The semi-monthly meeting of the City Council of Walcott, Iowa, was held on Monday, the 17^th day of December, 2018, at Walcott City Hall.  Mayor John Kostichek called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m.  Council members present were: John Brockmann, Tim Koehler, Lisa Mengler, Jacob Puck, and Larry Smith.  Absent:  None.  City staff present:  Jeff Blake, Lisa Rickertsen, Tom Schirman, and Paul Stagg.

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

Introduction of Audience/Public Comments. No comments from audience members.

 Consent Agenda.  Rickertsen stated that the Resolution was to transfer $70,000 from the Road Use Tax Fund to the W. Otis Street Improvements Project Fund.  Puck moved and Koehler seconded to approve the consent agenda including the invoices, minutes from December 3, 2018, November 2018 financial reports, and Resolution 2018-44, Transfer of Funds.  Roll call ayes:  Puck, Koehler, Brockmann, Mengler, and Smith.  Motion carried.

Otis Street Improvements Project – Payment #5. Following recommendations from the City Engineer and Stagg, Koehler moved and Mengler seconded to approve payment #4 for the W. Otis Street Improvements Project to Cornerstone Excavating, Inc. in the amount of $70,592.98. Motion carried.

 Appointments by Mayor.  Two applications to the Park Board vacancy were received.  Mayor Kostichek made the following appointments:

• Park Board. Appoint Lisa Hagen, who was in attendance, to the Park Board with a term ending 12/31/23.  Koehler moved and Mengler seconded to approve the Mayor’s appointment.  Puck abstained due to family relationship to an applicant. Motion carried.
• Council Committees
  • Police & Animal Control – Brockmann & Koehler
  • Policy & Administration/City Hall – Koehler & Mengler
  • Streets, Solid Waste, & Parks – Puck & Smith
  • Fire & Civil Defense – Smith & Brockmann
  • Water & Sanitary Sewer Operations – Mengler & Puck
• Mayor Pro Tem – Jacob Puck

Reappointments by Council.

Planning & Zoning Commission. Puck moved and Smith seconded to reappoint Chris Thompson to the Planning and Zoning Commission with a term ending 12/31/23. Motion carried.

Zoning Board of Adjustment.  Mengler moved and Koehler seconded to reappoint Everett Bieri to the Zoning Board of Adjustment with a term ending 12/31/23.  Motion carried

Police Department Report.  Chief Blake reported on a $900 grant the department received from the Iowa 80/CAT Scale Go Iowa Fund.  Upon approval from Attorney Schirman, Mengler moved and Puck seconded to approve Resolution 2018-45, Adopting Policy for the Walcott Police Department Relating to the Enforcement of Immigration Laws.  Roll call ayes:  Mengler, Puck, Brockmann, Koehler, and Smith.  Motion carried.

City Clerk’s Report. Rickertsen reported on a letter from Mediacom regarding rate increases effective January 1, 2019.  Discussion was also held on clarifying the code regarding propane tanks.  Council consensus was to not allow propane tanks, when natural gas is available, except for temporary use and cooking purposes.  An ordinance amendment will be drafted for a future meeting.

Mayor’s Report.  Mayor Kostichek read a proclamation recognizing the 50^th Anniversary of Municipal Home Rule in Iowa.

Puck moved and Koehler seconded to adjourn at 6:17 p.m. Motion carried.  All votes on motions were unanimous, unless noted.

Signed Minutes & Claims

The semi-monthly meeting of the City Council of Walcott, Iowa, was held on Monday, the 3^rd day of December, 2018, at Walcott City Hall.  Mayor John Kostichek called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m.  Council members present were: John Brockmann, Tim Koehler, Lisa Mengler, Jacob Puck, and Larry Smith.  Absent:  None.  City staff present:  Jeff Blake, Josh Geigle, Lisa Rickertsen, Tom Schirman, and Paul Stagg.

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

Introduction of Audience/Public Comments. Joe Quick stated that the Walcott Day Committee would like to place Christmas lights on the poles on Memorial Road.  This topic will be placed on a future agenda after information regarding the number of poles and electrical costs are obtained.

Consent Agenda.  Puck moved and Koehler seconded to approve the consent agenda including the invoices and minutes from November 19, 2018.  Motion carried.

