The semi-monthly meeting of the City Council of Walcott, Iowa, was held on Monday, the 16^th day of September, 2013, at Walcott City Hall. Mayor John Kostichek called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m. Council members present were: Tim Koehler, Virgil Wayne Latimer, Jackie Puck, and Jacob Puck. Absent: Lisa Mengler. City employees present: John Brockmann, Lisa Rickertsen, Tom Schirman, and Jeff Blake.

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

Consent Agenda. Koehler moved and Jacob Puck seconded to approve the consent agenda including the invoices, minutes from September 3, 2013, and the August 2013 financial reports. Motion carried.

Audience. Rusty Holzworth, Jack Schinckel, Diane McKinley, Cloe McKinley, Hans-Werner Hamann and his son-in-law.

Hans-Werner Hamann:Bredenbek. Hans-Werner Hamann, former Mayor of Walcott's sister city Bredenbek, Germany, was in attendance with his son-in-law. Hamann stated Bredenbek will be celebrating 750 years next year and on behalf of the City of Bredenbek, he invited the Mayor, Council, and Walcott citizens to attend their 750 Year Celebration Days next August. The invitation will be published in a future Walcott Chamber of Commerce newsletter.

Street Light at Intersection of W. Bryant & Parker Street. No discussion was held since the resident requesting it be placed on the agenda was not in attendance.

Fire Department.

• Steak Fry Payment : Jackie Puck moved and Latimer seconded to approve the payment to Kalmes Catering in the amount of $7,750 for 1,000 steaks. Motion carried.
• Purchase Approval : Uniforms– Rusty Holzworth presented a project worksheet to replace four sets of gear. Koehler moved and Jacob Puck seconded to approve the purchase of four sets of gear in the amount of $6,750. Motion carried. The gear will be paid from the Fire Department Donations Fund.

Park Board Recommendations. Following a recommendation from the Park Board to proceed with purchasing the two lots across from Wescott Park and pursue plans for a splash pad (on the lots), Jackie Puck moved and Koehler seconded to proceed with the necessary paperwork for the land purchase. Motion carried. Rickertsen stated a splash pad was one of the top ten priorities, ranked by the Mayor, Council, and Vision Committee members last year and it was one of the things requested by the teens interviewed for the Downtown Assessment report last summer. Following research, it was determined that an adequately sized splash pad could be costly so the project will likely be involved and lengthy and therefore Rickertsen suggested establishing a committee to help with the research, planning, and funding opportunities.

Resolution 2013-31, Awarding Contract for the South Downey Street Water Main Replacement Project. Following discussion regarding the bids and item quantities, Latimer moved and Koehler seconded to approve Resolution 2013-31. Roll call ayes: Latimer, Koehler, Jackie Puck, and Jacob Puck. Motion carried. The contract was awarded to the low bidder, Ellsworth Excavating, in the amount of $88,063.79.

Ordinance 467-13, Amending Official Zoning Map. Koehler moved and Jacob Puck seconded to approve the second reading of Ordinance 467-13. Roll call ayes: Koehler, Jacob Puck, Jackie Puck, and Latimer. Motion carried. This is for the rezoning of the lot at 123 W. Walcott Road from M-1, light industrial district, to C-1, neighborhood local business district.

Police Department Report.

• Additional Squad. Chief Blake presented a project worksheet for purchasing an additional squad. Following discussion, Koehler moved and Jackie Puck seconded to purchase a used 2013 Ford Explorer from Wreeves and Associates plus additional equipment, striping, and installation fees, with total purchase costs not to exceed to$38,375. Motion carried.

• ILEA Sponsorship. Attorney Schirman reported on liability issues and city policies regarding sponsoring individuals at the Iowa Law Enforcement Academy (ILEA) that are not currently employed as Walcott police officers. Only current police officers would be covered under the City's liability and workers compensation policies while attending the ILEA. Following discussion, Koehler moved and Jacob Puck seconded to approve the sponsorship of part-time officer Jay (Howard) Wilson at the ILEA with all fees to be paid by Wilson. Motion carried. Wilson needs to attend a short program at the ILEA due to his break in service after certification from another state. Koehler questioned if supplemental insurance can be purchased by individuals that are not currently Walcott officers but want sponsorship from the City to attend ILEA. Council consensus was to table discussion of additional ILEA sponsorships until further insurance information is received.

