The semi-monthly meeting of the City Council of Walcott, Iowa, was held on Monday, the 15th day of December, 2014, at Walcott City Hall. Mayor John Kostichek called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m. Council members present were: Virgil Wayne Latimer, Lisa Mengler, Jackie Puck, and Jacob Puck. Absent: Tim Koehler. City employees present: Jeff Blake, Josh Geigle, Lisa Rickertsen, and Tom Schirman.

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

Consent Agenda. Latimer moved and Jacob Puck seconded to approve the consent agenda including the invoices, minutes from December 1, 2014, and the November 2014 financial reports. Motion carried.

Introduction of Audience. Karla Burt, William Belz, Joe Hahn, and Donna Housley.

Vision Committee. Karla Burt was present on behalf of the Vision Committee to discuss approaching the Walcott School about having a liaison and exploring development of a group to provide assistance, when practical to the school. The school is important to the community and Mayor Kostichek stated he is proud of our local school and supports good communications. Jackie Puck moved and Mengler seconded to have a Vision Committee representative, Karla Burt, be a liaison between the Walcott School and City. Motion carried.

Police Department Report. Chief Blake reported the department will be receiving grant funds to purchase body cameras. He will prepare a project worksheet for a future meeting, following an official grant announcement. Burt stated she appreciated the service from the Police Department during a recent business break-in at her property. Housley questioned the procedure when observing a suspected pit bull. Chief Blake stated residents should call the Police Department when the dog is out so he can see it. Residents may also contact the Scott County non-emergency number, 388-3904, and they can dispatch a Walcott Officer if one is on duty.

Property at 1113 N. Main Street. Rickertsen stated the Realtor called and questioned if the City would be interested in leasing the city-owned building at 1113 N. Main Street for one year. Discussion was held that the objective is to sell the building. Mengler moved and Latimer seconded to not lease the building. Motion carried.

W. Bryant Street Project : Request for Early Release of Retainage. City Engineer, Jon White, sent a letter regarding the request from the W. Bryant Street Project contractor, NJ Miller, Inc., to have a portion of the currently retained funds released. The project is substantially complete and the remaining project items, which include top soiling, seeding, and mulching, will be completed in the spring. Attorney Schirman discussed the steps as outlined in the Iowa Code for such requests. Council had no objections to the request and directed Rickertsen to notify the City Engineer to proceed with the request process.

Appointments by Mayor. Mayor Kostichek reappointed Danielle Blake to the Park Board for a five year term ending 12/31/19. Jacob Puck moved and Mengler seconded to approve the Mayor's appointment. Motion carried.

Appointments by Council. Jackie Puck moved and Mengler seconded to reappoint Lon Warnecke to the Planning & Zoning Commission, term ending 12/31/19. Motion carried. Jackie Puck moved and Mengler seconded to reappoint Kristal Koberg-Schaefer to the Zoning Board of Adjustment, term ending 12/31/19. Motion carried.

Fire Department Report. Chief Geigle reported only one bid was received for the 1987 Ford Pumper Truck. Chief Geigle opened the bid during the meeting and stated it was from JDN Investments Inc. in the amount of $5,000. He reported he had not received further communication from the Midwest Center for Public Safety Training (MCPST), who earlier inquired about the City donating the truck in return for free training at the center for the Fire Department. Geigle and Hahn both stated it could take years to use up free training, if that option was even still available. Following further discussion, Jackie Puck moved and Mengler seconded to proceed with selling the 1987 Ford Pumper Truck to JDN Investments for $5,000. Motion carried. The transfer of ownership will take place after the new truck has been delivered and is in service. Geigle stated the new truck should be delivered in January.

Attorney's Report. Schirman reported on the email received from a resident regarding Resolution 2014-36 that was approved by City Council on November 3rd. Discussion ensued and the City deems that the policy is permitted within the Iowa Code to limit dangerous weapons on city owned property.

Mayor's Report. Mayor Kostichek thanked the City Council, departments, committees, and public for working together throughout the year to improve the image of the community.

Questions/Concerns. William Belz presented a petition, with forty signatures, to un-ban pitbull type dogs.

Jackie Puck moved and Latimer seconded to adjourn at 6:50 p.m. Motion carried. All votes on motions were unanimous, unless noted.

