The semi-monthly meeting of the City Council of Walcott, Iowa, was held on Monday, the 21^st day of October, 2013, at Walcott City Hall. Mayor John Kostichek called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m. Council members present were: Lisa Mengler, Virgil Wayne Latimer, Jackie Puck, and Jacob Puck. Absent: Tim Koehler. City employees present: John Brockmann, Lisa Rickertsen, Tom Schirman, and Jeff Blake.

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

Consent Agenda. Mengler moved and Jacob Puck seconded to approve the consent agenda including the invoices, minutes from October 7, 2013, and Resolution 2013-35, Transfer of Funds. Roll call ayes: Mengler, Jacob Puck, Jackie Puck, and Latimer. Motion carried.

Audience. Merle Dickel.

TIF Rebate Payments. Jacob Puck moved and Latimer seconded to approve the semi-annual TIF rebates in the amount of $48,696.60 to Iowa 80 Truckstop Inc. ($12,061.44), Ossian Walcott Investments LC ($15,680.00), JDW Holdings LLC ($3,901.62) and Petersen Health Systems Inc. ($17,053.54). Motion carried.

E. James Street Sidewalk/School Crosswalk. Chief Blake reported he met with school officials regarding placement of a school crosswalk, which they requested be towards the west end of school property, connecting to the current sidewalk. Discussion was held on the crosswalk placement and a portable stop sign. Council requested Chief Blake ask the school to provide staff to place the portable stop sign at the crosswalk before and after school each day. Following further discussion, Mengler moved and Jacob Puck seconded to proceed with the sidewalk project on the north side of James Street as previously discussed and angle the crosswalk from the existing sidewalk, on the west side of school property (south side of E. James Street), towards the northeast to the new sidewalk that will be on the north side of E. James Street. Motion carried. An ordinance adding a school crossing zone will be prepared for the next meeting.

Public Works Department Report. Brockmann reported on the letter regarding the tar and chip project, dead tree at Wescott Park, and update on watermain project on South Downey Street.

City Clerk's Department Report. Rickertsen reported the 2014 employee health insurance rates are increasing 1.43% and the dental rates will remain the same. After a decrease in the health insurance rates in 2013, the 2014 health and dental rates will be less than what was paid in 2012. Jackie Puck moved and Latimer seconded to approve renewing the current health and dental insurance plans. Motion carried. Rickertsen reported on the status of the building on the NW corner of Main & Lincoln Streets, suggested the use of TIF funds for a streetscape enhancement project on Main Street, and stated the capital improvement projects and planning will discussed at the next meeting.

Attorney's Report. Attorney Schirman reported he has received the signed offer and abstract for the potential splash pad property and will work on having the abstract updated and prepare a deed and related documents.

Mayor's Report. Mayor Kostichek expressed his frustration with the recent vandalism found on the new playground equipment at Wescott Park. Following discussion, council consensus was to post a $100 reward sign for information leading to the arrest and conviction for individuals responsible for the park vandalism.

Questions/Concerns. Merle Dickel was present regarding speeding and other issues at the Walcott Estates Mobile Home Park.

Old/New Business. Complaints were held on a property with vehicles on jacks and other stored equipment. Discussion was held on the definition of junk and junk vehicles and operating a prohibited home business. Attorney Schirman and the Building Official will do further code research.

Mengler moved and Jacob Puck seconded to adjourn at 7:16 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 Monday, the 7^th day of October, 2013, at Walcott City Hall. Mayor John Kostichek called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m. Council members present were: Tim Koehler, Lisa Mengler, Virgil Wayne Latimer, Jackie Puck, and Jacob Puck. Absent: None. City employees present: John Brockmann, Lisa Rickertsen, Linda Rivers, Tom Schirman, and Jeff Blake.

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, minutes from September 16, 2013, and the September 2013 financial reports. Motion carried.

Audience. Rusty Holzworth, Bridget Geigle, Merle Dickel, Brent Arp, Carol Snay, Mike Engler, and Scott County Supervisors Larry Minard, Jim Hancock, Bill Cusack, Carol Earnhardt, and Tom Sunderbruch.

Scott County Supervisors. Minard presented and discussed Scott County's brochure on services, budget, and goals and reported on the County's partnering with other jurisdictions for lobbying and services. Chief Blake and Fire Department member Rusty Holzworth both agreed the radio system has improved in Walcott since the Supervisors' visit in October, 2011.

