October 21, 2013

The semi-monthly meeting of the City Council of Walcott, Iowa, was held on Monday, the 21^st day of October, 2013, at Walcott City Hall. Mayor John Kostichek called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m. Council members present were: Lisa Mengler, Virgil Wayne Latimer, Jackie Puck, and Jacob Puck. Absent: Tim Koehler. City employees present: John Brockmann, Lisa Rickertsen, Tom Schirman, and Jeff Blake.

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

Consent Agenda. Mengler moved and Jacob Puck seconded to approve the consent agenda including the invoices, minutes from October 7, 2013, and Resolution 2013-35, Transfer of Funds. Roll call ayes: Mengler, Jacob Puck, Jackie Puck, and Latimer. Motion carried.

Audience. Merle Dickel.

TIF Rebate Payments. Jacob Puck moved and Latimer seconded to approve the semi-annual TIF rebates in the amount of $48,696.60 to Iowa 80 Truckstop Inc. ($12,061.44), Ossian Walcott Investments LC ($15,680.00), JDW Holdings LLC ($3,901.62) and Petersen Health Systems Inc. ($17,053.54). Motion carried.

E. James Street Sidewalk/School Crosswalk. Chief Blake reported he met with school officials regarding placement of a school crosswalk, which they requested be towards the west end of school property, connecting to the current sidewalk. Discussion was held on the crosswalk placement and a portable stop sign. Council requested Chief Blake ask the school to provide staff to place the portable stop sign at the crosswalk before and after school each day. Following further discussion, Mengler moved and Jacob Puck seconded to proceed with the sidewalk project on the north side of James Street as previously discussed and angle the crosswalk from the existing sidewalk, on the west side of school property (south side of E. James Street), towards the northeast to the new sidewalk that will be on the north side of E. James Street. Motion carried. An ordinance adding a school crossing zone will be prepared for the next meeting.

Public Works Department Report. Brockmann reported on the letter regarding the tar and chip project, dead tree at Wescott Park, and update on watermain project on South Downey Street.

City Clerk's Department Report. Rickertsen reported the 2014 employee health insurance rates are increasing 1.43% and the dental rates will remain the same. After a decrease in the health insurance rates in 2013, the 2014 health and dental rates will be less than what was paid in 2012. Jackie Puck moved and Latimer seconded to approve renewing the current health and dental insurance plans. Motion carried. Rickertsen reported on the status of the building on the NW corner of Main & Lincoln Streets, suggested the use of TIF funds for a streetscape enhancement project on Main Street, and stated the capital improvement projects and planning will discussed at the next meeting.

Attorney's Report. Attorney Schirman reported he has received the signed offer and abstract for the potential splash pad property and will work on having the abstract updated and prepare a deed and related documents.

Mayor's Report. Mayor Kostichek expressed his frustration with the recent vandalism found on the new playground equipment at Wescott Park. Following discussion, council consensus was to post a $100 reward sign for information leading to the arrest and conviction for individuals responsible for the park vandalism.

Questions/Concerns. Merle Dickel was present regarding speeding and other issues at the Walcott Estates Mobile Home Park.

Old/New Business. Complaints were held on a property with vehicles on jacks and other stored equipment. Discussion was held on the definition of junk and junk vehicles and operating a prohibited home business. Attorney Schirman and the Building Official will do further code research.

Mengler moved and Jacob Puck seconded to adjourn at 7:16 p.m. Motion carried. All votes on motions were unanimous, unless noted.