Walcott Chamber December 2014 Newsletter

The semi-monthly meeting of the City Council of Walcott, Iowa, was held on Monday, the 1st day of December, 2014, 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: Jeff Blake, John Brockmann, Lisa Rickertsen, and Tom Schirman.

Mengler moved and Jackie 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 November 17, 2014, Resolution 2014-40, Transfer of Funds, and the 2014-2015 Winter Maintenance Proposal with Scott County. Roll call ayes: Jackie Puck, Koehler, Latimer, Mengler, and Jacob Puck. Motion carried.

Introduction of Audience. Larry Koberg and David Nichols.

Vision Committee. Larry Koberg reported the Vision Committee discussed exploring a "Friends of the School" group to provide assistance as needed. Karla Burt will be at the December 15th meeting to discuss the idea further with the City Council.

Proposed Municipal Building : Architect Contract. Attorney Schirman had concerns with a few items in the proposed contract. Architect David Nichols responded in the event the City elects not to proceed with a phase of the project, the billing would be consistent with the amount of work done to that point. He also stated if the project did not move forward and the City later wanted drawings, they would release them following a request in writing from the City. Latimer moved and Mengler seconded to approve the architect contract with Downing Architects. Motion carried.

Resolution 2014-41, Accepting Improvements & Authorizing Final Payment for S. Downey Street Watermain Project. Mengler moved and Jacob Puck seconded to approve Resolution 2014-41. Roll call ayes: Mengler, Jacob Puck, Jackie Puck, Koehler, and Latimer. Motion carried. The project total is $65,442.61 and the final payment to Ellsworth Excavating is $3,272.13.

Resolution 2014-42, Approving an Amendment to the Personnel Policy Handbook. Koehler moved and Mengler seconded to approve Resolution 2014-42. Roll call ayes: Koehler, Mengler, Latimer, and Jacob Puck. Nays: Jackie Puck. Motion carried. This change discontinues the reimbursement of employee prescriptions.

Public Works Department Report. The vacation policy and the importance of cross-training personnel were discussed. Brockmann stated he is cross-trained to perform the basic functions at the wastewater treatment plant and he is still considering options regarding a Grade 3 operator position.

City Clerk's Department Report. Since the City Council had no changes or concerns with the new city website, it will be launched later this week.

Questions/Concerns. Koehler questioned the health insurance renewal process. Rickertsen stated the renewal rates are usually received in late October but quotes will be obtained from other companies earlier next fall for the 2016 renewal. He also had questions on the lighted utility pole decorations.

Mengler moved and Jacob Puck seconded to adjourn at 6:47 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 17th day of November, 2014, 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: Jeff Blake, Lisa Rickertsen, and Tom Schirman.

Mengler moved and Jackie Puck 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 November 3, 2014, and the October 2014 financial reports. Motion carried.

Introduction of Audience. Larry Koberg, Bernard Brus, William Belz, Kevin Toft, and Josie Dietz.

Kevin Toft : Scott County Sno-Seekers. Kevin Toft was present regarding the Scott County Sno-Seekers request to have their future annual swap meets in Walcott. Jackie Puck stated she visited the Sno-Seekers annual swap meet on November 2nd and was impressed by the appearance and organization. Rickertsen stated during the last Park Board meeting they recommended allowing the Scott County Sno-Seekers to have their annual swap meet at Victory Park but there were also concerns regarding vehicles driving and parking on the grass in the park. Discussion was held on the Sno-Seekers food trailer. W.U.F. representative Larry Koberg was present and will talk to the W.U.F. board regarding the concessions. Mengler moved and Latimer seconded to allow the Scott County Sno-Seekers to hold their annual swap meet at Victory Park starting in November, 2015. Motion carried.

Vision Committee. Larry Koberg and Josie Dietz were present on behalf of the Vision Committee. Koberg presented cost estimates for installation and maintenance of flower baskets on the proposed decorative light poles in conjunction with the North Main Street Enhancement Project. He asked that the Council consider the costs during budget discussions in January, which was agreed. The Vision Committee members were thanked for their efforts.

Minutes Publication. North Scott Press (NSP) Publisher, Bill Tubbs, arrived and apologized for not publishing the November 3rd council minutes in the November 12th edition. Rickertsen stated after receiving notification from the NSP that the minutes would not be published on the 12th, they were sent to the Quad City Times in order to meet the 15-day publishing requirement per the Iowa Code. Tubbs assured the Council the minutes would be published in a timely manner in the future.

