November 3, 2014

City of Walcott November 3, 2014

The semi-monthly meeting of the City Council of Walcott, Iowa, was held on Monday, the 3rd 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, Lisa Mengler, Jackie Puck, and Jacob Puck. Absent: Virgil Wayne Latimer. City employees present: Jeff Blake, John Brockmann, Josh Geigle, 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 October 20, 2014, and Resolution 2014-34, Transfer of Funds. Roll call ayes: Koehler, Jacob Puck, Jackie Puck, and Mengler. Motion carried.

Audience. Larry Koberg, Josie Dietz, Gene Meyer, Jason Holdorf, Donna Housley, and Janice Dawson.

Vision Committee. Larry Koberg and Josie Dietz were present on behalf of the Vision Committee. Koberg reported on the cost estimates for hanging flower baskets on the proposed decorative light poles, in conjunction with the North Main Street Enhancement Project. He stated they will pursue civic organizations to determine financial commitments. Following discussion, Koehler stated he would like to see a total of all start-up and reoccurring annual costs, including labor costs. Koberg also stated they are looking for ideas on a location for a Walcott sign. He reported the Committee contacted a property owner on the north side of Walcott Road (old Hwy 6), and the owner is not interested.

Main Street Enhancement. Jason Holdorf, Missman Inc., was present to discuss the concept plans for the North Main Street Enhancement Project. Holdorf presented different options including adding storm sewer on the east side. Brockmann stated the decorative lighting should continue to Welcome Park. Rickertsen reported earlier this year the council approved up to $600,000 of tax increment financing funds towards the project and reported Local Option Sales Tax funds could also be utilized. Following further discussion, Koehler moved and Jacob Puck seconded to proceed with the next step (design plans) of the project. Motion carried. Rickertsen questioned if the City Council was still interested in pursuing Mediacom to extend their cable for high speed internet. It was discussed Mediacom could utilize the same trench as the storm sewer. There were no objections to contacting Mediacom and allowing them to install their cable in conjunction with the project.

Realtor Contract. Rickertsen reported the individual who contacted City Hall about the building at 1113 N. Main Street has now stated he was only interested in leasing the building. Koehler moved and Jackie Puck seconded to approve the contract (listing agreement for 1113 N. Main Street) with Mel Foster Real Estate Services (Agent Nick Bert) as originally submitted. Motion carried.

Resolution 2014-35, Obligating Funds from the Consolidated Walcott Urban Renewal Area. Mengler moved and Jacob Puck seconded to approve Resolution 2013-35. Roll call ayes: Mengler, Jacob Puck, Jackie Puck, and Koehler. Motion carried. This resolution obligates $53,150 from the Consolidated Walcott Urban Renewal Tax Revenue Fund with respect to the City's Development Agreements with Iowa 80 Truckstop Inc., T&C Storage, Ossian Walcott Investments LC, JDW Holdings LLC, and Sterling Partners LLC for the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2015.

Resolution 2014-36, Weapons Policy. A question regarding the legality of the proposed policy was asked and Attorney Schirman stated cities have home rule authority and he doesn't feel it is prohibited. Blake reported on the costs of signs/stickers for city buildings and property. Jackie Puck moved and Koehler seconded to approve Resolution 2014-36. Roll call ayes: Jackie Puck, Koehler, Mengler, and Jacob Puck. Motion carried.

Fire Department Report. Geigle stated the new pumper truck is scheduled to be completed by the end of the month. He reported the Midwest Center for Public Safety Training (MCPST) inquired about the City donating the truck to be replaced, 1987 Ford K-C 8000, in return for free training at the center for the Fire Department. Discussion ensued about the value of the truck. Koehler moved and Mengler seconded to place an advertisement for bid on the 1987 Ford truck. Motion carried. Jackie Puck commended the Fire and Police Departments for their services, particularly on recent accident calls. Mengler also thanked the departments for their service and assistance during Trick-or-Treating.

Public Works Department Report. Brockmann reported on the following:
Continuing to work on the pretreatment agreements with both truck washes.
Provided an update on the W. Bryant Street project.
Stated S. Downey Street will get blacktopped this week.

City Clerk Report. Rickertsen presented the 2015 renewal rates for the employee health and dental insurance. This will be placed on the next agenda for discussion. She also reminded council that city offices will be closed November 11th in observance of Veteran's Day and November 27th & 28th for Thanksgiving.

City Attorney Report. Attorney Schirman reported on his discussions with River Valley regarding the easements on the property at 1113 N. Main Street. Brockmann will contact Iowa One Call for locates of the property.

Mayor Report. Mayor Kostichek thanked the city departments and stated he hopes citizens are appreciative of city employees and volunteers.

Questions/Concerns. Brockmann asked that the vacation policy be reconsidered. It currently states all remaining vacation time at the end of each anniversary year will be forfeited, with the exception of up to 80 hours that can be carried forward. He would like to be paid out for all unused vacation time, as it was done several years ago.

Jackie Puck moved and Mengler seconded to adjourn at 7:25 p.m. Motion carried. All votes on motions were unanimous, unless noted.

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