June, 2016, 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, Steve Bowman, Lisa Rickertsen, Linda Rivers, and Tom Schirman.

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

Consent Agenda.  Jackie Puck moved and Latimer seconded to approve the consent agenda, including the invoices, minutes from June 6, 2016, May 2016 financial reports, annual cigarette permit renewals for Casey’s, Pilot Travel Centers #043 and #268, and Iowa 80 Truckstop, and Class A liquor license renewal for Walcott Legion Post #548.  Motion carried.

Larry Koberg – Approval to Allow Temporary Fencing at Parks.  Larry Koberg requested to leave the temporary fencing up at Wescott Park for the tournament on July 22^nd – 24^th.  Koehler moved and Jackie Puck seconded to allow the temporary fences to remain up at Wescott Park until after the July 24^th tournament.  Motion carried.

Downey Street Improvements Project Update. Project Engineer, Dennis Keitel, presented a project update and he will be preparing a change order for a future meeting for the two items as he discussed.

 Walcott Day. 

• Koehler moved and Jacob Puck seconded to approve the Walcott Day Parade and closure of appropriate streets on July 16, 2016.  Motion carried.
• Street Closures. Jacob Puck moved and Jackie Puck seconded to approve closing N. Henry Street, between James and Lincoln Streets; E. Otis Street, between Downey and Main Streets; and N. Downey Street, between James and Lincoln Streets on July 16, 2016.  Motion carried.
• Fireworks Donation. Latimer moved and Jacob Puck seconded to approve the donation of $1,000 to the Walcott Day Committee for the fireworks display. Motion carried.
• 5K Race & Street Closure Jacob Puck moved and Latimer seconded to approve the 5K race route and the closure of E. Bryant Street (race starting line), between Main & Henry Streets (5:00 a.m. – 9:00 a.m.) on July 16^th. Motion carried.

 Building Department Report.  

• Ordinance 483-16, Amending Chapter 160 Pertaining to Building Codes. Mengler moved and Jackie Puck seconded to approve the third (final) reading of Ordinance 483-16, Amending Chapter 160 Pertaining to Building Codes.  Roll call ayes:  Mengler, Jackie Puck, Koehler, Latimer, and Jacob Puck.  Motion carried.     
•  Temporary Inspector Services. Koehler moved and Jacob Puck seconded to hire Michael Anderson as the Temporary Inspector at a rate of $25.00/hour.  Motion carried. He will cover inspections during Rivers’ temporary absence starting later this month.

Alley Maintenance Policy.  Discussion was held on maintenance of alleys, including snow removal concerns and maintenance responsibilities. Bowman was asked to review the policy obtained from Iowa City and to come back with written suggestions for the next meeting.

Ordinance 487-16, Amending Chapter 92 Regarding Sewer Rates. This ordinance increases sewer rates by $1.00 per 1,000 gallons from $4.65 to $5.65, beginning with the July 1^st bills.  Koehler moved and Jacob Puck seconded to approve the third (final) reading of Ordinance 487-16.  Roll call ayes:  Koehler, Jacob Puck, Latimer, Mengler, and Jackie Puck.  Motion carried.

Ordinance 488-16, Amending Chapter 92 Regarding Water Rates.  This ordinance increases water rates by $.50 per 1,000 gallons from $4.25 to $4.75, beginning with the July 1^st bills.  Jackie Puck moved and Mengler seconded to approve the third (final) reading of Ordinance 488-16.  Roll call ayes:  Jackie Puck, Mengler, Jacob Puck, Koehler, and Latimer.  Motion carried.

Ordinance 489-16, Amending Chapter 75 Regarding ATV Regulations.  Jackie Puck introduced and moved to approve the first reading of Ordinance 489-16.  Seconded by Mengler.  Roll call ayes:  Jackie Puck, Mengler, Jacob Puck, Koehler, and Latimer.  Motion carried.  This ordinance will allow ATV’s on most city streets, with restrictions including specific hours of operation and equipment and permit requirements.

Resolution 2016-29, Authorizing the Transfer of Funds.  Mengler moved and Koehler seconded to approve Resolution 2016-29.  Roll call ayes:  Mengler, Koehler, Jackie Puck, Jacob Puck, and Latimer.  Motion carried.

Police Department Report.  Chief Blake reported the Police Department was awarded a grant in the amount of $1,250 from the Iowa 80/CAT Scale Go Iowa Endowment towards replacing a defibrillator.  It was also reported that solicitors were recently in town without a permit.  Residents are reminded that most solicitors are required to have permits from the City.

