Category: Meeting Minutes

March 18, 2013

The semi-monthly meeting of the City Council of Walcott, Iowa, was held on Monday, the 18th day of March, 2013, at Walcott City Hall. Mayor Pro Tem John Kostichek called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m. Other council members present were: Tim Koehler, Lisa Mengler, Jackie Puck, and Jacob Puck. Absent: Mayor Couper. City employees present: John Brockmann, Lisa Rickertsen, and Tom Schirman.

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, minutes from March 4, 2013, and the February 2013 Financial Reports. Motion carried.

Audience. Nicole Schoeller, Mary Lincoln, Loretta Beitel, Carol Snay, Wayne Latimer, Verlyn and Josie Dietz, Janice Dawson, Mike Engler, Barb Sissel, and Donna Housley.

Allied Waste : Recycling Recognition. Nicole Schoeller, Municipal Manager with Allied Waste, presented a plaque to the City recognizing the City's recycling efforts in 2012. She congratulated the City on recycling 165 tons of material (4 tons more than last year) which saved 2,822 trees and eliminated 85 tons of air pollutants.

Spring Clean-up. Mengler moved and Jacob Puck seconded to schedule spring clean-up day on Saturday, May 4th from 2:5 p.m. Motion carried. This will be located at the Public Works building for Walcott residents only. No electronic, business, or household hazardous waste. Tires, appliances, and bulky items will be accepted at no charge.

Iowa 80 Truckstop TIF Rebate Application. Rickertsen explained this project includes demolition of an existing building and replacing with a larger Morton building. Koehler moved and Kostichek seconded to approve the TIF rebate application from Iowa 80 Truckstop. Motion carried.

Fire Department Tube Heater : Electrical Issues. Brockmann requested direction on how to proceed with electrical fixtures that need to be installed in the Fire Department bays. Consensus was to have Central City present a bid amount for the installation of electrical fixtures which have been previously purchased. Discussion was also held on Central City replacing the electrical panel in order to accommodate the tube heater that was recently installed. Power to the Fire Department/City Hall building is expected to be off for several hours in order to replace the panel. City Hall will be closed on Friday, March 29th, so the electrical panel can be upgraded.

Proposed Municipal Building Renovation at 1113 N. Main Street. Rickertsen reported on changes on the proposed flyer, including updated figures received from the architect. Verlyn and Josie Dietz asked the Council to look at cutting items from the proposed renovation project that are not needed or required. A lengthy discussion followed and Council Members Koehler and Kostichek both reported on various code requirements the City must follow when renovating a city-owned building. Final review of the proposed flyer and mailing materials will be on the next agenda for approval.

Ordinance 462-13, Amending Chapter 65 Pertaining to Four-Way Stop Intersections. Donna Housley questioned if any studies had been completed or if anyone had been injured at the area of the proposed four-way stop at Main and James Streets. She stated during ball season, most people cross Main Street at Otis Street. Brockmann presented two proposals: install stop signs on Main Street that fold in half which would only be utilized during school crossing times at an approximate cost of $492 or install a permanent red flashing stop light at an approximate cost of $8,358. Following discussion, Koehler moved and Jackie Puck seconded to proceed with proposal #1, purchase the folding signs as presented. Motion carried. The proposed Ordinance 462-13 was not presented for a second reading, therefore is considered defeated and will not become effective.

Ordinance 461-13, Amending Chapter 92 Regarding Water Rates. Kostichek moved and Jacob Puck seconded to approve the second reading of Ordinance 461-13. Roll call ayes: Kostichek, Jacob Puck, Jackie Puck, Mengler, and Koehler. Motion carried. The rates will increase $.50 per 1,000 gallons of water usage, beginning with the July 1st bill.

Public Work's Department Report. Brockmann reported on recent sewer blockages and a water main break.

City Clerk's Department Report. Council scheduled a joint meeting with the Vision Committee for April 10th at 6:00 p.m.

Mayor's Report. In absence of Mayor Couper, Mayor Pro Tem Kostichek proclaimed March 26th as Walcott Lion's Day.

Questions/Concerns. Rickertsen stated Fire Chief Hahn had a conflict with attending this meeting and plans on being present at the April 1st meeting.

Mengler moved and Koehler seconded to adjourn at 7:15 p.m. Motion carried. All votes on motions were unanimous, unless noted.