Resolution 2013-32, Approving Contract & Bonds for the S. Downey Street Watermain Project. Jacob Puck moved and Jackie Puck seconded to approve Resolution 2013-32. Roll call ayes: Jacob Puck, Jackie Puck, Mengler, Latimer, and Koehler. Motion carried.

Resolution 2013-33, Establishing New Fund and Transfer of Funds. Mengler moved and Latimer seconded to approve Resolution 2013-33. Roll call ayes: Mengler, Latimer, Koehler, Jacob Puck, and Jackie Puck. Motion carried. This Resolution establishes the S. Downey Street Watermain project and authorizes a transfer of funds from the Water Fund.

Ordinance 467-13, Amending Official Zoning Map. Koehler moved and Jacob Puck seconded to approve the third and final 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.

Property.

• Lots 4 & 5 of Block 6. Discussion was held on the two lots across from Wescott Park, east of the tennis courts. Attorney Schirman discussed his letter to the Council regarding the purchase offer he prepared. Following discussion, Koehler moved and Jackie Puck seconded to approve Resolution 2013-34, Approving Purchase Offer, as prepared. The offer becomes void if it is not accepted by sellers by October 30, 2013. Roll call ayes: Koehler, Jackie Puck, Jacob Puck, Latimer, and Mengler. Motion carried. The use of the property, as stated on the offer, is for recreational/park and the offer states that the sellers and buyer acknowledge that it is the sellers' preference that the property be used for a spash pad and not be used for a skate park.
• Witt Property. Discussion was held regarding the property located on the NW corner of Lincoln & Main Streets and was referred to Attorney Schirman.

Fire Department Report.

• Approval of New Members : Rusty Holzworth stated two trainees completed their firefighter training and have been accepted by the department. Koehler moved and Jacob Puck seconded to approve Steve Richgruber and Bridget Geigle as new members to the Fire Department. Motion carried.

Holzworth reported on the new pumper truck project. Mayor Kostichek thanked the Fire Department for their efforts on designing a new pumper truck and for a successful steak fry.

Building Report. Rivers presented her monthly report including an update on the Denklau property and new businesses.

Police Department Report.

• ILEA Sponsorship. Chief Blake stated he spoke with insurance agent, Brent Arp, and there is no supplemental insurance for the city to buy for non-employees to attend the Iowa Law Enforcement Academy (ILEA). Brent Arp stated only employees of the City are covered to be sponsored to the ILEA. Chief Blake also reported that the number of calls year-to-date are already 200 more than last year.

Public Works Department Report. Brockmann reported that when he spoke to school officials about a crosswalk to a new sidewalk across from the school, they stated they were not aware of the project and would not be able to provide a crossing guard. Discussion was held that a plan is needed regarding the sidewalk, crosswalk, and crossing guard or portable stop sign. The topic will be on the next regular agenda.

City Clerk's Department Report. Jackie Puck moved and Mengler seconded to approve the FYE 2013 Annual Financial Report. Motion carried.

Mayor's Report. Discussion was held on establishing a Park Board sub-committee for research, planning, and fundraising for a splash pad.

Questions/Concerns. Merle Dickel was present and requested additional police presence at the Walcott Estates Mobile Home Park. Discussion was held that there are no stop signs at the exits and Chief Blake stated he can't enforce traffic laws inside the park unless there is a 28E Agreement between the City and the park owner. It was also discussed that theft and vandalism should be reported to the police department.

Old/New Business. Mayor Kostichek stated he is still working on establishing a building committee. Questions arose on the value and benefits to the fire department for assisting with an agriculture building burn. Jacob Puck questioned the status of the items discussed that were discussed with the Vision Committee at the joint council and committee meeting last April. Rickertsen will contact the committee chairperson.

Koehler moved and Jacob Puck seconded to adjourn at 7:55 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 Monday, the 4^th day of November, 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 Jeff Blake.

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

Consent Agenda. Jackie Puck moved and Koehler seconded to approve the consent agenda including the invoices, Resolution 2013-36 : Approving Wage Increase for Building Official, and Resolution 2013-37 – Transfer of Funds. Roll call ayes: Jackie Puck, Koehler, Latimer, Mengler, and Jacob Puck. Motion carried.

Audience. Nicole Dunkel and Glenn Appler.

October 21, 2013 Minutes. Mengler moved and Latimer seconded to approve the minutes from October 21, 2013. Koehler abstained due to absence from meeting. Motion carried.