Public Works Department Report.  Bowman presented costs for an electrical trash basket hoist.  He was asked to obtain a second quote and bring back to a future meeting.  Discussion was held on the E. James Street Watermain Project.  Since the City will not be utilizing city staff to perform the work, they must follow the process set out by the Iowa Code Chapter 26, based on the estimated cost of the project.  Mengler moved and Koehler seconded to have Bowman contact the engineer (Watersmith Engineering) that prepared the initial plans to develop the remaining project documents as needed.  Motion carried.  Bowman reported on weeds at the parks and questioned utilizing a resident to spray.  Following liability concerns, Bowman was asked to contract a company for services.

City Clerk Report.  Rickertsen read the thank you letter from the Scott County Library System for the City’s pledge of $50,000 towards the new Walcott Branch Library project.

City Attorney Report.  Schirman reported on working on easements for the proposed city signs.  It was discussed that the Hearts and Hands Foundation needs to attend a future meeting to obtain final approval from the City for signs they want to place on city right-of-ways and/or easements.

Audience Comments.  Janice Dawson inquired if the City could contact the railroad to remove the overgrown brush and debris in the creek along the railroad behind her property.  Bowman will contact the Iowa Interstate Railroad. John Brockmann commented on the following:  drainage around the building at 1113 N. Main Street and the S. Downey Street Improvements Project.

Jackie Puck moved and Koehler seconded to adjourn at 6:47 p.m. Motion carried.  All votes on motions were unanimous, unless noted.

June 20, 2016 Signed Minutes and Claims

The semi-monthly meeting of the City Council of Walcott, Iowa, was held on Monday, the 6^th day of June, 2016, 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, Steve Bowman, Lisa Rickertsen, Randy Riemers, Linda Rivers, and Tom Schirman.       

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

Consent Agenda.  Mengler moved and Latimer seconded to approve the consent agenda, which includes the invoices, minutes from May 16, 2016, and Resolution 2016-24, Establishing Municipal Building Project Fund and Authorizing the Transfer of Funds in the amount of $22,258.68 from the Municipal Building Reserve Fund to the Municipal Building Project Fund.  Roll call ayes:  Mengler, Latimer, Jacob Puck, Koehler, and Jackie Puck.   Motion carried.

Scott County Library Funding Request.   A written request was previously received from the Scott County Library System for the City to consider a commitment of $75,000, paid over a period of up to five years, towards the new library project. Sue Daley, Walcott Trust & Savings Bank, was present on behalf of the Library Fundraising Committee. Council members discussed they feel it is a quality of life project for the community as it benefits all residents.  Three members reported on what they felt was a fair contribution amount, ranging from $20,000 – $50,000.  Concerns were addressed regarding setting precedence for other projects as well as funding for future planned city projects.  Following further discussion, Koehler moved and Jacob Puck seconded to approve a commitment of $50,000, paid over a period of five years, contingent that the City has a right to withdraw funding if the project does not move forward and that this commitment does not set precedence for other projects.  Ayes:  Koehler, Jacob Puck, and Latimer.  Nays:  Jackie Puck.  Mengler abstained due to her employer being on the fundraising committee.  Motion carried.

Hearts & Hands Foundation – Easements for New Community Signs.  Foundation members Austin Burt and Mike Byington reported on their progress towards new community signs. Discussion was held on obtaining permanent easements from Casey’s and Gene Meyer for sign use.  Koehler moved and Jackie Puck seconded to allow Attorney Schirman to work on the necessary easements needed for the signs.  Motion carried.  Further discussion was held on the proposed sign locations at the North Main Street entrance.  Burt stated they have made some design modifications on the signs so there will not be any traffic view obstructions.

Watertower Park Lease Renewal.  Jackie Puck moved and Mengler seconded to approve the three year Watertower Park lease renewal with Loretta Siebke. Motion carried.  The lease will expire on May 31, 2019 and the City will pay an annual lease amount of $500.

Main Street Streetscape Enhancement Project. 

