November 20, 2017 Minutes

The semi-monthly meeting of the City Council of Walcott, Iowa, was held on Monday, the 20th day of November, 2017, at Walcott City Hall.  Mayor John Kostichek called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m.  Council members present were: Virgil Wayne Latimer, Tim Koehler, Lisa Mengler, and Jacob Puck. Absent:  Jackie Puck.  City staff present:  Jeff Blake, Lisa Rickertsen, Tom Schirman, and Paul Stagg.

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

Introduction of Audience/Public Comments. There were no public comments from the audience at this time.

Consent Agenda.  Rickertsen reported on the details of Resolution 2017-41.  Mengler moved and Koehler seconded to approve the consent agenda including the invoices, minutes from November 6, 2017, October 2017 financial reports, Resolution 2017-41 – Establishing Splash Pad Project Fund & Authorizing Transfer of Funds, and the 2017-2018 Winter Maintenance Proposal with Scott County.  Roll call ayes:  Mengler, Jacob Puck, Latimer, and Koehler.  Motion carried.

Hazard Mitigation Plan Update.  Rickertsen reported on a possible update to Walcott’s hazard priorities and mitigation actions listed in the Scott County Hazard Mitigation Plan.  Mengler moved and Koehler seconded to approve adding to investigate the feasibility of developing a regional storm water detention area south of the Interstate 80 interchange area to the plan.  Motion carried.

Public Works Department Report.   

  • Utility GIS Mapping. Stagg reported on the need to develop a comprehensive GIS mapping program for use in maintaining and managing the City’s utility infrastructure. This was discussed during budget preparations and is included in the current budget.  John Brockmann questioned if all employees would have access to the maps.  Stagg stated this will be a web based interactive map program and the company will provide printed maps to be utilized by the entire department.  Following further discussion, Koehler moved and Mengler seconded to proceed with purchasing the GIS mapping for water and sewer utilities from Midland GIS Solutions.  Motion carried.  The cost is $20,610 plus an annual web GIS hosting fee of $1,800.
  • Dump Trailer Purchase. Stagg stated the current practice of cycling old dump trucks to the wastewater plant for sludge handling is very costly.  A dump trailer will provide the same service at lower costs and easier mode of operation.  Mengler moved and Jacob Puck seconded to approve the purchase of a dump trailer as presented.  Motion carried.  The trailer price is $7,500.

Stagg reported on updated costs for the asbestos and demolition removal of the city-owned property adjacent to City Hall.  Discussion was held on placing salvageable items out for bid.  The Fire Department will be utilizing the house for training purposes and demolition is not expected until next spring.

Hearts & Hands Foundation. 

  • Electronic Community Sign. Austin Burt presented a letter and project budget for the proposed electronic community organization sign.  He reported on the fundraising progress and requested $2,000 from the City’s Community Beautification/Vision Fund towards the project.  Koehler moved and Latimer seconded to approve the request from Hearts & Hands Foundation of $2,000 towards the electronic sign.  Motion carried.
  • Future Budget Requests. Austin Burt requested the City Council consider future budgeting to the Community Beautification/Vision Fund for future projects.

City Clerk Report.  Rickertsen reported on a voluntary, employee paid vision insurance program available through Wellmark. Jacob Puck moved and Mengler seconded to allow employees to participate in the vision insurance program with all costs paid by the employee through payroll.  Motion carried. Rickertsen stated the State Auditor’s Office released the FYE 2017 Examination report and no exceptions were noted in the report.

Mengler moved and Koehler seconded to adjourn at 6:30 p.m. Motion carried.  All votes on motions were unanimous, unless noted.

Signed minutes & claims

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November 20, 2017 Special Meeting Minutes

A special meeting of the City Council of the City of Walcott, Iowa was held on Monday, November 20, 2017, with Mayor John Kostichek calling the meeting to order at 5:00 p.m.  Council members present were: Tim Koehler, Virgil Wayne Latimer, Lisa Mengler, and Jacob Puck. Absent: Jackie Puck. City employees present were: Scott Bengfort, Lisa Rickertsen, and Tom Schirman.

Nuisance Abatement Hearing – Parcel 820655138–5.  Bengfort stated he sent a nuisance abatement notice to the property owner of parcel 820655138-55, S. Grove Street (behind the Lampliter).  The abatement notice listed weeds and overgrowth of vegetation, scrap ferrous materials, dismantled vehicles/machinery, and junk vehicles.  A letter was subsequently received from Ron May, attorney for the property owner (Bonnie Jackson), requesting a hearing with the City Council on the abatement notice.

Attorney May was present and stated the property owner would like to request an extension to May 1, 2018, to get the property cleaned up. Discussion ensued regarding drafting an agreement between the property owner and the City regarding the nuisance items and extended deadline.  May stated he appreciated the City’s cooperation to result in the least amount of expense to the property owner. Attorney Schirman stated an extension could be appropriate but the City would need to see a good faith effort during the extension.  Glen Houghton utilizes the property for open storage for his masonry business and he disagreed with some of the items that were being classified as a nuisance.

Following further discussion, Mengler moved and Latimer seconded to have Bengfort meet with the property owner or designee (Glen Houghton) to define and photograph what needs to be removed (according to the nuisance ordinances) and have the attorneys prepare and review an agreement with an abatement extension to May 1, 2018, to be presented at the December 18th council meeting.  Motion carried.

