November 7, 2011

The semi-monthly meeting of the City Council of Walcott, Iowa, was held on Monday, the 7^th day of November, 2011. Mayor Pro Tem John Kostichek called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m. Other council members present were: Larry Koberg, Tim Koehler, Jackie Puck, and Jacob Puck. City employees present: J. Brockmann, L. Rickertsen, J. Blake, and T. Schirman.

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

Mayor Pro Tem Kostichek opened the Public Hearing on the Budget Amendment for FYE 2012. Rickertsen stated the budget needs to be amended due to property purchase and bond refinancing. No other oral or written comments were received. Koberg moved and Koehler seconded to close the public hearing and resume the regular meeting.

Consent Agenda. Koehler moved and Jackie Puck seconded to approve the consent agenda including the invoices, minutes from 10/17/2011, and minutes from 10/24/2011. Motion carried.

Audience. Brent Puck, Mike Byington, Lisa Mengler, Janice Dawson, Wayne and Beth Latimer, Loretta Beitel, Josie Dietz, Mary Lincoln, Dave Meier, Drew, Deke, and Reed Hagen, and John and Josh Friede.

Vision Committee. Mike Byington and Brent Puck were present on behalf of the Vision Committee. Byington stated that according to a recent article in the North Scott Press, it seemed like the use of the building at 1113 N. Main Street as a City Hall has already been decided and he questioned if the Committee should proceed. Koehler responded he had not read the article, but based on Byington's comments did not agree with the article and stated there needs to be an all-inclusive plan. Byington stated the Committee would like to hold a community forum to obtain input and look at all city properties. The Committee would also like to modify and update results from the 2008 "Which Way, Walcott?" meeting, talk with the community, staff, and catalog the information to present to the council. Jackie Puck commented that she felt it would be a worthwhile exercise. Koehler stated he didn't believe the council could make spending decisions without obtaining additional information. Brent Puck stated a community meeting would not be just about city buildings but other short and long term goals. Following further discussion, Koehler moved and Jacob Puck seconded to allow the Vision Committee to obtain further information and organize a community meeting in January. Motion carried. Jacob Puck stated he would like to have an open house at the property at 1113 N. Main Street.

On behalf of the Recreational Trail Committee, Brent Puck distributed a preliminary logo for Prairie View Park. Responding to a question from the audience, Brent Puck stated the trail was intended to be utilized during the winter with the understanding that removing snow from the recreational trail would not be done until city streets are cleared.

Iowa 80 Sixth Addition. Attorney Schirman reported he has received and reviewed all final platting documents with the exception of the performance bond which should be received from the bonding company in the morning. Following further discussion, Koehler moved and Koberg seconded to approve Resolution 2011-57, Approval of Final Plat for Iowa 80 Sixth Addition, contingent upon receiving the required bonds. Roll call ayes: Koehler, Koberg, Jackie Puck, Jacob Puck and Kostichek. Motion carried. Jackie Puck moved and Koberg seconded to approve Resolution 2011-58, Approving Site Plan for Lot 1 of Iowa 80 Sixth Addition. Roll call ayes: Jackie Puck, Koberg, Jacob Puck, Koehler, and Kostichek. Motion carried.

Resolution 2011-52, Approving Budget amendment for FYE 2012. Kostichek moved and Koehler seconded to approve Resolution 2011-52. Roll call ayes: Kostichek, Koehler, Koberg, Jackie Puck, and Jacob Puck. Motion carried.

North Lift Station Improvements Project. Koberg moved and Jacob Puck seconded to approve Resolution 2011-53, Provide for Notice of Hearing on Plans & Specifications. Roll call ayes: Koberg, Jacob Puck, Jackie Puck, Koehler, and Koberg. Motion carried. The hearing will be at 6:00 p.m. on November 21^st and bids will be accepted and read aloud at 2:00 p.m. on December 14, 2011. Attorney Schirman provided an update on purchasing the Wulf property. Koehler moved and Jacob Puck seconded to approve Resolution 2011-54, Approving Purchase Offer with Wilbert and Joyce Wulf. Roll call ayes: Koehler, Jacob Puck, Jackie Puck, Koberg, and Kostichek. Motion carried.

Flagg Street Paving Project. Jackie Puck moved and Kostichek seconded to approve Resolution 2011-55, Approving Contract & Bonds for the Flagg Street Paving Project. Roll call ayes: Jackie Puck, Kostichek, Jacob Puck, Koehler, and Koberg. Motion carried.

106 W. Lincoln Street. Attorney Schirman reported the bank has submitted a counter offer on the property at 106 W. Lincoln Street. Schirman stated that the offer details are typical with foreclosed property. Discussion was held on regarding a Phase I environmental study. Following discussion, Jacob Puck moved and Kostichek seconded to approve Resolution 2011-56, Approving Purchase Offer with Citicorp Trust Bank FSB/Citimortgage Inc. without proceeding with a Phase I study. Roll call ayes: Jacob Puck, Kostichek, Jackie Puck, Koehler, and Koberg. Motion carried. The offer includes a purchase of $22,000 including a down payment of $2,500.

1113 N. Main Street. Attorney Schirman reported he has reviewed documents for accuracy. Koehler moved and Kostichek seconded to proceed with the closing and authorize a final payment of $166,250. Motion carried.

Fire Station Expansion Project. Brockmann presented a project worksheet for roof repairs, which he stated was routine maintenance. Questions arose and discussion was held that only one bid was received. Koehler moved and Jackie Puck seconded to approve hiring White Roofing to do repairs as stated in their proposal at a cost not to exceed $1,200. Motion carried. Jackie Puck moved and Koberg seconded to approve the remaining expansion improvements, not to exceed $4,000. Motion carried.

Approval of TIF (Tax Increment Financing) Rebate Payments. Rickertsen reported there are currently six rebate agreements in effect for this fiscal year but only three of the agreements qualify for a partial year rebate at this time. Koberg moved and Jacob Puck seconded to approve the TIF rebates to Iowa 80 Truckstop (2 rebates – $21,977.25) and Exit 284 Land & Development ($2,594.96), total amount of $24,572.11. Motion carried.

2012 Employee Benefits Renewal. Rickertsen reported the health insurance renewal rates increased approximately 6.38% and the dental increased approximately 3%. She also reported the increase was within budgeted amounts. Questions arose on moving Brockmann to a Medicare Plan, as discussed in May, 2010. The City would reimburse Brockmann for all costs and have a potential savings of approximately $6,000/year. Brockmann stated he wants to continue with the current plan as other employees as change sometimes is not good. Following further discussion, Koberg moved and Koehler seconded to approve the 2012 Employee Benefits Renewal with Wellmark. Motion carried.

Snow Emergency Parking. Following discussion, Blake and Brockmann will work on an ordinance recommendation for snow emergency parking and bring back to council at a future meeting.

Police Department Report. Blake reported on current department activities, including that Racom came out, following the last council meeting with the Board of Supervisors, and made some repairs which has improved their radio system in most areas.

Public Work's Report. Brockmann updated council on recent department projects including the north water tower cleaning, gazebo, leaf pick-up, and sealing the exterior block walls on the new fire department expansion. Questions arose on the lack of guardrails on the newly opened Blue Grass Road/Y-40, and Brockmann responded that he spoke with the County Engineer and guardrails are not required as they are box culverts.

City Clerk's Report. Rickertsen reminded council that city offices would be closed Friday, November 11^th in observance of Veteran's Day.

Koberg moved and Jackie Puck seconded to adjourn at 7:10 p.m. Motion carried. All votes on motions were unanimous, unless noted.