Victory Park : South Shelter Roof Repairs. Koehler moved and Jacob Puck seconded to table the Victory Park South Shelter roof repairs until two quotes are received and prices are guaranteed until spring. Motion carried.

TIF Rebate Payment : Petersen Health Systems. Mengler moved and Jackie Puck seconded to approve the semi-annual TIF rebate payment to Petersen Health Systems in the amount of $6,378.97. Motion carried.

S. Downey Street Water Main Project. Concerns were received by a citizen regarding the quality of the recent blacktopping on S. Downey Street. Following discussion, Latimer moved and Jackie Puck seconded to approve payment #6 to Ellsworth Excavating for $9,044. Motion carried.

Resolution 2014-37, Approval of FYE 2014 Annual Urban Renewal Report. Jackie Puck moved and Latimer seconded to approve Resolution 2014-37. Roll call ayes: Jackie Puck, Latimer, Mengler, Koehler, and Jacob Puck. Motion carried.

Resolution 2014-38, Authorizing Internal Advance for Main Street Enhancement Project. Rickertsen stated the advance is for engineering fees related to the Main Street Enhancement project within the Urban Renewal Area. Koehler moved and Jacob Puck seconded to approve Resolution 2014-38. Roll call ayes: Koehler, Jacob Puck, Jackie Puck, Latimer, and Mengler. Motion carried.

Resolution 2014-39, Approving Wage Increase for Building Official. Mengler moved and Jacob Puck seconded to approve Resolution 2014-39, Approving Wage Increase for Building Official. Roll call ayes: Mengler, Jacob Puck, Koehler, Latimer, and Jackie Puck. Motion carried. The increase is for her recent ICC (International Code Council) Mechanical Inspector certification as authorized in the Walcott Personnel Policy Handbook.

W. Bryant Street Project. Rickertsen reported that Brockmann was not recommending approval of change order #5, in the amount of $1,168.30), regarding installation and removal of handicap ramps. Following discussion, Mengler moved and Latimer seconded to approve the revised payment #5 (less change order #5 costs) to N.J. Miller, in the amount of $74,757.03, as recommended by the City Engineer and Public Works Director. Motion carried. No action was taken on the Resolution Approving Change Order #5.

Proposed Municipal Building : Architect Fees. Architectural proposals were received from the three architects interviewed in 2012. Rickertsen stated the RFP did not include soil tests, site survey, or interior designs. Jackie Puck moved and Mengler seconded to approve hiring the architect that submitted the lowest of the three proposals, Downing Architects. Motion carried.

Employee Health & Dental Insurance. Discussion was held on the employee health and dental renewal. The total premiums are up 13% for 2015 although the five year average is less than a 5% increase. Following a lengthy discussion, Mengler moved and Jacob Puck seconded to renew the current (grandfathered) health and dental plans and discontinue reimbursement of employee prescriptions starting January 1, 2015. Nays: Jackie Puck. Motion carried.

Public Works Department Report. At the last meeting Brockmann requested the vacation policy be reviewed. Due to his absence from the meeting, the Vacation Policy will be included on the next agenda.

Mayor Report. Mayor Kostichek thanked the Vision Committee for their renewed efforts.

Questions/Concerns. A concern was expressed regarding a trailer(s) illegally parked on James Street. Chief Blake will look at the problem.

Jackie Puck moved and Mengler seconded to adjourn at 7:23 p.m. Motion carried. All votes on motions were unanimous, unless noted.

November 2014 Chamber Newsletter

The semi-monthly meeting of the City Council of Walcott, Iowa, was held on Monday, the 3rd day of November, 2014, 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, Jackie Puck, and Jacob Puck. Absent: Virgil Wayne Latimer. City employees present: Jeff Blake, John Brockmann, Josh Geigle, Lisa Rickertsen, and Tom Schirman.

Mengler moved and Jackie Puck 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 October 20, 2014, and Resolution 2014-34, Transfer of Funds. Roll call ayes: Koehler, Jacob Puck, Jackie Puck, and Mengler. Motion carried.

Audience. Larry Koberg, Josie Dietz, Gene Meyer, Jason Holdorf, Donna Housley, and Janice Dawson.