Public Works Department Report. Brockmann reported that the new playground equipment at Wescott Park is installed and the handicap approach will be completed soon. Concerns regarding foul balls at the playground area were brought up. Brockmann stated those concerns were discussed in the past and there is a concern at any park that has playground equipment and ball diamonds. The new playground equipment replaced existing equipment and additional safety measures such as extending the fence have been taken. Brockmann presented project worksheets for the following:

• Sludge Spreader. Latimer moved and Jacob Puck seconded to approve purchasing a New Holland spreader from the low bidder, Kunau Implement, at a cost of $21,004.80. Motion carried. The spreader is for the disbursement of sludge from the wastewater treatment process as required by the Iowa Department of Natural Resources.
• Victory Park Shelter Painting. Jacob Puck moved and Latimer seconded to hire Jennings Paintings to power wash and paint the north shelter at Victory Park at a cost of $1,670. Motion carried. Brockmann stated the price includes two coats of paint and the outside picnic tables will also be power washed and painted.

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

• Fire Proof Safe. Rickertsen presented a project worksheet for purchase of a lateral fire proof safe for storage of minutes and ordinances and other records that are required to be kept permanently. Jackie Puck moved and Koehler seconded to purchase a Phoenix Fire Fighter 509 Safe at a cost of $2,544. Motion carried.
• Receipt & Waiver : Paustian Estate. The City of Walcott and Walcott Volunteer Fire Department were both listed as beneficiaries of the Ione Paustian estate. Jackie Puck moved and Latimer seconded to approve signing the receipt and waivers for the City and Fire Department. Motion carried. Council consensus was to utilize the city's share of funds for a future splash pad.
• Sidewalk Repairs. Rickertsen reported on the status of properties that have not yet completed the required repairs. Two properties may need to be done by the City's contractor and full costs billed to the homeowners.
• Grants. Rickertsen stated she worked with Assistant Chief Geigle on two grants for the purchase of a new fire truck.
• Building Department Report. Rickertsen distributed information on the building department activities for the month of September and stated the evergreen on the corner of N. Downey and Meadow Lane was trimmed as instructed.

City Attorney Report. Attorney Schirman reported he was contacted by Dana Denklau's attorney who stated the rebuilding of the large barn was cost prohibitive so the Building Official will be working with the Fire Department on a possible training fire on the barn.

Old/New Business. Koehler questioned the status of the Building Committee and the Witt building. Both will be listed on the next agenda.

Koehler moved and Jacob Puck seconded to adjourn at 7:05 p.m. Motion carried. All votes on motions were unanimous, unless noted.

The semi-monthly meeting of the City Council of Walcott, Iowa, was held on Tuesday, the 3^rd day of September, 2013, at Walcott City Hall. Mayor John Kostichek called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m. Council members present were: Tim Koehler, Virgil Wayne Latimer, Lisa Mengler, Jackie Puck and Jacob Puck. Absent: None. City employees present: John Brockmann, Lisa Rickertsen, Tom Schirman, and Josh Geigle.

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

Public Hearing. Mayor Kostichek opened the public hearing on rezoning the property at 123 W. Walcott Road. No written comments were received. Rickertsen explained that the Planning and Zoning Commission recommended approving the rezoning from M-1, light industrial district, to C-1, neighborhood local business district. The lot to the east of the area to be rezoned is already zoned C-1. Jackie Puck moved and Latimer seconded to close the public hearing and resume the regular meeting. Motion carried.

Consent Agenda. Koehler moved and Jacob Puck seconded to approve the consent agenda including the invoices, minutes from August 19, 2013, and minutes from August 26, 2013. Motion carried.

Audience. None.

Ordinance 467-13, Amending Official Zoning Map. Latimer moved and Jacob Puck seconded to introduce and approve the first reading of Ordinance 467-13. Roll call ayes: Latimer, Jacob Puck, Jackie Puck, Mengler, and Koehler. Motion carried. This is for the rezoning of the lot at 123 W. Walcott Road from M-1 to C-1.

Trick-or-Treating. Jacob Puck moved and Latimer seconded to approve Trick-or-Treating on October 30^th from 6 : 8 p.m. Motion carried. Latimer moved and Jackie Puck seconded to approve the Halloween parade from Victory Park to the Walcott Legion on October 30^th. Motion carried.

