The semi-monthly meeting of the City Council of Walcott, Iowa, was held on Monday, the 19^th day of February, 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. Several residents were in attendance for agenda item nine, Mail Delivery/Sidewalks Abutting Curb.  Bernard Brus reported on a concrete panel at the intersection of Main Street & Bryant Street.

Public Hearing – Plans and Specifications, Form of Contract and Cost Estimate for the Splash Pad Project.  Rickertsen reported there were no written comments received.  Project Engineer, Bryce Johnson, reported on the base bid costs and alternates.  Bids will be accepted until 2:00 p.m. on March 13, 2018.  There were no additional comments.  Puck moved and Smith seconded to close the public hearing and resume the regular meeting.  Motion carried.

Consent Agenda.  Mengler moved and Smith seconded to approve the consent agenda including the invoices, January 2018 financial reports, and the insurance renewal with Arp Insurance & EMC Insurance. Motion carried.

Resolution 2018-8, Approving Plans, Specifications, Form of Contract, and Cost Estimate for the Splash Pad Project.  Smith moved and Koehler seconded to approve Resolution 2018-8, Approving Plans, Specifications, Form of Contract, and Cost Estimate for the Splash Pad Project.  Roll call ayes:  Smith, Koehler, Mengler, Puck, and Brockmann.  Motion carried.

February 5, 2018 Minutes.  Mengler moved and Puck seconded to approve the February 5, 2018, minutes.  Koehler abstained due to absence.  Motion carried.

Mail Delivery/Sidewalks Abutting Curb.  Complaints from several residents regarding the recent letter from the Walcott Postmaster, requiring those who live more than a ¼ mile from the Post Office to pay box rent if they do not request curbside delivery, prompted Rickertsen to request that a compliance officer from the United States Postal Service (USPS) explain the options.  Rickertsen stated the USPS compliance employee from Des Moines confirmed the recent audit of the PO Box section at the Walcott Post Office and the requirements stated in the resident’s letters.  Most of the residents in attendance live on streets with sidewalks abutting the curb, therefore new mailboxes cannot be placed at the curb in front of their residences. Resident Billy Brown expressed his frustration with the letter he received from the USPS and requiring him to pay for a box since he cannot place a home delivery mailbox behind his curb.  He proposed placing a cluster mail box unit(s) at Prairie View Park parking lot and requested the City’s assistance in purchasing the unit(s).  Mengler stated that streets are the first priority during snow removal, not the parking lot, and therefore the park would not be a good location and in her opinion, the City shouldn’t pay for mail units for residents.  Other residents also expressed their frustration with the USPS letter, communications with the USPS, and the short time frame allowed to comply.  Following further discussion, Mengler moved and Smith seconded to have the Building Official work with residents and Postmaster to find a possible location to locate a cluster box unit(s) and request the USPS extend their deadline to May 1^st.  Motion carried.

Disposal of HVAC Equipment.  Rickertsen stated only one bid was received on the HVAC equipment.  Brockmann moved and Puck seconded to accept the bid from Korry Kraft in the amount of $20 for the HVAC equipment.  Motion carried.

Public Works Department Report.  Stagg reported on the estimates from the City Engineer to prepare cost estimates for top projects as ranked by City Council for future capital improvement projects.  Council consensus was to have the City Engineer prepare cost opinions for W. Otis Street improvements and water main replacements on N. Downey Street and E. James Street.

City Clerk Report.  Rickertsen requested to utilize the State Auditor’s Office to perform the required annual examination for FYE 2018.  Puck moved and Mengler seconded to request the State Auditor’s Office perform an annual examination for FYE 2018.  Motion carried.

City Attorney Report.  Attorney Schirman stated he would prepare a waiver of liability for the removal of the HVAC equipment. 

Mayor’s Report.  Mayor Kostichek thanked the citizens for attending and expressing their concerns. 

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

February 19, 2018 Signed Minutes & Claims

The semi-monthly meeting of the City Council of Walcott, Iowa, was held on Monday, the 5^th day of February, 2018, at Walcott City Hall.  Mayor Pro Tem Jacob Puck 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:  Jeff Blake, Jackie Huston, and Paul Stagg.

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

Introduction of Audience/Public Comments. No comments.

