May 21, 2018 Minutes
The semi-monthly meeting of the City Council of Walcott, Iowa, was held on Monday, the 21st day of May, 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. Randy Scott reported on his website, America’s Road Trip, and stated he considers Walcott his home base and would like to add that to signage. He will be listed on the June 4th agenda to discuss it further with Council.
Public Hearing. Mayor Kostichek opened the public hearing on a rezoning request for parcel #912555005 from Avery Land & Farming, LLC and Iowa 80 Group, Inc. Rickertsen stated that this property is located between the City’s water tower and Walcott CB and the request is to change the zoning from SA Suburban Agricultural District to C-3 Interstate Highway Commercial District. The Planning & Zoning Commission recommended to approve the rezoning request as presented. No written or oral comments were received. Puck moved and Koehler seconded to close the public hearing and resume the regular meeting. Motion carried.
Consent Agenda. Mengler moved and Puck seconded to approve the consent agenda including the invoices, minutes from May 6, 2018, Class C Liquor License Renewal for the New Walcott Coliseum, participation with Scott County in the 2018 and 2019 pavement markings, and Resolution 2018-17, Approving Agreement with Iowa Interactive, LLC to Accept Credit & Debit Cards Payments. Roll call ayes: Mengler, Puck, Brockmann, Koehler, and Smith. Motion carried.
Avery Land & Farming, LLC and Iowa 80 Group, Inc.
- Ordinance 499-18, Amending the Official Zoning Map. Mengler introduced and moved to approve the first reading of Ordinance 499-18. Seconded by Smith. Roll call ayes: Mengler, Smith, Koehler, Puck, and Brockmann. Motion carried. This rezones parcel #912555005 from SA Suburban Agricultural District to C-3 Interstate Highway Commercial District.
- Resolution 2018-18, Approving Preliminary Plat for Exit 284 First Addition. The Planning & Zoning Commission recommended approval of the Preliminary Plat. Koehler moved and Puck seconded to approve Resolution 2018-18. Roll call ayes: Koehler, Puck, Mengler, Smith, and Brockmann. Motion carried.
- TIF Program Application. Koehler moved and Puck seconded to accept the TIF Program Application as submitted. Motion carried. This is for the construction of a 100,000 square foot warehouse and distribution center to be utilized by Atlantic Bottling Company.
Hearts & Hands Foundation – Electronic Sign Policy. A lengthy discussion was held on the proposed electronic sign including the following: guidelines, ownership and control, sign and landscaping maintenance, liability concerns, and land ownership/lease. Attorney Schirman will further research the land and ownership options.
Walcott School Changes. Residents Joe Quick and Kristal Schaefer expressed concerns with upcoming cuts to an administrative position, who deals with behavior issues, at the school in Walcott. They expressed concerns that eliminating or reducing this position could potentially require additional services from the Walcott Police Department, especially if additional kids are transferred to the school in Walcott from other district schools. Discussion was held on district proposals regarding potential school closing options and they informed the City Council of an upcoming Vision 2020 meeting on June 12th at West High School at 6:00 p.m. to discuss the options. Mayor Kostichek thanked them for the updates and sharing their concerns. Mengler moved and Koehler seconded to have the City Clerk work with Schaefer & Quick on a letter to send to the School Board regarding the concerns in cuts to administrative staff in Walcott and bring it to the June 4th meeting. Motion carried.
Ordinance 500-18, Amending Chapter 106 Regarding Solid Waste Collection Fees. This ordinance increases the garbage rates from $12.33 to $12.87. Rickertsen stated the contractor cost to the City increases each year on July 1st. Koehler introduced and moved to approve the first reading of Ordinance 500-18. Seconded by Puck. Roll call ayes: Koehler, Puck, Brockmann, Mengler, and Smith. Motion carried.
Fire Department – Bunker Gear Purchase Approval. Mengler moved and Puck seconded to purchase one set of bunker gear from Alex Air Apparatus at a cost of $2,100 plus freight. Motion carried.
