June 18, 2012

The semi-monthly meeting of the City Council of Walcott, Iowa, was held on Monday, the 18th day of June, 2012, at Walcott City Hall. Mayor Jim Couper called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m. Council members present were: Tim Koehler, John Kostichek, Lisa Mengler, Jackie Puck, and Jacob Puck. Absent: None. City employees present: John Brockmann, Lisa Rickertsen, Jackie Huston, Tom Schirman, and Adam Hill.
Jackie Puck moved and Mengler seconded to approve the agenda. Motion carried.
Consent Agenda. Koehler moved and Jacob Puck seconded to approve the consent agenda including the invoices, May 21st minutes, Class C liquor license renewal for Weisrock, Inc. (Walcott Coliseum), cigarette permit renewals for Lampliter, Casey's, Weisrock, Inc., Pilot Travel Centers #043 & #268, and Iowa 80 Truckstop, and May 2012 financial reports. Motion carried.
Audience. Andy Willey, Diane McKinley, Wayne Latimer, Sharon Hesse, Janice Dawson, and Randy Moeller.
Walcott Day
· Fireworks Permit. Rickertsen reported all required documents were received and the Fire Chief approved the application. Kostichek moved and Jacob Puck seconded to approve the fireworks permit for Jon Blackert, Crater Fireworks, for Walcott Day Fireworks on Friday, July 20, 2012. Motion carried.
· Parade. Jackie Puck moved and Kostichek seconded to approve the Walcott Day Parade and closure of appropriate streets on July 21, 2012. Motion carried.
· Street Closures. Kostichek moved and Jacob Puck seconded to approve closing E. Lincoln Street, between Grove and Century Streets on July 21, 2012. Motion carried. Mengler moved and Koehler seconded to approve closing N. Henry Street, between James and Otis Streets, E. Otis Street, between Henry and Downey Streets, and N. Downey Street, between James and Lincoln Streets on July 21, 2012. Motion carried.
Parks Security System. Andy Willey, Night Owl PCS, was present to demonstrate the difference between digital and analog security cameras. Following discussion, Mengler moved and Kostichek seconded to tabled the issue until the next meeting when the Police Chief will be available. Motion approved.
Code Review : Accessory Buildings. Discussion was held on the proposal from the Planning & Zoning Commission regarding changing accessory building requirements. Jackie Huston presented options with visual illustrations, as requested by Koehler. Following discussion, Koehler moved and Jacob Puck seconded to maintain the current ordinance, allowing one garage, maximum of 864 square feet and increase the size of the currently permitted additional accessory building to a maximum of 288 square feet with the following conditions: doors not to exceed 6' wide, 15' clearance from other structures and compatible exterior treatment (if over 150 square feet). Motion carried. Koehler thanked Huston for preparing additional information and illustrations. The changes will be sent to Iowa Codification for preparation and will be returned later for review and adoption.
Storm Sewer Connections. Jackie Puck moved and Kostichek seconded to table this issue until after the sanitary sewer lines on S. Downey Street are televised.Motion carried.
Building Demolition at 106 W. Lincoln Street. Rickertsen reported that four bids were received and the low bidder is Willmark Farms Inc. Jackie Puck moved and Mengler seconded to approve the low bidder, Willmark Farms, Inc. at a fee of $7,500, contingent upon receiving a Certificate of Liability Insurance. Motion carried.
Approving Agreement with Gere/Dismer Architects. Attorney Schirman questioned if the wording of the special terms and liability section was reasonable. Following discussion, Koehler moved and Mengler seconded to approve the agreement with Gere/Dismer Architects, contingent upon clarification and approval of City Attorney regarding the special conditions as listed on page 17 of the proposed agreement. Motion carried.
Payment Approval for the Joint Blue Grass Road/70th Ave Culvert Projects. Mengler moved and Jacob Puck seconded to approve the payment to Scott County, per agreement, for the reinforced concrete box culvert projects, in an amount of $56,227.70. Motion carried.
N. Lift Station Project. Jackie Puck moved and Kostichek seconded to approve payment #3 to Jim Schroeder Construction, Inc., in the amount of $34,518.25. Koehler abstained due to conflict of interest since Koehler Electric is a subcontractor for the project. Motion carried.
Building/Code Enforcement Inspector Position. Rickertsen reported the Building Inspector position will be vacant as of June 25th. Jackie Puck moved and Mengler seconded to approve a wage of $25/hour for Interim Inspector, Ray Daufeldt, until the position is filled. Motion carried.