Koehler moved and Jacob Puck seconded to adjourn at 5:32 p.m.  Ayes:  All.  Motion carried.

November 20, 2017 Special Meeting

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November 6, 2017 Minutes

The semi-monthly meeting of the City Council of Walcott, Iowa, was held on Monday, the 6th day of November, 2017, at Walcott City Hall.  Mayor John Kostichek called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m.  Council members present were: Virgil Wayne Latimer, Tim Koehler, Lisa Mengler, Jackie Puck, and Jacob Puck. Absent:  None.  City staff present:  Brian Mayberry, Lisa Rickertsen, Tom Schirman, and Paul Stagg.

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

Introduction of Audience/Public Comments. There were no public comments from the audience.

Consent Agenda.  Rickertsen reported on the details of the consent agenda resolutions.  Jacob Puck moved and Mengler seconded to approve the consent agenda including the invoices, minutes from October 16, 2017, Resolution 2017-36 – Authorizing Transfer of Funds, Resolution 2017-37 – Obligating Tax Increment Financing Funds from the Consolidated Walcott Urban Renewal Area for FYE 2019, and Resolution 2017-38 – Approval of FYE 2017 Annual Urban Renewal Report.  Roll call ayes:  Jacob Puck, Mengler, Jackie Puck, Tim Koehler, and Latimer.  Motion carried.

Resolution 2017-39, Setting Date for Public Hearing on Urban Renewal Plan Amendment.  Rickertsen stated this resolution sets a public hearing date for an amendment to the Urban Renewal Plan which authorizes the undertaking of a new urban renewal project consisting of providing tax increment financing (TIF) support of Iowa 80 Truckstop, Inc. in connection with the expansion and renovation of existing truckstop facilities.  Koehler moved and Latimer seconded to approve Resolution 2017-39.  Roll call ayes:  Koehler, Latimer, Jacob Puck, Jackie Puck, and Mengler.  Motion carried.  The hearing will be on December 4th at 6:00 p.m.

Resolution 2017-40, Setting Date of Meeting at Which it is Proposed to Approve a Development Agreement with Iowa 80 Truckstop, Inc., Including Annual Appropriation Tax Increment Financing.  Rickertsen stated this Resolution sets a public hearing date for a proposed development agreement with Iowa 80 Truckstop, Inc. in connection with the expansion and renovation of existing truckstop facilities.  Council consensus was to have the City’s legal fees related to the urban renewal plan amendment and development agreement be reimbursed by the company.  Jackie Puck moved and Mengler seconded to approve Resolution 2017-40.  Roll call ayes:  Jackie Puck, Mengler, Koehler, Latimer, and Jacob Puck.  Motion carried.  The hearing will be on December 4th at 6:00 p.m., following the hearing on the urban renewal plan amendment.

Main Street Hanging Flower Baskets.   Council discussed the color options for the hanging baskets.  Mengler moved and Jackie Puck seconded to approve purchasing the red and white mix flowers from Blooming Ideas, at a total cost of $1,498. Motion carried.

Disposal of 2006 Crown Victoria.   Two bids were received for the 2006 Crown Victoria.  Jacob Puck moved and Jackie Puck seconded to approve selling the 2006 Crown Victoria to the high bidder, James Stout, for $1,510.  Motion carried.

Public Works Report.   Stagg reported on the completion of the water tower painting.

City Clerk Report.

  • Urban Revitalization Plan – Westbrook Additions. Rickertsen reported on the estimated legal fees in connection with pursuing an urban revitalization plan for the nine vacant lots in the Westbrook additions.  This plan would provide some property tax exemptions for construction of single family homes on the vacant lots.  Mengler moved and Koehler seconded to proceed with the urban revitalization plan for the vacant lots in the Westbrook Additions.  Motion carried.
  • 2018 Employee Health & Dental Insurance Benefits. Rickertsen stated the health increase was still within the fiscal year budget.  The insurance increase for 2018 includes an increase for changes to the children’s age rating plan and the health insurer tax, which both apply to all Affordable Care Act plans.  Koehler moved and Jackie Puck seconded to approve the 2018 employee health and dental insurance benefits renewal with Wellmark.  Motion carried.
  • Comprehensive Plan Update Community Meeting. Rickertsen reminded council of the community meeting at the Walcott American Legion on November 13th at 6:30 p.m. to gather input for the comprehensive plan update.
  • FYE 2019 Budget & Financial Information. Rickertsen reported the fiscal year 2019 (July 1, 2018- June 30, 2019) worksheets have been submitted to the departments. She stated that although the consolidated levy rate (all taxing bodies) has increased over the years, the city’s current levy rate of $10.08258 is down from last year’s and from her first budget year involvement in fiscal year 2001, which was at $10.50225. She reported that the City is not collecting any TIF funds this year and all TIF debt bonds/loans have been paid.  She stated there are some financial charts available at City Hall and on the website regarding the breakdown of the consolidated levy rate and City’s general fund.

Mayor Report.  Mayor Kostichek thanked the volunteers that worked on the entrance signs over the weekend.

Council Member Comments.  Koehler questioned the status of the city hall renovation scope and costs and the bids for costs related to demolition of the adjoining property.

Jackie Puck moved and Mengler seconded to adjourn at 6:25 p.m. Motion carried.  All votes on motions were unanimous, unless noted.

November 6, 2017 Signed Minutes & Claims

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