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March 4, 2013

The semi-monthly meeting of the City Council of Walcott, Iowa, was held on Monday, the 4th day of March, 2013, 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: Jeff Blake, John Brockmann, Jackie Huston, Lisa Rickertsen, Linda Rivers, and Tom Schirman.

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

Public Hearing. Mayor Couper opened the public hearing on the FYE 2014 budget. The proposed tax levy will remain at 9.9999 per $1,000 valuation on regular property. Rickertsen reported the budget includes $500,000 for a proposed fire truck and $915,000 in proposed capital projects. These will be paid from reserve funds that were set-aside for the vehicle purchase and projects. No other oral or written comments were received. Jackie Puck moved and Kostichek seconded to close the public hearing and resume the regular meeting.

Consent Agenda. Koehler moved and Jacob Puck seconded to approve the consent agenda including the invoices and minutes from February 18, 2013. Motion carried.

Audience. Wayne Latimer and Sandy Liebbe.

Liability/Property/WC Insurance Renewal. Rickertsen recommended renewing in the IAMU Safety Group Insurance Program with EMC Insurance Company. Kostichek moved and Mengler seconded to renew the insurance with EMC Insurance Company. Motion carried.

Summer Youth Program. Rickertsen reported the rate for a six-week summer youth program with Scott County YMCA will remain the same as last year. Mengler moved and Koehler seconded to approve the 2013 Summer Youth Program as presented. Motion carried. Fees are $65 per participant for children residing in city limits or Fire District #6 and $191.70 for non-residents. The program will run from June 17th : July 26th on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays.

Resolution 2013-9, Approving the Adoption of the Budget for FYE 2014. Jackie Puck moved and Kostichek seconded to approve Resolution 2013-9. Roll call ayes: Jackie Puck, Kostichek, Koehler, Mengler, and Jacob Puck. Motion carried.

Resolution 2013-10, Accepting Mack Road Improvements. Rickertsen reported the developer's project engineer submitted a letter stating the public improvements were completed and recommended the City accept the improvements and the maintenance bond was in order. Koehler moved and Jacob Puck seconded to approve 2013-10. Roll call ayes: Koehler, Jacob Puck, Jackie Puck, Mengler, and Kostichek. Motion carried.

Resolution 2013-11, Adopting the Revised Articles of Agreement of the Bi-State Regional Commission. Rickertsen reported Bi-State Regional Commission made revisions to the Articles of Agreement that create the Commission. The revisions were necessitated by the desire to match the timing of municipal elections for small member government representatives and to update warrant approval language as it is stated within the By-Laws. All local government members need to take formal action to approve of the changes. Koehler moved and Jackie Puck seconded to approve Resolution 2013-11. Roll call ayes: Koehler, Jackie Puck, Jacob Puck, Kostichek, and Mengler. Motion carried.

Ordinance 461-13, Amending Chapter 92 Regarding Water Rates. Kostichek moved and Mengler seconded to approve the second reading of Ordinance 461-13. Roll call ayes: Kostichek, Mengler, Koehler, Jacob Puck, and Jackie Puck. Motion carried. The rates will increase $.50 per 1,000 gallons of water usage, beginning with the July 1st bill.

Ordinance 462-13, Amending Chapter 65 Pertaining to Four-Way Stop Intersections. Sandy Liebbe questioned the necessity of placing a four-way stop at the intersection of Main and James Streets. She stated she was not aware of any problems and believes the lights may create more problems. Jackie Puck responded the proposed four-way stop is due to safety issues (crossing guard may not always be present) and Mengler stated they are looking at it to be proactive. Brockmann reported it will be costly to install flashing lights at the intersection but he will have costs, including other options, to present at the next meeting. Jackie Puck moved and Kostichek seconded to table the second reading of Ordinance 462-13. Motion carried. This ordinance will add a four-way stop at the intersection of Main and James Streets.

Proposed Municipal Building Renovation at 1113 N. Main Street. Mayor Couper read past council minutes regarding the property at 1113 N. Main Street so that all present had a complete history of actions taken since February 2010. Discussion was held on the flyer and information regarding the proposed renovation. Rickertsen was asked to contact the architect and include the cost of a new building with comparable square footage at 1113 N. Main Street. Following further discussion, changes will be made to the flyer and brought back to council at the next meeting for their approval.

