September 15 2014
City of Walcott
September 15, 2014
The semi-monthly meeting of the City Council of Walcott, Iowa, was held on Monday, the 15th day of September, 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, Linda Rivers, and Tom Schirman.
Jackie Puck moved and Koehler seconded to approve the agenda with the deletion of item 6, William Belz. Motion carried.
Consent Agenda. Mengler moved and Jacob Puck seconded to approve the consent agenda including the invoices, minutes from September 2, 2014, and the August 2014 financial reports. Motion carried.
Audience. Andy Willey, Bernard Brus, Donna Housley, and Kevin Flack.
Night Owl Wireless : Andy Willey. Attorney Schirman reviewed some of his concerns regarding the proposed contract from Willey, which included security of the public water system, rental amount, automatic renewal provisions, tower aesthetics, obtaining confirmation from a structural engineer that Willey's equipment would be safe to be mounted on the water towers, and setting precedence. Koehler stated the City needs to be in control of the security and questioned what the value is for the City and residents. Willey stated his proposal would allow him to provide service to more residents and businesses and placement on both towers would allow backup for his services, less down town. City staff provided memos to the City Council regarding their concerns with security of the City's public water system, liability issues, and possible interference with the City's water meter collector system which is located on the top of each tower. The Public Works Department stated, in writing, their objections to placing private equipment on the towers and granting access to the facility, citing their concerns for the public water supply system. Willey was asked to return with a proposal regarding the financial benefits/value to the City.
Ordinance 476-14, Amending Chapter 167.22 Regarding Victory Park Outfield Fence. Koehler moved and Jacob Puck seconded to approve the third reading of Ordinance 476-14. Roll call ayes: Koehler, Jacob Puck, Jackie Puck, Koehler, Mengler, and Latimer. Motion carried.
Victory Park Outfield Fence. Jacob Puck moved and Jackie Puck seconded to approve the proposal to hire S&V Fence to install a 4' black fence in the outfield at Victory Park at a cost of $4,200 plus an estimated $500 for top rail safety covering and interior posts padding. Motion carried.
Building Department Report. Rivers presented her report including the following:
- Updates on new construction projects, Sidewalk Reimbursement Program, and final inspection process.
- 402 W. Cedar Lane Drive : Rivers expressed safety concerns regarding the junk/equipment on the property at W. 402 Cedar Lane Drive. Mengler moved and Koehler seconded to proceed with the nuisance abatement process following review and consent by Attorney Schirman. Motion carried.
- Number of Animals : Rivers stated a complaint was received that a residence at the Mobile Home Park has more than four dogs, which is prohibited by City Code. She stated a letter was sent to the occupant and she questioned the next steps of the enforcement process. Discussion was held that a Municipal Infraction can be issued for any City Code violation or the Police Chief can issue a criminal violation. Chief Blake will visit the residence.
- Permit Fee Schedule. Rivers stated she would like to change the permit fee calculations to be based on square footage. Questions arose and discussion was held that the inspection time is the same for inspections done by homeowners versus contractors. Rivers is collecting information and will bring back a proposal to a future meeting.
Public Work's Report. Brockmann reported on the status of the W. Bryant Street project and the water main replacement on E. James Street. Brockmann requested to meet with the Street Committee regarding a driveway approach dispute. The Committee will meet at 9:00 a.m. on September 18th.
Koehler moved and Mengler seconded to adjourn at 7:37 p.m. Motion carried. All votes on motions were unanimous, unless noted.