Police Department Report. Chief Blake and City Insurance Agent, Brent Arp, reported on adding an endorsement of off-duty coverage to the City’s general insurance policy for police officers that work off-duty and wear the City’s uniforms. The coverage would cover all department full-time and part-time officers for $236/year and would be paid for by the officers. Mengler stated she didn’t feel this should be included under the City’s policy and also had issues with coverage for part-time officers that are employed full-time for other police departments. Following further discussion, Smith approved and Puck seconded to add the off-duty coverage endorsement on the City’s policy with the officers to reimburse for the annual cost. Motion carried with Mengler opposing.
Public Works Department Report. Discussion was held on the Main Street slab maintenance repair. Stagg stated he had not yet received the quotes from the two contractors he contacted. Following further discussion, Mengler moved and Koehler seconded to allow Stagg to accept the low quote and schedule the repairs, in order to avoid further delays. Motion carried. Stagg reported that hydrant flushing equipment was budgeted for the next fiscal year but he has it lined up to borrow the necessary equipment from a local community later this week.
Mayor’s Report. Mayor Kostichek reported the Knights of Columbus intend to be at Casey’s during the weekends this summer for their Tootsie Roll Drive.
Following a few council member comments regarding the Main Street cross walk, Council Chamber renovations, past GPS work, and hanging of flower baskets, Koehler moved and Mengler seconded to adjourn at 7:37 p.m. Motion carried. All votes on motions were unanimous, unless noted.
May 21, 2018 Signed Minutes and Claims
May 7, 2018 Minutes
The semi-monthly meeting of the City Council of Walcott, Iowa, was held on Monday, the 7th day of May, 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: Scott Bengfort, Jeff Blake, Lisa Rickertsen, Tom Schirman, and Paul Stagg.
Approval of Agenda. Smith moved and Puck seconded to approve the agenda. Motion carried.
Introduction of Audience/Public Comments. No comments.
Consent Agenda. Mengler moved and Koehler seconded to approve the consent agenda including the invoices, minutes from April 16, 2018, Class C Liquor License Renewal for Lampliter, and the April 2018 Financial Reports. Motion carried.
Bonnie Jackson Property Nuisance Abatement – Extension Request. Bonnie Jackson and Glen Houghton were present regarding the nuisance abatement for parcel 820655138-5 on S. Grove Street. Bengfort stated Houghton had verbally requested an extension to May 31, 2018. He reported that cleanup has commenced, after a delay due to weather conditions, and he recommended the extension be granted but noted that the weeds and grasses need to be mowed and maintained. Brockmann moved and Koehler seconded to approve the nuisance abatement extension as requested, until May 31, 2018. Motion carried.
Larry Koberg – Fastpitch Tournaments. Larry Koberg reported there are three fastpitch softball tournaments planned for this summer. The Fastpitch Invitational will be held May 26th & 27th, the Iowa Area ISC Qualifier Men’s Fastpitch Tournament will be from June 15th – 17th, and a third tournament is scheduled July 28th & 29th. Koberg requested approval to install temporary fencing at Wescott Park from May 23rd – July 30th and at Victory Park for the June tournament. Puck moved and Mengler seconded to allow temporary fences to be installed at Wescott Park from May 23rd – July 30th and at Victory Park for the June tournament. Motion carried. This will be the 34th consecutive year the Iowa Area ISC Qualifier Men’s Fastpitch Tournament will be held in Walcott. Mayor Kostichek thanked Koberg for his many years of service with the tournaments.
Resolution 2018-15, Approving Revisions to the Residential Sidewalk Repair Program (RSRP). Rickertsen reported on proposed changes to the RSRP, which include allowing reimbursements for construction of public sidewalks for filling in gaps that can easily connect current sidewalks. The program allows residential property owners, identified by the City and approved for program funding, to receive a reimbursement of 50% of the cost of construction, removal and repair, or replacement of public sidewalks. Koehler moved and Smith seconded to approve Resolution 2018-15, Revisions to the Residential Sidewalk Repair Program. Roll call ayes: Koehler, Smith, Mengler, Brockmann, and Puck. Motion carried.
