The semi-monthly meeting of the City Council of Walcott, Iowa, was held on Monday, the 6^th day of March, 2017, at Walcott City Hall.  Mayor Pro Tem Jacob Puck called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m.  Other council members present were: Tim Koehler, Virgil Wayne Latimer, Lisa Mengler, and Jackie Puck. Absent:  Mayor John Kostichek.  City employees present:  Scott Bengfort, Jeff Blake, Josh Geigle, Lisa Rickertsen, Tom Schirman, and Paul Stagg.

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

Public Comments.  John Brockmann questioned the employee grievance procedures.  Rickertsen stated it is in the employee personnel policy, which employees have a copy of.

Public Hearing on FYE 2018 Budget.  The public hearing was opened on the FYE 2018 Budget.  Rickertsen stated the tax levy will decrease to $10.08258 per $1,000 taxable valuation on regular property.  She stated the budget includes the proposed splash pad project and rate increases to cover costs associated with the operation maintenance and improvements, including regulatory requirements, to the water and sewer systems.  No written or other oral comments were received.  Koehler moved and Mengler seconded to close the public hearing and resume the regular meeting.  Motion carried.

Consent Agenda.  Mengler moved and Latimer seconded to approve the consent agenda including the invoices, minutes from February 20, 2017, and the February 2017 financial reports.  Motion carried.

Resolution 2017-14, Approving the Adoption of the Budget for FYE 2018.  Koehler moved and Mengler seconded to approve Resolution 2017-14.  Roll call ayes:  Koehler, Mengler, Jackie Puck, Latimer, and Jacob Puck.  Motion carried.

Karolyn Williams – 211 N. Parker Street.  Bengfort reported on the landscaping that is located in the city right-of-way (ROW), adjacent to the curb in front of her house, which acts as a public sidewalk and was installed without a permit and does not meet city sidewalk standards.  His proposal was to have Williams remove the stone and gravel in the first 6’ from the curb in the ROW but allow her to leave the concrete retaining wall for now, with the understanding if the City (or other utilities) need to work in the ROW area the retaining wall and may need to be removed.  Bengfort suggested the portion of the private walkway (that runs from the house to the curb) that lies in the ROW must be poured concrete, as per City Code.  Williams stated she would remove the small wall on the south end from the curb to the retaining wall, and said she would remove the stone but would like to leave the mulch and rock areas (between the curb and retaining wall) and would like to place flower pots in the area and/or annuals, therefore not appearing, or to be utilized, as a sidewalk.  Following further discussion with the property owner, Mengler moved and Koehler seconded to allow 45 days for the owner to remove the stone and edging located in city ROW, install concrete walkway from property line to curb (with a permit), allow the owner to plant flowers and soft landscaping in the ROW, and to allow the retaining wall to remain where placed with the understanding that if any city work is ever done in the ROW and the retaining wall is damaged, the City is not responsible for its repair.  Motion carried.

Hearts & Hands Foundation – Austin Burt.   Austin Burt provided an update on the entrance and community sign project timelines.  He also questioned budget protocol for additional funding and Rickertsen responded that funding requests should be submitted to the City prior to January 15^th each year.

Ordinance 490-17, Amending Chapter 99 Regarding Sewer Rates.  Mengler moved and Jackie Puck seconded to approve the 2^nd reading of Ordinance 490-17.  Roll call ayes:  Mengler, Jackie Puck, Koehler, Latimer, and Jacob Puck.  Motion carried.  This is the 2^nd of three readings of the ordinance.  This ordinance increases the sewer base rate from $3.00 to $9.00/month and the usage rate by $.15 (3%) from $5.65 to $5.80 per 1,000 gallons of water used.

Ordinance 491-17, Amending Chapter 92 Regarding Water Rates.  Latimer moved and Koehler seconded to approve the 2^nd reading of Ordinance 491-17. Roll call ayes:  Latimer, Koehler, Mengler, Jackie Puck, and Jacob Puck.  Motion carried.  This ordinance increases the water usage rate by $.14 (3%), from $4.75 to $4.88 per 1,000 gallons of water used.

Fire Department Report.   Chief Geigle reported on the request to purchase new EMS suction units for the two rescue vehicles.  Mengler moved and Latimer seconded to approve the purchase of the new EMS suction units from Emergency Medical Products at a cost of $1,958.50.  Motion carried.  Chief Geigle stated the new fire truck should be here in mid-April and questioned if he could place an advertisement for bid for the 1993 mini-pumper.  Council had no objections to advertise for sealed bids.  Geigle also questioned the use of the city-owned house adjacent to the fire station for training purposes.  This will be placed on the next agenda.