Resolution 2012-26, Accepting Improvements & Authorizing Final Payment for Flagg Street Project. Kostichek moved and Jackie Puck seconded to approve Resolution 2012-26. Roll call ayes: Kostichek, Jackie Puck, Koehler, Mengler, and Jacob Puck. Motion carried. The total project construction cost was $84,346.50 and the final payment to N.J. Miller Inc. is $4,217.32.
Resolution 2012-27, Approval of Site Plan for Iowa 80.Com Building. Koehler moved and Mengler seconded to approve Resolution 2012-27. Roll call ayes: Koehler, Mengler, Kostichek, Jacob Puck, and Jackie Puck. Motion carried. The Site Plan indicates all loading spaces are hard-surfaced and the Resolution requires hard-surfacing for loading doors installed in the future.
Resolution 2012-28, Approval of Personnel Policy Handbook. Discussion was held on various handbook sections and suggested changes from the employment law attorney. Jackie Puck had concerns with the Grievance Procedures section. Following discussion, Mengler moved and Koehler seconded to approve Resolution 2012-28, with changes as discussed. Roll call ayes: Mengler, Kostichek, Koehler, and Jacob Puck. Nays: Jackie Puck. Motion carried.
Resolution 2012-29, Transfer of Funds. Rickertsen suggested creating a fund for the W. Bryant Street Project and transferring funds the General Fund to project fund. Following discussion, Jackie Puck moved and Mengler seconded to approve Resolution 2012-29, including transferring funds from the General Fund to the W. Bryant Street Project Fund in the amount of $125,000. Roll call ayes: Jackie Puck, Mengler, Koehler, Kostichek, and Jacob Puck. Motion carried.
Ordinance 458-12, Dangerous Buildings. Attorney Schirman suggested minor changes to the proposed ordinance. Jackie Puck introduced and moved to approve the first reading of Ordinance 458-12 with changes as discussed. Seconded by Koehler. Roll call ayes: Jackie Puck, Koehler, Mengler, Kostichek, and Jacob Puck. Motion carried.
Police Department Report. Sergeant Hill reported the department will be participating in two multi-jurisdictional traffic enforcements.
Public Work's Report. Brockmann presented his report including issues with the railroad crossing projects and equipment issue at the Wastewater Treatment Plant. Purchase Approval for 2012 Chevy Truck. Brockmann presented two bids on a 2012 GMC 4 x 4 pickup. He stated there would be no trade-in and they would use the old truck when necessary, especially during the summer with part-time help. Koehler asked Brockmann if the purchase was necessary for the department and Brockmann responded it was not. Jackie Puck moved and Kostichek seconded to purchase a 2012 GMC truck from Kriegers for $24,975. Ayes: Jackie Puck, Kostichek, and Jacob Puck. Nays: Koehler and Mengler. Motion carried.
Mayor's Report. Mayor Couper reported on the Route 6 presentation in Wilton last week.
Mengler moved and Jacob Puck seconded to adjourn at 8:10 p.m. Motion carried. All votes on motions were unanimous, unless noted.

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June 4, 2012

The semi-monthly meeting of the City Council of Walcott, Iowa, was held on Monday, the 4th day of June, 2012, at Walcott City Hall. Mayor Jim Couper called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m. Council members present were: Tim Koehler, John Kostichek, Lisa Mengler, Jackie Puck, and Jacob Puck. Absent: None. City employees present: John Brockmann, Lisa Rickertsen, J. Huston, Tom Schirman, and Jeff Blake.
Mengler moved and Jackie Puck seconded to approve the agenda. Motion carried.
Consent Agenda. Koehler moved and Kostichek seconded to approve the consent agenda including the invoices and May 21st minutes. Motion carried.
Audience. David Darby, Wayne Latimer, and Kristal Schaefer.
Approval of 5-Day Class C Liquor License for Walcott Unified Fund at Victory Park. Jacob Puck moved and Kostichek seconded to approve the 5-day Liquor License & Outdoor Service for Walcott Unified Fund at Victory Park for the Walcott Day Celebration. Motion carried.
Approval of Outdoor Service for Class C Liquor License for Weisrock, Inc. at Walcott Coliseum. Jackie Puck moved and Koehler seconded to approve the addition of an Outdoor Service area for Weisrock, Inc. Motion carried.
Approval of TIF (Tax Increment Financing) Rebate Payments. Koehler moved and Mengler seconded to approve TIF rebate payment to Petersen Health Care (1 rebate : annual amount – $56,886.09) and T&C Storage (2 semi-annual payments – $1,618.33), total amount of $23,595.57 per the Development Agreements. Motion carried.