Resolution 2018-16, Setting Wages for Fiscal Year Ending June 30, 2019. Mengler moved and Puck seconded to approve Resolution 2018-16. Roll call ayes: Mengler, Puck, Brockmann, Koehler, and Smith. Motion carried.
Ordinance 498-18, Amending Chapter 92 Regarding Water Rates – 3rd Reading. Rickertsen stated this Ordinance will increase the water usage rate by $.15 per 1,000 gallons of water and the minimum charge for bulk water sales from $20 to $25, effective on the June 1, 2018, billing. The increase is needed to support the operations, maintenance, and improvements of the water utility. Puck moved and Koehler seconded to approve the third reading of Ordinance 498-18, Amending Chapter 92 Regarding Water Rates. Roll call ayes: Puck, Koehler, Mengler, Smith, and Brockmann. Motion carried.
Police Department Report. Blake stated he would be presenting a landlord/tenant policy at a future meeting.
Public Works Department Report. Stagg reported on the following: tree planting near compost area through IDNR Trees for Kids grant program; staff intends to repair sunken slabs at Main Street this Wednesday; splash pad project construction is underway; and update on sewer televising project. He also stated that the Fire Department has completed their training use of the house at 116 W. Lincoln Street and the contractor is expected to proceed with demolition this week.
City Clerk’s Report. Rickertsen recommended proceeding with Iowa Interactive LLC for office and web-based payment processing. Their system provides services at no cost to the City, except for the purchase of a card swipe device. All convenience fees are passed directly to the users at the counter and online. Rickertsen will prepare a Resolution for the next meeting to proceed with Iowa Interactive LLC. Rickertsen reported on an upcoming public hearing on a rezoning request for the property just north of the water plant.
City Attorney Report. Schirman reported the area to be rezoned, as reported by Rickertsen, will also be platted at or around the same time as the rezoning.
Mayor’s Report. Mayor Kostichek thanked the members of the Splash Pad Committee for their hard work in expanding the recreational facilities in Walcott. This fun-filled activity is slated to open in 2019.
Council Member Comments. Concerns were brought up by council members regarding the following: water discoloration and hydrant flushing; dogs at Victory and Wescott Parks which aren’t allowed; dog waste not being cleaned up by owners; flaking paint off the south water tower; culvert replacement on S. Main Street; Council Chambers renovation status; and sewer televising project. Discussion was held on the Main Street slabs in need of repair. A majority council consensus was to obtain bids for the Main Street slab repair.
Koehler moved and Mengler seconded to adjourn at 6:35 p.m. Motion carried. All votes on motions were unanimous, unless noted.
April 16, 2018 Minutes
The semi-monthly meeting of the City Council of Walcott, Iowa, was held on Monday, the 16th day of April, 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 Smith seconded to approve the agenda. Motion carried.
Introduction of Audience/Public Comments. Approximately twenty residents were in attendance. A few residents stated that they were in support of backyard hens, while a few other residents stated they were opposed. Bernard Brus stated he was opposed due to the noise, smell, and increased predators resulting from the hens.
Consent Agenda. Mengler moved and Koehler seconded to approve the consent agenda including the invoices, minutes from April 2, 2018, and Resolution 2018-12, Authorizing the Transfer of Funds, and the March 2018 Financial Reports. Roll call ayes: Mengler, Koehler, Smith, Brockmann, and Puck. Motion carried.
Resolution 2018-13, Approving Site Plan for Ossian Inc. Salt Storage Building. Rickertsen stated the Planning & Zoning Commission met on April 9, 2018 and recommended approval of the Ossian, Inc. Salt Storage Building Site Plan. She stated there were concerns expressed by an adjoining property owner during the Planning & Zoning meeting regarding increased runoff but it was verified by the engineer that the pond was initially sized for the entire potential development of over 40 acres and with the proposed new building the development is only approximately 8 acres total. Koehler moved and Mengler seconded to approve Resolution 2018-13, Approving Site Plan for Ossian Inc. Salt Storage Building. Roll call ayes: Koehler, Mengler, Smith, Brockmann, and Puck. Motion carried.
