August 18, 2014

The semi-monthly meeting of the City Council of Walcott, Iowa, was held on Monday, the 18th day of August, 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.

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

Public Hearings.

  • Development Agreement. Mayor Kostichek opened the public hearing on the development agreement with Iowa 80 Truckstop, Inc. in connection with the construction of a 60' x 240' Morton storage building for use in its commercial operations. Under the agreement, the City would provide annual appropriation tax increment payments, over a five year period, total amount not to exceed $20,000. No written or oral comments were received. Koehler moved and Jackie Puck seconded to close the public hearing and open the hearing on Code changes to Chapter 167.22 regarding a Victory Park Outfield Fence. Motion carried
  • Victory Park Outfield Fence. Rickertsen stated the Planning & Zoning Commission recommended approval of the proposed code changes, asking the council to consider raising the fence height to 6' and protect the interior centerfield posts with padding. Rickertsen explained the concerns the commission had regarding the safety of a 4' height and gauge thickness of the proposed fence. Discussion was held regarding fence height. Koehler moved and Mengler seconded to close the public hearing and resume regular meeting. Motion carried.

Consent Agenda. Koehler moved and Mengler seconded to approve the consent agenda including the invoices, minutes from August 4, 2014, and the July 2014 financial reports. Motion carried.

Audience. Gene Meyer, Andy Willey, Audrey Hinds, Donna Housley, Janice Dawson, and Patricia Terres.

Night Owl Wireless : Andy Willey. Willey was present to request permission to mount equipment on both city-owned water towers. He stated the equipment would allow Night Owl to expand wireless high speed Internet services in Walcott. The City currently has never allowed anything on the towers except the city's water metering system. Brockmann expressed his concerns regarding safety and security of the towers and public water system and liability issues. Attorney Schirman stated many items would need to be addressed including monthly rental fees, insurance requirements, security, and it could set precedent for allowing other entities equipment on the towers. Willey stated the form of rental payment could include providing services to City departments. Following further discussion, Mengler moved and Jacob Puck seconded to table until the contract is reviewed by the City Attorney. Motion carried.

Sam Foley : Walcott Coliseum : Interest in City-Owned Lot. Rickertsen stated she was notified today that Mr. Foley was unable to attend and she had not received an email with details as expected. Koehler moved and Jacob Puck seconded to table until further information is provided. Motion carried.

Great March for Climate Action. Rickertsen stated the person she was in contact with regarding the Great March for Climate Action requested a location away from the railroad tracks and also stated they need parking for 3 : 4 vehicles that travel with the group. Mengler moved and Jacob Puck seconded to allow an exception to the park hours at Watertower Park and allow the marchers to camp there on August 23rd. Motion carried. Rickertsen will check with River Valley on use of their lot, west of the Watertower Park, for parking of the group's equipment vehicles.

Approval of New Fire Department Member. Koehler moved and Latimer seconded to approve new Fire Department member, Les Norin. Motion carried.

Resolution 2014-28 (A), Approving the Fiscal Year 2014 Street Finance Report. Mengler moved and Jackie Puck seconded to approve Resolution 2014-28 (A), Approving the Fiscal Year 2014 Street Finance Report. Roll call ayes: Mengler, Jackie Puck, Jacob Puck, Latimer, and Koehler. Motion carried.

Resolution 2014-29, Approving Development Agreement with Iowa 80 Truckstop. Koehler moved and Jacob Puck seconded to approve Resolution 2014-29, Approving Development Agreement with Iowa 80 Truckstop. Roll call ayes: Koehler, Jacob Puck, Jackie Puck, Mengler, and Latimer. Motion carried.

Ordinance 475-14, Amending Chapter 140 Regarding Driveways. Jacob Puck moved and Latimer seconded to approve the second reading of Ordinance 475-14. Roll call ayes: Jacob Puck, Latimer, Mengler, Koehler, and Jackie Puck. Motion carried.

Ordinance 476-14, Amending Chapter 167.22 Regarding Victory Park Outfield Fence. Discussion was held on the height of the proposed fence. Council consensus was to leave the fence height at 4' as originally proposed by the Park Board. Jackie Puck introduced and moved to approve the first reading of Ordinance 476-14. Seconded by Mengler. Roll call ayes: Jackie Puck, Mengler, Latimer, Koehler, and Jacob Puck. Motion carried.

Municipal Building. Mayor Kostichek stated he wants to move forward with the process of a new municipal building. Following discussion on the top two sites, as previously recommended by the Citizens Building Committee, Koehler moved and Jackie seconded to move forward on a plan for a new municipal building on the former lumberyard site (SE corner of Main & Lincoln Streets). During additional discussion it was stated that constructing a municipal building on the site would also provide public parking spaces which could be utilized during events in the downtown area. Further discussion regarding a new municipal building will be held during a special council meeting on September 22nd at 6:00 p.m.

