November 21, 2011

The semi-monthly meeting of the City Council of Walcott, Iowa, was held on Monday, the 21st day of November, 2011 at WalcottCity Hall. Mayor Couper called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m. Council members present were: Larry Koberg, Tim Koehler, Jackie Puck, and Jacob Puck. Absent: John Kostichek. City employees present: J. Brockmann, L. Rickertsen, and J. Blake.

Jackie Puck moved and Jacob Puck seconded to approve the agenda. Motion carried.

Mayor Couper opened the Public Hearing on the Plans, Specifications, Cost Estimate, and Form of Contract for the North Lift Station Improvements Project. Rickertsen stated the construction cost estimate with contingency is $418,777. No other oral or written comments were received. Koberg moved and Jackie Puck seconded to close the public hearing and resume the regular meeting. Motion carried.

Consent Agenda. Koehler moved and Jackie Puck seconded to approve the consent agenda including the invoices, minutes from 11/07/2011, minutes from 11/16/2011, October 2011 Financial Reports, Resolution 2011-59, Transfer of Funds. Roll call ayes: Koehler, Jackie Puck, Koberg, and Jake Puck. Motion carried.

Audience. Brent Puck, Lisa Mengler, Janice Dawson, Wayne and Beth Latimer, Howard Johnson, Nicole Dunkel, and Dick Hagen.

Alliant Energy. Alliant Energy representative, Nicole Dunkel, was present to discuss Alliant Energy's community involvement and investments in Walcott including infrastructure investments, energy-saving services, and tree planting program. Customer forms and information can be found online at their website at www.alliantenergy.com.

Resolution 2011-60, Obligating Funds from the Consolidated Walcott Urban Renewal Area. Koehler moved and Jacob Puck seconded to approve Resolution 2011-60. Roll call ayes: Koehler, Jackie Puck, Jacob Puck, and Koberg. Motion carried. This resolution obligates $96,556 from the Consolidated Walcott Urban Renewal Tax Revenue Fund with respect to the City's Development Agreements with Iowa 80 Truckstop Inc., T&C Storage, and Ossian Inc. for the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2012.

Resolution 2011-61, Obligating Funds from the Walcott Urban Renewal Area #2. Koberg moved and Jackie Puck seconded to approve Resolution 2011-61. Roll call ayes: Koberg, Jackie Puck, Jacob Puck, and Koehler. Motion carried. This resolution obligates $63,000 from the Walcott Urban Renewal Area No. 2 Revenue Fund with respect to the City's Development Agreement with Petersen Health Care for the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2012.

North Lift Station Improvements Project. Brockmann and Project Engineer Howard Johnson presenting their differing opinions on the proposed amendment in the amount of $4,800 to the Engineering Agreement with Shive-Hattery and the City for the North Lift Station Improvements Project. Following discussion, Koehler moved and Jackie Puck seconded to approve an amendment to the agreement in the amount of $3,100. Motion carried. Koberg moved and Jackie Puck seconded to approve Resolution 2011-62, Approving Plans & Specifications. Roll call ayes: Koberg, Koehler, Jackie Puck, and Jacob Puck. Motion carried. Koberg moved and Jackie Puck seconded to approve a payment to Shive-Hattery in the amount of $2,100.78. Motion carried.

Recreational Trail Project. Brockmann present a project worksheet and recommended installing a permanent fence around the pond. He stated he felt the pond is a hazard during the winter. Brent Puck reported that the Trail Committee members were unanimous in their opposition to a permanent fence. They understand the safety concern during winter months but felt that clearing snow on the trail will assist in defining the area and tall grasses will eventually create a natural border. Brent Puck suggested stakes and rope around the pond as it would help define the area during the winter months. Following discussion, Jackie Puck moved and Koehler seconded to install a temporary snow fence for this year. Motion carried. The council will revisit the issue after one more season of growth. Rickertsen reported the project engineer has been working on final grant documents and scheduled a project meeting with the Iowa Department of Transportation in early December. Discussion was held on the project amenities and the final project punch list.

Police Department Report. Blake presented a proposed snow emergency policy which includes utilizing the odd-even parking system during snow emergencies. The change will be incorporated in the re-codification process.

Public Work's Report. Brockmann presented his report including obtaining a cost estimate for installing a new watermain on James Street to improve the system and reported on a change order for the N. Downey Street Improvements Project for additional rock at cul-de-sac. The change order will be on the next agenda.

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

  • Reminder that minutes are a record of council action and topic of discussion.
  • Ribbon Cutting Ceremony at WalcottSchool on Friday December 2, 2011, at noon.
  • Ossian Inc. has been notified of recent complaints and a new tarp is scheduled to be installed November 28th.
  • Mediacom is increasing rates on or about December 15, 2011.
  • City offices will be closed November 24th & 25th.
  • Attorney Schirman is waiting on updated abstracts for the property at 106 W. Lincoln Street and the Wulf property.

