Mengler, Jacob Puck, and Larry Smith. Absent: None. City staff present: Scott Bengfort, Jeff Blake, Lisa Rickertsen, Tom Schirman, and Paul Stagg.
Approval of Agenda. Smith moved and Puck seconded to approve the agenda. Motion carried.
Introduction of Audience/Public Comments. No comments.
Consent Agenda. Mengler moved and Koehler seconded to approve the consent agenda including the invoices, minutes from April 16, 2018, Class C Liquor License Renewal for Lampliter, and the April 2018 Financial Reports. Motion carried.
Bonnie Jackson Property Nuisance Abatement – Extension Request. Bonnie Jackson and Glen Houghton were present regarding the nuisance abatement for parcel 820655138-5 on S. Grove Street. Bengfort stated Houghton had verbally requested an extension to May 31, 2018. He reported that cleanup has commenced, after a delay due to weather conditions, and he recommended the extension be granted but noted that the weeds and grasses need to be mowed and maintained. Brockmann moved and Koehler seconded to approve the nuisance abatement extension as requested, until May 31, 2018. Motion carried.
Larry Koberg – Fastpitch Tournaments. Larry Koberg reported there are three fastpitch softball tournaments planned for this summer. The Fastpitch Invitational will be held May 26th & 27th, the Iowa Area ISC Qualifier Men’s Fastpitch Tournament will be from June 15th – 17th, and a third tournament is scheduled July 28th & 29th. Koberg requested approval to install temporary fencing at Wescott Park from May 23rd – July 30th and at Victory Park for the June tournament. Puck moved and Mengler seconded to allow temporary fences to be installed at Wescott Park from May 23rd – July 30th and at Victory Park for the June tournament. Motion carried. This will be the 34th consecutive year the Iowa Area ISC Qualifier Men’s Fastpitch Tournament will be held in Walcott. Mayor Kostichek thanked Koberg for his many years of service with the tournaments.
Resolution 2018-15, Approving Revisions to the Residential Sidewalk Repair Program (RSRP). Rickertsen reported on proposed changes to the RSRP, which include allowing reimbursements for construction of public sidewalks for filling in gaps that can easily connect current sidewalks. The program allows residential property owners, identified by the City and approved for program funding, to receive a reimbursement of 50% of the cost of construction, removal and repair, or replacement of public sidewalks. Koehler moved and Smith seconded to approve Resolution 2018-15, Revisions to the Residential Sidewalk Repair Program. Roll call ayes: Koehler, Smith, Mengler, Brockmann, and Puck. Motion carried.
Resolution 2018-16, Setting Wages for Fiscal Year Ending June 30, 2019. Mengler moved and Puck seconded to approve Resolution 2018-16. Roll call ayes: Mengler, Puck, Brockmann, Koehler, and Smith. Motion carried.
Ordinance 498-18, Amending Chapter 92 Regarding Water Rates – 3rd Reading. Rickertsen stated this Ordinance will increase the water usage rate by $.15 per 1,000 gallons of water and the minimum charge for bulk water sales from $20 to $25, effective on the June 1, 2018, billing. The increase is needed to support the operations, maintenance, and improvements of the water utility. Puck moved and Koehler seconded to approve the third reading of Ordinance 498-18, Amending Chapter 92 Regarding Water Rates. Roll call ayes: Puck, Koehler, Mengler, Smith, and Brockmann. Motion carried.
Police Department Report. Blake stated he would be presenting a landlord/tenant policy at a future meeting.
Public Works Department Report. Stagg reported on the following: tree planting near compost area through IDNR Trees for Kids grant program; staff intends to repair sunken slabs at Main Street this Wednesday; splash pad project construction is underway; and update on sewer televising project. He also stated that the Fire Department has completed their training use of the house at 116 W. Lincoln Street and the contractor is expected to proceed with demolition this week.
City Clerk’s Report. Rickertsen recommended proceeding with Iowa Interactive LLC for office and web-based payment processing. Their system provides services at no cost to the City, except for the purchase of a card swipe device. All convenience fees are passed directly to the users at the counter and online. Rickertsen will prepare a Resolution for the next meeting to proceed with Iowa Interactive LLC. Rickertsen reported on an upcoming public hearing on a rezoning request for the property just north of the water plant.
City Attorney Report. Schirman reported the area to be rezoned, as reported by Rickertsen, will also be platted at or around the same time as the rezoning.
Mayor’s Report. Mayor Kostichek thanked the members of the Splash Pad Committee for their hard work in expanding the recreational facilities in Walcott. This fun-filled activity is slated to open in 2019.
Council Member Comments. Concerns were brought up by council members regarding the following: water discoloration and hydrant flushing; dogs at Victory and Wescott Parks which aren’t allowed; dog waste not being cleaned up by owners; flaking paint off the south water tower; culvert replacement on S. Main Street; Council Chambers renovation status; and sewer televising project. Discussion was held on the Main Street slabs in need of repair. A majority council consensus was to obtain bids for the Main Street slab repair.
Koehler moved and Mengler seconded to adjourn at 6:35 p.m. Motion carried. All votes on motions were unanimous, unless noted.