Public Works Department Report.

• ½ Ton Truck Purchase. Koehler stated he would like more detailed comparisons of the bids received.  Stagg stated he had prepared a more detailed specification sheet and he will present it to council for the next meeting.   Koehler moved and Mengler seconded to table the purchase, until a copy of the detailed specifications is received.  Motion carried.
• Disposal of 1983 Ford F-700. Mengler moved and Koehler seconded to obtain sealed bids on the 1983 Ford F-700.  Motion carried.

City Clerk Report.  Rickertsen stated a public hearing will be held at the next meeting for changes to the sign chapter and zoning regulations.  These changes would allow certain signs in zoning classifications and restrictions for front yard fences.

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

March 2017 Chamber of Commerce Newsletter

The semi-monthly meeting of the City Council of Walcott, Iowa, was held on Monday, the 20^th day of February, 2017, 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 Jackie Puck. Absent:  Jacob Puck.  City employees present:  Scott Bengfort, Jeff Blake, Lisa Rickertsen, Tom Schirman, and Paul Stagg.

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

Public Comments.  John Brockmann expressed concerns about the removal of a portion of sidewalk  on North Main Street and he also stated there is a bump on the Main Street bridge approach.

Consent Agenda.  Latimer moved and Koehler seconded to approve the consent agenda including the invoices, minutes from February 6, 2017, and the January 2017 financial reports.  Motion carried.

Larry Seiler – Alley Maintenance.  Larry Seiler questioned the maintenance of the alley behind his property.  Following the last meeting, Attorney Schirman drafted a memo that states the City has complied with state code requirements addressing the closing of alleys for specified conditions.  City policy states that existing platted alleys may be improved by property owners, at their expense.  Seiler stated he wants the bushes trimmed that are hanging in the alley right-of-way.

Karolyn Williams – 211 N. Parker Street.  Karolyn Williams stated she was informed she had to remove some of her landscaping that is located in the City right-of-way (ROW), adjacent to the curb in front of her house.  It acts as a public sidewalk and was installed without a permit and does not meet city sidewalk standards.  Williams stated that it was never intended to be a sidewalk. She stated she spoke to two former employees and that she was told a permit was not needed.  Kendall Mattson spoke about the improvements made to Williams’ property and noted that there are sidewalks next to the curb in various areas within the City.  The City Code states that public sidewalks shall be located six feet from the curb line, unless Council establishes a different distance due to special circumstances, and must be constructed with concrete. It was stated that sidewalks placed adjacent to the curb cause snow removal problems and are no longer permitted.  Koehler reported on differing information from a former employee who stated that she did not say a permit was not needed for the sidewalk located in City ROW.  Council stated the property looks attractive but it is not compliant with City Code and they directed Bengfort to communicate with Williams to discuss a resolution and report back at the next meeting.

Dave Meier – Iowa 80 Group.  Dave Meier stated they would like to reroute the water main at the Truckstop for future building expansion.  Stagg stated he met with Meier on site and does not have any issues with the relocation request.  Discussion included the need to vacate the existing easement for the water main and a new easement will be required.  Mengler moved and Koehler seconded to move forward with the easement vacation process, allowing Iowa 80 Group to reroute the water main at their expense, following verification that no other utilities are in the existing easement.  Motion carried.

Liability/Property/Worker’s Compensation Insurance Renewal.  Rickertsen reported on the benefits of participating in the Iowa Association of Municipal Utilities Safety Group Insurance Program with EMC Insurance and recommended renewing the IAMU Safety Group Insurance Program with EMC Insurance Company, utilizing local agent, Brent Arp.  Koehler moved and Jackie Puck seconded to renew the insurance with EMC Insurance Company.  Motion carried.

Spring Clean-Up Day – May 6, 2017.  Mengler moved and Latimer seconded to schedule spring clean-up day on Saturday, May 6^th from 2:00 – 5:00 p.m.  Motion carried.  This will be located at the Public Works building for Walcott residents only.  No electronic, business, or household hazardous waste.  Tires, appliances, and bulky items will be accepted at no charge.

Personnel Policy Changes.   Proposed changes to the personnel policy were reviewed.  Rickertsen will prepare a resolution for the next meeting to incorporate the changes to the policy.

