October 5, 2020 Minutes
Briana
October 5, 2020
The semi-monthly meeting of the City Council of Walcott, Iowa, was held on Monday, the 5th day of October, 2020, at Walcott City Hall. Mayor John Kostichek called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m. Council members present were: Everett Bieri, John Brockmann, Lisa Mengler, Jacob Puck, and Larry Smith. City staff present were Jeff Blake, Lisa Rickertsen, and Paul Stagg. Due to COVID-19, call-in information was provided to the public on the meeting agenda notice.
Approval of Agenda. Mengler moved and Bieri seconded to approve the agenda. Motion carried.
Consent Agenda. Smith moved and Puck seconded to approve the consent agenda including the invoices, minutes from September 21, 2020, TIF rebate payment per agreement to Iowa 80 Truckstop, Inc. for the main building expansion in the amount of $17,381.26. Motion carried.
Review of Fees. During the last meeting, it was requested to list the following fees on the agenda:
- Parking Fines – Chief Blake presented information from nearby communities regarding parking violation fines. Discussion ensued regarding increasing the current $5 fine amount and adding additional language to the ordinance regarding failure to pay fines. Chief Blake will gather additional information and present at the next meeting.
- ATV, UTF, & Golf Cart Fees. Chief Blake presented information from nearby communities regarding their fees, which were mostly consistent with the City’s $25 fee, and he reported on the time involved with issuing permits. Mengler reported that residents she spoke to have no issues with the annual $25 fee for the ability to operate the equipment in city limits. Mengler moved and Puck seconded to leave the ATV, UTV, and golf cart fees as is. Motion carried.
Victory Park Storm Repairs. Stagg reported on storm repair updates and requested authorization to proceed with repairs as bids are received. Smith moved and Puck seconded to authorize Stagg accept low bids and proceed with repairs on all insurance covered items at Victory Park. Motion carried.
Public Works Department Report. Stagg reported that the splash pad is closed for the season. He also presented options on replacing the bridge planks on the recreational trail bridges. Following discussion, Mengler moved and Puck seconded to pursue purchasing the white oak boards from River City Hardwoods in Muscatine as presented. Motion carried.
City Clerk Report. Rickertsen presented information on the recent money market rate reductions. Discussion ensued and council consensus was to move investments in order to obtain a higher rate of return but to give CBI Bank & Trust twenty-four hours to match the other rates. Smith moved and Puck seconded to approve Resolution 2020-24, Designation of Financial Institutions and Depositories. Roll call ayes: Puck, Smith, Brockmann, Mengler, and Bieri. Motion carried. This Resolution lists financial institutions and establishes the maximum balance amounts allowed for City funds.
Mayor’s Report. Mayor Kostichek expressed thanks again to all the volunteers helping with the Wescott Park improvements.
Council Member Comments. Brockmann reported on workmanship concerns on the parking lot and the West Otis Street projects. Stagg responded that concerns have been relayed to the City Engineer.
Smith moved and Bieri seconded to adjourn at 6:33 p.m. Motion carried. All votes on motions were unanimous, unless noted.