Building Department Report. Linda Rivers, Building Official, introduced herself and reported on permits and inspections for the month of February. She also reported on recent letters sent to businesses regarding backflow prevention. She stated there are different ways to achieve backflow prevention, depending on what the business risk level is and not all types need to be inspected every year. Rivers will also be sending letters out this spring to properties that do not have their address numbers displayed properly. Rivers reported on property nuisances she has been working on and questioned the Council about proceeding with the dilapidated buildings across from the school. Council consensus was for Rivers to proceed with buildings as defined in the Dangerous Buildings Ordinance.

Police Department Report. Chief Blake reported on the Citizen Police Academy and officer training.

Public Work's Department Report. Brockmann reported the costs of an engine replacement for a City dump truck is $21,000. Discussion was held on snow removal issues and Brockmann asks that residents contact him directly if they have issues.

Mayor's Report. Mayor Couper reported that the Fire Department is short on volunteers for day-time calls. Rickertsen stated she anticipates Fire Chief Hahn will be present at the next meeting.

Kostichek moved and Mengler seconded to adjourn at 7:40 p.m. Motion carried. All votes on motions were unanimous, unless noted.

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February 18, 2013

The semi-monthly meeting of the City Council of Walcott, Iowa, was held on Monday, the 18th day of February, 2013, 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: Jeff Blake, John Brockmann, Jackie Huston, Lisa Rickertsen, and Tom Schirman.

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

Consent Agenda. Kostichek moved and Jacob Puck seconded to approve the consent agenda including the invoices, minutes from February 4, 2013, and the January 2013 Financial Reports. Motion carried.

Audience. Wayne Latimer, Verlyn Dietz, and Josie Dietz.

Planning & Zoning Commission Recommendation. Jackie Huston, Planning & Zoning Administrator, was present to discuss the recommendation from the Planning & Zoning Commission to deny the request from John Wegener to deed over the right-of-way that runs through their family farm ground. Commission members voted to recommend the City retain the right-of-way for potential development. Koehler moved and Mengler seconded to accept the recommendation from the Planning & Zoning Commission. Motion carried. Discussion was also held on the questions and concerns expressed from the Planning & Zoning Commission regarding issues with driveways near the school being blocked during school functions and safety issues of children crossing from the school to vehicles parked on the north side of James Street. Brockmann will contact the City Engineer to look at the feasibility of filling in the ditch on the north side of James Street.

Mack Road Improvements. Rickertsen reported the developer's project engineer submitted a letter stating the public improvements were completed and recommended the City accept the improvements. Brockmann had no issues with the recommendation and Attorney Schirman stated the City Engineer was not asked to inspect the improvements during the construction process and therefore did not provide a recommendation. Rickertsen stated she will prepare a resolution accepting improvements for a future meeting, following receipt of a revised maintenance bond she requested from the developer.

W. Bryant Street/Powers Street Improvements Project. Proposed Sidewalk Assessments. Rickertsen presented maps of the properties along the project that currently do not have sidewalks and questioned proposed assessment locations. Following discussion, Rickertsen will inform the City Engineer of the locations so he can prepare the required preliminary assessment plat and estimated cost. The City will send letters to affected property owners once the plat and estimated cost is received.

Proposed City Hall/Police Department Renovation at 1113 N. Main Street. Verlyn and Josie Dietz presented their concerns with the proposed renovations. Their concerns included the high renovation cost and the library's disinterest in relocating to the basement of the building. The Dietzs also were concerned about an effort by some citizens to build a new city hall in the downtown area. They felt that this was not what the majority of the citizens wanted as expressed through the findings of the Downtown Assessment report. Mayor Couper reported the City is following a decision making process on the proposed renovation of the building which included a design phase with the committee and architect. The City Council is now using that information to determine the feasibility of the project. The Mayor and City Council responded to the Dietzs' concerns stating that the estimated renovation cost that was presented at the public Visioning meeting in January 2012 exceeded $1 .2 million. The current estimated renovation cost is nearly $1.1 million (not including purchase cost). They noted that the Scott County Library Board is an independent board that makes decisions regarding the locations and needs of all library branches and therefore the City of Walcott cannot dictate where the library will be located or how much space they require. Last summer the Library Board Director requested an optimal size of 5,500 square feet and the available basement area of this building is only 1,900 square feet. Rickertsen explained that the renovation costs include updates to meet energy efficiency standards and the American Disability Act requirements for governmental buildings. Following further discussion, the council concurred to continue with the decision making process by preparing information to update the citizens on the facts and status of the project. Information will be prepared and brought to a future council meeting.