Consent Agenda.  Smith moved and Mengler seconded to approve the consent agenda including the invoices, minutes from January 15, 2018, January 22, 2018, and January 29, 2018, Resolution 2018-5, Establishing Reserve Fund and Authorizing the Transfer of Funds, Resolution 2018-6, Adopting the Annual Supplement to the Code of Ordinances.  Motion carried by unanimous roll call vote with the January 29^th minutes corrected by listing Koehler as absent.

Walcott Historical Society – Donation Request.  Mengler moved and Smith seconded to approve a $5,000 donation to the Walcott Historical Society for this fiscal year and a $2,500 matching fundraising donation for fiscal year ending 2019.  Motion carried.

Splash Pad Project – Resolution 2018-7.  Mengler moved and Smith seconded to approve Resolution 2018-7, to Provide for a Notice of Hearing on Proposed Plans, Specifications, Form of Contract, and Estimate of Cost for the Splash Pad Project.  Motion carried with unanimous roll call vote.  The Public Hearing will be on February 19, 2018, with bids being accepted until and read aloud at 2:00 p.m. on March 13, 2018.

2018 Summer Youth Program.  Huston stated that the program will be held June 11^th through July 20^th on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays from 9:00 a.m. to noon.  The cost remains the same of $196.45 per child from the YMCA, so the proposal is to again charge $70 per child for Walcott and Fire District #6 residents and $196.45 for non-residents.  Smith moved and Puck seconded to approve the Summer Youth Program as presented.  Motion carried.

Sidewalks Abutting Curb – Mail Delivery.  Huston explained that the Post Office is now requiring residents who live more than a ¼ mile from the Post Office to pay box rent if they do not request home delivery.  For many of those residents, their sidewalk abuts the curb and since it is against City Code to drive on the sidewalks, no new home delivery boxes could be placed behind those sidewalks.  Maria Green was present and stated her concerns regarding this new requirement.  Other options were discussed and the issue will be placed on the next agenda when more information will be available.

City Clerk Report.  Huston stated that a Public Hearing needed to be set for the 2019 budget and the levy rate will go from $10.08258 to $10.08263.  Mengler moved and Smith seconded to set the FYE 2019 Budget Public Hearing date for March 5, 2018, at 6:00 p.m.  Motion carried.

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

February 2018

A special meeting of the City Council of the City of Walcott, Iowa was held on Monday, January 29, 2018, with Mayor John Kostichek calling the meeting to order at 5:00 p.m.  Council members present were: John Brockmann, Tim Koehler, Lisa Mengler, Jacob Puck, and Larry Smith. Absent:  None. City employees present were:  Jeff Blake, Lisa Rickertsen, and Paul Stagg.

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

FYE 2019 Budget Review and Discussion. Chief Blake presented the call reports as requested. Council members agreed they couldn’t justify adding an additional full-time officer.  Discussion was held on adjusting officer schedules, additional weekend hours, and coverage during special events.  An additional $8,200 for part-time wages and taxes will be added to the budget.  Discussion ensued regarding possible water and sewer rate increases in order to support the operations, maintenance, and improvements of the utilities.  Water and sewer rates were compared with four other local communities and with the proposed rate increase, Walcott’s minimum rates were nearly $13/month less than the next lowest and $37/month less than the highest. Per the contract with the garbage contractor, their rate will increase 4% effective July 1, 2018.  The following proposed rate increases will be included in the budget: $.15/1,000 gallons for water, $.35/1,000 gallons for sewer plus a base increase of $1.00/account, and garbage $.54/month.

Future Capital Improvement Projects. A review was held on the recent rankings by the Mayor and Council on proposed capital improvement projects. Discussion was held on having the City Engineer prepare cost estimates for the top projects in each category.  Following further discussion, Stagg was asked to have the City Engineer provide an estimate to prepare cost estimates for the top project in each category.

Mengler moved and Puck seconded to adjourn at 5:50 p.m.  Ayes:  All.  Motion carried.

A special meeting of the City Council of the City of Walcott, Iowa was held on Monday, January 22, 2018, with Mayor John Kostichek calling the meeting to order at 5:00 p.m.  Council members present were: John Brockmann, Tim Koehler, Lisa Mengler, Jacob Puck, and Larry Smith. Absent:  None. City employees present were:  Jeff Blake, Josh Geigle, Lisa Rickertsen, and Paul Stagg.