Ordinance 490-17, Amending Chapter 99 Regarding Sewer Rates.  Rickertsen stated an increase is needed to cover costs associated with the operation, maintenance, and improvements to both the water and sewer systems.  This ordinance increases the sewer base rate from $3.00 to $9.00/month and the usage rate by $.15 (3%) from $5.65 to $5.80 per 1,000 gallons of water used. Mengler moved and Koehler seconded to introduce and approve the 1^st reading of Ordinance 490-17.  Roll call ayes:  Mengler, Koehler, Jackie Puck, and Latimer.  Motion carried.  This is the 1^st of three readings of the ordinance.

Ordinance 491-17, Amending Chapter 92 Regarding Water Rates.  This ordinance increases the water usage rate by $.14 (3%), from $4.75 to $4.88 per 1,000 gallons of water used. Jackie Puck moved and Mengler seconded to introduce and approve the 1^st reading of Ordinance 491-17. Roll call ayes:  Jackie Puck, Mengler, Koehler, and Latimer.  Motion carried.

Building Department Report.   Bengfort introduced himself to the audience and provided an update on his department activities.

Police Department Report.   Chief Blake requested approval to purchase and install in-car printers and scanners in the three squads.  Koehler moved and Jackie Puck seconded to purchase the equipment as requested at a cost of $2,629.19.  Motion carried.

Public Works Department Report.

• Disposal of Lab Equipment. Stagg reported the City has three working meters to perform daily water tests.  He stated one is more expensive to operate and he would like to try to sell it.  Mengler moved and Jackie seconded to proceed with disposing of the unnecessary lab equipment.  Motion carried.
• Water Tower Interior/Exterior (Divers) Inspection/Cleaning. Resident John Brockmann suggested the City drain the tower to inspect it instead of utilizing divers. Stagg stated utilizing divers is a common practice and it will allow the 500,000 gallon tower to remain in-service during the process with no adverse effect to the system.  The inspection includes cleaning the interior of the tower and the wet well reservoir.  Following discussion, Mengler moved and Jackie Puck seconded to approve the low bid from MidCo Diving and Marine Services, Inc. to perform the inspection and cleaning services on the north water tower at a cost of $2,675.  Motion carried.  The services will be paid from the Water Tower Reserve Fund.    
• Lift Station Pump Repairs. Stagg recommended repairing the backup lift station pump that provides relief to the main lift station when overwhelmed by peak flows.  Mengler moved and Latimer seconded to approve the low bid from Electric Pump, at a cost of $6,225, to repair the lift station pump.  Motion carried.  The services will be paid from the Lift Station Reserve Fund.

City Clerk Report.

• Public Hearing Date for FYE 2017 Budget Amendment. Rickertsen reported on the proposed budget amendment for the FYE 2017 Budget.  Koehler moved and Jackie Puck seconded to set the public hearing date for the FYE 2017 budget amendment for March 20^th at 6:00 p.m.  Motion carried.
• FYE 2017 Examination. Mengler moved and Latimer seconded to request the State Auditor’s Office perform an annual examination for FYE 2017. Motion carried.

Attorney Report.  Schirman stated all sign easements have been recorded and he provided an update regarding the purchase offer for the city property located at 1113 N. Main Street.

Council Member Comments.  Koehler questioned the status of the property lines pertaining to the location of the entrance signs.  Rickertsen stated the survey had been completed to verify the correct placement of signs.

Jackie Puck moved and Mengler seconded to adjourn at 7:16 p.m. Motion carried.  All votes on motions were unanimous, unless noted.

February 20, 2017 Signed minutes & claims

The semi-monthly meeting of the City Council of Walcott, Iowa, was held on Monday, the 6^th day of February, 2017, 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:  Adam Hill, Randy Reimers, Lisa Rickertsen, Tom Schirman, and Paul Stagg.

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

Public Comments.  None.

Consent Agenda.  Mengler moved and Jacob Puck seconded to approve the consent agenda including the invoices, minutes from January 16, 2017, and January 23, 2017.  Motion carried.

Larry Seiler – Alley Maintenance.  Larry Seiler had questions about the ownership of the alley behind his property and whose responsibility is it to maintain.  A copy of the alley maintenance policy was presented to Seiler and Attorney Schirman stated he will do further research prior to the next meeting.