Vision Committee. Larry Koberg and Josie Dietz were present on behalf of the Vision Committee. Koberg reported on the cost estimates for hanging flower baskets on the proposed decorative light poles, in conjunction with the North Main Street Enhancement Project. He stated they will pursue civic organizations to determine financial commitments. Following discussion, Koehler stated he would like to see a total of all start-up and reoccurring annual costs, including labor costs. Koberg also stated they are looking for ideas on a location for a Walcott sign. He reported the Committee contacted a property owner on the north side of Walcott Road (old Hwy 6), and the owner is not interested.

Main Street Enhancement. Jason Holdorf, Missman Inc., was present to discuss the concept plans for the North Main Street Enhancement Project. Holdorf presented different options including adding storm sewer on the east side. Brockmann stated the decorative lighting should continue to Welcome Park. Rickertsen reported earlier this year the council approved up to $600,000 of tax increment financing funds towards the project and reported Local Option Sales Tax funds could also be utilized. Following further discussion, Koehler moved and Jacob Puck seconded to proceed with the next step (design plans) of the project. Motion carried. Rickertsen questioned if the City Council was still interested in pursuing Mediacom to extend their cable for high speed internet. It was discussed Mediacom could utilize the same trench as the storm sewer. There were no objections to contacting Mediacom and allowing them to install their cable in conjunction with the project.

Realtor Contract. Rickertsen reported the individual who contacted City Hall about the building at 1113 N. Main Street has now stated he was only interested in leasing the building. Koehler moved and Jackie Puck seconded to approve the contract (listing agreement for 1113 N. Main Street) with Mel Foster Real Estate Services (Agent Nick Bert) as originally submitted. Motion carried.

Resolution 2014-35, Obligating Funds from the Consolidated Walcott Urban Renewal Area. Mengler moved and Jacob Puck seconded to approve Resolution 2013-35. Roll call ayes: Mengler, Jacob Puck, Jackie Puck, and Koehler. Motion carried. This resolution obligates $53,150 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, 2015.

Resolution 2014-36, Weapons Policy. A question regarding the legality of the proposed policy was asked and Attorney Schirman stated cities have home rule authority and he doesn't feel it is prohibited. Blake reported on the costs of signs/stickers for city buildings and property. Jackie Puck moved and Koehler seconded to approve Resolution 2014-36. Roll call ayes: Jackie Puck, Koehler, Mengler, and Jacob Puck. Motion carried.

Fire Department Report. Geigle stated the new pumper truck is scheduled to be completed by the end of the month. He reported the Midwest Center for Public Safety Training (MCPST) inquired about the City donating the truck to be replaced, 1987 Ford K-C 8000, in return for free training at the center for the Fire Department. Discussion ensued about the value of the truck. Koehler moved and Mengler seconded to place an advertisement for bid on the 1987 Ford truck. Motion carried. Jackie Puck commended the Fire and Police Departments for their services, particularly on recent accident calls. Mengler also thanked the departments for their service and assistance during Trick-or-Treating.

Public Works Department Report. Brockmann reported on the following:
Continuing to work on the pretreatment agreements with both truck washes.
Provided an update on the W. Bryant Street project.
Stated S. Downey Street will get blacktopped this week.

City Clerk Report. Rickertsen presented the 2015 renewal rates for the employee health and dental insurance. This will be placed on the next agenda for discussion. She also reminded council that city offices will be closed November 11th in observance of Veteran's Day and November 27th & 28th for Thanksgiving.

City Attorney Report. Attorney Schirman reported on his discussions with River Valley regarding the easements on the property at 1113 N. Main Street. Brockmann will contact Iowa One Call for locates of the property.

Mayor Report. Mayor Kostichek thanked the city departments and stated he hopes citizens are appreciative of city employees and volunteers.

Questions/Concerns. Brockmann asked that the vacation policy be reconsidered. It currently states all remaining vacation time at the end of each anniversary year will be forfeited, with the exception of up to 80 hours that can be carried forward. He would like to be paid out for all unused vacation time, as it was done several years ago.

Jackie Puck moved and Mengler seconded to adjourn at 7:25 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 20th day of October, 2014, 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: Jeff Blake, John Brockmann, Lisa Rickertsen, and Tom Schirman.

