November 6, 2017 Minutes

City of Walcott November 6, 2017

The semi-monthly meeting of the City Council of Walcott, Iowa, was held on Monday, the 6th day of November, 2017, at Walcott City Hall.  Mayor John Kostichek called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m.  Council members present were: Virgil Wayne Latimer, Tim Koehler, Lisa Mengler, Jackie Puck, and Jacob Puck. Absent:  None.  City staff present:  Brian Mayberry, Lisa Rickertsen, Tom Schirman, and Paul Stagg.

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

Introduction of Audience/Public Comments. There were no public comments from the audience.

Consent Agenda.  Rickertsen reported on the details of the consent agenda resolutions.  Jacob Puck moved and Mengler seconded to approve the consent agenda including the invoices, minutes from October 16, 2017, Resolution 2017-36 – Authorizing Transfer of Funds, Resolution 2017-37 – Obligating Tax Increment Financing Funds from the Consolidated Walcott Urban Renewal Area for FYE 2019, and Resolution 2017-38 – Approval of FYE 2017 Annual Urban Renewal Report.  Roll call ayes:  Jacob Puck, Mengler, Jackie Puck, Tim Koehler, and Latimer.  Motion carried.

Resolution 2017-39, Setting Date for Public Hearing on Urban Renewal Plan Amendment.  Rickertsen stated this resolution sets a public hearing date for an amendment to the Urban Renewal Plan which authorizes the undertaking of a new urban renewal project consisting of providing tax increment financing (TIF) support of Iowa 80 Truckstop, Inc. in connection with the expansion and renovation of existing truckstop facilities.  Koehler moved and Latimer seconded to approve Resolution 2017-39.  Roll call ayes:  Koehler, Latimer, Jacob Puck, Jackie Puck, and Mengler.  Motion carried.  The hearing will be on December 4th at 6:00 p.m.

Resolution 2017-40, Setting Date of Meeting at Which it is Proposed to Approve a Development Agreement with Iowa 80 Truckstop, Inc., Including Annual Appropriation Tax Increment Financing.  Rickertsen stated this Resolution sets a public hearing date for a proposed development agreement with Iowa 80 Truckstop, Inc. in connection with the expansion and renovation of existing truckstop facilities.  Council consensus was to have the City’s legal fees related to the urban renewal plan amendment and development agreement be reimbursed by the company.  Jackie Puck moved and Mengler seconded to approve Resolution 2017-40.  Roll call ayes:  Jackie Puck, Mengler, Koehler, Latimer, and Jacob Puck.  Motion carried.  The hearing will be on December 4th at 6:00 p.m., following the hearing on the urban renewal plan amendment.

Main Street Hanging Flower Baskets.   Council discussed the color options for the hanging baskets.  Mengler moved and Jackie Puck seconded to approve purchasing the red and white mix flowers from Blooming Ideas, at a total cost of $1,498. Motion carried.

Disposal of 2006 Crown Victoria.   Two bids were received for the 2006 Crown Victoria.  Jacob Puck moved and Jackie Puck seconded to approve selling the 2006 Crown Victoria to the high bidder, James Stout, for $1,510.  Motion carried.

Public Works Report.   Stagg reported on the completion of the water tower painting.

City Clerk Report.

  • Urban Revitalization Plan – Westbrook Additions. Rickertsen reported on the estimated legal fees in connection with pursuing an urban revitalization plan for the nine vacant lots in the Westbrook additions.  This plan would provide some property tax exemptions for construction of single family homes on the vacant lots.  Mengler moved and Koehler seconded to proceed with the urban revitalization plan for the vacant lots in the Westbrook Additions.  Motion carried.
  • 2018 Employee Health & Dental Insurance Benefits. Rickertsen stated the health increase was still within the fiscal year budget.  The insurance increase for 2018 includes an increase for changes to the children’s age rating plan and the health insurer tax, which both apply to all Affordable Care Act plans.  Koehler moved and Jackie Puck seconded to approve the 2018 employee health and dental insurance benefits renewal with Wellmark.  Motion carried.
  • Comprehensive Plan Update Community Meeting. Rickertsen reminded council of the community meeting at the Walcott American Legion on November 13th at 6:30 p.m. to gather input for the comprehensive plan update.
  • FYE 2019 Budget & Financial Information. Rickertsen reported the fiscal year 2019 (July 1, 2018- June 30, 2019) worksheets have been submitted to the departments. She stated that although the consolidated levy rate (all taxing bodies) has increased over the years, the city’s current levy rate of $10.08258 is down from last year’s and from her first budget year involvement in fiscal year 2001, which was at $10.50225. She reported that the City is not collecting any TIF funds this year and all TIF debt bonds/loans have been paid.  She stated there are some financial charts available at City Hall and on the website regarding the breakdown of the consolidated levy rate and City’s general fund.

Mayor Report.  Mayor Kostichek thanked the volunteers that worked on the entrance signs over the weekend.

Council Member Comments.  Koehler questioned the status of the city hall renovation scope and costs and the bids for costs related to demolition of the adjoining property.

Jackie Puck moved and Mengler seconded to adjourn at 6:25 p.m. Motion carried.  All votes on motions were unanimous, unless noted.

November 6, 2017 Signed Minutes & Claims

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