Resolution 2018-14, Approving Contract & Bonds for the Splash Pad Project. Rickertsen stated the contract and required bonds were signed and submitted. Puck moved and Smith seconded to approve Resolution 2018-14, Approving Contract & Bonds for the Splash Pad Project. Roll call ayes: Puck, Smith, Brockmann, Mengler, and Koehler. Motion carried.
Request for Backyard Hens. At the last meeting, resident Kelly Valenzuela requested the City Council allow residents to keep a small flock of hens with several regulations. Mayor Kostichek initiated the discussion stating that he received approximately 15 – 20 calls regarding the request for backyard hens and that 75% were against it. Kelly Valenzuela read a letter from a conservation biology professor from Davenport, stating he felt that backyard chickens provide far more benefits than risks. She also presented information stating that while there are several diseases that can possibly be transmitted between chickens and humans, most of them are rare and are not usually a problem. She also discussed the benefits of farm fresh eggs, including the higher nutritional value for properly fed, well-cared for chickens. Mengler reported on her concerns with setting precedence for allowing livestock. (Livestock as defined in both the City Code (55.01(7) and Code of Iowa (717.1) means an animal belonging to the bovine, caprine, equine, ovine, or porcine species, ostriches, rheas, emus; farm deer as defined in Section 170.1 of the Code of Iowa or poultry.) Several residents in attendance spoke on both sides of the issue which include the following comments/concerns: noise and increased predators; preserving individual’s rights; geese and dogs are louder than chickens; dogs are domestic animals that differentiates them from livestock; and a CDC (Center of Disease Control & Prevention) report of over 900 human salmonella infections linked to poultry in backyard flocks in 2017. Following a lengthy discussion, Mengler moved and Smith seconded to deny the request for chickens. Motion carried. Puck stated he felt it was worth waiting a year to determine if Davenport and Moline have issues with backyard hens.
Hearts & Hands Foundation – Electronic Sign. Austin Burt presented a drawing of the proposed Dick Hagen Community Sign. He reported the electronic sign would display upcoming events and he would work with Attorney Schirman on control guidelines. Mengler stated the City should have control of the sign if they are responsible for it. Burt stated all events would be submitted to and approved by the City first and he could upload the information and graphics to the sign. Discussion ensued including the original sign easement to the City, electricity costs, and internet connectivity. Mengler moved and Koehler seconded to allow the Hearts & Hands Foundation to start work on the Dick Hagen Community Sign as presented with the City approving events and allowing a Hearts & Hands Foundation member to upload them. Motion carried. An electronic sign policy will be submitted to Council at a later meeting.
Ordinance 498-18, Amending Chapter 92 Regarding Water Rates – 2nd Reading. Rickertsen stated this Ordinance will increase the water usage rate by $.15 per 1,000 gallons of water and the minimum charge for bulk water sales from $20 to $25, effective on the June 1, 2018, billing. The increase is needed to support the operations, maintenance, and improvements of the water utility. Smith moved and Puck seconded to approve the second reading of Ordinance 498-18, Amending Chapter 92 Regarding Water Rates. Roll call ayes: Smith, Puck, Mengler, Koehler, and Brockmann. Motion carried.
Police Department Report. Blake presented a project worksheet to replace three body armor vests from Panther Uniforms. Mengler moved and Puck seconded to purchase three body armor vests from Panther Uniforms for $2,538. Motion carried.
Public Works Department Report. Stagg stated that Visu-Sewer will be in town this week to start televising and cleaning the City’s sanitary sewer mains. The project is expected to take up to two months to complete.
City Clerk’s Report. Rickertsen reported on a new business relocating a warehouse and distribution facility to Walcott.
City Attorney Report. Schirman stated there has been some progress regarding the nuisance with parcel 820655138-55, S. Grove Street (behind the Lampliter) but a request to extend the May 1st deadline must be submitted in writing.