Resolution 2013-7, Accepting Improvements and Authorizing Final Payment of the North Lift Station Improvements Project. Kostichek moved and Jacob Puck seconded to approve Resolution 2013-7. Roll call ayes: Kostichek, Jacob Puck, Koehler, Mengler, and Jackie Puck. Motion carried. The final payment of $1,000 will be paid to Jim Schroeder Construction. The project construction costs totaled $363,418.05.

Resolution 2013-8, Approving Wage for Crossing Guard. Koehler moved and Mengler seconded to approve Resolution 2013-8. Roll call ayes: Koehler, Mengler, and Kostichek. Jackie Puck and Jacob Puck abstained due to family relationship to the individual hired. Motion carried.

Ordinance 461-13, Amending Chapter 92 Regarding Water Rates. Jackie Puck introduced Ordinance 461-13 and moved to approve the first reading. Kostichek seconded. Roll call ayes: Jackie Puck, Kostichek, Mengler, Koehler, and Jacob Puck. Motion carried. The rates will increase $.50 per 1,000 gallons of water usage, beginning with the July 1st bill.

Ordinance 462-13, Amending Chapter 65 Pertaining to Four-Way Stop Intersections. Discussion was held on the safety concerns at the crosswalk at Main and James Streets and the difficulty of installing stop signs due to the intersection layout. Mengler introduced Ordinance 462-13 and moved to approve the first reading. Kostichek seconded. Roll call ayes: Mengler, Kostichek, Koehler, Jacob Puck and Jackie Puck. Motion carried. This ordinance will add a four-way stop at the intersection of Main and James Streets. Brockmann will obtain costs on installing a blinking light at the intersection.

Police Department Report. Chief Blake reported his department is following up on illegally parked vehicles on city streets.

Public Work's Department Report. Brockmann reported he is obtaining costs on an engine replacement for a City dump truck. Jacob Puck questioned the pine trees lying near the pond at Prairie Park. Brockmann responded the trees will be placed in the pond this spring for fish habitat.

City Clerk's Report. Rickertsen reported on the building department activities for the month of January.

Questions/Concerns. Koehler expressed concerns and requested an update be presented to the council regarding the upcoming purchase of a Fire Department vehicle. Rickertsen will invite a fire department representative to a March council meeting.

Jackie Puck moved and Mengler seconded to adjourn at 7:56 p.m. Motion carried. All votes on motions were unanimous, unless noted.

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February 4, 2013

The semi-monthly meeting of the City Council of Walcott, Iowa, was held on Monday, the 4th day of February, 2013, 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: Jeff Blake, John Brockmann, Lisa Rickertsen, and Tom Schirman.

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

Consent Agenda. Koehler moved and Mengler seconded to approve the consent agenda including the invoices and minutes from January 21, 2013. Motion carried.

Audience. Wayne Latimer.

W. Bryant Street Project. Sidewalk Assessments : Kostichek questioned the installation of sidewalks on the rear side of some properties along W. Bryant Street. Discussion was held that although this block is very unique, sidewalks would still be required and they would link to neighboring blocks. Following further discussion, Kostichek moved and Jackie Puck seconded to approve the engineering fees from Verbeke-Meyer, in the amount of $6,500, for the proposed sidewalk assessment project, in conjunction with the W. Bryant Street paving project. Motion carried.

Purchase Approval – John Deere Tractor/Mower. Brockmann presented a project worksheet requesting replacement of a John Deere tractor/mower. He reported the current tractor is need of costly repairs and the costs presented include a trade-in value. Jackie Puck moved and Kostichek seconded to approve purchasing a John Deere 3320 tractor/mower with loader from Precision Equipment at a cost of $16,000 (includes trade-in). Motion carried.

XStream Cleanup. Rickertsen reported on the letter from Karen Wilke, Watershed Coordinator, inquiring if Walcott would be interested in hosting an XStream Cleanup site on one of the creeks or drainage ditches. Discussion was held that cleanup work has been done in the past and most felt that the areas won't require much additional work. Kostichek moved and Mengler seconded to host an XStream Cleanup and request Wilke visit the City to see if she feels there are areas that would be suitable for participation. Motion carried.