Public Work's Report. Brockmann reported on the status of the W. Bryant Street project. Mayor Kostichek stated he received safety concerns regarding storage of water main pipe located on the street parking area on Henry Street. Brockmann stated there is a fence around the pipes and the water main project is expected to start on August 25th. Brockmann reported on the broken water lines under the building (restrooms and concession stand) at Wescott Park. Brockmann stated a porta potty was ordered to be placed at the parks since the restrooms are closed due to the break. He stated it will be a major project to either reroute the water service or jack hammer the concrete to find the leak. Brockmann also stated the City passed the second WET test.

City Clerk's Report. Rickertsen presented the annual Investment Report for FYE 2014. Koehler moved and Jacob Puck seconded to approve the FYE 2014 Investment Report as presented. Motion carried. Rickertsen stated a local business questioned if funding was available for commercial beautification (exterior improvements). Discussion was held that a program has never been established and if one was started it would be utilizing tax payments from one business to help improve another business. Jackie Puck questioned the status of the reimbursement to the Walcott Legion for their payment for flowers. Rickertsen replied that at the last meeting Loretta Beitel offered to pay for the flowers, in memory of her husband, and Beitel has submitted a check for half the payment and John Brockmann offered to pay the remaining half. Koehler questioned the status of the new city website. Rickertsen reminded council the next meeting date is Tuesday, September 2nd. Discussion was held on selecting a realtor for the city-owned property on north main.

Mayor's Report. Mayor Kostichek read a letter from the Local Government Program Specialist, Iowa State University, thanking the City for their support in sending Clerk Rickertsen to the

Municipal Professionals Academy this summer.

Koehler moved and Jackie Puck seconded to adjourn at 7:30 p.m. Motion carried. All votes on motions were unanimous, unless noted.

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August 4, 2014

The semi-monthly meeting of the City Council of Walcott, Iowa, was held on Monday, the 4th day of August, 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, Josh Geigle, Lisa Rickertsen, Linda Rivers, and Tom Schirman.

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, Casey's General Store Class C Beer permit renewal, and renewal of Scott County Humane Society Agreement. Motion carried.

Audience. Sherrie Dietz, Audrey & Duane Hinds, Donna Housley, Janice Dawson, Bernard Brus, Brent Puck, Bill Hudson, Loretta Beitel, Randy & Deb Moeller, Don Holst, and Deb Mathias.

Minutes from 07/21/14. Moved by Jackie Puck and seconded by Koehler to approve the minutes from July 21, 2014. Motion carried. Mengler abstained due to absence from meeting.

Sister City Gift. Discussion was held on a gift to Walcott's sister city, Bredenbek, Germany, for their 750 year anniversary. Sherrie Dietz reported on costs for shipping a bench and presented samples and pictures of barn quilts. Mengler moved and Koehler seconded to purchase a barn quilt, add an engraved plaque, and send to Bredenbek, cost not to exceed $500. Motion carried.

Great March for Climate Action. Rickertsen stated she received a request for an overnight camping area to accommodate approximately 35 : 40 walkers with the Great March for Climate Action on August 23rd. She reported there are activities at Victory Park and the City Code states the parks close at 11:00 p.m. Following further discussion, Koehler moved and Mengler seconded to allow camping on the city owned lot at the SE corner of Main and Lincoln Streets for one night, August 23, 2014. Motion carried.

Resolution 2014-27, Setting Date for Hearing on Development Agreement. Mengler moved and Jacob Puck seconded to approve Resolution 2014-27, Setting Date for Hearing on Development Agreement. Roll call ayes: Mengler, Jacob Puck, Jackie Puck, Latimer, and Koehler. Motion carried. The public hearing will be at 6:00 p.m. on August 18th to take action on a development agreement between the City and Iowa 80 Truckstop in connection with the construction of a 60' x 240' Morton building, in a total amount not to exceed $20,000.

W. Bryant Street Paving Improvements Project.

  • Payment #2. Mengler moved and Latimer seconded to approve payment #2 to N.J. Miller, Inc, in the amount of $203,662.71, as recommended by the Project Engineer. Motion carried.
  • Resolution 2014-28, Approval of Change Order #2. Koehler moved and Jacob Puck seconded to approve Resolution 2014 : 28, as recommended by the Project Engineer and accepted by Public Works Director. Roll call ayes: Koehler, Jacob Puck, Jackie Puck, Latimer, and Mengler. Motion carried.

Ordinance 475-14, Amending Chapter 140 Regarding Driveways. Jackie Puck moved to introduce and approve the first reading of Ordinance 475-14. Seconded by Latimer. Roll call ayes: Jackie Puck, Latimer, Mengler, Koehler, and Jacob Puck. Motion carried.

Fire Department Report. Chief Geigle presented two project worksheets. Jackie Puck moved and Mengler seconded to purchase a new 3 stage ram ($3,530) and three new sets of gear ($5,150) from Alex Air Apparatus at a total cost of $8,680. Motion carried. The ram will be paid for from the Fire Department Donation Fund and the gear will be paid from the General Fund and Fire Department Donation Fund. The Fire Department will be having an open house at the Fire Station on Sunday, August 17th from 4:00 : 6:00 p.m. and the annual steak fry will be on Saturday, September 27th.