Concerns/New Business. Mayor Couper stated he was approached about moving the election voting location to the building at 1113 N. Main Street. Discussion was held on the dim lights on the flags at WelcomePark. Brockmann stated Walcott Day Committee is paying to upgrade the electrical at the park. Brockmann stated the property at 1113 N. Main Street has been winterized and they will start disconnecting utilities upon ownership of the building at 106 W. Lincoln Street. Mayor Couper questioned the specifics regarding the proposed public meeting facilitated by the Vision Committee. Brent Puck reported it will be a community forum to gather ideas and obtain input from citizens on alternatives and scenarios for city buildings/properties. The Vision Committee will then bring information back to council as the committee has no ability to make decisions on behalf of the City. Discussion was held on the formation of the committee, members, & terms. The topic will be on the next regular agenda.

Jackie Puck moved and Koehler seconded to adjourn at 8:05 p.m. Motion carried. All votes on motions were unanimous, unless noted.

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November 16, 2011 – Special Meeting – City Code Review

A special meeting of the City Council of the City of Walcott, Iowa was held on Wednesday, November 16, 2011, with Mayor Couper calling the meeting to order at 5:35 p.m. Council members present were: Larry Koberg, Tim Koehler, Jackie Puck, and Jacob Puck. Absent: Kostichek. City employees present were: L. Rickertsen and J. Blake.

Koberg moved and Jackie Puck seconded to approve the agenda. Ayes: All. Motion carried.

Chapters 145 : 162 (Building and Property Regulations) of the Walcott Code of Ordinances were reviewed and discussed. Rickertsen will forward the proposed changes, as discussed, to Iowa Codification to incorporate in the recodifcation process. Rickertsen reported that the Zoning & Subdivision Chapters (165-168) are currently being thoroughly reviewed by the Planning & Zoning Commission.

Discussion was held on a proposed snow emergency parking policy presented by Blake. The topic will be listed on a future council agenda. Rickertsen will prepare an article for the newsletter to encourage parking on the side with even addresses on even numbered days and on the side with odd numbered addresses on odd numbered days for those who do not have any off street parking available during snowfalls.

Jackie Puck moved and Koberg seconded to adjourn at 6:25 p.m. Ayes: All. Motion carried.

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November 7, 2011

The semi-monthly meeting of the City Council of Walcott, Iowa, was held on Monday, the 7th day of November, 2011. Mayor Pro Tem John Kostichek called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m. Other council members present were: Larry Koberg, Tim Koehler, Jackie Puck, and Jacob Puck. City employees present: J. Brockmann, L. Rickertsen, J. Blake, and T. Schirman.

Jacob Puck moved and Jackie Puck seconded to approve the agenda. Motion carried.

Mayor Pro Tem Kostichek opened the Public Hearing on the Budget Amendment for FYE 2012. Rickertsen stated the budget needs to be amended due to property purchase and bond refinancing. No other oral or written comments were received. Koberg moved and Koehler seconded to close the public hearing and resume the regular meeting.

Consent Agenda. Koehler moved and Jackie Puck seconded to approve the consent agenda including the invoices, minutes from 10/17/2011, and minutes from 10/24/2011. Motion carried.

Audience. Brent Puck, Mike Byington, Lisa Mengler, Janice Dawson, Wayne and Beth Latimer, Loretta Beitel, Josie Dietz, Mary Lincoln, Dave Meier, Drew, Deke, and Reed Hagen, and John and Josh Friede.

Vision Committee. Mike Byington and Brent Puck were present on behalf of the Vision Committee. Byington stated that according to a recent article in the North Scott Press, it seemed like the use of the building at 1113 N. Main Street as a City Hall has already been decided and he questioned if the Committee should proceed. Koehler responded he had not read the article, but based on Byington's comments did not agree with the article and stated there needs to be an all-inclusive plan. Byington stated the Committee would like to hold a community forum to obtain input and look at all city properties. The Committee would also like to modify and update results from the 2008 "Which Way, Walcott?" meeting, talk with the community, staff, and catalog the information to present to the council. Jackie Puck commented that she felt it would be a worthwhile exercise. Koehler stated he didn't believe the council could make spending decisions without obtaining additional information. Brent Puck stated a community meeting would not be just about city buildings but other short and long term goals. Following further discussion, Koehler moved and Jacob Puck seconded to allow the Vision Committee to obtain further information and organize a community meeting in January. Motion carried. Jacob Puck stated he would like to have an open house at the property at 1113 N. Main Street.

On behalf of the Recreational Trail Committee, Brent Puck distributed a preliminary logo for Prairie View Park. Responding to a question from the audience, Brent Puck stated the trail was intended to be utilized during the winter with the understanding that removing snow from the recreational trail would not be done until city streets are cleared.