Otis Street Improvements Project – Payment #4. Following recommendations from the City Engineer and Stagg, Koehler moved and Puck seconded to approve payment #4 for the W. Otis Street Improvements Project to Cornerstone Excavating, Inc. in the amount of $174,273.93. Motion carried.

Resolution 2018-42, Providing for a Notice of Hearing on Proposed plans, Specifications, Form of Contract, and Estimate of Cost for the 2019 Water Main Improvements Project (E. James, N. Downey, and N. Grove Streets).  Brockmann questioned why a 4” water main was being replaced and not a 1” main. Stagg stated that the section of 4″ main to be replaced is on a street that is otherwise all 6″ main, causing a bottleneck in the water distribution system and it has been a problem area that has had multiple main breaks in recent years and . The 1” main (on N. Downey Street from James to Otis Streets) has not caused any problems at this time.  Mengler moved and Smith seconded to approve Resolution 2018-42.  Roll call ayes:  Mengler, Smith, Koehler, and Puck.  Nays: Brockmann.  Motion carried. The public hearing will be held on January 7^th and the bid letting date will be January 29^th.  

Resolution 2018-43, Providing for a Notice of Hearing on Proposed plans, Specifications, Form of Contract, and Estimate of Cost for the 2019 Sanitary Sewer Repairs/Improvements Project (W. Bryant Street and Rowe Lane).  Smith moved and Koehler seconded to approve Resolution 2018-43.  Roll call ayes:  Smith, Koehler, Mengler, Puck, and Brockmann.  Motion carried.  The public hearing will be held on January 7^th and the bid letting date will be January 29^th.  

Fire Department Report. 

• Appointment of Fire Chief. Geigle stated the Fire Department held officer elections for 2019 and the members re-elected him as Chief.  Puck moved and Koehler seconded to approve the appointment of Josh Geigle as Fire Chief, term ending 12/31/2019.  Motion carried.
• Fire Boots. Chief Geigle presented a project worksheet to purchase 10 pairs of leather boots.  He stated that part of the purchase will be funded with a grant from Iowa 80/Cat Scales and the remaining will be paid from the Fire Donation Fund.  Puck moved and Mengler seconded to approve the purchase of 10 pairs of boots from Sandry Fire Supply at a cost of $3,750.00 plus freight.  Motion carried.
• Thermal Imager Cameras. Chief Geigle presented a project worksheet to purchase two thermal imager cameras.  These cameras can be used at structural firefighting scenes and searching for people.  Geigle stated that part of the purchase would be funded with Billie Warnecke memorials and the remaining will be paid from the Fire Donation Fund.  Koehler moved and Puck seconded to approve the purchase of two thermal imager cameras from Alex Air Apparatus at a cost of $5,880 plus freight.  Motion carried.          

Public Works Department Report.  Stagg reported on the following:

• The street, parking areas, and driveways are completed on the W. Otis Street Project. The sidewalks and seeding will be done next spring as weather permits.
• Walcott is one of ten cities in Iowa selected to participate in the 2019 Iowa’s Living Roadways Community Visioning Program. The Community Visioning Program provides small Iowa communities with the planning and design resources for transportation enhancements.
• The recent snow storm with wet and heavy snow and the strong winds that caused blowing and drifting. Smith and Brockmann both complained about the lack of snow removal and/or maintenance of the gravel portion of Memorial Road, from Main Street to the west City limits.  A lengthy discussion ensued.  Stagg stated that he is open to council suggestions on prioritizing city streets for plowing and that he has also spoken with Scott County regarding the maintenance and plowing of the gravel road.
• During further investigation regarding recent water pressure fluctuations, mostly on the south side of the city, two water main valves were found to be closed. Stagg stated the valves have been closed since sometime prior to his employment and he is confident that after opening the valves the issue has been resolved, but he will continue to inspect other valves.
• A notice was sent to the owner at 344 E. Flagg Street in regards to the temporary storage container. Owner, Randy Prine, was present and requested an extension until January 1, 2019, to move the container.  Council consensus was to allow the extension as requested.

City Clerk’s Report. Rickertsen reported the FYE 2018 annual examination report has been received from the State of Iowa Auditors Office and that there were no discrepancies reported.

Council Member Comments.  Mengler stated she felt the recent snow removal went well.  Puck thanked Stagg for the work on the recent snow removal and stated he felt that Walcott roads were in better shape than other roads he had driven on.  Brockmann questioned why they were hauling snow with the Ford 550 instead of a dump truck.  Stagg responded that it is a lot more mobile and can access the haul site better than a dump truck due to the wet ground.