FYE 2014 Budget. Rickertsen reported on the proposed FYE 2014 budget and stated that due to the state rollback residential property valuations increased 4%. Following discussion, Mengler moved and Jacob Puck seconded to set the public hearing on March 4th at 6:00 p.m. Motion carried. The levy rate will remain the same at $9.99999 per $1,000 taxable valuation.

Police Department Report. Discussion was held on the vacant crossing guard position and the safety concerns of the crosswalk at the intersection of N. Main and James Streets. Chief Blake recommended making the intersection a 4-way stop. Rickertsen was asked to prepare an ordinance for the next agenda regarding a proposed 4-way stop at N. Main and James Streets. Following further discussion, consensus was to advertise the crossing guard position as two shifts at a rate of $10 each shift.

City Clerk's Report. Rickertsen reported the audit for FYE 2012 will be released on February 6th and the State Auditor's office quoted $5,000 – $6,200 to do the annual examination for FYE 2013.

Questions/Concerns. Kostichek questioned the status of the Y-40 (Plainview Road) watermain, located in an easement, at the property owned by Avery Land & Farming LLC. Brockmann responded the property owner has not proceeded any further. Koehler questioned the next step on the proposed municipal building project. Rickertsen replied that she would place it on the next agenda.

Koehler moved and Mengler seconded to adjourn at 6:58 p.m. Motion carried. All votes on motions were unanimous, unless noted.

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January 21, 2013

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

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

Consent Agenda. Koehler moved and Mengler seconded to approve the consent agenda including the invoices, December 2012 Financial Reports, liquor license renewal for Gramma's Kitchen and The Checkered Flag, and Resolution 2013-6, Establishing New Fund and Transfer of Funds. Roll call ayes: Koehler, Mengler, Kostichek, Jackie Puck, and Jacob Puck. Motion carried.

Audience. Wayne Latimer, Joe Taylor, and Karla Burt.

Approval of Minutes from 01/07/13. Jacob Puck moved and Koehler seconded to approve the minutes from January 7, 2013. Mengler and Jackie Puck abstained due to absence. Motion carried.

Approval of Minutes from 01/14/13. Koehler moved and Jacob Puck seconded to approve the minutes from January 14, 2013. Jackie Puck abstained due to absence. Motion carried.

Quad Cities Convention & Visitors Bureau. Joe Taylor, Quad Cities Convention & Visitors Bureau, was present to request the council consider a contribution again for FYE 2014. Walcott currently contributes $2,500 annually. Council members expressed concerns that the City was not promoted through the Quad Cities 2013 Visitors Guide. Taylor stated that Walcott organizations can go online and submit community events at www.visitquadcities.com.

Walcott Chamber of Commerce. Karla Burt, Walcott Chamber of Commerce, asked the council to reconsider moving City Hall away from the downtown area.

W. Bryant Street Project. Discussion was held on the engineering fees for the stormwater drainage improvements on W. Bryant Street Project. Preliminary cost opinions were also presented on two drainage route proposals for the stormwater. Koehler moved and Jacob Puck seconded to approve the engineering fees for the stormwater drainage improvements with Verbeke-Meyer at a fee of $15,200 plus $1,700 per easement, if needed. Motion carried. Brockmann will continue to work with the City Engineer to determine the best drainage route option. Rickertsen questioned the council's intent to move forward with sidewalk assessments for the properties along the proposed street project route that currently do not have sidewalks. Council consensus was to continue with the special assessment process. Rickertsen reported the City Engineer should have the engineering fees available by the next regular council meeting.

Police Department Report. Chief Blake reported on upcoming training that various officers will be attending. He also presented the following project worksheets:

  • Patrol Bicycle : Jackie Puck moved and Mengler seconded to approve the purchase for a second patrol bicycle at a cost not to exceed $1,424. Motion carried. The purchase will be paid for by funds received from Iowa 80/CAT Scale Go Iowa Endowment Fund.
  • Handguns : Kostichek moved and Jacob Puck seconded to purchase six handguns at a cost not to exceed $2,921. Motion carried. Discussion was held on what to do with the six current handguns. Blake reported he will be returning three handguns to the state as they were originally purchased with state funds. He reported all but one part-time officer owns their own gun. Consensus was to keep the remaining three guns for part-time officer use.

