November 17, 2014

The semi-monthly meeting of the City Council of Walcott, Iowa, was held on Monday, the 17th day of November, 2014, 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, Lisa Rickertsen, and Tom Schirman.

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

Consent Agenda. Koehler moved and Jacob Puck seconded to approve the consent agenda including the invoices, minutes from November 3, 2014, and the October 2014 financial reports. Motion carried.

Introduction of Audience. Larry Koberg, Bernard Brus, William Belz, Kevin Toft, and Josie Dietz.

Kevin Toft : Scott County Sno-Seekers. Kevin Toft was present regarding the Scott County Sno-Seekers request to have their future annual swap meets in Walcott. Jackie Puck stated she visited the Sno-Seekers annual swap meet on November 2nd and was impressed by the appearance and organization. Rickertsen stated during the last Park Board meeting they recommended allowing the Scott County Sno-Seekers to have their annual swap meet at Victory Park but there were also concerns regarding vehicles driving and parking on the grass in the park. Discussion was held on the Sno-Seekers food trailer. W.U.F. representative Larry Koberg was present and will talk to the W.U.F. board regarding the concessions. Mengler moved and Latimer seconded to allow the Scott County Sno-Seekers to hold their annual swap meet at Victory Park starting in November, 2015. Motion carried.

Vision Committee. Larry Koberg and Josie Dietz were present on behalf of the Vision Committee. Koberg presented cost estimates for installation and maintenance of flower baskets on the proposed decorative light poles in conjunction with the North Main Street Enhancement Project. He asked that the Council consider the costs during budget discussions in January, which was agreed. The Vision Committee members were thanked for their efforts.

Minutes Publication. North Scott Press (NSP) Publisher, Bill Tubbs, arrived and apologized for not publishing the November 3rd council minutes in the November 12th edition. Rickertsen stated after receiving notification from the NSP that the minutes would not be published on the 12th, they were sent to the Quad City Times in order to meet the 15-day publishing requirement per the Iowa Code. Tubbs assured the Council the minutes would be published in a timely manner in the future.

Victory Park : South Shelter Roof Repairs. Koehler moved and Jacob Puck seconded to table the Victory Park South Shelter roof repairs until two quotes are received and prices are guaranteed until spring. Motion carried.

TIF Rebate Payment : Petersen Health Systems. Mengler moved and Jackie Puck seconded to approve the semi-annual TIF rebate payment to Petersen Health Systems in the amount of $6,378.97. Motion carried.

S. Downey Street Water Main Project. Concerns were received by a citizen regarding the quality of the recent blacktopping on S. Downey Street. Following discussion, Latimer moved and Jackie Puck seconded to approve payment #6 to Ellsworth Excavating for $9,044. Motion carried.

Resolution 2014-37, Approval of FYE 2014 Annual Urban Renewal Report. Jackie Puck moved and Latimer seconded to approve Resolution 2014-37. Roll call ayes: Jackie Puck, Latimer, Mengler, Koehler, and Jacob Puck. Motion carried.

Resolution 2014-38, Authorizing Internal Advance for Main Street Enhancement Project. Rickertsen stated the advance is for engineering fees related to the Main Street Enhancement project within the Urban Renewal Area. Koehler moved and Jacob Puck seconded to approve Resolution 2014-38. Roll call ayes: Koehler, Jacob Puck, Jackie Puck, Latimer, and Mengler. Motion carried.

Resolution 2014-39, Approving Wage Increase for Building Official. Mengler moved and Jacob Puck seconded to approve Resolution 2014-39, Approving Wage Increase for Building Official. Roll call ayes: Mengler, Jacob Puck, Koehler, Latimer, and Jackie Puck. Motion carried. The increase is for her recent ICC (International Code Council) Mechanical Inspector certification as authorized in the Walcott Personnel Policy Handbook.

W. Bryant Street Project. Rickertsen reported that Brockmann was not recommending approval of change order #5, in the amount of $1,168.30), regarding installation and removal of handicap ramps. Following discussion, Mengler moved and Latimer seconded to approve the revised payment #5 (less change order #5 costs) to N.J. Miller, in the amount of $74,757.03, as recommended by the City Engineer and Public Works Director. Motion carried. No action was taken on the Resolution Approving Change Order #5.

Proposed Municipal Building : Architect Fees. Architectural proposals were received from the three architects interviewed in 2012. Rickertsen stated the RFP did not include soil tests, site survey, or interior designs. Jackie Puck moved and Mengler seconded to approve hiring the architect that submitted the lowest of the three proposals, Downing Architects. Motion carried.

Employee Health & Dental Insurance. Discussion was held on the employee health and dental renewal. The total premiums are up 13% for 2015 although the five year average is less than a 5% increase. Following a lengthy discussion, Mengler moved and Jacob Puck seconded to renew the current (grandfathered) health and dental plans and discontinue reimbursement of employee prescriptions starting January 1, 2015. Nays: Jackie Puck. Motion carried.

Public Works Department Report. At the last meeting Brockmann requested the vacation policy be reviewed. Due to his absence from the meeting, the Vacation Policy will be included on the next agenda.

Mayor Report. Mayor Kostichek thanked the Vision Committee for their renewed efforts.

Questions/Concerns. A concern was expressed regarding a trailer(s) illegally parked on James Street. Chief Blake will look at the problem.

Jackie Puck moved and Mengler seconded to adjourn at 7:23 p.m. Motion carried. All votes on motions were unanimous, unless noted.