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

FYE 2019 Budget Review and Discussion. Discussion was held on the proposed FYE 2019 budget, including a review of the general fund, general reserve funds, special revenue funds, and proprietary (water, sewer, and garbage) funds. Rickertsen will make changes to the proposed budget as discussed. Another meeting was scheduled for January 29^th at 5:00 p.m. to review and discuss potential capital projects, further review of the request to add an additional police officer, and potential proprietary rate increases.

Mengler moved and Smith seconded to adjourn at 6:40 p.m.  Ayes:  All.  Motion carried.

The semi-monthly meeting of the City Council of Walcott, Iowa, was held on Monday, the 15^th day of January, 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. No comments.

Consent Agenda.  Smith moved and Puck seconded to approve the consent agenda including the invoices, minutes from January 2, 2018, and the December 2017 financial reports.  Motion carried.

Walcott Historical Society – Donation Request.  Karen Puck, Brenda Warner, and Karla Burt were present on behalf of the Walcott Historical Society.  Karen Puck reported over 400 copies of their book, Walcott Early Years, has been sold and they are working on other books.  She stated they will be utilizing the building at 102 E. Vernon Street for storage and display of historical items.  During Walcott Day weekend, July 20^th & 21^st, they will be open for a temporary display of their historical items.  The City’s support of a $9,000 donation was requested to assist with utilities, computer, printer, software program, archiving supplies, and liability insurance costs. Koehler thanked Karla Burt for letting the Historical Society utilize the building at no cost and requested written documentation of expenses for the donation request.  Mengler thanked the Historical Society members for everything they are doing and stated it’s important to the City to keep the history alive. Discussion was held that the donation request is for consideration in the City’s next budget year, FYE 2019, which starts July 1, 2018.  Brockmann moved to consider putting $5,000 in the budget.  Motion died due to a lack of a second since the donation request will be considered during the FYE 2019 budget meeting held later this month.

Potential Capital Improvements Projects.  The list of proposed future capital improvement projects was reviewed and discussed. The Mayor and Council Members will individually rank the projects and the rankings will be discussed at a future meeting.

Ordinance 496-17, Designating an Area of Walcott as the 2017 Walcott Urban Revitalization Area. This designates an area of the City as a revitalization area for economic development of and the promotion of housing and residential development.  Puck moved and Smith seconded to approve the 3^rd reading of Ordinance 496-17.  Roll call ayes:  Puck, Smith, Mengler, Koehler, and Brockmann.  Motion carried.

Public Works Department Report. Stagg reported on a recent water main break over the weekend.  He also presented emailed responses from the televising company in regards to questions that were raised at the January 2^nd council meeting.  He reported that due to the different equipment that is used, lateral service lines are typically not televised during main line televising.  He also reported that repairs cannot be made at the same time as the televising due to there being too many variables in the type of repairs that might be needed on any given section of main.  Brockmann stated this company uses a different process and they don’t have the proper equipment to seal joints while televising.  He was asked to provide the name of the company that provides this service.    

City Clerk Report.  The budget meeting was scheduled for Monday, January 22^nd at 5:00 p.m.

Mayor’s Report.  Mayor Kosticheck stated that the Historical Society is providing a vision so people can be proud of the city heritage.

Council Member Comments.  Brockmann complimented the Public Works Department about the recent snow removal.

Puck moved and Mengler seconded to adjourn at 7:15 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 Tuesday, the 2^nd day of January, 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:  Jackie Huston, Jeff Blake, Tom Schirman, Paul Stagg, Josh Geigle, and Randy Reimers.

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

Introduction of Audience/Public Comments. Fire Chief, Josh Geigle, reported that the Scott County Priority Dispatching for emergencies has started and the public may see some minor changes as a result.

Consent Agenda.  Puck moved and Koehler seconded to approve the consent agenda including the invoices, Class C Liquor License & Sunday Sales renewal for Grammas Kitchen & The Checkered Flag Bar & Grill, 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, and Resolution 2017-4, Establishing the Standard Mileage Rate Reimbursement.  Roll call ayes:  Puck, Koehler, Mengler, Brockmann, and Smith.  Motion carried.

Minutes from December 18, 2017.  Mengler moved and Puck seconded to approve the minutes from December 18, 2017.  Motion carried with Smith and Brockmann abstaining since they were not Council Members at that time.