Street Closures. Jackie Puck moved and Koehler seconded to approve closing a portion of W. Durant Street, adjacent to the Walcott Legion, on July 6th from 6:00 p.m. – 11:00 p.m. for the Walcott Community Club activity. Motion carried. Mengler moved and Koehler moved to approve closing a portion of E. Bryant Street, adjacent to the Walcott Coliseum, on June 16th from 5:00 p.m. : Midnight for a wedding reception. Jacob & Jackie Puck both abstained due to family relations to the wedding party. Motion carried. The street closures are only within property lines and the outdoor service areas.
Railroad Crossing Agreements. Rickertsen reported the proposed agreements are cost sharing projects with the Railroad and Iowa Department of Transportation (Federal-Aid). The City's share is 20% of the reimbursable project costs. The City's estimated cost for the Henry Street crossing is $21,683 and $28,875 for the Main Street crossing. Kostichek moved and Jacob Puck seconded to approve the Grade Crossing Surface Repair Force Account Agreement for the construction of surface improvements at the railroad crossing located on Henry Street. Motion carried. Motion carried. Mengler moved and Jackie Puck seconded to approve the Grade Crossing Surface Repair Force Account Agreement for the construction of surface improvements at the railroad crossing located on Main Street. Motion carried.
David Darby : Historic Route 6. An email message was received from the Vision Committee that they previously discussed how Wilton and Durant are fortunate to have old highway 6 running in the middle of their towns. The committee thought maybe this could help with tourism but felt it was a decision the council should make. Koehler stated that his request to the Vision Committee during the last meeting was to be sure the Vision Committee was behind it and he voted to forward it to the committee out of respect to the committee. Discussion was held on the Iowa U.S. Route 6 Tourist Association membership benefits and the association's goal to drive tourism along the "Lost Route 6" corridor of County Road F58. Following further discussion, Koehler moved and Jackie Puck seconded to join the association at a cost of $175. Motion carried. Following discussion of the membership providing one Historic Route 6 sign, Jackie Puck moved and Koehler seconded to purchase a second sign at a cost of $75. Motion carried. Darby stated there is a meeting scheduled at the Wilton Community Center on Thursday, June 14th at 6 p.m. for anyone interested.
Kristal Schaefer presented an update to the council on the Main Street Assessment program. Program representatives will be in Walcott July 24th and 25th to meet with council, city staff, school representatives, business leaders, and residents. A community meeting will be held at the Walcott Coliseum on July 25th at 6:30 p.m. to present the assessment results.
Code Review. Discussion was held on proposed changes to the zoning and subdivision chapters. Council agreed with the proposed changes with the exception of the change to the accessory buildings section. This change would allow two garages, both 900 sq. ft. The council will continue to review the proposed accessory building change and will discuss it again at a future council meeting. Discussion was held on the proposed Dangerous Buildings chapter. Following discussion, Koehler moved and Jacob Puck seconded to move forward with adopting a Dangerous Buildings chapter. Motion carried. Discussion was held on requiring permits for commercial tree trimming on private property and requiring the companies to provide a Certificate of Insurance. Discussion was held on recreational vehicles and trailers located on the public right-of-way, which is not allowed. Chief Blake will address the parking violations on public right-of-ways.
Police Department Report. Chief Blake presented a project worksheet for a patrol bicycle. He stated the bicycle would allow them to patrol and hear better than while in a car and they would be able to discreetly patrol the recreational trail where there has been recent vandalism. Following discussion, Jackie Puck moved and Mengler seconded to approve the purchase of one patrol bicycle at a cost of $1,264.86 plus a bike rack, helmets, and gloves. Motion carried. Chief Blake reported on the recent vandalism at the gazebo at Prairie View Park. Council questioned if quotes had been obtained for a security camera system for the parks.
Public Work's Report. Brockmann presented his report including that Jackie Puck solicited and obtained a donation of flowers/plants from Wallace's Garden Center for the city parks.
Mayor's Report. Mayor Couper explained the roles of the new Municipal Building Committee. The committee is a recommendation board who will gather information and work with the architects and staff to assist with assessing needs, designing space efficiently, look at potential growth, and what departments and/or entities to house in the building. The committee will present their findings and recommendations to the City Council. The first committee meeting will be at City Hall at 5:30 p.m. on Wednesday, June 13th.
Jackie Puck moved and Koehler seconded to adjourn at 8:17 p.m. Motion carried. All votes on motions were unanimous, unless noted.

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