Iowa 80 Sixth Addition. Attorney Schirman reported he has received and reviewed all final platting documents with the exception of the performance bond which should be received from the bonding company in the morning. Following further discussion, Koehler moved and Koberg seconded to approve Resolution 2011-57, Approval of Final Plat for Iowa 80 Sixth Addition, contingent upon receiving the required bonds. Roll call ayes: Koehler, Koberg, Jackie Puck, Jacob Puck and Kostichek. Motion carried. Jackie Puck moved and Koberg seconded to approve Resolution 2011-58, Approving Site Plan for Lot 1 of Iowa 80 Sixth Addition. Roll call ayes: Jackie Puck, Koberg, Jacob Puck, Koehler, and Kostichek. Motion carried.

Resolution 2011-52, Approving Budget amendment for FYE 2012. Kostichek moved and Koehler seconded to approve Resolution 2011-52. Roll call ayes: Kostichek, Koehler, Koberg, Jackie Puck, and Jacob Puck. Motion carried.

North Lift Station Improvements Project. Koberg moved and Jacob Puck seconded to approve Resolution 2011-53, Provide for Notice of Hearing on Plans & Specifications. Roll call ayes: Koberg, Jacob Puck, Jackie Puck, Koehler, and Koberg. Motion carried. The hearing will be at 6:00 p.m. on November 21st and bids will be accepted and read aloud at 2:00 p.m. on December 14, 2011. Attorney Schirman provided an update on purchasing the Wulf property. Koehler moved and Jacob Puck seconded to approve Resolution 2011-54, Approving Purchase Offer with Wilbert and Joyce Wulf. Roll call ayes: Koehler, Jacob Puck, Jackie Puck, Koberg, and Kostichek. Motion carried.

Flagg Street Paving Project. Jackie Puck moved and Kostichek seconded to approve Resolution 2011-55, Approving Contract & Bonds for the Flagg Street Paving Project. Roll call ayes: Jackie Puck, Kostichek, Jacob Puck, Koehler, and Koberg. Motion carried.

106 W. Lincoln Street. Attorney Schirman reported the bank has submitted a counter offer on the property at 106 W. Lincoln Street. Schirman stated that the offer details are typical with foreclosed property. Discussion was held on regarding a Phase I environmental study. Following discussion, Jacob Puck moved and Kostichek seconded to approve Resolution 2011-56, Approving Purchase Offer with Citicorp Trust Bank FSB/Citimortgage Inc. without proceeding with a Phase I study. Roll call ayes: Jacob Puck, Kostichek, Jackie Puck, Koehler, and Koberg. Motion carried. The offer includes a purchase of $22,000 including a down payment of $2,500.

1113 N. Main Street. Attorney Schirman reported he has reviewed documents for accuracy. Koehler moved and Kostichek seconded to proceed with the closing and authorize a final payment of $166,250. Motion carried.

Fire Station Expansion Project. Brockmann presented a project worksheet for roof repairs, which he stated was routine maintenance. Questions arose and discussion was held that only one bid was received. Koehler moved and Jackie Puck seconded to approve hiring White Roofing to do repairs as stated in their proposal at a cost not to exceed $1,200. Motion carried. Jackie Puck moved and Koberg seconded to approve the remaining expansion improvements, not to exceed $4,000. Motion carried.

Approval of TIF (Tax Increment Financing) Rebate Payments. Rickertsen reported there are currently six rebate agreements in effect for this fiscal year but only three of the agreements qualify for a partial year rebate at this time. Koberg moved and Jacob Puck seconded to approve the TIF rebates to Iowa 80 Truckstop (2 rebates – $21,977.25) and Exit 284 Land & Development ($2,594.96), total amount of $24,572.11. Motion carried.

2012 Employee Benefits Renewal. Rickertsen reported the health insurance renewal rates increased approximately 6.38% and the dental increased approximately 3%. She also reported the increase was within budgeted amounts. Questions arose on moving Brockmann to a Medicare Plan, as discussed in May, 2010. The City would reimburse Brockmann for all costs and have a potential savings of approximately $6,000/year. Brockmann stated he wants to continue with the current plan as other employees as change sometimes is not good. Following further discussion, Koberg moved and Koehler seconded to approve the 2012 Employee Benefits Renewal with Wellmark. Motion carried.

Snow Emergency Parking. Following discussion, Blake and Brockmann will work on an ordinance recommendation for snow emergency parking and bring back to council at a future meeting.

Police Department Report. Blake reported on current department activities, including that Racom came out, following the last council meeting with the Board of Supervisors, and made some repairs which has improved their radio system in most areas.

Public Work's Report. Brockmann updated council on recent department projects including the north water tower cleaning, gazebo, leaf pick-up, and sealing the exterior block walls on the new fire department expansion. Questions arose on the lack of guardrails on the newly opened Blue Grass Road/Y-40, and Brockmann responded that he spoke with the County Engineer and guardrails are not required as they are box culverts.

City Clerk's Report. Rickertsen reminded council that city offices would be closed Friday, November 11th in observance of Veteran's Day.

Koberg moved and Jackie Puck seconded to adjourn at 7:10 p.m. Motion carried. All votes on motions were unanimous, unless noted.

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