Alliant Energy. Alliant Energy Key Account Manager, Nicole Dunkel, was present to discuss Alliant Energy's Community Annual Partnership Assessment (involvement and investments in Walcott) including economic development support, state and regional support, and energy efficiency rebates. Operations Manager, Glenn Appler, reported on recent and future infrastructure investments. Concerns regarding ongoing service interruptions were expressed. Appler suggested squirrels and tree interference are likely causes of service interruptions.

Property at NW Corner of Main & Lincoln Streets. Discussion was held on the south building located at the NW corner of Main and Lincoln Streets. Possible future use of the property could be to connect it to the adjacent parcel for future parking or development. Mengler stated she didn't feel the City should get into the real estate business. Additional comments were made by the Mayor and other council members with Brockmann stated the public wants the City to buy the property and build City Hall on Main Street. Jackie Puck moved and Koehler seconded to approve Resolution 2013-40, Approving Purchase Offer with Charles and Sandra Witt, as discussed. Roll call ayes: Jackie Puck, Koehler, Latimer, and Jacob Puck. Nays: Mengler. Motion carried.

S. Downey Street Watermain Project. Koehler moved and Jacob Puck seconded to approve payment #1 to Ellsworth Excavating, Inc., in the amount of $34,634.13, as recommended by the project engineer. Motion carried.

Resolution 2013-38, Obligating Funds from the Consolidated Walcott Urban Renewal Area. Koehler moved and Mengler seconded to approve Resolution 2013-38. Roll call ayes: Koehler, Mengler, Latimer, Jackie Puck, and Jacob Puck. Motion carried. This resolution obligates $76,000 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, Ossian Walcott Investments LC, JDW Holdings LLC, and Sterling Partners LLC for the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2014.

Resolution 2013-39, Obligating Funds from the Walcott Urban Renewal Area #2. Jacob Puck moved and Mengler seconded to approve Resolution 2012-39. Roll call ayes: Jacob Puck, Mengler, Latimer, Koehler, and Jackie Puck. Motion carried. This resolution obligates $17,000 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, 2014.

Ordinance Amending School Stops (crosswalks). Brockmann reported he spoke with the property owner directly across (north) from the school's sidewalk and the owner agreed with the placement of the crosswalk coming straight across the street. Chief Blake stated the school security officer will roll out a stop sign each school day. Mengler introduced and moved to approve the first reading of Ordinance 468-13, Pertaining to School Stops. Seconded by Jacob Puck. Roll call ayes: Mengler, Jacob Puck, Latimer, Koehler, and Jackie Puck. Motion carried.

Police Department Report. Chief Blake presented proposals for incorporating the school logo into a design on the squad cars. He stated two of the three vehicles need done now, the new squad and the Crown Victoria due to peeling of current design. Following discussion on the proposals, Mengler moved and Jackie Puck seconded to approve the proposal from Fox Tail Design, at a cost not to exceed $2,500. Motion carried. The funding is available and will be paid from the Police Vehicle Fund.

Public Works Department Report. Brockmann stated they will begin hydrant flushing this week.

City Clerk's Department Report.

• Employee Life Insurance. Rickertsen reported the 2014 employee life insurance rates will remain the same and are guaranteed until January 1, 2016. Discussion was held that the City policy is to provide a $20,000 life insurance policy for all full-time employees but the company states that employees are not eligible for their policy after age 70 due to the age reduction schedule on the basic life. Mengler moved and Jackie Puck seconded to renew the current life insurance plan with Dearborn National. Motion carried. Rickertsen will check with other companies for a policy for employees after the age 70.
• Investment Policy. The current Investment Policy was reviewed and it was determined that no changes are needed.
• Capital Improvement Plan (CIP). Rickertsen reviewed the projects listed in the CIP for FYE 2014 and 2015. Council agreed that the projects listed will proceed as planned. Rickertsen will proceed with finding services for a streetscape enhancement project on Main Street (sidewalk, storm sewer, and gateway development).
• FYE 2013 Examination Report. Rickertsen presented the examination report for the City for the period July 1, 2012 through June 30, 2013, conducted by the Iowa State Auditor's Office. An examination of records is required each year but Rickertsen suggested a full audit report every four years as previously required.

Attorney's Report. Attorney Schirman reported the closing was held on the property for the potential splash pad. Brockmann will obtain bids on a privacy fence as requested by sellers.

Mayor's Report. Mayor Kostichek reported on his conversation with the City Engineer regarding the lack of progress on the West Bryant Street project.

Old/New Business. The Police and Fire Departments were thanked for their participation during the Halloween parade and trick-or-treating.

Mengler moved and Jacob Puck seconded to adjourn at 7:37 p.m. Motion carried. All votes on motions were unanimous, unless noted.