Puck moved and Mengler seconded to adjourn at 6:45 p.m. Motion carried.  All votes on motions were unanimous, unless noted.

December 2018 Chamber Newsletter

The semi-monthly meeting of the City Council of Walcott, Iowa, was held on Monday, the 19^th day of November, 2018, at Walcott City Hall.  Mayor John Kostichek called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m.  Council members present were: John Brockmann, Tim Koehler, Lisa Mengler, Jacob Puck, and Larry Smith.  Absent:  None.  City staff present:  Jeff Blake, Lisa Rickertsen, Tom Schirman, and Paul Stagg.

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

Introduction of Audience/Public Comments. Korry Kraft stated he was present on behalf of Continental Fire Sprinkler Co. and Iowa 80 Investments regarding a water pressure fluctuating issue at two of their facilities.  Stagg stated there are not any known problems within the City’s system but he will continue to investigate possible causes.  Brockmann stated the issues could be a problem with private lines.

Consent Agenda.  Koehler moved and Mengler seconded to approve the consent agenda including the invoices, minutes from November 15, 2018, and the October 2018 financial reports.  Motion carried.

Resolution 2018-40, Approving Change Orders for the West Otis Street Improvements Project.  The change orders are for extras and modifications for unforeseen elements of the underground utility work, amounting to an additional $10,316.40.  A letter from the project engineer states they anticipate the completed project will still come in under the original bid price.  Koehler moved and Puck seconded to approve Resolution 2018-40.  Roll call ayes:  Koehler, Puck, Brockmann, Mengler, and Smith.  Motion carried.     

Disposal of Red Fire Department Trailer.  Puck moved and Smith seconded to sell the red fire department trailer to Kenneth Adomat for $56.13.  Motion carried.

Proposed Parking Lot Adjacent to City Hall/Fire Station.  Koehler moved and Smith seconded to postpone discussions of a parking lot until the next fiscal year budget meetings.  Motion carried.   

Police Department Report.  Chief Blake reported on grants obtained for new body cameras and a squad camera.

Public Works Department Report.  Stagg presented an update on the West Otis Street Improvements project and reported on hiring a new employee.  Mengler moved and Puck seconded to approve Resolution 2018-41, Establishing Hourly Wage for a Public Works Laborer/Water and Sewer Operator (Justin Richardson).  Roll call ayes:  Mengler, Puck, Brockmann, Koehler, and Smith.  Motion carried.

City Clerk’s Report. Discussion was held on disposing of old chairs and replacing the council table.  Council consensus was to contact the Walcott Historical Society in regards to the wooden chairs, dispose of the reception chairs, and obtain quotes on a new council table.  Rickertsen reported on recent email spoofing (forging) of her email address and cautioned everyone to verify the sender when opening any attachments or links.

Council Member Comments.  Brockmann reported on complaints regarding the storage container located at 344 E. Flagg Street.

Mengler moved and Puck seconded to adjourn at 6:36 p.m. Motion carried.  All votes on motions were unanimous, unless noted.

The semi-monthly meeting of the City Council of Walcott, Iowa, was held on Monday, the 5^th day of November, 2018, at Walcott City Hall.  Jacob Puck, Mayor Pro Tem, called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m.  Other council members present were: John Brockmann, Tim Koehler, Lisa Mengler, and Larry Smith.  Absent:  Mayor Kostichek.  City staff present:  Josh Geigle, Adam Hill, Lisa Rickertsen, Tom Schirman, and Paul Stagg.

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

Consent Agenda.  Smith moved and Mengler seconded to approve the consent agenda including the invoices, minutes from October 15, 2018, Resolution 2018-38-Transfer of Funds (from Employee Benefits & Local Option Sales Tax to General Fund), and Resolution 2018-39, Approving Application for a Residential Tax Abatement within the 2017 Walcott Urban Revitalization Area.  Roll call ayes:  Smith, Mengler, Koehler, Brockmann, and Puck.  Nays:  None.  Motion carried.

Otis Street Improvements Project – Payment #3. Following recommendations from the City Engineer and Stagg, Koehler moved and Smith seconded to approve payment #3 for the W. Otis Street Improvements Project to Cornerstone Excavating, Inc.in the amount of $248,729.29. Motion carried.