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

Consent Agenda. Latimer moved and Koehler seconded to approve the consent agenda including the invoices and minutes from October 6, 2014. Jackie Puck abstained due to absence from meeting. Motion carried.

Audience. Kevin Toft, Gene Meyer, Janice Dawson, and Joe Hahn.

Kevin Toft : Swap Meet on City-Owned Property. Kevin Toft, Scott County Sno-Seekers, stated they are looking for a fixed location for their annual swap meet, held on the first Sunday in November each year. He stated they are no longer able to use their past location and they have a temporary site for this year but would like to utilize a location in Walcott, preferably Victory Park, for following years. He stated set-up would start around 7:30 a.m. and they are done by 1:00 p.m. They provide toilet facilities, garbage cans, clean-up, and their own food trailer. Brockmann expressed concerns about vehicles driving on park due to the condition of the grounds. It was discussed that Council could approve closing sections of the side streets around the park, allowing for the truck and trailers to park around the park instead of on the grass. Toft stated they have approximately 200 : 250 people throughout the meet and 30 : 50 vendors. No objections to the request were expressed. Rickertsen will place this on the next Park Board agenda and on the November 17th council agenda.

W. Bryant Street Project Paving Improvements Project.
Payment #4. Koehler moved and Jackie Puck seconded to approve the revised payment #4 to N.J. Miller, Inc, in the amount of $162,797.49, as recommended by the City Engineer & Public Works Director. Motion carried.

Realtor Contract. Koehler moved and Mengler seconded to approve the contract (listing agreement) with Mel Foster Real Estate Services (Agent Nick Bert) with a condition that excludes the brokerage fee for the potential buyer that contacted City Hall prior to the council interview with Nick Bert. Motion carried.

TIF Rebate Payments. Jackie Puck moved and Latimer seconded to approve semi-annual TIF rebates in the amount of $27,882.01 to Iowa 80 Truckstop Inc. ($1,249.47), Ossian Walcott Investments LC ($7,261.71), JDW Holdings LLC ($4,196.55), T & C Storage ($359.60) and Sterling Partners I LLC ($14,814.68). Motion carried.

Police Department Report. Chief Blake presented a project worksheet for a squad car camera. He stated a grant from the Governor's Traffic Safety Bureau will pay $4,500 for the new Explorer. Discussion was held on the next steps regarding the residence at the Mobile Home Park that allegedly has more than four dogs, which is prohibited by City Code. Blake reported on the results of the average speed limit following the traffic study he did on Walcott Road (old Hwy 6).

Public Works Department Report. Brockmann reported on recent issues with the storm sewer blockage on W. Bryant Street and sewer backup on Durant Street. Mayor Kostichek questioned the status of the E. James Street water main replacement project. Brockmann stated the remaining block of watermain may not get replaced until next spring and he plans on seeding the project area next spring, allowing time for the dirt to compact.

City Clerk Report. Rickertsen reported requests for proposals were submitted to the three architects, Downing Architects, Gere-Dismer Architects, and SGGM Architects, as discussed at the last meeting, and the proposals will be reviewed during the November 17th council meeting.

City Attorney Report. Attorney Schirman reported on his memo and proposed Resolution prohibiting firearms or other dangerous weapons on or in city-owned property. Chief Blake stated it is in the best interest for the City to have a policy. The policy will be placed on the November 3rd agenda and staff will obtain costs for signs.

Mayor Report. Mayor Kostichek questioned the status of the wastewater treatment plant staffing. Brockmann stated he is working on it.

Questions/Concerns. Mengler questioned the status of the request from Andy Willey, Night Owl Wireless, to place his equipment on the city water towers. It was reported that no contact has been received from Willey following the September15th meeting when he was asked to return with a proposal regarding the financial benefits/value to the City. Jackie Puck questioned what constitutes a "front yard" and requested the definition be reviewed by the Planning & Zoning Commission during their next meeting.

Koehler moved and Jacob Puck seconded to adjourn at 7:07 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 6th day of October, 2014, 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, and Jacob Puck. Absent: Jackie Puck. City employees present: Jeff Blake, John Brockmann, Josh Geigle, Lisa Rickertsen, Linda Rivers, and Tom Schirman.

