October 20, 2014

The semi-monthly meeting of the City Council of Walcott, Iowa, was held on Monday, the 20th day of October, 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, John Brockmann, Lisa Rickertsen, and Tom Schirman.

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

Consent Agenda. Latimer moved and Koehler seconded to approve the consent agenda including the invoices and minutes from October 6, 2014. Jackie Puck abstained due to absence from meeting. Motion carried.

Audience. Kevin Toft, Gene Meyer, Janice Dawson, and Joe Hahn.

Kevin Toft : Swap Meet on City-Owned Property. Kevin Toft, Scott County Sno-Seekers, stated they are looking for a fixed location for their annual swap meet, held on the first Sunday in November each year. He stated they are no longer able to use their past location and they have a temporary site for this year but would like to utilize a location in Walcott, preferably Victory Park, for following years. He stated set-up would start around 7:30 a.m. and they are done by 1:00 p.m. They provide toilet facilities, garbage cans, clean-up, and their own food trailer. Brockmann expressed concerns about vehicles driving on park due to the condition of the grounds. It was discussed that Council could approve closing sections of the side streets around the park, allowing for the truck and trailers to park around the park instead of on the grass. Toft stated they have approximately 200 : 250 people throughout the meet and 30 : 50 vendors. No objections to the request were expressed. Rickertsen will place this on the next Park Board agenda and on the November 17th council agenda.

W. Bryant Street Project Paving Improvements Project.
Payment #4. Koehler moved and Jackie Puck seconded to approve the revised payment #4 to N.J. Miller, Inc, in the amount of $162,797.49, as recommended by the City Engineer & Public Works Director. Motion carried.

Realtor Contract. Koehler moved and Mengler seconded to approve the contract (listing agreement) with Mel Foster Real Estate Services (Agent Nick Bert) with a condition that excludes the brokerage fee for the potential buyer that contacted City Hall prior to the council interview with Nick Bert. Motion carried.

TIF Rebate Payments. Jackie Puck moved and Latimer seconded to approve semi-annual TIF rebates in the amount of $27,882.01 to Iowa 80 Truckstop Inc. ($1,249.47), Ossian Walcott Investments LC ($7,261.71), JDW Holdings LLC ($4,196.55), T & C Storage ($359.60) and Sterling Partners I LLC ($14,814.68). Motion carried.

Police Department Report. Chief Blake presented a project worksheet for a squad car camera. He stated a grant from the Governor's Traffic Safety Bureau will pay $4,500 for the new Explorer. Discussion was held on the next steps regarding the residence at the Mobile Home Park that allegedly has more than four dogs, which is prohibited by City Code. Blake reported on the results of the average speed limit following the traffic study he did on Walcott Road (old Hwy 6).

Public Works Department Report. Brockmann reported on recent issues with the storm sewer blockage on W. Bryant Street and sewer backup on Durant Street. Mayor Kostichek questioned the status of the E. James Street water main replacement project. Brockmann stated the remaining block of watermain may not get replaced until next spring and he plans on seeding the project area next spring, allowing time for the dirt to compact.

City Clerk Report. Rickertsen reported requests for proposals were submitted to the three architects, Downing Architects, Gere-Dismer Architects, and SGGM Architects, as discussed at the last meeting, and the proposals will be reviewed during the November 17th council meeting.

City Attorney Report. Attorney Schirman reported on his memo and proposed Resolution prohibiting firearms or other dangerous weapons on or in city-owned property. Chief Blake stated it is in the best interest for the City to have a policy. The policy will be placed on the November 3rd agenda and staff will obtain costs for signs.

Mayor Report. Mayor Kostichek questioned the status of the wastewater treatment plant staffing. Brockmann stated he is working on it.

Questions/Concerns. Mengler questioned the status of the request from Andy Willey, Night Owl Wireless, to place his equipment on the city water towers. It was reported that no contact has been received from Willey following the September15th meeting when he was asked to return with a proposal regarding the financial benefits/value to the City. Jackie Puck questioned what constitutes a "front yard" and requested the definition be reviewed by the Planning & Zoning Commission during their next meeting.

Koehler moved and Jacob Puck seconded to adjourn at 7:07 p.m. Motion carried. All votes on motions were unanimous, unless noted.