View Obstruction. Discussion was held on the evergreen, obstructing view of traffic, located at the SW corner of N. Downey Street and Meadow Lane. Attorney Schirman stated per Iowa Code the abutting property owner may be responsible for trimming the tree. Jacob Puck moved and Koehler seconded to send a notice to the abutting property owner and have the evergreen trimmed up 6' from the bottom. Motion carried.

Fire Department Daytime EMS Personnel. Assistant Chief Geigle reported an EMS class is starting next week but the recruitment for new members resulted in only one individual who works at a local business during the day. That individual and three other department volunteers will be taking the EMS class. Currently the City has hired temporary part-time EMS/Firefighters to help cover the shortage of personnel during the daytime hours. Geigle stated it will help once the four volunteers complete their EMS class but it may not be a long term solution. He suggested when hiring any new employees for city departments, the council consider hiring individuals with an EMS background or those willing to obtain an EMS certification.

Street Light Wattage. A resident requested lowering the wattage of an energy efficient LED bulb that was recently installed on the streetlight at the intersection of W. Bryant Street and Parker Street. The resident felt the new LED light was too bright and light was flowing into windows, particularly on the second floor. Discussion was held that street lights help to provide safety for residents and although it does light up the area the council consensus was to keep the current wattage.

Victory Park Shelter Painting. No action was taken as Brockmann stated he will be reviewing the painting bids further.

James Street Sidewalk : Across from School. Discussion was held on a request from the Planning & Zoning Commission that the Council take action to improve the safety of the school area by installing a sidewalk on the north side of James Street and putting in a crosswalk with a crossing guard. Brockmann presented a project worksheet for installing a 6' wide sidewalk, adjacent to the curb, as recommended by the city engineer, on the north side of James Street directly across from the school. Koehler moved and Jacob Puck seconded to proceed with the quote from Paustian Concrete at a cost of $6,498 for the sidewalk installation plus approximately $500 for a handicap ramp and mat. Motion carried. Brockmann will contact the school regarding the location of a crosswalk.

Resolution 2013-28, Approving Plans, Specifications, Form of Contract and Estimate of Cost for the South Downey Street Watermain Project. Jackie Puck moved and Mengler seconded to approve Resolution 2013-28. Roll call ayes: Jackie Puck, Mengler, Latimer, Koehler, and Jacob Puck. Motion carried. Bids for the project will be received until September 10^th at 2:00 p.m.

Ordinance 466-13, Regulating Number of Animals. Koehler moved and Mengler seconded to approve the third and final reading of Ordinance 466-13. Roll call ayes: Koehler, Mengler, Latimer, Jackie Puck, and Jacob Puck. Motion carried. This ordinance prohibits any person from harboring or housing on the same premises more than a total of four of the following animals, dogs and cats, over the age of six months, unless such animals are in a licensed kennel, veterinary clinic or animal grooming shop.

Police Department Report. Chief Blake reported he purchased two additional trail cameras. Blake also reported on that a part-time officer needs to attend a short program at the Iowa Law Enforcement Academy (ILEA) due to his break in service after certification from another state. Individuals attending the ILEA must be hired by or sponsored by a law enforcement agency. Discussion was held on sponsoring other individuals for the ILEA. Blake stated sponsored individuals, including the current part-time officer, would pay their own registration and fees to attend the ILEA. Blake was requested to obtain additional information and the topic will be placed on the next agenda.

Public Works Department Report. Brockmann reported on the status of the new playground equipment at Wescott Park.

City Clerk's Department Report. Rickertsen requested approval to send Building Official Linda Rivers to a commercial electrical inspector course in Des Moines this November. Effective January 1, 2014, the State of Iowa requires that all electrical inspections be performed by a certified electrical inspector. This course will prepare Rivers for the International Code Council electrical inspector exam. Koehler moved and Jacob Puck seconded to allow Rivers to attend the commercial electrical course in Des Moines as presented. Motion carried. Rickertsen reported estimates have been received on a splash pad and will be presented to the Park Board during their next meeting for their recommendation. Discussion was held on upcoming grant deadlines and projects.

Koehler moved and Mengler seconded to adjourn at 7:25 p.m. Motion carried. All votes on motions were unanimous, unless noted.