• Resolution 2016-25, Approving Change Order #2. This change order is for the sidewalk regrading, as discussed last winter, from B&D’s north driveway to the north end of the project, and for an additional ADA detectable warning.  Koehler moved and Jacob Puck seconded to approve Resolution 2016-25.  Roll call ayes:  Koehler, Jacob Puck, Latimer, Mengler, and Jackie Puck. Motion carried.
• Conduit Removal/Re-Install – West Side of Bridge. A unit price of $6,600 was received from the contractor to remove and replace the light feed running across the side of the bridge on the west side.  Due to the uncertainty of obtaining a permit from the IDNR for the sidewalk along the bridge, the rest of the project was completed and now the electrical conduit is in the way for mounting the equipment needed to complete the bridge component. The project engineer reviewed the costs and felt it was appropriate.  Following further discussion, Mengler moved and Latimer seconded to approve the unit price of $6,600 from Brandt Construction for the conduit removal and replacement, per their letter dated June 3, 2016.  Motion carried.
• Mud Creek Channel Shaping/Cleanout Per IDNR Flood Plain Development Permit. Missman, Inc. provided budget estimates for the engineering and construction of the required dredging of Mud Creek at the Main Street bridge.  Mengler moved and Jackie Puck seconded to have the engineer proceed with the project plans and specifications.  Motion carried.    
  

Building Department Report.  

• Ordinance 483-16, Amending Chapter 160 Pertaining to Building Codes. Rickertsen reported the changes were made to Ordinance 483-16, as approved during the last meeting.  The provisions of the International Property Maintenance Code (IPMC) will only apply to residential rental and nonresidential properties.  Mengler moved and Latimer seconded to approve the second reading of Ordinance 483-16, Amending Chapter 160 Pertaining to Building Codes.  Motion carried.  This is the second of three readings of the Ordinance.   
• Temporary Inspector Services. Rickertsen stated she and Rivers are working on obtaining services from either an individual or assistance from another community, to cover inspections while Rivers will be absence starting later this month.

 Stanley Consultants Services Agreement.  Wastewater Operator, Randy Reimers, reported on the proposal for services from Stanley Consultants.  He stated an engineer is needed to prepare the pretreatment agreement with Blue Beacon Truckwash, as required by the IDNR.  The proposal is broke down into the following three components:  Pretreatment Agreement Development – $7,195; Local Limits Study – $9,530; and Sewer Charges Ordinance Review – $2,940.  Following discussion, Mengler moved and Jackie Puck seconded to approve the services with Stanley Consultants for the pretreatment agreement development and local limits study.  Motion carried.           

Sewer Plant Repairs from Lightning Damage.  Reimers reported on the equipment damage at the wastewater treatment plant from lightning damage on April 21^st.  Discussion was held on the two proposals received to replace the equipment and insurance reimbursement, although the exact reimbursement amount is unknown at this time.  Koehler moved and Jacob Puck seconded to proceed with the quote from Aero-Mod, Inc. at a cost of $43,770, as recommended by Reimers.  Motion carried.

South Main Street Culvert.  During two recent Planning & Zoning Commission meetings, it was noted by commission members that the culvert under South Main Street is partially silted in and has a hole that allows some water to drain under the street instead of being carried to the west.  Mengler moved and Koehler seconded to have Bowman obtain prices to make the necessary repairs.  Motion carried. This will be placed on a future agenda.

Approval of Fireworks Permit – July 15^th Walcott Day Display at Prairie View Park.  Koehler moved and Jacob Puck seconded to approve the fireworks display permit for the Walcott Day display on July 15^th.  Mengler abstained due to conflict of interest as she is the Walcott Day Committee chairperson.  Motion carried.      

Approval of Fireworks Permit – July 14^th & 15^th Truckers Jamboree Display at Iowa 80 Truckstop.  Mengler moved and Latimer seconded to approve the fireworks permit for the Truckers Jamboree display on July 14^th and 15^th at the Iowa 80 Truckstop.  Motion carried.

Alley Maintenance Policy.  Information is still being researched and will be placed on the next council agenda.          

Ordinance 484-16, Adding Chapter 74 Pertaining to Golf Carts on City Streets.  Koehler moved and Mengler seconded to approve the third reading of Ordinance 484-16, Adding Chapter 74 Pertaining to Golf Carts.  Roll call ayes:  Koehler, Mengler, Jacob Puck, Latimer, and Jackie Puck.  Motion carried.  This ordinance will allow golf carts on most city streets, with several restrictions which include that all golf carts must be equipped with headlights and tail lights.  Annual permits for each golf cart must be obtained from the Police Chief.

Ordinance 485-16, Adding Chapter 75 Pertaining to UTV’s on City Streets.  Jackie Puck moved and Latimer seconded to approve the third reading of Ordinance 485-16, Adding Chapter 75 Pertaining to UTV’s.  Roll call ayes:  Jackie Puck, Latimer, Jackie Puck, Koehler, and Mengler.  Motion carried.  This ordinance will allow UTVs on most city streets, with several restrictions which include that all UTV’s be equipped with a muffler, headlights, and tail lights.  Annual permits for each UTV must be obtained from the Police Chief.

