October 7, 2013

City of Walcott October 7, 2013

The semi-monthly meeting of the City Council of Walcott, Iowa, was held on Monday, the 7th 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: Tim Koehler, Lisa Mengler, Virgil Wayne Latimer, Jackie Puck, and Jacob Puck. Absent: None. City employees present: John Brockmann, Lisa Rickertsen, Linda Rivers, Tom Schirman, and Jeff Blake.

Jackie Puck moved and Mengler 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 September 16, 2013, and the September 2013 financial reports. Motion carried.

Audience. Rusty Holzworth, Bridget Geigle, Merle Dickel, Brent Arp, Carol Snay, Mike Engler, and Scott County Supervisors Larry Minard, Jim Hancock, Bill Cusack, Carol Earnhardt, and Tom Sunderbruch.

Scott County Supervisors. Minard presented and discussed Scott County's brochure on services, budget, and goals and reported on the County's partnering with other jurisdictions for lobbying and services. Chief Blake and Fire Department member Rusty Holzworth both agreed the radio system has improved in Walcott since the Supervisors' visit in October, 2011.

Resolution 2013-32, Approving Contract & Bonds for the S. Downey Street Watermain Project. Jacob Puck moved and Jackie Puck seconded to approve Resolution 2013-32. Roll call ayes: Jacob Puck, Jackie Puck, Mengler, Latimer, and Koehler. Motion carried.

Resolution 2013-33, Establishing New Fund and Transfer of Funds. Mengler moved and Latimer seconded to approve Resolution 2013-33. Roll call ayes: Mengler, Latimer, Koehler, Jacob Puck, and Jackie Puck. Motion carried. This Resolution establishes the S. Downey Street Watermain project and authorizes a transfer of funds from the Water Fund.

Ordinance 467-13, Amending Official Zoning Map. Koehler moved and Jacob Puck seconded to approve the third and final reading of Ordinance 467-13. Roll call ayes: Koehler, Jacob Puck, Jackie Puck, and Latimer. Motion carried. This is for the rezoning of the lot at 123 W. Walcott Road from M-1, light industrial district, to C-1, neighborhood local business district.

Property.

  • Lots 4 & 5 of Block 6. Discussion was held on the two lots across from Wescott Park, east of the tennis courts. Attorney Schirman discussed his letter to the Council regarding the purchase offer he prepared. Following discussion, Koehler moved and Jackie Puck seconded to approve Resolution 2013-34, Approving Purchase Offer, as prepared. The offer becomes void if it is not accepted by sellers by October 30, 2013. Roll call ayes: Koehler, Jackie Puck, Jacob Puck, Latimer, and Mengler. Motion carried. The use of the property, as stated on the offer, is for recreational/park and the offer states that the sellers and buyer acknowledge that it is the sellers' preference that the property be used for a spash pad and not be used for a skate park.
  • Witt Property. Discussion was held regarding the property located on the NW corner of Lincoln & Main Streets and was referred to Attorney Schirman.

Fire Department Report.

  • Approval of New Members : Rusty Holzworth stated two trainees completed their firefighter training and have been accepted by the department. Koehler moved and Jacob Puck seconded to approve Steve Richgruber and Bridget Geigle as new members to the Fire Department. Motion carried.

Holzworth reported on the new pumper truck project. Mayor Kostichek thanked the Fire Department for their efforts on designing a new pumper truck and for a successful steak fry.

Building Report. Rivers presented her monthly report including an update on the Denklau property and new businesses.

Police Department Report.

  • ILEA Sponsorship. Chief Blake stated he spoke with insurance agent, Brent Arp, and there is no supplemental insurance for the city to buy for non-employees to attend the Iowa Law Enforcement Academy (ILEA). Brent Arp stated only employees of the City are covered to be sponsored to the ILEA. Chief Blake also reported that the number of calls year-to-date are already 200 more than last year.

Public Works Department Report. Brockmann reported that when he spoke to school officials about a crosswalk to a new sidewalk across from the school, they stated they were not aware of the project and would not be able to provide a crossing guard. Discussion was held that a plan is needed regarding the sidewalk, crosswalk, and crossing guard or portable stop sign. The topic will be on the next regular agenda.

City Clerk's Department Report. Jackie Puck moved and Mengler seconded to approve the FYE 2013 Annual Financial Report. Motion carried.

Mayor's Report. Discussion was held on establishing a Park Board sub-committee for research, planning, and fundraising for a splash pad.

Questions/Concerns. Merle Dickel was present and requested additional police presence at the Walcott Estates Mobile Home Park. Discussion was held that there are no stop signs at the exits and Chief Blake stated he can't enforce traffic laws inside the park unless there is a 28E Agreement between the City and the park owner. It was also discussed that theft and vandalism should be reported to the police department.

Old/New Business. Mayor Kostichek stated he is still working on establishing a building committee. Questions arose on the value and benefits to the fire department for assisting with an agriculture building burn. Jacob Puck questioned the status of the items discussed that were discussed with the Vision Committee at the joint council and committee meeting last April. Rickertsen will contact the committee chairperson.

Koehler moved and Jacob Puck seconded to adjourn at 7:55 p.m. Motion carried. All votes on motions were unanimous, unless noted.

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