September 19, 2016

The semi-monthly meeting of the City Council of Walcott, Iowa, was held on Monday, the 19th day of September, 2016, 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, Jacob Puck, and Tim Koehler.  Absent: none.  City employees present:  Jeff Blake, Jackie Huston, Randy Reimers, and Tom Schirman.

Approval of Agenda. Mengler moved and Latimer 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 September 12th and 15th, 2016, and August financial reports.  Motion carried.

Approval of Minutes from September 6, 2016.  Mengler moved and Jacob Puck seconded to approve the minutes from September 6, 2016.  Motion carried with Koehler abstaining due to absence.

Resolution 2016-49, Alley Maintenance.  Options for the policy were discussed.  Jackie Puck moved and Koehler seconded to approve Resolution 2016-49 with discussed changes.  Motion carried with unanimous roll call vote.

Larry Seiler – Alley Maintenance.  Mr. Seiler was not in attendance.

John & Brenda Swanson.  Ms. Swanson questioned the status of lighting on the Recreational Trail.  The Mayor stated that the Park Board was researching the options.  The Swansons also explained about the culvert under their driveway at the entrance to Walcott Road.  They stated that several years ago Ellsworth Excavating and Mr. Brockmann had taken a larger steel culvert out and replaced it with a PVC pipe with a smaller diameter.  The culvert is plugged up and water is backing up in the ditch.  The Mayor stated that he would speak to the City Engineer about this issue.

Brad Bauer – Storm Sewer Connection.  Mr. Bauer was not in attendance.

Alley behind 200 block of N. Century Street – water issues.  Jackie Puck stated that there is water standing at the north end of this alley even when there has been no rain.  It was noted that there is a storm sewer main with laterals attached in this alley.  The Mayor will discuss this with the City Engineer.

Concrete Pavement Replacement at Fire Station.  Quotes were received from Aero Concrete and Paustian Concrete.  The quotes were not for the same amount of linear feet.  Koehler moved and Mengler seconded to table the quotes until the next meeting to get clarification.  Motion carried.

Manhole and Catch Basin Surrounds Replacement.  Quotes were received from Aero Concrete and Paustian Concrete.  There were questions regarding equal comparisons between quotes.  Latimer moved and Koehler seconded to table the quotes until the next meeting to get clarification.  Motion carried.

Hearts & Hands Foundation.  Austin Burt presented a plan for tree plantings on City-owned property at the west end of Cedar Lane Drive.  This will provide a wind and dust break and visual screening for the Westbrook development area.  The Recreational Trail is planned to continue through this area eventually.  The Foundation’s intention is to encourage residential development.  Huston questioned is these lots could be developed due to the floodplain.  Burt stated that the Foundation would contact IDNR and attempt to get approval for construction in this area.  The Foundation received a $2,500 grant and is requesting the City use the $1,500 that was set aside for tree planting in this area.  Jackie Puck moved and Jake Puck seconded to approve the Phase I plantings with up to $1,500 in City funds being expended.  Motion carried.

Sno-Seekers Swap Meet.  Kevin Toft was present to request the use of Victory Park on November 6, 2016, for their Swap Meet.  This event was held at Victory Park last year and Council Members stated that there were no complaints and the park had been cleaned following the event.  Mengler moved and Jacob Puck seconded to approve the Swap Meet for 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. on November 6th.  Motion carried.

Resolution 2016-50, Job Description for Building/Code Enforcement Official.  Jacob Puck moved and Mengler seconded to approve Resolution 2016-50.  Motion carried by unanimous roll call vote.

Resolution 2016-51, Approving Contract & Bonds for the Main Street Bridge Channel Shaping Project.  Mengler moved and Latimer seconded to approve Resolution 2016-51.  Motion carried with unanimous roll call vote.

Police Department Report.  Chief Blake reported on a recent multijurisdictional operation.

City Clerk Report. Huston questioned if the Council was in favor of having the P&Z Commission research and prepare a proposal to allow front yard fences.  Tracy Nees, a resident, stated that she had to remove a push-in fence from her front yard and would like to reinstall it on the property line to keep people and dogs off her lawn.  Council consensus was to refer this to P&Z to prepare a proposal with limits on height and material for front yard fences.

Attorney Report.  The sign easement for Caseys has been sent to them for their approval.

Mayor Report.  Watersmith Engineering can provide hourly services for construction observation for the upcoming James Street Project.

Council Member Comments.  Jackie Puck encouraged everyone to attend the Family Bingo Night on October 8th at the Walcott American Legion.  It is a fund-raiser for the Splash Pad Committee.

