September 16, 2013 Minutes

The semi-monthly meeting of the City Council of Walcott, Iowa, was held on Monday, the 16^th day of September, 2013, 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, Jackie Puck, and Jacob Puck. Absent: Lisa Mengler. City employees present: John Brockmann, Lisa Rickertsen, Tom Schirman, and Jeff Blake.

Jackie Puck moved and Latimer 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 3, 2013, and the August 2013 financial reports. Motion carried.

Audience. Rusty Holzworth, Jack Schinckel, Diane McKinley, Cloe McKinley, Hans-Werner Hamann and his son-in-law.

Hans-Werner Hamann:Bredenbek. Hans-Werner Hamann, former Mayor of Walcott's sister city Bredenbek, Germany, was in attendance with his son-in-law. Hamann stated Bredenbek will be celebrating 750 years next year and on behalf of the City of Bredenbek, he invited the Mayor, Council, and Walcott citizens to attend their 750 Year Celebration Days next August. The invitation will be published in a future Walcott Chamber of Commerce newsletter.

Street Light at Intersection of W. Bryant & Parker Street. No discussion was held since the resident requesting it be placed on the agenda was not in attendance.

Fire Department.

• Steak Fry Payment : Jackie Puck moved and Latimer seconded to approve the payment to Kalmes Catering in the amount of $7,750 for 1,000 steaks. Motion carried.
• Purchase Approval : Uniforms– Rusty Holzworth presented a project worksheet to replace four sets of gear. Koehler moved and Jacob Puck seconded to approve the purchase of four sets of gear in the amount of $6,750. Motion carried. The gear will be paid from the Fire Department Donations Fund.

Park Board Recommendations. Following a recommendation from the Park Board to proceed with purchasing the two lots across from Wescott Park and pursue plans for a splash pad (on the lots), Jackie Puck moved and Koehler seconded to proceed with the necessary paperwork for the land purchase. Motion carried. Rickertsen stated a splash pad was one of the top ten priorities, ranked by the Mayor, Council, and Vision Committee members last year and it was one of the things requested by the teens interviewed for the Downtown Assessment report last summer. Following research, it was determined that an adequately sized splash pad could be costly so the project will likely be involved and lengthy and therefore Rickertsen suggested establishing a committee to help with the research, planning, and funding opportunities.

Resolution 2013-31, Awarding Contract for the South Downey Street Water Main Replacement Project. Following discussion regarding the bids and item quantities, Latimer moved and Koehler seconded to approve Resolution 2013-31. Roll call ayes: Latimer, Koehler, Jackie Puck, and Jacob Puck. Motion carried. The contract was awarded to the low bidder, Ellsworth Excavating, in the amount of $88,063.79.

Ordinance 467-13, Amending Official Zoning Map. Koehler moved and Jacob Puck seconded to approve the second 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.

Police Department Report.

• Additional Squad. Chief Blake presented a project worksheet for purchasing an additional squad. Following discussion, Koehler moved and Jackie Puck seconded to purchase a used 2013 Ford Explorer from Wreeves and Associates plus additional equipment, striping, and installation fees, with total purchase costs not to exceed to$38,375. Motion carried.

• ILEA Sponsorship. Attorney Schirman reported on liability issues and city policies regarding sponsoring individuals at the Iowa Law Enforcement Academy (ILEA) that are not currently employed as Walcott police officers. Only current police officers would be covered under the City's liability and workers compensation policies while attending the ILEA. Following discussion, Koehler moved and Jacob Puck seconded to approve the sponsorship of part-time officer Jay (Howard) Wilson at the ILEA with all fees to be paid by Wilson. Motion carried. Wilson needs to attend a short program at the ILEA due to his break in service after certification from another state. Koehler questioned if supplemental insurance can be purchased by individuals that are not currently Walcott officers but want sponsorship from the City to attend ILEA. Council consensus was to table discussion of additional ILEA sponsorships until further insurance information is received.

Public Works Department Report. Brockmann reported that the new playground equipment at Wescott Park is installed and the handicap approach will be completed soon. Concerns regarding foul balls at the playground area were brought up. Brockmann stated those concerns were discussed in the past and there is a concern at any park that has playground equipment and ball diamonds. The new playground equipment replaced existing equipment and additional safety measures such as extending the fence have been taken. Brockmann presented project worksheets for the following:

• Sludge Spreader. Latimer moved and Jacob Puck seconded to approve purchasing a New Holland spreader from the low bidder, Kunau Implement, at a cost of $21,004.80. Motion carried. The spreader is for the disbursement of sludge from the wastewater treatment process as required by the Iowa Department of Natural Resources.
• Victory Park Shelter Painting. Jacob Puck moved and Latimer seconded to hire Jennings Paintings to power wash and paint the north shelter at Victory Park at a cost of $1,670. Motion carried. Brockmann stated the price includes two coats of paint and the outside picnic tables will also be power washed and painted.

City Clerk's Department Report. Rickertsen presented her report including the following:

• Fire Proof Safe. Rickertsen presented a project worksheet for purchase of a lateral fire proof safe for storage of minutes and ordinances and other records that are required to be kept permanently. Jackie Puck moved and Koehler seconded to purchase a Phoenix Fire Fighter 509 Safe at a cost of $2,544. Motion carried.
• Receipt & Waiver : Paustian Estate. The City of Walcott and Walcott Volunteer Fire Department were both listed as beneficiaries of the Ione Paustian estate. Jackie Puck moved and Latimer seconded to approve signing the receipt and waivers for the City and Fire Department. Motion carried. Council consensus was to utilize the city's share of funds for a future splash pad.
• Sidewalk Repairs. Rickertsen reported on the status of properties that have not yet completed the required repairs. Two properties may need to be done by the City's contractor and full costs billed to the homeowners.
• Grants. Rickertsen stated she worked with Assistant Chief Geigle on two grants for the purchase of a new fire truck.
• Building Department Report. Rickertsen distributed information on the building department activities for the month of September and stated the evergreen on the corner of N. Downey and Meadow Lane was trimmed as instructed.

City Attorney Report. Attorney Schirman reported he was contacted by Dana Denklau's attorney who stated the rebuilding of the large barn was cost prohibitive so the Building Official will be working with the Fire Department on a possible training fire on the barn.

Old/New Business. Koehler questioned the status of the Building Committee and the Witt building. Both will be listed on the next agenda.

Koehler moved and Jacob Puck seconded to adjourn at 7:05 p.m. Motion carried. All votes on motions were unanimous, unless noted.