July 18, 2011

The semi-monthly meeting of the City Council of Walcott, Iowa, was held on Monday, the 18th day of July, 2011. Mayor Jim Couper called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m. Council members present were: Larry Koberg, John Kostichek, Jackie Puck, Jacob Puck, and Tim Koehler. Absent: None. City employees present: J. Huston, J. Brockmann, T. Schirman, and A. Hill.
Jake Puck moved and Koberg seconded to approve the agenda. Motion carried.
Public Hearing. Mayor Couper opened the Public Hearing on Amending Chapter 167.23, regarding garages.
Huston presented the change to the garage ordinance. The P&Z Commission is recommending this change that would affect only a few properties. Those properties with a single-car, attached garage and having a rear property line adjacent to a platted alley, would be allowed to build a second garage, accessed from the alley, with a total garage space not to exceed current code limits. Kostichek questioned exterior treatment, which must be compatible with and similar to the principle structure's exterior. Following discussion, Koehler moved and Kostichek seconded to close the Public Hearing and resume the regular meeting. Motion carried.
Consent Agenda. Koberg moved and Jake Puck seconded to approve the consent agenda including the invoices and minutes from 7/5/2011. Motion carried.
Introduction of Audience. Brent Puck, Recreational Trail Committee.
Resolution 2011-37, Approving Contract & Bonds for the N. Downey Street Pavement Improvements Project. Jackie Puck moved and Koberg seconded to approve Resolution 2011-37. Motion carried with unanimous roll call vote.
Resolution 2011-38, Approving Final Plat for Iowa 80 Fifth Addition. Schirman stated that all Final Plat documents are in order. Huston reported that P&Z is recommending approval of this plat that provides frontage for the Museum lot that previously was landlocked. Koehler moved and Koberg seconded to approve Resolution 2011-38. Motion carried with a unanimous roll call vote.
Ordinance 455-11, Adding a New Section Permitting Garages to be Located on Alleys. Jake Puck introduced and moved to approve the 1st reading of Ordinance 455-11. Koberg seconded. Motion carried with a unanimous roll call vote.
Public Work's Report. Brockmann reported that geese have been gathering on the Recreational Trail during the day. Attempts to disperse them have been unsuccessful. Further methods will be tried.
City Clerk's Report. Huston reminded the Council of the Committee-of-the-Whole meeting that is scheduled for August 1st at 4:30 p.m.
City Attorney Report. None.
Mayor's Report. Mayor Couper expressed his appreciation for everyone who helped make Walcott Day a huge success again this year, including the Recreational Trail and Legion Memorial/Welcome Park dedications. He announced that the Ragbrai event, July 30th, has over 230 volunteers and is requesting to put up a fence for the beer garden during that event. Council consensus was agreeable.
Questions/Concerns. Brent Puck reported that the Recreational Trail Committee is working on the plans for benches, etc. Brockmann stated that the well is working and he will be checking to see if the pond is holding water.
Closed Session. Schirman stated that since this item was discussed in open session at the last Council meeting, there was really no need to go into closed session at this time. Mayor Couper moved on to the Review and Possible Approval of Offer on Real Estate.
Discussion was held on the possible purchase of 106 W. Lincoln Street and 118 N. Main Street involving the following:
  • Prices, taxes, and possible inspections
  • Possible uses for buildings or properties : green space, parking, expansion of City Hall/Fire Department building, rental property
  • Rejuvenating the downtown area
  • Funding of purchases
  • Locations for possible municipal building
Schirman recommended to delay a decision regarding an offer to purchase until more information was gathered regarding cost of inspections, appraisals, or environmental reports. Schirman will obtain that information for the next meeting and Mayor Couper will report on the current price for the property at 1113 N. Main.
Kostichek moved and Jake Puck seconded to adjourn at 7:45 p.m. Motion carried. All votes on motions were unanimous, unless noted.