2019 Main Street Hanging Flower Baskets.  Following discussion, Mengler moved and Smith seconded to approve purchasing flowers from Rooftop Sedums for $2,086 and replacement liners, up to $700, for the 2019 hanging flower baskets.  Motion carried.

Proposed Parking Lot Adjacent to City Hall/Fire Station.  Stagg presented a proposed drawing for a twenty space parking lot adjacent to City Hall.  Resident Joe Hahn questioned why they are considering spending funds for a parking lot.  Several advantages of a parking lot were mentioned.  Smith moved and Koehler seconded to proceed with obtaining a cost estimate for a community parking lot.  Motion carried.

Ordinance 501-18, Amending Chapter 63, Certain Provisions Relating to Speed Regulations. Mengler moved and Smith seconded to approve the third and final reading of Ordinance 501-18.  Roll call ayes:  Mengler, Smith, and Puck.  Nays:  Brockmann and Koehler.  Motion carried.  The ordinance states that the speed limit on Memorial Road will be 25 miles per hour from the east city limits to the west city limits.

Fire Department Report.  Chief Geigle reported on an old fire department trailer that has not been utilized for several years.  Council consensus was to post a notice at City Hall to dispose of the trailer through sealed bids.

City Clerk’s Report. Rickertsen reported on the changes to the health insurance plan for 2019.  Based on current enrollees the health insurance premium increase will be 3.45% and there is no increase for dental insurance.  Koehler moved and Puck seconded to approve the 2019 employee health and dental insurance benefits renewal with Wellmark.  Motion carried.

Council Member Comments.  Smith reported on the Street Committee meeting that was held on October 29, 2018.

Smith moved and Koehler seconded to adjourn at 6:26 p.m. Motion carried.  All votes on motions were unanimous, unless noted.

November 5th Minutes & Claims

November 2018 Chamber Newsletter

The semi-monthly meeting of the City Council of Walcott, Iowa, was held on Monday, the 15^th day of October, 2018, at Walcott City Hall.  Mayor John Kostichek called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m.  Council members present were: John Brockmann, Tim Koehler, Lisa Mengler, Jacob Puck, and Larry Smith.  Absent:  None.  City staff present:  Josh Geigle, Adam Hill, Lisa Rickertsen, Tom Schirman, and Paul Stagg.

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

Public Hearing on Comprehensive Plan Update.  Rickertsen stated that the Planning & Zoning Commission has been working with Bi-State Regional Commission on the Comprehensive Plan update and the Commission has recommended approval of the plan.  Gena McCullough, Bi-State Regional Commission, presented information regarding the proposed plan and draft revisions recommended by the Planning & Zoning Commission.  The plan includes the community vision, goals, objectives, land use, infrastructure, services, and implementation strategies.  No written or other comments were received.  Mengler moved and Puck seconded to close the public hearing and resume the regular meeting.  Motion carried.        

Consent Agenda.  Puck moved and Mengler seconded to approve the consent agenda including the invoices, Resolution 2018-35-Obligating Tax Increment Financing Funds from the Consolidated Walcott Urban Renewal Area for FYE 2020, and the September 2018 financial reports.  Roll call ayes:  Puck, Mengler, Smith, Koehler, and Brockmann.  Nays:  None.  Motion carried.

Resolution 2018-36, Adopting the Comprehensive Plan, 2018, of the City of Walcott.  Mengler moved and Smith seconded to approve Resolution 2018-36.  Roll call ayes:  Mengler, Smith, Koehler, Brockmann, and Puck.  Nays:  None.  Motion carried.

Minutes from October 1, 2018.  Smith moved and Puck seconded to approve the minutes from October 1, 2018.  Koehler abstained due to absence from meeting.  Motion carried.

Dave Donovan – Scott County Emergency Management

• Resolution 2018-37, Approval and Adoption of the 2018 Scott County Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan. Dave Donovan, Scott County Emergency Management Coordinator briefly reviewed the Scott County 2018 Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan.  This planning document identifies hazards and mitigation actions and is required to ensure communities are eligible for FEMA (Federal Emergency Management Agency) disaster and grant programs. Donovan stated the plan has been approved by FEMA.  Puck moved and Smith seconded to approve Resolution 2018-37.  Roll call ayes:  Puck, Smith, Mengler, Koehler, and Brockmann. Nays:    Motion carried.
• Weather Alert Sirens. Discussion was held with Donovan and Rich Kinney, National Weather Service (NWS), regarding the timeliness of weather warnings and ways to improve communications and warning times. Donovan reported on Alert Iowa, a county notification and emergency messaging system that can be used to quickly disseminate emergency information to residents. A meeting will be scheduled at the NWS office to brainstorm and discuss this issue further.

