The semi-monthly meeting of the City Council of Walcott, Iowa, was held on Monday, the 15th day of April 2019, at Walcott City Hall. Mayor John Kostichek called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m. Council members present were: Lisa Mengler, Jacob Puck, Larry Smith, and Tim Koehler. Absent: John Brockmann. City staff present: Jeff Blake, Paul Stagg, Lisa Rickertsen, and Tom Schirman.
Approval of Agenda. Mengler moved and Smith seconded to approve the agenda. Motion carried.
Introduction of Audience/Public Comments. Joe Aubry expressed concerns regarding the recent water discoloration. Stagg responded that he had recently found and opened two more valves which had been closed (since sometime prior to his employment) which stirred up the water in the system. Stagg stated they are doing their best to properly flush the system, which will continue through the month of April. Jim Paulsen suggested having two speed limit signs, both directions, on Memorial Road west of Main Street to the City limits. He felt they should be larger signs and should be flagged. Mengler stated the speed limit doesn’t change on that stretch and there are no intersecting streets, therefore only one speed limit sign is needed. Paulsen also questioned applying dust control on the graveled portion of Memorial Roads. Stagg will obtain pricing on dust control and to replace the speed limit signs.
Consent Agenda. Smith moved and Puck seconded to approve the consent agenda including the invoices, minutes from April 1, 2019, Resolution 2019-21, Transfer of Funds, and March financial reports. Roll call ayes: Smith, Puck, Koehler, and Mengler. Motion carried.
Scott County Library System. Scott County Library Board of Trustees Vice-President, Kristal Koberg-Schaefer, presented the most recent annual report from the library system. She provided updates on the branch in Walcott including the building remodel, expanded service hours, increased programs, and bookmobile stops.
Non-Potable Water Well Agreement with Iowa 80 Group. Discussion was held with Dave Meier, Iowa 80 Group, on a Non-Potable Water Well Agreement with Iowa 80 Group that was approved in November, 2000. The agreement allowed Iowa 80 Group to drill a well for the sole purpose of filling their decorative pond. Instead, a water line had been run from their private water system to the pond but Meier is now requesting to drill a well as approved in 2000. Attorney Schirman stated a new agreement will need to be drafted, which would only permit the well to be utilized for filling the pond. Koehler moved and Puck seconded to proceed with the necessary steps to allow the request from Iowa 80 Group. Motion carried. An agreement will be drafted for approval at the next regular council meeting.
Accessory Buildings. Discussion was held on code changes to the accessory building requirements for separation distance from primary structures. Council consensus was to proceed with not requiring a separation distance for accessory buildings that are 150 square feet or less and to lower the separation distance to five feet for accessory buildings that are between 151-288 square feet. This will go to the Planning & Zoning Commission and then back to council for an ordinance change.
Splash Pad Amenities. Puck moved and Mengler seconded to purchase amenities for the splash pad, with donated funds, from Boland Recreation at a cost of $8,645. Motion carried.
Ordinance 502-19 Amending Chapter 99 Regarding Sewer Rates. This Ordinance will increase the sewer rates 3% beginning with the May 1st bills. The base rate will increase from $10.00 to $10.30/month and the usage rate from $6.15 to $6.33 per 1,000 gallons of water. Mengler moved and Koehler seconded to approve the third reading of Ordinance 502-19, Amending Chapter 99 Regarding Sewer Rates. Roll call ayes: Mengler, Koehler, Puck, and Smith. Motion carried.
Ordinance 503-19 Amending Chapter 155 Pertaining to Above Ground Storage Tanks. This Ordinance amends Chapter 155 by adding provisions relating to liquid propane (LP) tanks. Koehler moved and Smith seconded to approve the third reading of Ordinance 503-19, Amending Provisions to Above Ground Storage Tanks. Roll call ayes: Koehler, Smith, Mengler, and Puck. Motion carried.
Ordinance 504-19 Amending Chapter 92 Regarding Water Rates. This Ordinance will increase the water rates 3% and establish a base fee beginning with the June 1st bills. The base rate will be $3.00/month and the usage rate from $5.03 to $5.18 per 1,000 gallons of water. Puck introduced and moved to approve the first reading of Ordinance 504-19, Amending Chapter 92 Regarding Water Rates. Roll call ayes: Puck, Smith, Mengler, and Koehler. Motion carried.
Police Department Report. Chief Blake presented a project worksheet for the purchase of two squad cameras, which will be compatible with the body cameras. $4,500 will be paid from grant funds and the remaining amount form the Forfeiture Fund. Mengler moved and Puck seconded to purchase the two squad cameras at a total cost of $11,130. Motion carried.
Public Works Department Report. Stagg presented costs from Alliant Energy for adding a street light on N. Henry Street near the church parking lot as requested by a representative from Calvary United Methodist Church. Discussion was held on the street light at the SE corner of the intersection of James and Henry Streets and it was also noted that an increase of the Church’s security lighting may be beneficial. Council consensus was to request Alliant Energy to upgrade the light at the intersection to a new LED light to provide more illumination.
Smith moved and Puck seconded to adjourn at 6:48 p.m. Motion carried. All votes on motions were unanimous, unless noted.
April 15, 2019 Minutes & Claims