Read More

July 5, 2011

The semi-monthly meeting of the City Council of Walcott, Iowa, was held on Tuesday, the 5th day of July, 2011. Mayor Jim Couper called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m. Council members present were: Larry Koberg, John Kostichek, Jackie Puck, Jacob Puck, and Tim Koehler. Absent: None. City employees present: L. Rickertsen, J. Brockmann, T. Schirman, and J. Blake.

Rickertsen reported that Iowa Trucking Company (D.B.A. Gramma's Kitchen) has withdrawn the Class B 5-Day Beer Permit for Gramma's Kitchen from the consent agenda and item eleven , Resolution Approving Contract & Bonds for the N. Downey Street Pavement Improvements Project, will be deleted from the agenda due to not receiving the required contract documents. Koehler moved and Jacob Puck seconded to approve the agenda with the deletions as reported. Motion carried.

Consent Agenda. Jackie Puck moved and Koberg seconded to approve the consent agenda including the invoices and minutes from 06/20/ 2011. Motion carried.

Recreational Trail & Park Project. Discussion was held on the following: contractor's request for working days and a substantial project completion date. Following discussion, Koberg moved and Jackie Puck seconded to add 6 additional working days to the contract and deduct 17.5 charged working days between November 15, 2010, and April 1, 2011. Motion carried. Committee member, Brent Puck, reported on the status of the amenities for the project. Rickertsen reported on her discussion with bonding attorney, John Danos, regarding the remaining work and state bidding requirements. Puck reported most of the amenities have been determined but they would like to pursue design work for the information and educational signage and logo. Following discussion, Puck will obtain quotes from two companies for design work and Rickertsen will contact Engineer Jon White regarding the bid specifications for the amenities. Discussion was also held on project concerns including the following: erosion/drainage, design flaws, and algae.

Fire Department Expansion Project. Rickertsen suggested approving a maximum amount for architectural services that may be needed for the fire department expansion project. The council previously approved architectural services through the bidding phase but his services may be needed during the construction phase. Jacob Puck moved and Koberg seconded to approve services from DRW Architecture, not to exceed $950. Motion carried.

Welcome Park : Brick Walkway Expansion. Brockmann presented a project worksheet for extending a 20' walkway to the parking lot at Courtyard Estates. He stated that if the Park Board doesn't approve it during their July 6th meeting, then it will be null and void. He also reported that Courtyard Estates has been approached for a donation towards the project. Kostichek moved and Jacob Puck seconded to approve the brick walkway as presented at a cost not to exceed $1,720.55. Motion carried.

Scott County Humane Society Agreement Renewal. Koehler moved and Jackie Puck seconded to renew the annual Scott County Humane Society Agreement. Motion carried.

Resolution 2011-35, Approving 28E Agreement with Scott County for Blue Grass Road/70th Avenue Bridge Projects. Jackie Puck moved and Kostichek seconded to approve Resolution 2011-35. Roll call ayes: Jackie Puck, Kostichek, Koberg, Koehler, and Jacob Puck. Motion carried.

Resolution 2011-36, Authorizing Internal Advance to Tax Increment Revenue Fund. Koberg moved and Jacob Puck seconded to approve Resolution 2011-36. Roll call ayes: Koberg, Jacob Puck, Koehler, Kostichek, and Jackie Puck. Motion carried.

City Clerk's Report. Discussion was held regarding commercially zoned properties in Walcott.

City Attorney Report. Schirman reported he spoke talked with two state representatives regarding the Recreational Trail & Park Project contract documents and plans and specifications. Discussion was held on the project disposal site.

Mayor's Report. Mayor Couper reported they will be fencing an area for a beer garden at Victory Park on July 30th for the RAGBRAI event. He reported that over 200 individuals have volunteered to help and acknowledged the efforts of Kris Burt who is chairing the event. Mayor Couper also congratulated Koberg on a successful fast-pitch tournament.

Questions/Concerns. Discussion was held on presenting the Mayor's Beautification Award this year.

Koehler moved and Jackie Puck seconded to adjourn at 7:50 p.m. Motion carried. All votes on motions were unanimous, unless noted.

Read More
Skip to content