South Downey Street Storm Sewer Connections.  Mengler moved and Koehler seconded to approve sending letters to the property owners on the S. Downey Street Project regarding connection to the city storm sewer by June 30, 2017.  Motion carried.  Chapter 100 of the City of Walcott Code of Ordinances requires property owners to connect extracted water or discharge to a City storm sewer when such storm sewer is available within one hundred feet of the property line.

James Street Water Project.

• Resolution 2017-11, Accepting Improvements and Authorizing Final Payment. Rickertsen reported the project engineer conducted a final inspection and recommends acceptance of the project and approval of final payment.  Based on the recommendation from the project engineer, Koehler moved and Jacob Puck moved to approve Resolution 2017-11.  Roll call ayes:  Koehler, Jacob Puck, Mengler, Latimer, and Jackie Puck.  Motion carried.  A final payment in the amount of $4,856.65 will be sent to Sulzco LLC.

Resolution 2017-12, Approving Grant of Easement for Sign Location and Use Between the City of Walcott and Casey’s General Store.  Rickertsen stated the easement to the City is for the small section of property where the organization board is currently located. Mengler moved and Jackie Puck seconded to approve Resolution 2017-12.  Roll call ayes:  Mengler, Jackie Puck, Koehler, Latimer, and Jacob Puck.  Motion carried.

Resolution 2017-13, Adopting the Annual Supplement to the Code of Ordinances.  Jacob Puck moved and Latimer seconded to approve Resolution 2017-13. Roll call ayes:  Jacob Puck, Latimer, Koehler, Mengler, and Jackie Puck.  Motion carried.  The Ordinances adopted in 2016 are now codified and incorporated in published copies of the City of Walcott Code of Ordinances.

2017 Summer Youth Program.  Rickertsen presented information on the proposed Summer Youth Program with the Scott County YMCA.  Mengler moved and Koehler seconded to approve the 2017 Summer Youth Program as presented.  Motion carried.  Fees will remain the same as last year: $70 per participant for children residing within city limits or Fire District #6 and the full cost of $196.45 for non-residents.  Program dates are June 12^th – July 21^st.

Public Works Department Report.  Stagg reported on an upcoming meeting with Blue Beacon Truck Wash regarding the treatment agreement as required by the Iowa Department of Natural Resources.

City Clerk Report.

• Purchase Approval of Multi-Function Copier. Koehler moved and Jacob Puck seconded to approve purchasing a multi-function copier from RICOH at a cost of $5,699.95.  Motion carried.  The maintenance rates will be locked in for a period of five years.
• FYE 2018 Budget. The proposed FYE 2018 budget was reviewed. The proposed tax levy rate is $10.08258 per $1,000 taxable valuation on regular property, approximately $.04 less than the current rate.  Rickertsen stated the budget includes water and sewer rate increases due to operational and system maintenance expenses and an increase to the garbage rate due to increased rates from the contractor.

Jacob Puck moved and Koehler seconded to adjourn at 6:31 p.m. Motion carried.  All votes on motions were unanimous, unless noted.

February 6, 2017 Signed Minutes & Claims

February 2017 Chamber of Commerce Newsletter

A special meeting of the City Council of the City of Walcott, Iowa was held on Monday, January 23, 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, Jackie Puck, and Jacob Puck. Absent:  None. City employees present were:  Jeff Blake, Josh Geigle, Lisa Rickertsen, and Paul Stagg.

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

FYE 2018 Budget Review and Discussion. Discussion was held on the proposed FYE 2018 budget, including a review of the general fund, general reserve funds, special revenue funds, and proprietary (water, sewer, and garbage) funds. Following the review of revenue and expenditures, it was determined it is necessary to increase rates for water, sewer, and garbage services.  Rickertsen will make changes to the proposed budget as discussed.

Koehler moved and Jacob Puck seconded to adjourn at 7:02 p.m.  Ayes:  All.  Motion carried.

January 23, 2017 – Budget Mtg – Signed Minutes

The semi-monthly meeting of the City Council of Walcott, Iowa, was held on Monday, the 16^th day of January, 2017, 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, Randy Reimers, Lisa Rickertsen, Tom Schirman, and Paul Stagg.

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

Public Comments.  None.

Consent Agenda.  Latimer moved and Jacob Puck seconded to approve the consent agenda including the invoices, Class C liquor license and Sunday sales renewal for Grammas Kitchen and the checkered Flagg Bar & Grill, December 2016 financial reports and Resolution 2017-7, Transfer of Funds.  Roll call carried: Latimer, Jacob Puck, Koehler, Mengler, and Jackie Puck. Motion carried.