Mengler 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 15, 2014, minutes from September 22, 2014, and the September 2014 financial reports. Motion carried. Rickertsen stated the invoice from S & V Fencing was $550 higher than approved at the last meeting due to additional length in fence.

Audience. Donna Housley, Gene Meyer, Kent Arp, Janice Dawson, Josie Dietz, Larry Koberg, and William Belz.

Geno's Project. Kent Arp discussed the approach from Walcott Road (old Hwy 6) to the Geno's project. He stated they felt leaving a portion of it gravel would be a safety hazard. This approach (road shoulder) is the section between the property line and the current road, which is city right-of-way (ROW). Proposals were presented for both blacktop and concrete. Chief Blake expressed safety concerns with the entire ROW being hard-surfaced, without a defined driveway along Walcott Road. Following further discussion, Mengler moved and Koehler seconded for the City to concrete a portion of the ROW on Walcott Road, and pay Concrete Central, not to exceed $8,241. Motion carried.

Attorney's Report. Attorney Schirman reported he was working on a weapons policy for City Hall.

Vision Committee. Larry Koberg and Josie Dietz were present on behalf of the Vision Committee. The Committee recommends including hanging flower baskets on the decorative light poles, in conjunction with the North Main Street Enhancement Project. Koberg stated the Committee understands it's a big project that requires time and maintenance and they will pursue civic organizations to determine financial commitments. Following further discussion, the Committee was asked to further research costs, including plants, equipment and labor, and bring back to a future meeting.

Prairie View Park Tree Donation. Rickertsen reported the Park Board recommended approval of the donation from the Warnecke family of a Bur Oak tree at Prairie View Park. Mengler moved and Jacob Puck seconded to approve the memorial donation as presented. Motion carried.

W. Bryant Street Project Paving Improvements Project.
Resolution 2014-33, Approval of Change Order #4. Koehler moved and Latimer seconded to approve Resolution 2014-33, as recommended by the City Engineer and accepted by the Public Works Director. Roll call ayes: Koehler, Latimer, Mengler, and Jacob Puck. Motion carried. This change order amounts to $2,500.00, bringing the project contract amount to $709,186.70.
Payment #4. Mengler moved and Jacob Puck seconded to approve the payment #4 to N.J. Miller, Inc, in the amount of $163,747.49, as recommended by the City Engineer. Following concerns expressed by Brockmann with a few items being paid, Mengler and Jacob Puck withdrew their motion and the payment request was tabled to the October 20th meeting.

Street Committee Recommendation. Latimer stated that the Street Committee (Latimer and Jackie Puck) met with Brockmann to view a driveway approach on S. Rowe Lane that was recently poured during the street improvements project that the property owner had complaints about it. He reported the Committee agreed they felt there were no problems with the approach as poured. Latimer moved and Jacob Puck seconded to leave the driveway approach for the residence at 244 W. Durant Street as is. Motion carried.

Fire Department Report. Geigle reported the new truck should be completed by the end of November. He also reported three individuals were approved for membership by the department. Mengler moved and Latimer seconded to approve the member reinstatement of Ken Adomat to the Walcott Volunteer Fire Department. Motion carried. Jacob Puck moved and Koehler seconded to approve Jeff Blake and Adam Hill as EMS members of the Walcott Volunteer Fire Department. Motion carried.

Building Department Report. Rivers reported the nuisance violation at 402 W. Cedar Lane Drive has been cleaned up.

Realtor Selection. Mengler moved and Koehler seconded to select Nick Bert, Mel Foster Commercial, in regards to marketing the property at 1113 N. Main Street, and request a written contract from him. Motion carried. Rickertsen reported a phone call was received last week in regards to a party interested in viewing the property. City staff will show the property prior to approving a contract with Bert.

Municipal Building. Discussion was held on selecting an architect to develop plans for a proposed municipal building on the lot at 101 S. Main (SE corner of Lincoln & Main Streets). Following discussion, Koehler moved and Mengler seconded to request fee based proposals from the three architect firms interviewed in 2012 (Downing Architects, Gere-Dismer Architects, and SGGM Architects). Motion carried.

Police Department Report. Chief Blake reported on an email received from a resident who expressed concerns regarding safety and speeding on E. James Street. He reported on the traffic study he did in the area and stated another speed limit sign needs to be installed. Following discussion on the speed limit on Walcott Road (old Hwy 6), Blake stated he would have a traffic study done to pursue lowering the speed limit to 45 MPH.