Council Member Comments. Smith reported that the Street Committee (Smith & Puck) met last week and found areas that need to be addressed. Stagg has already completed several items on the list and Smith suggested Council Members contact Stagg if they notice a problem area.
Puck moved and Smith seconded to adjourn at 7:30 p.m. Motion carried. All votes on motions were unanimous, unless noted.
April 2, 2018 Minutes
The semi-monthly meeting of the City Council of Walcott, Iowa, was held on Monday, the 2nd day of April, 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. Smith moved and Puck seconded to approve the agenda. Motion carried.
Introduction of Audience/Public Comments. Mike Mosier stated he fought issues with the snow plow pushing the snow on his sidewalk, which abuts the curb, after the last snow fall which was very wet and heavy.
Consent Agenda. Mengler moved and Smith seconded to approve the consent agenda including the invoices, minutes from March 19, 2018, and TIF rebate payments per agreements – JDW Holdings – Midfield Pattern Project $1,313.58, Iowa 80 Truckstop – 60 x 240 Building Project – $1,310.19, and Sterling Partners – Multi-Use Building Project – $6,924.77. Motion carried.
Kelly Valenzuela – Request for Backyard Hens. Kelly Valenzuela presented information requesting the City Council allow residents to keep a small flock of hens, with the following regulations: limit of six hens (no roosters allowed); minimum requirements for a chicken coop and fenced enclosure; requiring coop separation from property lines; and requiring proof of applicant completing a class in raising urban chickens. Valenzuela reported that backyard hens would help reduce food waste and bring income to the City (annual license fee). Mengler cited information from the CDC (Center of Disease Control and Prevention) and stated the risks to the public, regarding health hazards potentially associated with urban chickens, must be looked at as it outweighs the benefits. Smith concurred with Mengler and stated it could create a nuisance for neighbors. Attorney Schirman stated the request would require an ordinance and it should include addressing noise and odor issues and require City inspections and enforcement. Brockmann reported on his experience with chickens at his farm, including the high costs, smell, and predators. Discussion continued and Valenzuela presented a petition from residents supporting her request to allow backyard chickens. Following further discussion, Mengler moved and Koehler seconded to table the issue until the April 16th meeting. Motion carried.
W. Otis Street Reconstruction Project – Rowe to Main Street. Jason Holdorf, City Engineer, presented the cost opinion on the proposed W. Otis Street Reconstruction Project, which includes replacement of the sanitary sewer and water lines. Holdorf stated the sanitary sewer replacement will be further determined once the sanitary sewer televising is complete. Puck moved and Mengler seconded to move forward with the design process. Motion carried.
Splash Pad Project – Review of Bids. Bryce Johnson, Project Engineer, reported on the revised base bid for the Splash Pad Project. She also reported on other potential project cost reductions by changing or eliminating items (rerouting the drain line and not connecting the utilities at this time), which would be done with future change orders. Brockmann stated he spoke with the former property owner of the splash pad site, following the last meeting, who stated the trash area did not go into the proposed project area. He expressed his frustration that he communicated that information to the Mayor and Park Chairperson but the area was still excavated. Stagg responded that at the last meeting he was directed by the Council to determine if there was any unsuitable material at the project site due to the concerns that Brockmann raised at that meeting. Further discussion was held on storing the splash pad equipment and delaying the connection of the water and sewer to the splash pad until next year following completion of the proposed W. Otis Street Reconstruction Project and seeking additional donations and grants towards the project. Mengler moved and Puck seconded to approve Resolution 2018-11, Awarding Contract for the Splash Pad Project. Roll call ayes: Mengler, Puck, Koehler, and Smith. Brockmann voted no, stating he felt the W. Otis Street Project should be completed before the Splash Pad Project. Motion carried. The contract was awarded to low bidder, Centennial Contractors, at the base bid amount of $154,629.
