September 4, 2018 Minutes
City of Walcott
September 4, 2018
The semi-monthly meeting of the City Council of Walcott, Iowa, was held on Tuesday, the 4th day of September, 2018, 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, and Jacob Puck. Absent: John Brockmann and Larry Smith. City staff present: Scott Bengfort, Jeff Blake, Lisa Rickertsen, Tom Schirman, and Paul Stagg.
Approval of Agenda. Puck moved and Koehler seconded to approve the agenda. Motion carried.
Introduction of Audience/Public Comments. No comments.
Consent Agenda. Mengler moved and Puck seconded to approve the consent agenda including the invoices, minutes from August 20, 2018, and Resolution 2018-30, Approval of FYE 2018 Annual Urban Renewal Report. Roll call ayes: Mengler, Puck, and Koehler. Nays: None. Motion carried.
Bonnie Jackson/Glen Houghton – Parcel #820655138—5, S. Grove Street. Bengfort reported on his communication with Glen Houghton regarding a nuisance abatement notice for the building that was placed on Bonnie Jackson’s property (behind the Lampliter) without following the City Code. Bengfort stated he informed Houghton of the steps necessary to place the building on the property prior to placement but those steps were not taken. Houghton stated he can’t move the building until winter but he would prefer to leave the building there. Attorney Schirman stated the building is currently in violation of the City Code and stated they need to follow the necessary steps per the City Code if the intention is to keep the building on the property. Following more discussion, Mengler moved and Koehler seconded that the nuisance must be abated or the building must be removed from the property by December 1, 2018. Motion carried.
Trick-or-Treating – October 31, 2018. Mengler reported that Walcott Women is proposing Trick-or-Treating on October 31st. Puck moved and Koehler seconded to approve Trick-or-Treating on October 31st from 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. and the parade from Victory Park to the Walcott American Legion. Motion carried.
Otis Street Improvements Project – Payment #1. Following recommendations from the City Engineer and Stagg, Koehler moved and Puck seconded to approve payment #1 for the W. Otis Street Improvements Project to Cornerstone Excavating, Inc.in the amount of $65,927.63. Motion carried.
Resolution 2018-31, Providing for a Notice of Hearing on Proposed Plans, Specifications, Forms of Contract and Estimate of Cost for the E. James and N. Downey Streets Water Main Improvements Project. Mengler moved and Puck seconded to approve Resolution 2018-31. Roll call ayes: Mengler, Puck, and Koehler. Nays: None. Motion carried. The public hearing is set for September 17, 2018, at 6:00 p.m.
Resolution 2018-32, Providing for a Notice of Hearing on Proposed Plans, Specifications, Forms of Contract and Estimate of Cost for the W. Bryant Street Sanitary Sewer Improvements Project. Puck moved and Koehler seconded to approve Resolution 2018-32. Roll call ayes: Puck, Koehler, and Mengler. Nays: None. Motion carried. The public hearing is set for September 17, 2018, at 6:00 p.m.
Public Works Department Report. Stagg reported on the notice from River Valley regarding their intention to sell their property at 400 S. Main Street, therefore canceling their rental agreement with the City for equipment storage. Stagg stated there is a roller/packer in the building and the hour meter has not moved since the latest equipment inventory list from January, 2008, and he doesn’t intend to utilize it. Koehler moved and Puck seconded to allow the roller/packer to go out for sealed bids. Motion carried. Stagg also provided an update on additional sewer televising performed on W. Bryant Street, W. Otis Street Improvements Project, and tree removal at Welcome Park due to emerald ash borer damage.
Council Member Comments. Koehler reported on the Local Emergency Planning Committee meeting that he and Mayor Kostichek attended regarding the County’s weather alert process. Blake stated the weather siren continues every 15 minutes until the warning is over in Scott County.
Mengler moved and Puck seconded to adjourn at 6:35 p.m. Motion carried. All votes on motions were unanimous, unless noted.