Public Work's Report. Brockmann reported on the status of the W. Bryant Street project, salt contract, and new handicap ramps on E. James Street.

City Clerk's Report. Mengler moved and Jacob Puck seconded to approve the FYE 2014 Annual Financial Report. Motion carried.

William Belz. William Belz was present to state his objections to the ordinance prohibiting pit bulls in Walcott. Mayor Kostichek responded he knows Belz is passionate about his dog but the City Council has already voted to keep the ban in place.

Questions/Concerns. Koehler questioned Chief Blake regarding the residence at the Mobile Home Park that has more than four dogs, which is prohibited by City Code. Blake responded he will pursue enforcement with the City attorney.

Koehler moved and Mengler seconded to adjourn at 7:38 p.m. Motion carried. All votes on motions were unanimous, unless noted.

October Newsletter

The semi-monthly meeting of the City Council of Walcott, Iowa, was held on Monday, the 15^th day of September, 2014, 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: Jeff Blake, John Brockmann, Lisa Rickertsen, Linda Rivers, and Tom Schirman.

Jackie Puck moved and Koehler seconded to approve the agenda with the deletion of item 6, William Belz. Motion carried.

Consent Agenda. Mengler moved and Jacob Puck seconded to approve the consent agenda including the invoices, minutes from September 2, 2014, and the August 2014 financial reports. Motion carried.

Audience. Andy Willey, Bernard Brus, Donna Housley, and Kevin Flack.

Night Owl Wireless : Andy Willey. Attorney Schirman reviewed some of his concerns regarding the proposed contract from Willey, which included security of the public water system, rental amount, automatic renewal provisions, tower aesthetics, obtaining confirmation from a structural engineer that Willey's equipment would be safe to be mounted on the water towers, and setting precedence. Koehler stated the City needs to be in control of the security and questioned what the value is for the City and residents. Willey stated his proposal would allow him to provide service to more residents and businesses and placement on both towers would allow backup for his services, less down town. City staff provided memos to the City Council regarding their concerns with security of the City's public water system, liability issues, and possible interference with the City's water meter collector system which is located on the top of each tower. The Public Works Department stated, in writing, their objections to placing private equipment on the towers and granting access to the facility, citing their concerns for the public water supply system. Willey was asked to return with a proposal regarding the financial benefits/value to the City.

Ordinance 476-14, Amending Chapter 167.22 Regarding Victory Park Outfield Fence. Koehler moved and Jacob Puck seconded to approve the third reading of Ordinance 476-14. Roll call ayes: Koehler, Jacob Puck, Jackie Puck, Koehler, Mengler, and Latimer. Motion carried.

Victory Park Outfield Fence. Jacob Puck moved and Jackie Puck seconded to approve the proposal to hire S&V Fence to install a 4' black fence in the outfield at Victory Park at a cost of $4,200 plus an estimated $500 for top rail safety covering and interior posts padding. Motion carried.

Building Department Report. Rivers presented her report including the following:

• Updates on new construction projects, Sidewalk Reimbursement Program, and final inspection process.
• 402 W. Cedar Lane Drive : Rivers expressed safety concerns regarding the junk/equipment on the property at W. 402 Cedar Lane Drive. Mengler moved and Koehler seconded to proceed with the nuisance abatement process following review and consent by Attorney Schirman. Motion carried.
• Number of Animals : Rivers stated a complaint was received that a residence at the Mobile Home Park has more than four dogs, which is prohibited by City Code. She stated a letter was sent to the occupant and she questioned the next steps of the enforcement process. Discussion was held that a Municipal Infraction can be issued for any City Code violation or the Police Chief can issue a criminal violation. Chief Blake will visit the residence.
• Permit Fee Schedule. Rivers stated she would like to change the permit fee calculations to be based on square footage. Questions arose and discussion was held that the inspection time is the same for inspections done by homeowners versus contractors. Rivers is collecting information and will bring back a proposal to a future meeting.

Public Work's Report. Brockmann reported on the status of the W. Bryant Street project and the water main replacement on E. James Street. Brockmann requested to meet with the Street Committee regarding a driveway approach dispute. The Committee will meet at 9:00 a.m. on September 18^th.

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