Scott County Sno-Seekers Swap Meet/Request for Temporary Street Closures.  Puck moved and Mengler seconded to approve the request from the Scott County Sno-Seekers to close a portion of Downey Street, between James and Otis Street, and Otis Street, between Downey and Henry Streets, on November 4^th between 7:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. for the annual Sno-Seekers annual swap meet at Victory Park.  Motion carried. 

Water Main Improvements Project Agreement for Engineering Services.  Koehler moved and Puck seconded to approve the Agreement for Engineering Services with IMEG for $23,800 for the James and Downey Streets Water Main Improvements Project.  Motion carried.

Sanitary Sewer Repairs/Improvements Project Agreement for Engineering Services.  Smith moved and Mengler seconded to approve the Agreement for Engineering Services with IMEG for $14,500 for the W. Bryant Street Sanitary Sewer Repairs/Improvements Project.  Motion carried.

City Hall/Council Chambers Renovation.  Stagg reported on the bids received for renovating the Council Chambers/City Hall.  Following discussion, Koehler moved and Puck seconded to hire the low bidder, Reed Construction, and approve spending up to $35,000 on this phase of the project.  Motion carried. This phase does not include replacing the council table or lighting.     

Sidewalk/Ditch Across from School on E. James Street.  Rickertsen reported that during the Planning & Zoning Commission meeting on Oct 8th, a few members requested the Mayor look into the possibility of filling in the ditch behind the 6’ wide sidewalk across from the school on James Street due to safety concerns.  Maps indicate that the public right-of-way only extends a few feet north of the sidewalk and improvements to the ditch area would be on private property.  Attorney Schirman and Brockmann both stated you cannot interfere with the water flow and Rickertsen relayed Chief Blake’s report that he has not heard of any safety complaints from the school or parents since the sidewalk was installed five years ago.  Council consensus was to not pursue filling in the ditch.      

Ordinance 501-18, Amending Chapter 63, Certain Provisions Relating to Speed Regulations. Smith moved and Mengler seconded to approve the second reading of Ordinance 501-18.  Brockmann stated he felt lowering the speed limit to 25 MPH all the way to the west city limits was too low.  Roll call ayes:  Smith, Mengler, Koehler, and Puck.  Nays:  Brockmann.  Motion carried.  This is the second of three readings.  The ordinances states that the speed limit on Memorial Road will be 25MPH from the east city limits to the west city limits.

Public Works Department Report.  Stagg reported that two bids were received for the Galion Roll-O-Matic roller and recommended selling the roller to the high bidder for $478.88.  Mengler moved and Puck seconded to sell the roller to David Feuss for $478.88.  Motion carried.  Stagg thanked Scott Brockmann (who was in attendance) for his 35 years of service to the City of Walcott and wished him well.  Mayor Kostichek and council members also thanked Scott Brockmann for his service.  Discussion was held on the delay of the manhole risers, recent reduced water pressure, and the south water tower.    

City Clerk’s Report. Rickertsen reported an Alliant Energy representative stated the power issues earlier in the morning were due to a mechanical failure with ITC’s equipment.  Following discussion, Council consensus was for staff to pursue a dialogue with MG Investments regarding additional property for expansion of the recreational trail.

Smith moved and Puck seconded to adjourn at 7:40 p.m. Motion carried.  All votes on motions were unanimous, unless noted.

Signed Minutes October 15, 2018

The semi-monthly meeting of the City Council of Walcott, Iowa, was held on Monday, the 1^st day of October, 2018, at Walcott City Hall.  Mayor John Kostichek called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m.  Council members present were: John Brockmann, Lisa Mengler, Jacob Puck, and Larry Smith.  Absent:  Tim Koehler.  City staff present:  Adam Hill, Lisa Rickertsen, and Tom Schirman.