Ordinance 486-16, Amending Prohibited Activities at Prairie View Park. Jacob Puck moved and Mengler seconded to approve the third reading of Ordinance 486-16, Amending Chapter 47, Amending Prohibited Activities at Prairie View Park.  This ordinance will allow fishing (not ice fishing) at the park by persons age 16 and older holding a valid Iowa fishing license or persons under age 16 accompanied by a person age 16 or older holding a valid Iowa fishing license. Roll call ayes:  Jacob Puck, Mengler, Koehler, Jackie Puck, and Latimer.  Motion carried.  Discussion was held on posting signs at the pond with the age requirement and caution that there is a deep pond drop off.

Ordinance 487-16, Amending Chapter 92 Regarding Sewer Rates. This ordinance increases sewer rates by $1 per 1,000 gallons from $4.65 to $5.65.  Koehler moved and Jacob Puck seconded to approve the second reading of Ordinance 487-16.  Roll call ayes:  Koehler, Jacob Puck, Latimer, Mengler, and Jackie Puck.  Motion carried.  This ordinance increases sewer rates by $1 per 1,000 gallons from $4.65 to $5.65.  This is the second of three readings of the ordinance.

Ordinance 488-16, Amending Chapter 92 Regarding Water Rates.  Jacob Puck moved and Latimer seconded to approve the second reading of Ordinance 488-16.  Roll call ayes:  Jacob Puck, Latimer, Jackie Puck, Koehler, and Mengler.  Motion carried.  This ordinance increases water rates by $.50 per 1,000 gallons from $4.25 to $4.75.  This is the second of three readings of the ordinance.

Ordinance Amending Chapter 75 Regarding ATV Regulations.  Discussion was held on the proposed changes to Chapter 75, (All-Terrain Vehicles and Snowmobiles), which include allowing ATV’s with specific hours of operation and permit requirements.  Mengler moved to proceed with amending Chapter 75, to allow ATV’s in city limits.  Following further discussion with Attorney Schirman and Chief Blake, Mengler resinded her motion.  Attorney Schirman and Chief Blake will revise the proposed Ordinance for the next meeting.

Resolution 2016-26, Setting Wages for Fiscal Year Beginning July 1, 2016.  Koehler moved and Mengler seconded to approve Resolution 2016-26 (2% wage increases).  Roll call ayes:  Koehler, Mengler, Jackie Puck, Latimer, and Jacob Puck. Motion carried.        

Resolution 2016-27, Establishing Permit Fees to Operate Golf Carts and UTV’s.  Jackie Puck moved and Latimer seconded to approve Resolution 2016-27.  Roll call ayes:  Jackie Puck, Latimer, Jacob Puck, Koehler, and Mengler.  Motion carried.  There will be an annual permit fee of $25.00 to operate each UTV and golf cart.

Resolution 2016-28, Authorizing Internal Advance of Funds for Municipal Building Project.  Koehler moved and Jacob Puck seconded to approve Resolution 2016-28.  Roll call ayes:  Koehler, Jacob Puck, Latimer, Mengler, and Jackie Puck.  Motion carried.  This authorizes an advance up to $60,000 be repaid from future incremental property tax revenues from the Consolidated Walcott Urban Renewal Area.

Police Department Report.  Chief Blake requested a pay increase for part-time officers that work for the City on Walcott Day.  He reported on the pay differences between officers paid by the City and those paid by Walcott Day Committee.  Following discussion, Jackie Puck moved and Latimer seconded to approve a special event wage of $24.46/hour for part-time police officers working for the City on Walcott Day.  Motion carried.

Public Works Department Report.  Bowman presented costs for annual maintenance agreements on generators and sewer pumps.  Latimer moved and Koehler seconded to approve the generator maintenance agreement with Altorfer, Inc at a cost of $4,968 for six generators and the sewer pump maintenance agreement with Mississippi Valley Pump, Inc. for $350.  Motion carried.          

Audience Comments.  Gene Meyer commented on the choice of fire truck taken to the Blue Grass parade.  Verlyn Dietz questioned the conduit sticking up in a few areas along North Main Street.  This belongs to Mediacom and they have been contacted to finish.  Andy Brus commented on excess gravel on street. Bowman stated he will get the street swept up.  John Brockmann commented on the following:  electrical conduit and traffic control/signs on North Main Street Project, city grass cutting schedule, tall grass/weeds on private properties, and flower beds at the Veteran’s Memorial at Welcome Park.

Mengler moved and Jacob Puck seconded to adjourn at 7:55 p.m. Motion carried.  All votes on motions were unanimous, unless noted.

June 6, 2016 Signed Minutes & Claims