Ordinance 497-18, Amending Chapter 99 Regarding Sewer Rates – 3rd Reading. Rickertsen stated this Ordinance will increase the sewer base rate from $9.00 to $10.00/month and the usage rate by $.35 per 1,000 gallons of water, effective on the May 1, 2018, billing. The increase is needed to support the operations, maintenance, and improvements of the sewer utility. Puck moved and Smith seconded to approve the third reading of Ordinance 497-18, Amending Chapter 99 Regarding Sewer Rates. Roll call ayes: Puck, Smith, Mengler, Koehler, and Brockmann. Motion carried.
Ordinance 498-18, Amending Chapter 92 Regarding Water Rates – Introduction and 1st Reading. Rickertsen stated this Ordinance will increase the water usage rate by $.15 per 1,000 gallons of water and the minimum charge for bulk water sales from $20 to $25, effective on the June 1, 2018, billing. The increase is needed to support the operations, maintenance, and improvements of the water utility. Mengler introduced and moved to approve the first reading of Ordinance 498-18, Amending Chapter 92 Regarding Water Rates. Seconded by Koehler. Roll call ayes: Mengler, Koehler, Smith, Brockmann, and Puck. Motion carried.
Fire Department Report. Chief Geigle reported the department voted to accept Jeremy Smith as a new member. Koehler moved and Jacob Puck seconded to approve Jeremy Smith as a member of the Walcott Volunteer Fire Department. Motion carried. Geigle also reported on an old vent hood that was removed from the meeting room and that the department would like to dispose of the hood and the exhaust fan (which is still attached to the building) as one unit. Discussion was held on the lack of ventilation in the meeting room and the efforts to re-establish ventilation. Stagg and Geigle will work together to determine ventilation costs for the meeting room and the feasibility of utilizing the existing fan.
Public Works Department Report. Stagg reported that five bids were received on the 1990 Ford Dump Truck and he recommended accepting the high bid. Koehler moved and Mengler seconded to approve selling the 1990 Ford Dump Truck to Shane Veach for $5,615. Motion carried. Brockmann commented on the snow removal procedures on Saturday, March 24th and stated he doesn’t like the curb-to-curb policy. Stagg responded that he was following policy previously set by City Council. Kendall Mattson stated he prefers the snow pushed to the curb in front of his residence. Smith stated he did have complaints about snow boulders on sidewalks due to the wet and heavy snowfall.
City Clerk’s Report. Rickertsen reported that Virgil Latimer’s request to extend mail delivery was approved from the USPS and he received approval from the property owner across from Prairie View Park to locate mailboxes in the ROW adjacent to their property.
Mayor’s Report. Mayor Kostichek proclaimed April 5, 2018, as Junior Achievement Day, to recognize Junior Achievement of the Heartland’s purpose to inspire and prepare young people to succeed in a global economy. Mayor Kostichek also read a thank you note from the Walcott Historical Society for the recent $5,000 donation.
Council Member Comments. Brockmann expressed his disappointment that he was not notified (by City officials or staff) of the recent accident involving a squad car. Mengler encouraged other Council Members to ask citizens about their thoughts on backyard hens/urban chickens and encourage them to attend the next meeting.
Smith moved and Mengler seconded to adjourn at 7:17 p.m. Motion carried. All votes on motions were unanimous, unless noted.
March 19, 2018
The semi-monthly meeting of the City Council of Walcott, Iowa, was held on Monday, the 19th day of March, 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.
Consent Agenda. Mengler moved and Puck seconded to approve the consent agenda including the invoices, minutes from March 5, 2018, February 2018 financial reports, and Class B beer permits and Sunday licenses at Victory and Wescott Parks for Walcott Unified Fund. Motion carried.