Approval of Minutes from January 3, 2017.   Mengler moved and Jacob Puck seconded to approve the minutes from January 3, 2017.  Motion carried.  Jackie Puck abstained due to absence from meeting.

Stanley Consultants – Treatment Agreements. Engineer, Jay Brady, presented the proposed treatment agreement for Blue Beacon Truckwash.  He reported on the details of the proposed agreement and stated that he will submit the local limits study to the Iowa Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) for their review and will forward the proposed agreement to Blue Beacon Truckwash.  Brady stated he is not proposing an agreement with Iowa 80 Truckomat at this time and after submission to the IDNR, he would wait for their determination on whether an agreement is necessary.

Iowa 80 Group – Truckomat Treatment Agreement.  Consultant, Ed Askew, spoke on behalf of Truckomat and stated their objections to any proposed treatment agreement with their facility, particularly because he believes they are not a significant contributor under IDNR regulations.

Iowa 80 Group – Right-of-Way (ROW)/Proposed Sign.  Dave Meier stated they would like to locate a lighted directional sign in the ROW (along Plainview Road), north of the truck entrance, to eliminate trucks turning into the wrong driveway.  Discussion was held that the ROW is unusually wider in that area and the goal is to reduce traffic congestion and increase public safety.  Koehler stated it would be a one-time case by case basis which sets no precedence for the same or similar situation; sign bases shall not impact present utilities or ability to repair; and there would be no transfer of ownership.  Mengler expressed her concerns of setting precedence.  Following further discussion, Koehler moved and Jackie Puck seconded that the City Council agrees to review the final drawings of the proposed sign (bases) to be permitted in the ROW as discussed, contingent that it doesn’t impede current or future utilities.  Motion carried.

Resolution 2017-8, Approving Final Plat for Needham’s First Addition.  Rickertsen reported that the Planning & Zoning Commission recommended approval of the Needham’s First Addition Final Plat and all platting documents have been reviewed and approved by Attorney Schirman.  Mengler moved and Jacob Puck seconded to approve Resolution 2017-8, Approving Final Plat for Needham’s First Addition.  Roll call ayes:  Mengler, Jacob Puck, Latimer, Koehler, and Jackie Puck.  Motion carried.  This subdivision is at the end of South Main Street.

Approving Preliminary and Final Plats for Walcott West Addition.  Rickertsen reported that the Planning & Zoning Commission recommended approval of the preliminary and final plats for the Walcott West Addition and all platting documents have been reviewed and approved by Attorney Schirman.  Jackie Puck moved and Mengler seconded to approve Resolution 2017-9, approving Preliminary Plat for Walcott West Addition.  Roll call ayes:  Jackie Puck, Mengler, Koehler, Jacob Puck, and Latimer.  Motion carried.   Jacob Puck moved and Koehler seconded to approve Resolution 2017-10, Approving Final Plat for Walcott West Addition.  Roll call ayes:  Jacob Puck, Koehler, Mengler, Jackie Puck, and Latimer.  Motion carried.  This subdivision is at the end of West Durant Street.

City Clerk Report.  Rickertsen presented the FYE 2016 examination report from the State Auditor’s Office and stated the City was in compliance with all reviewed requirements.

Mengler moved and Koehler seconded to adjourn at 7:11 p.m. Motion carried.  All votes on motions were unanimous, unless noted.

January 16, 2017 Signed Minutes & Claims

January-2017-newsletter

The semi-monthly meeting of the City Council of Walcott, Iowa, was held on Tuesday, the 3^rd day of January, 2017, 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, Josh Geigle, Randy Reimers, Lisa Rickertsen, Tom Schirman, and Paul Stagg.

Approval of Agenda. Rickertsen stated that the Resolution number under item 11 (Fire Department Report) should be listed as Resolution 2017-6.  Mengler moved and Jacob Puck seconded to approve the agenda, with correction.  Motion carried.

Public Comments.  Due to recent vehicle break-ins, Randy Moeller questioned having more police coverage. It was reported that the Scott County Sheriff Department does patrol Walcott and Chief Blake stated he has adjusted coverage hours in the past.  John Brockmann had questions regarding connections to the new storm sewer on South Downey Street.  Stagg will contact the project engineer regarding the situation.  Brenda Arp expressed concerns about the curb to curb snow removal, which results in snow being placed on her sidewalk, which is adjacent to the curb.  Elaine Arp questioned the snow removal procedures for the sidewalk and crossing on the north side of W. James Street, across from the school. Discussion was held on the snow plowing policy and Attorney Schirman stated he will check into the matter further.