Audience Comments.  Jill Ellsworth questioned why the Ellsworth Excavating bid that they submitted to the Public Works Director was not considered for the James Street Project.  Attorney Schirman explained that the bidding documents required a sealed bid with bonding documents be submitted to City Hall and that no bid was received from Ellsworth Excavating.  He stated that only appropriately submitted bids are considered.  Joe Hahn reminded everyone about the Fire Department’s Annual Steak Fry on September 24th.

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

Signed minutes and claims

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September 15, 2016

A special meeting of the City Council of the City of Walcott, Iowa was held on Thursday, September 15, 2016, with Mayor John Kostichek calling 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 were:  Jackie Huston, Randy Reimers, Tony Rupe.

Latimer moved and Jake Puck seconded to approve the agenda.  Motion carried.

Public Works Director Position.  Huston stated that Steve Bowman had tendered his resignation and reviewed the advertisement that had been used when Bowman had been hired.   Discussion revolved around changes to the advertisement and staffing for the department.  Reimers and Rupe both stated that they were willing to continue their employment as Wastewater and Water Superintendents, respectively.  The Council determined that certifications in wastewater and water treatment would not be necessary for the Public Works Director position, however a basic knowledge of those areas, as well as, experience in the other public works operations and supervision would be valuable.  Mengler moved and Jake Puck seconded to approve the advertisement with discussed changes.  Motion carried.

The Public Works Director’s job description was discussed.  Koehler moved and Jake Puck moved to make the discussed changes to the description.  Motion carried.

Koehler moved and Jacob Puck seconded to adjourn at 6:12 p.m.  Ayes:  All.  Motion carried.

All votes were unanimous.

September 15, 2016 Signed Minutes

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September 12, 2016

A special meeting of the City Council of the City of Walcott, Iowa was held on Monday, September 12, 2016, with Mayor John Kostichek calling 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 were:  Lisa Rickertsen.

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

Building/Code Enforcement Official Position.  Rickertsen explained that the Building Official position is difficult to fill as part-time.  The position duties include: rental housing inspections, commercial fire inspections, all building, plumbing, electrical, and mechanical applications and permit inspections, plan reviews, sidewalk program, and code enforcement including nuisances.   Discussion was held on the possibility of outsourcing permit inspections, however the rental housing and fire inspections and code violations would not be enforced.  The council consensus was that not filling the position was not in the best interest of the community.  Discussion continued regarding possible additional duties for a full-time employee and the job description was reviewed.  Mengler moved and Koehler seconded to advertise for a full-time Building/Code Enforcement Official with changes to the job description as discussed.  Motion carried.

Koehler moved and Jacob Puck seconded to adjourn at 7:25 p.m.  Ayes:  All.  Motion carried.

September 12, 2016 Special Meeting

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September 6, 2016

The semi-monthly meeting of the City Council of Walcott, Iowa, was held on Tuesday, the 6th day of September, 2016, 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.

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

Consent Agenda.  Jackie Puck moved and Mengler seconded to approve the consent agenda, including the invoices and minutes from August 15, 2016.  Motion carried.

Approval of Minutes from August 17, 2016.  Jackie Puck moved and Latimer seconded to approve the minutes from August 17, 2016.  Mengler abstained due to absence from meeting.  Motion carried.

Appointment of City Engineer.  Rickertsen stated the City Engineer works closely with the Zoning Administrator and is defined in the City Code to review site plans and plats and provides floodplain and other technical questions as they arise. Rickertsen had provided council with additional information regarding hourly rates and stated that the Zoning Administrator has recommended Jason Holdorf from Missman, Inc., to be appointed City Engineer.  Jackie Puck moved and Latimer seconded to approve Jason Holdorf be appointed the City Engineer.  Motion carried.

Larry Seiler – Alley Maintenance.  Seiler stated he was following up from previous meetings regarding alley maintenance by his property at 200 W. Flagg Street.  Jackie Puck stated she would like the City Attorney to come up with an ordinance to not allow vehicles weighing more than 10,000 pounds on alleys.  Seiler stated he would need a limit greater than 10,000 pounds.  Resident John Brockmann stated there is no way for the City to weigh vehicles.  Mengler stated a weight limit would be hard to enforce but stated if the property owner wants to place rock down in alleys it would be their responsibility to pay for it, which has been the past policy.  Seiler questioned the brush that is still infringing in the alley area. This has been trimmed back already and both Mengler and Jacob Puck stated large vehicles can get through the area with no problems.  Seiler stated it should be trimmed back further and Mengler stated she would have Bowman look at the area again.