Splash Pad Project – Review of Bids. Bryce Johnson, Project Engineer, reported on the bids received for the Splash Pad Project. The bids include the base bid and four alternates, one for furniture (benches/tables/trash receptacles) and three for different types of surfacing, all of which were higher than the engineer’s estimates. Rickertsen stated that the Splash Pad Committee fundraised based on the engineer’s original estimate from August 2015, and with the base bid and furniture the cost is $69,288 higher than the funds that were raised. Smith stated this type of project is not common. Brockmann questioned what happens if rubbish is found under the project site. Johnson stated that if we run into unsuitable material, it will need to be removed. Brian Mengler, Park Board Chairperson, questioned if the proposed splash pad site is a known trash area and why it wasn’t brought up earlier (property was purchased in 2013 and a Splash Pad Committee was established in February, 2014). Brockmann stated he didn’t know how far east the area went but knew it was under the tennis courts. Discussion was held on having a portion of the project area trenched to determine if there is unsuitable material. Mengler moved and Smith seconded to accept the base bid from the low bidder, Centennial Contractors, for $160,629. The City Engineer is currently preparing cost estimates on the W. Otis Street Reconstruction Project and discussion was held on the possibility of including the Splash Pad Project with that project. Discussion was also held on having the project engineer talk to the low bidder regarding clarification on a few items and project costs. Rickertsen will submit another grant request for the project. Mengler moved and Smith seconded to rescind the previous motion and place the Splash Pad Project on the April 2nd agenda. Motion carried. Johnson will contact the contractor and Stagg will have a section of the area excavated to determine if there is any unsuitable material at the project site.
Hearts & Hands Foundation – Austin Burt. Burt presented information on the proposed electronic sign to be located at the NW corner of Main Street & West Parkview Drive. Burt stated the City will own the sign and be responsible for maintenance of the sign. He reported that the Foundation is working on an electronic sign policy/procedures which will be presented to the City at a future meeting. The sign placement will be staked and will be discussed again during the April 2nd meeting.
Virgil Latimer – Home Delivery Mailboxes on City ROW – Adjacent to Prairie View Park. Latimer stated he submitted a home delivery request form to the Post Office and questioned if he and the neighbors in his block, up to eight residences, would be allowed to place mailboxes in the City Right-of-Way (ROW), adjacent to Prairie View Park. He stated they would maintain the ROW area where the mailboxes are located. Rickertsen stated she was notified earlier in the day by the Postmaster regarding the following:
- The United States Postal Service (USPS) did extend the deadline to May 1st, as requested by the City, for residents that received a letter from the USPS in early February requiring residents to pay box rent (which had been free) or request and receive approval for curbside delivery.
- The Postmaster thought the curbside delivery location proposed by Latimer would be approved by USPS.
- Residents wanting curbside delivery must complete a USPS form requesting the service.
Questions arose on the status of locating a cluster box unit (CBU) for interested residents. Stagg stated he spoke with resident Billy Brown after the February 19th meeting and told him to locate an area and bring it to the Building Official so he can determine if it meets ADA regulations. It was reported that there have been no location proposals for a CBU brought to the City. Discussion was held on several concerns regarding the request from Latimer, including maintenance, aesthetics, and route approval by the USPS. Following further discussion, Koehler moved and Brockmann seconded to table the request until further information is provided and that the Post Office determines it to be a City problem. Motion carried.
Ordinance 497-18, Amending Chapter 99 Regarding Sewer Rates – 2nd Reading. Rickertsen stated this Ordinance will increase the sewer base rate from $9.00 to $10.00/month and the usage rate by $.35 from $5.80 to $6.15 per 1,000 gallons of water. Mengler moved and Puck seconded to approve the second reading of Ordinance 497-18, Amending Chapter 99 Regarding Sewer Rates. Roll call ayes: Mengler, Puck, Brockmann, Koehler, and Smith. Motion carried.
Mayor’s Report. Mayor Kostichek stated he understands the frustration from citizens regarding the postal service delivery issues but the City is not part of the federal government and does not have the ability to influence their decisions.
Council Member Comments. Brockmann questioned when the County will be back to maintain the gravel road on West Memorial Road. Stagg replied that he wasn’t sure what the County’s maintenance schedule is and Brockmann stated that Stagg should restore the City’s 1967 Maintainer to provide maintenance to the gravel road.
Smith moved and Mengler seconded to adjourn at 7:28 p.m. Motion carried. All votes on motions were unanimous, unless noted.