Consent Agenda.  Jacob Puck moved and Koehler seconded to approve the consent agenda including the invoices, Resolution 2017-1, Designating the North Scott Press as Official Newspaper, Resolution 2017-2 Authorizing Certain Payments Before a Council Meeting, Resolution 2017-3 Designation of Financial Institutions as Depositories, Resolution 2017-4 Establishing the Standard Mileage Rate Reimbursement, and Resolution 2017-5, Adjusting Final Delinquent Utility Accounts.  Roll call carried: Jacob Puck, Koehler, Mengler, and Latimer. Motion carried.

Approval of Minutes from December 19, 2016.   Mengler moved and Latimer seconded to approve the minutes from December 19, 2016.  Motion carried.  Koehler abstained due to absence from meeting.

Appointments by Mayor. Mayor Kostichek made the following appointments:

• Park Board.  Reappoint Bridget Geigle to Park Board with a term ending 12/31/21.  Koehler moved and Jacob Puck seconded to approve the Mayor’s appointment.  Motion carried.         
• Council Committees:

• Police, Fire, Street Lights, Animal Control, Civil Defense, and Zoning Board of Adjustment – Latimer & Jackie Puck
• Sanitary Sewer and Solid Waste – Jackie Puck and Jacob Puck
• Streets, Parks, Equipment Operations – Koehler and Latimer
• Policy & Administration, Mayor, Council, Clerk, Treasurer, P&Z, Elections, City Hall & Building – Koehler and Mengler
• Water Plant Operations, Distribution & Maintenance – Jacob Puck and Mengler

• Mayor Pro Tem – Jacob Puck

 Appointments by Council.

• Planning & Zoning Commission –Koehler moved and Jacob Puck seconded to reappoint Mike Byington and Tom Sweeney to the Planning & Zoning Commission, terms ending 12/31/21. Motion carried.
• Zoning Board of Adjustment. Mengler moved and Jacob Puck seconded to reappoint Jason Holdorf to the Zoning Board of Adjustment, term ending 12/31/21. Motion carried.

Iowa 80 Truckstop – Right-of-Way (ROW) Transfer/Sign.  Discussion was held on the ROW along Plainview Road adjacent to the Iowa 80 Truckstop property regarding a request to deed a portion of the ROW to Iowa 80 Truckstop for placement of a sign.  Several questions regarding ownership and the location of a proposed sign need to be addressed.  Koehler moved and Mengler seconded to table the issue until Dave Meier, Iowa 80 Truckstop, is present to answer questions.  Motion carried.

Donation to Scott County Library System.  Koehler moved and Jacob Puck seconded to approve the pledged donation of $10,000 to the Scott County Library System.  Motion carried.  This is payment 1 of 5, pledged to the new library project.

Donation to Durant Ambulance.  Mengler moved and Latimer seconded to approve the annual donation to Durant Ambulance in the amount of $1,000.  Motion carried.

Fire Department Report. 

• Appointment of Fire Chief. Koehler moved and Jacob Puck seconded to approve Josh Geigle as the Fire Chief, term ending 12/31/2017.  Motion carried.
• Resolution 2017-6, Approving Agreement and Contract for Fire Protection and Emergency Response Services (Muscatine County). Chief Geigle stated Muscatine County has revised the 28E agreement.  Following discussion, Mengler moved and Jacob Puck seconded to approve Resolution 2017-6.  Roll call ayes:  Mengler, Jacob Puck, Latimer, and Koehler.  Motion carried.

Police Department Report.  Chief Blake reported on the recent vehicle burglaries.  Blake stated that all of the vehicles were unlocked.  Discussion was held on police coverage.

City Clerk Report.  Rickertsen requested permission to have Verbeke-Meyer survey the City ROW on both sides of the Main Street & Walcott Road intersection to determine the exact location of the City’s ROW for the proposed welcome signs.  Koehler moved and Mengler seconded to approve contacting Verbeke-Meyer to survey the ROW’s for the proposed welcome signs.  Motion carried.      

Koehler moved and Jacob Puck seconded to adjourn at 6:57 p.m. Motion carried.  All votes on motions were unanimous, unless noted.

January 3, 2017 Signed Minutes