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

Introduction of Audience/Public Comments. Resident Randy Moeller questioned the recent burglary at a local storage unit.  Sergeant Hill responded another officer is investigating.  Resident Jim Paulsen stated the tree limbs on the west side of Blue Grass Road overhang and block the sight of the speed limit sign. He also questioned the recent low water pressure and Mengler reported on her communications with the Public Works Director, Paul Stagg, regarding recent draws of large water volumes from the system.

Consent Agenda.  Mengler moved and Smith seconded to approve the consent agenda including the invoices, minutes from September 17, 2018, and the following TIF rebate payments per agreements:  Iowa 80 Truckstop, Inc. for Morton Building Project- $1,030.21 and Sterling Partners, LLC for Multi-Use Project – $6,924.78.  Motion carried.

Otis Street Improvements Project – Payment #2. Following recommendations from the City Engineer and Stagg, Smith moved and Puck seconded to approve payment #2 for the W. Otis Street Improvements Project to Cornerstone Excavating, Inc.in the amount of $186,955.96. Motion carried.

Ordinance Amending Chapter 63, Certain Provisions Relating to Speed Regulations. Following discussion, Mengler introduced Ordinance 501-18 and moved to approve the first reading.  Seconded by Smith.  Roll call ayes:  Mengler, Smith, Brockmann, and Puck.  Nays:  None.  Motion carried.  This is the first of three readings.  The ordinances states that the speed limit will be 25MPH on W. Memorial Road (west of Main Street) to the west city limits.  The speed limit on E. Memorial Road is already 25 MPH.

Resolution 2018-34, Approving Amendment to the Contract for the collection of Solid Waste and Recycling.  Rickertsen stated that due to the change in policies on imported recyclables, Republic Services has proposed a contract amendment to include a recycling processing charge and to extend the garbage contract rates an additional five years, to June 30, 2025.  Currently the Waste Commission of Scott County does not charge Republic Services a recycling processing fee but if a fee is charged, that fee would be passed on to the City.  The extension of the garbage contract rates is in line with other Scott County communities.  Mengler moved and Puck seconded to approve Resolution 2018-34.  Roll call ayes:  Mengler, Puck, Brockmann, and Smith.  Motion carried.

City Clerk’s Report. Rickertsen stated that Scott Brockmann has submitted a resignation letter, effective October 12, 2018, after 35 years of employment with the City.

Council Member Comments. Mengler thanked the Fire Department for their hard work on their recent fundraising event.

Smith moved and Puck seconded to adjourn at 6:13 p.m. Motion carried.  All votes on motions were unanimous, unless noted.

October 1, 2018 Signed Minutes & Claims

October 2018 Chamber Newsletter

The semi-monthly meeting of the City Council of Walcott, Iowa, was held on Monday, the 17^th day of September, 2018, at Walcott City Hall.  Mayor John Kostichek called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m.  Council members present were: John Brockmann, Tim Koehler, Lisa Mengler, Jacob Puck, and Larry Smith.  Absent:  None.  City staff present:  Jeff Blake, Lisa Rickertsen, Tom Schirman, and Paul Stagg.

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

Introduction of Audience/Public Comments. Resident Jim Paulsen questioned if the graveled portion of W. Memorial Road could be seal coated or dust control applied.  Stagg responded that he will obtain a quote for dust control.  Paulsen also suggested lowering the speed limit in that area.  Chief Blake did not have any issues with lowering it from 35 MPH to 25 MPH.  The speed limit topic will be on the next agenda.

Public Hearings.  Mayor Kostichek opened the public hearing on the plans, specifications, form of contract, and cost estimate on the Water Main Improvements Project along sections of E. James Street, N. Downey Street, and N. Grove Street.  City Engineer, Jason Holdorf, reported on the project details. He stated they plan to bid the project this winter with construction starting in the spring.  The current estimated cost is nearly $182,000.  Koehler moved and Smith seconded to close the public hearing and open the public hearing on the plans, specifications, form of contract, and cost estimate on the Sanitary Sewer Repairs/Improvements along sections of W. Bryant Street and S. Rowe Lane.  Motion carried.  Holdorf stated 100 feet of sanitary sewer on W. Bryant Street and 40 feet on Rowe Lane must be replaced but the other project areas can just be lined.  Resident Andy Brus questioned why this wasn’t done when W. Bryant Street was paved (in 2014).  Smith responded that the former Public Works Director did not check the mains prior to the paving project. Resident Jackie Puck questioned if there was any way costs could be recouped from the former engineer and Public Works Director.  Resident Rita Long questioned the time line for the project.  Holdorf stated this project would also be bid in the winter and started next spring.  The current project cost estimate is around $239,000.  Smith moved and Koehler seconded to close the public hearing and resume the regular meeting.  Motion carried.                    