March 5, 2018 Minutes
The semi-monthly meeting of the City Council of Walcott, Iowa, was held on Monday, the 5th day of March, 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, and Paul Stagg.
Approval of Agenda. Puck moved and Smith seconded to approve the agenda. Motion carried.
Introduction of Audience/Public Comments. There was no audience in attendance.
Public Hearing on Fiscal Year Ending (FYE) 2019 Budget. The public hearing was opened on the FYE 2019 Budget. Rickertsen stated the tax levy will be at $10.08263 per $1,000 taxable valuation on regular property. She stated the total taxable property valuation decreased so there is a slight decrease in property tax revenue. The budget includes utility rate increases to cover costs associated with the operation, maintenance, and future improvements to the water and sewer systems and a garbage rate increase for the annual increase from the garbage contractor. No written or oral comments were received. Mengler moved and Puck seconded to close the public hearing and resume the regular meeting. Motion carried.
Consent Agenda. Rickertsen reported on Resolution 2018-9 which provides an hourly wage increase of 50 cents for the Building Official, per Personnel Policy, for obtaining the ICC Commercial Electrical Inspector Certification. Puck moved and Mengler seconded to approve the consent agenda including the invoices, minutes from February 19, 2018, Spring Clean-Up Day on May 5, 2018, from 2:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m., and Resolution 2018-9, Approving Building Official Wage Increase for Commercial Electrical Inspector Certification. Roll call ayes: Puck, Mengler, Smith, Koehler, and Brockmann. Motion carried.
Resolution 2018-10, Approving the Adoption of the FYE 2019 Budget. Smith moved and Koehler seconded to approve Resolution 2018-10, Approving the Adoption of the FYE 2019 Budget. Roll call ayes: Smith, Koehler, Mengler, Brockmann, and Puck. Motion carried.
Ordinance 497-18, Amending Chapter 99 Regarding Sewer Rates – Introduction & 1st Reading. Rickertsen stated this Ordinance will increase the sewer base rate from $9.00 to $10.00/month and the usage rate by $.35 from $5.80 to $6.15 per 1,000 gallons of water. Koehler introduced and moved to approve the first reading of Ordinance 497-18, Amending Chapter 99 Regarding Sewer Rates. Seconded by Puck. Roll call ayes: Koehler, Puck, Brockmann, Mengler, and Smith. Motion carried.
Police Department Report. Chief Blake reported on staffing issues including lack of a crossing guard which will result in only the stop signs being utilized at the school crosswalk at the intersection of Main & James Streets.
Public Works Department Report. Stagg requested to dispose of the 1990 dump truck which was being utilized at the wastewater plant for sludge handling but was recently replaced with a dump trailer. Brockmann stated his objection to the truck being as it has low mileage. Stagg responded the truck is nearly 30 years old and Mayor Kostichek stated he is aware of some prior maintenance issues. Mengler moved and Puck seconded to proceed with placing the truck out for bid. Motion carried with Brockmann opposed.
City Clerk Report. Rickertsen reported on exploring available systems to enable processing credit and debit card payments securely online and in the office. The convenience fees would be passed on to the card users.
Council Member Comments. Brockmann expressed concerns including the condition of Main Street that he brought up last year and stated nothing had been done. Mayor Kostichek replied that Brockmann reported on a pothole by the bank nearly a year ago but the sunken panels (intersection of Main & Bryant Street) only became more evident after the first of the year. Stagg stated that he has been watching the area and that he placed a safety cone on the street last month. Stagg asked Brockmann what was previously done at the area and Brockmann replied that new bolts were placed on an old valve which was leaking. Another concern he expressed was the condition of the graveled portion of the West Memorial Road. Stagg responded that the County maintains that section of the gravel road. Following further discussion, Smith stated he would like the Street Committee (Smith & Puck) to schedule a meeting.
Puck moved and Mengler seconded to adjourn at 6:26 p.m. Motion carried. All votes on motions were unanimous, unless noted.