Sanitary Sewer Infiltration & Inflow Study. Stanley Consultants Engineer, Deb Mathias, was present to report on the status of the first phase of the study of the sewer system infiltration and inflow. She reported on the current flow monitoring program and stated the manhole inspection, surveying, and mapping will be starting in a few weeks. Mathias stated they will prepare a report summary for the City Council following collection of all data.

Building Department Report. Building Official Linda Rivers was present and reported on the following:

  • Main Street Projects. Rivers stated that a footing inspection at Geno's Ice Cream found the soil did not meet the minimum PSI as required. She stated that following a soil inspection from a testing company, the project engineer revised the footing dimensions in order to meet the requirements. She also reported on the residing of the Custom Dental building and improvements to the apartment complex at 134 N. Main Street.
  • Sidewalk Program. Rivers stated that half of the allocated funds of the sidewalk program have been applied for and Paustian Concrete plans on being in Walcott starting next week.
  • Parking in Right-of-Way/Nuisances. Rivers reported that notices were sent for parking in the ROW and front yards. She also stated several weed notices have been sent.
  • Events. Rivers stated that both Iowa 80 Jamboree and Walcott Day events were inspected and everything was approved except the stage brought in for Walcott Day. She stated the stage was not approved as the assembly does not meet the construction standards per the International Building Code and could not deem it safe for use as assembled. Rivers reported on the letter she gave to Kirk Koberg regarding the use of the unapproved stage. The letter stated she had informed Mr. Koberg in July 2013, during the festivals fire inspection, that it would not be approved for use in 2014 unless certified by an engineer. Mayor Kostichek read the email from a structural engineer, which was received by email on July 19, 2014, that he would certify it for a one time use only with multiple restrictions. Mayor Kostichek will attend a future Walcott Day Committee meeting.

Police Department Report. Chief Blake reported on his recent K9 training with Titan and on a GTSB (Governor's Traffic Safety Bureau) multi-jurisdiction project on Highway 61, August 15th : 17th, which his department will be participating in. Questions arose and Blake described the GTSB grant program which provides grant funds for approved equipment and overtime costs attributed to special enforcement projects. Blake also reported the department has a Facebook and Twitter account, as well as Instagram, apparently they even get cheap instagram views once in a while.

Public Work's Report. Brockmann reported on the misunderstanding regarding the flowers purchased and planted near the Walcott Legion's memorial at Welcome Park. He stated he understood the Legion offered to pay for the City to purchase the flowers and assist with labor in planting. He suggested the City return the Legion's payment, in the amount of $322.94, that had been received for the flowers. Mengler moved and Jacob Puck seconded to offer the $322.94 back to the Legion following confirmation by the Legion Commander. Motion carried. Rickertsen will contact Commander Brus to confirm they wish to have their payment amount returned. Loretta Beitel offered to pay for the flowers, in memory of her husband. Brockmann also presented updates on various activities/projects. Mayor Kostichek read a thank you letter from the City of Durant Mayor regarding the clean-up assistance received from city staff following storm damage in Durant.

Attorney's Report. Schirman reported on an Iowa Supreme Court case regarding defining dangerous animals and stated cities have a right to define dangerous animals. Schirman also reported on the status of the railroad right-of-way access for the W. Bryant Street storm sewer project. Council consensus was to have Schirman proceed with a 10 day notice to the railroad/property owner.

Mayor's Report. Mayor Kostichek thanked the citizens for attending the meeting. He stated he wants to move forward with the discussion of a potential new municipal building. This will be on the next regular agenda. Audience members spoke in support of recent actions taken by the council regarding the enforcement of Chapter 57, Dangerous Animals (regarding pit bulls). It was reported that initial discussions, starting in 1986, led to a breed ban being instituted. The pit bull attack on South Main Street earlier this year was also mentioned. Following further discussion, Attorney Schirman will review the appeal process and areas in Chapter 57 that may need to be strengthened.

Questions/Concerns/New Business. Bernard Brus questioned if there was a fence height requirement for park fences. No one was aware of any regulations prohibiting a 4' fence, as proposed, at Victory Park. Discussion was held on obtaining a realtor for the properties the City Council intends to sell. Council consensus was to send letters to three realtor companies, seeking interest from a commercial realtor. Brent Puck was present to report on his involvement as a member of the Citizen's Municipal Building Committee. Mr. Puck stated he contacted the two parties associated with one of the properties adjacent to City Hall to determine if they would consider speaking with city officials regarding a potential sale to the City. He stated the individuals indicated they were willing to enter into a discussion with the City regarding their property and he felt their conversations were non-confrontational and well received. Mengler thanked Puck and expressed her appreciation for his participation on the Committee. Rickertsen stated the council meeting agendas are now posted online at the City's website, www.cityofwalcott.com, on the home page.

Koehler moved and Jacob Puck seconded to adjourn at 7:58 p.m. Motion carried. All votes on motions were unanimous, unless noted.

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