Consent Agenda.  Rickertsen reported on the transfer amounts of $425,150 from Local Option Sales Tax Fund and $360,350 from the Road Use Tax Fund in Resolution 2018-33.  Mengler moved and Puck seconded to approve the consent agenda including the invoices, Resolution 2018-33, Establishing Project Fund (W. Otis Street Project) and Authorizing Transfer of Funds, and the August 2018 financial reports.  Roll call ayes:  Mengler, Puck, Smith, Koehler, and Brockmann. Nays:  None.  Motion carried.

September 4, 2018 Minutes.  Puck moved and Koehler seconded to approve the minutes from September 4, 2018.  Motion carried with Smith abstaining due to absence at meeting.

Christina McDonough, Scott County Health Department. McDonough reported on the recent walk audit she performed in Walcott and the audit tools and ranking system utilized for the report.  She also asked for comments regarding the report material and layout.  Following discussion, McDonough was thanked for her time.        

Iowa 80 Truckstop Sign Request for Right-of-Way (ROW) Overhang.  Mike Hutchinson, Iowa 80 Group, and Tom Ely, The Sign Group, were present to discuss a proposed sign that would be installed on private property but the west side of the sign will overhang the City ROW.  The proposed sign location is north of the truck entrance/exit and would not overhang any public or private driveable areas.  Attorney Schirman reported that the City Council needs to be satisfied with any safety and visibility issues.  The lowest section of the sign would be 14 feet above ground level, therefore allowing allowing visibility for semi drivers.  Koehler moved and Puck seconded to allow the sign overhang in City ROW, as presented.  Motion carried.          

Disposal of 1967 CAT Road Grader.  Four bids were received, ranging from $3,250 – $6,250.  Mengler moved and Smith seconded to sell the 1967 CAT Road Grader to John Galt, LLC for $6,250.  Motion carried with Brockmann opposing.

Jason Holdorf, City Engineer.

• Water Main Improvements Project. Mengler moved and Koehler seconded to continue with the project.  Motion carried.  The Resolution approving the plans and specifications and setting the bid letting date is planned for the October 15^th meeting agenda.
• Sanitary Sewer Repairs/Improvements Project. Koehler moved and Smith seconded to continue with the project.  Motion carried.   The Resolution approving the plans and specifications and setting the bid letting date is planned for the October 15^th meeting agenda.

Holdorf also provided an update on the W. Otis Street Improvements project.

Fire Department Steak Fry.  Puck moved and Smith seconded to approve closing a portion of W. Durant Street (west side of bank ATM to the west side of Legion property) on September 29th until the next morning.  Motion carried.  Mengler moved and Puck seconded to approve the payment to Kalmes Catering in the amount of $8,500.  Motion carried.

Police Department Report.  Chief Blake requested to send a part-time officer, Shawn Sullivan, to the Iowa Law Enforcement Academy for firearms instructor training.  He stated the City does not have a rifle instructor on staff and this is the first step in order to take the rifle instructor course.  The cost of the training would be paid from the funds received, less wages and taxes paid to Blake and Sullivan for working during the Iowa Football games.  Koehler moved and Mengler seconded to approve the $700 training fee as presented.  Motion carried.

Council Member Comments. Mengler stated that during the August 20^th meeting Brockmann had reported a contractor had done work on the weekend without an inspection.  Mengler asked Brockmann why he had not yet informed Stagg who completed the work so it could be investigated.  Brockmann again refused to identify the contractor.  Brockmann expressed his concerns about the condition of the graveled portion of W. Memorial Road. He also stated he felt that there are other sewer mains that should be repaired prior to the W. Bryant Street project.  Smith responded that the City Council chose to proceed with the W. Bryant Street project after viewing video clips of the deteriorated sewer main.  Visu-Sewer televised the City’s sanitary sewer mains and provided video and a written report which included rankings of the mains, from one to five with five being the worst condition.  Sections of W. Bryant Street and Rowe Lane were ranked a five.

Smith moved and Puck seconded to adjourn at 6:51 p.m. Motion carried.  All votes on motions were unanimous, unless noted.

Signed Minutes & Claims