Hearts & Hands Foundation – Tree Windbreak at Wastewater Plant Property.  Brent Puck reported that the Hearts & Hands Foundation was awarded a $2,500 grant from Alliant Energy.  The funds will be used to plant trees, with volunteer labor, along the east side of the compost area/wastewater treatment plant property.  Jody Siebel stated the proposed planting area is utilized during winter months to dispose of excess snow.  Discussion ensued and concerns arose on the maintenance responsibility and that the proposed area is currently being leased.  The committee was asked to talk to the Public Works Department about the concerns mentioned.

Dawson Property – 301 E. Lincoln Street. Brian Dawson was present to follow up with a nuisance abatement notice that was received earlier in the year. He distributed photos and reported that a semi-trailer and car parts have been removed from the property and they have been repositioning trailers since he last met with council on February 15th.   Jackie Puck stated the property looks nice and Mayor Kostichek thanked them for following up.  Mengler asked for another follow-up at the end of March.

Main Street Streetscape Enhancement Project – Approval of Payment #9.  Rickertsen reported the quantities submitted were reviewed by Bowman and the project engineer, who recommended payment.  Mengler moved and Jacob Puck seconded to approve payment #9 to Brandt Construction in the amount of $42,180.50.  Motion carried.

Main Street Channel Shaping Project.

  • Resolution 2016-44, Approving Temporary Easements. The easements are with Walcott Clinic Properties and Burt Enterprises for dirt disposal, as requested by the property owners, from the project area.  Jackie Puck moved and Mengler seconded to approve Resolution 2016-44.  Roll call ayes:  Jackie Puck, Mengler, Latimer, and Jacob Puck.  Motion carried.
  • Resolution 2016-45, Awarding Contract for the Main Street Channel Shaping Project. Two bids were received and the project engineer recommended awarding the contract to the low bidder, Brandt Construction.  Jackie Puck moved and Latimer seconded to approve Resolution 2016-45.  Roll call ayes:  Jackie Puck, Latimer, Jacob Puck, and Mengler.  Motion carried.  The project is awarded to Brandt Construction in the amount of $34,180.

Resolution 2016-46, Awarding Contract for the East James Street Water Main Project.   Three bids were received and the project engineer recommended awarding the contract to the low bidder, SulzCo LLC.  Mengler moved and Latimer seconded to approve Resolution 2016-46.  Roll call ayes:  Mengler, Latimer, Jacob Puck, and Jackie Puck.  Motion carried.   The project is awarded to SulzCo LLC in the amount of $72,166.

South Downey Street Improvements Project. 

  • Approval of Payment #3. Mengler moved and Jacob Puck seconded to approve payment #3, as recommended by the project engineer, to All American Concrete, Inc., in the amount of $82,456.68.  Motion carried.
  • Resolution 2016-47, Approving Change Order #1. Rickertsen stated the change order is for adding 3” of subbase rock under the sidewalk areas, as recommended by the Public Works Director.  Following discussion, Mengler moved and Jacob Puck seconded to approve Resolution 2016-47.  Roll call ayes: Mengler, Jacob Puck, Jackie Puck, and Latimer.  Motion carried.

Resolution 2016-48, Establishing Criteria and Approving Application Regarding the Use of Economic Development Incentives.  Rickertsen reviewed the criteria and program application regarding the use of tax increment financing (TIF) property tax rebates in the Consolidated Walcott Urban Renewal Area.  Jacob Puck moved and Latimer seconded to approve Resolution 2016-48.  Roll call ayes:  Jacob Puck, Latimer, Mengler, and Jackie Puck.  Motion carried.   The developer requesting assistance must complete an application prior to the start of any project construction.

Trick-or-Treating.  Jacob Puck moved and Latimer seconded to approve Trick-or-Treating on October 30th from 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. and the parade from Victory Park to the Walcott American Legion.  Motion carried.

Fire Department Report.   Jackie Puck moved and Mengler seconded to approve the payment to Kalmes Catering in the amount of $8,500 for 1,000 steaks and approve closing a portion of E. Bryant Street, between Main Street and Henry Street, on September 24th for the annual Fire Department Steak Fry.  Motion carried.

City Clerk Report. Rickertsen reported on the annual financial report, ending June 30, 2016.  Mengler moved and Jacob Puck seconded to approve the FYE 2016 Annual Financial Report.  Motion carried.

Audience Comments.  John Brockmann expressed concerns about culverts that need to be cleaned out and a water main valve that he said was covered up and not properly fixed.

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

September 6, 2016 Signed Minutes & Claims

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