Public Work's Department Report. Brockmann presented his report including his memo, regarding 1113 N. Main Street, which contained cost estimates on storm sewer, sidewalks, and asbestos abatement and his recommendation not to proceed with the building renovations at this time.

City Clerk's Report. Discussion was held on the proposed FYE 2014 budget. Consensus was to budget a contribution of $1,000 to Quad City Convention and Visitors Bureau, lower the budget request of a new fire vehicle from $600,000 to $500,000, and increase water rates by $.50 per 1,000 gallons. An ordinance will be prepared for a future meeting for the water rate increase which will be effective with the July 1st billing. Jackie Puck moved and Mengler seconded to request the State Auditor's Office perform the FYE 2013 examination. Motion carried. Rickertsen reported on the building department activities for the month of December and a letter from Scott County Health Department regarding the County budgeting to contract for an EMS system study.

Koehler moved and Mengler seconded to adjourn at 6:59 p.m. Motion carried. All votes on motions were unanimous, unless noted.

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January 7, 2013

The semi-monthly meeting of the City Council of Walcott, Iowa, was held on Monday, the 7th day of January, 2013, 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, and Jacob Puck. Absent: Lisa Mengler and Jackie Puck. City employees present: Jeff Blake, John Brockmann, Lisa Rickertsen, and Tom Schirman.

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

Consent Agenda. Rickertsen reported that the payment to Iowa Economic Development Authority for $38,651.20 included in the invoices is in regards to a partial reimbursement of the CAT Grant for the Prairie Park and Heritage Recreational Trail Project. Discussion was held regarding the details of the grant and that the reimbursement was due to improper figures used by the grant writer that was hired to prepare the grant. Kostichek moved and Jacob Puck seconded to approve the consent agenda including the invoices, minutes from December 17, 2012, Resolution 2013-1, Authorizing Certain Payments Before a Council Meeting, Resolution 2013-2 Designating Official Newspaper, Resolution 2013-3 Designating Financial Institutions as Depositories, and Resolution 2013-4 Establishing the Standard Mileage Rate Reimbursement. Roll call ayes: Kostichek, Jacob Puck, and Koehler. Motion carried.

Audience. Wayne Latimer.

Donation to Durant Ambulance. Koehler moved and Jacob Puck seconded to approve the annual donation in the amount of $1,000 to Durant Ambulance. Motion carried.

Purchase Approval for Tube Heater. Brockmann presented a project worksheet to install a radiant tube heater in the Fire Department bays. The quote from Crawford Company included city permit fees, which are not required for city projects. Koehler questioned if the permit fees were deleted would their cost be less than the quote from Brooks Energy Service. Brockmann responded that Brooks Energy does the regular maintenance at City buildings, they respond quickly to urgent service requests, and he would prefer to keep the business local even if there is a small cost difference. Jacob Puck moved and Kostichek seconded to approve hiring Brooks Energy Services to install a radiant tube heater at a cost of $3,725. Koehler opposed. Motion carried. The installation does not include any wiring.

Resolution 2013-5, Establishing Policy Regarding the Use of Economic Development Incentives (TIF Rebate Program). Koehler moved and Kostichek seconded to approve Resolution 2013-5. Roll call ayes: Koehler, Kostichek, and Jacob Puck. Motion carried. Approval of this Resolution extends the program to December 31, 2013, with the same percentages as last year.

Police Department Report. Chief Blake reported the Police Department received a grant from Iowa 80/CAT Scale Go Iowa Endowment fund for $1,424 for the purchase of another city patrol bicycle.

Public Work's Department Report. Brockmann presented his report including the watermain break on Bridge Lane and the structure damage on the northwest bridge at Heritage Recreational Trail from snowmobiles driving across it. Residents are reminded that snowmobiles are not allowed in any park or on any other city property.

City Clerk's Report. A special council meeting workshop will be held on January 14th at 5:30 p.m. at City Hall to review and discuss the FYE 2014 budget. Discussion was held on sidewalks that have not been cleared. The Building Official will be asked to send letters to properties that have not been cleared.

Mayor Report. Mayor Couper thanked the former Policy & Administration Committee (Jackie Puck and Mengler) for getting Department Head reviews completed.

Koehler moved and Jacob Puck seconded to adjourn at 6:35 p.m. Motion carried. All votes on motions were unanimous, unless noted.

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