Craig Stender – W. Flagg Street Extension.  Mr. Stender expressed his possible interest in purchasing the 5 lots at the west end of Flagg Street.  Two of the lots have an apartment complex on them and 3 lots are vacant.  Huston reported that this portion of the street is platted, but unimproved.  Stender could possibly replat and rezone these lots, but would be required to put in a hard-surfaced street.  He is asking the Council to consider a ½ concrete street on the north ½ to develop the west end lots.  It was determined that the owner of the property adjacent to the south side of the platted street would be responsible for that half of the street if their portion of the property was developed.  The Council did not have an objection to a ½ concrete street to service the vacant platted lots.

Appointments by Mayor.  Mayor Kostichek made the following appointments:

• Park Board. Reappoint Mike Clayton to the Park Board to a term ending 12/31/22.  Koehler moved and Puck seconded to approve the Mayor’s appointment.  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. Mengler moved and Smith seconded to reappoint Leah Patton to a term ending 12/31/22. Motion carried.
• Zoning Board of Adjustment. Puck moved and Mengler seconded to reappoint Sandy Liebbe to a term ending 12/31/22.  Motion carried.
• City Attorney. Smith moved and Puck seconded to reappoint Tom Schirman as the City Attorney, term ending 12/31/19.  Motion carried.
• City Clerk. Mengler moved and Smith seconded to reappoint Lisa Rickertsen as the City Clerk, term ending 12/31/19.  Motion carried

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

116 W. Lincoln Street Demolition.  Stagg reported on two bids each for the asbestos removal and demolition of the house.  His plan is to have the asbestos removed first, then bid out the HVAC system for removal, let the firemen use the house for training purposes, and then have it demolished.  Brockmann stated that he would like to have three bids.  Stagg responded that only two bids had been required in the past.  City policy will be reviewed for bidding projects.  Mengler moved and Koehler seconded to accept the bid of $2,730 for asbestos removal from Environmental Management and $13,475 for demolition from Needham Excavating.  Motion carried.

Ordinance 496-17, Designating an Area of Walcott as the 2017 Walcott Urban Revitalization Area. This designates an area of the City as a revitalization area for economic development of and the promotion of housing and residential development.  Puck moved to approve the 2nd reading of Ordinance 496-17, seconded by Mengler.  Roll call ayes:  Puck, Mengler, Koehler, Brockmann, and Smith.  Motion carried.

Police Department Report.  Blake reported he had tagged 23 cars that needed to be moved for snow removal and they are still investigating the break-ins of some storage units.

Public Works Department Report.  Stagg presented a project worksheet for the televising of all the sanitary sewer lines south of Walcott Road.  He received two bids and the budgeted amount was $160,000.  He is recommending the acceptance of the bid from Visu Sewer for $152,892 with approval not to exceed $160,000.  He reported that this project would help determine the condition of the sewer mains and is a step in the process to help reduce storm water infiltration into the sanitary sewer system.  He will receive both a written report and a DVD of the televising upon completion.  Brockmann stated that maps and video of past televising should be available and he would suggest also televising all laterals while checking the mains to look for illegal connections.  He would recommend reducing the size of the project to a section of the city and doing repairs while they are televising.  Stagg stated that the repairs can’t be done during televising of the mains.  He also stated he could use smoke testing to check laterals in the future.  It was noted that any past televising was at least 10 years ago.  Following further discussion, Mengler moved and Puck seconded to accept the bid from Visu Sewer for $152,892 with the cost not to exceed $160,000.   Motion carried 4 – 1, with Brockmann opposed.

City Clerk Report.  Huston requested that the Council be prepared to set a date for a budget meeting at the next Council meeting.

Mayor’s Report.  Mayor Kosticheck noted that with two new Council Members he hoped everyone could work together and work through differences of opinions.

Council Member Comments.  Brockmann stated that he had received complaints about snow removal and felt that the streets were in terrible condition.  He said the trucks were going too fast and more salt and sand was needed.  Mayor Kostichek and Puck stated that they have received positive comments on the snow removal done by the Public Works Department.  Smith requested an inventory list from Stagg before the budget meeting.  Stagg reported that he had provided one to the Council last January and would give them one again before the budget meeting.

Mengler moved and Puck seconded to adjourn at 7:04 p.m. Motion carried.  All votes on motions were unanimous, unless noted.

January 2, 2018 Signed Minutes & Claims

January 2018 Chamber Newsletter