The semi-monthly meeting of the City Council of Walcott, Iowa, was held on Monday, the 15^th day of July 2019, 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. Smith moved and Mengler seconded to approve the agenda.  Motion carried.

Introduction of Audience/Public Comments. No comments.

Public Hearing on Fiscal Year Ending (FYE) 2020 Budget Amendment.  The public hearing was opened on the FYE 2020 Budget Amendment.  Rickertsen reported that the budget amendment is to increase expenditures in the Capital Projects and Business Type/Enterprises categories.  This is due to projects that were budgeted to be paid in full in FYE 2019 but were not completed.  No written or other oral comments were received.  Mengler moved and Smith seconded to close the public hearing and resume the regular meeting.  Motion carried. 

Consent Agenda.  Puck moved and Koehler seconded to approve the consent agenda including the invoices, minutes from July 1, 2019, June 2019 financial reports, FYE 2019 Investment report, and Resolution 2019-27 – Adoption of the FYE 2020 Budget Amendment.  Roll call ayes:  Puck, Koehler, Brockmann, Mengler, and Smith.  Motion carried.

Police Department Report.  Chief Blake presented information regarding Walcott officers working in Iowa City during home football games.  Discussion was held on the rate of pay and the reimbursement from the University of Iowa for the hours worked by each Walcott officer.  Blake stated they do not take the squads to Iowa City.  Smith moved and Puck seconded to approve the hours worked in Iowa City for home football games be paid at the applicable overtime rate for full-time and part-time officers.  Motion carried with Mengler opposing.  Mengler stated she opposed due to liability concerns for the City.

Public Works Department Report.  Stagg provided updates on the West Otis Street and Splash Pad projects. The contractor for the street project is to provide an action plan by the next council meeting regarding the landscaping issues.  Alliant Energy will establish service to the Splash Pad this week and the contractors will need to come back after the service connection to complete the project.  Stagg expressed thanks to the volunteers that provided landscaping services at Prairie View Park and Welcome Park and to Sheriff Lane for lining up a cleanup crew for assistance after the storm on June 30^th. Stagg stated the Ford Explorer squad has been passed to the Building Official.  Koehler moved and Puck seconded to allow the 2011 Ford Crown Victoria to go out for sealed bids. Motion carried.    

Mayor’s Report.  Mayor Kostichek also expressed thanks to the park landscaping volunteers.       

Council Member Comments. Council comments included Koehler reading a resignation letter.  His resignation will be effective August 19^th, following the council meeting, due to his upcoming move which will be outside of the city limits.

Smith moved and Koehler seconded to adjourn at 6:18 p.m.  Motion carried.  All votes on motions were unanimous, unless noted.

July 15, 2019 Signed Minutes & Claims

The semi-monthly meeting of the City Council of Walcott, Iowa, was held on Monday, the 1^st day of July 2019, 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, Jason Holdorf (City Engineer), Lisa Rickertsen, and Paul Stagg.

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

Introduction of Audience/Public Comments. Joe Aubry questioned if he could circulate a petition for a dog park during Walcott Day. Mengler referred him to the Walcott Day Committee since they sponsor the event.     

Consent Agenda.  Puck moved and Koehler seconded to approve the consent agenda including the invoices, minutes from June 17, 2019, and Class C Beer permit renewals for Pilot Travel Centers #043 & #268.  Motion carried.

Otis Street Project. Resident Carol Snay complimented the City Council on the W. Otis Street project enhancements but expressed her concerns with the yard restoration. She stated that the dirt used in the recent project restoration contains weeds, debris, rocks, and large clods that can cause hazards while mowing. She also reported on the new storm drain west of her house and expressed safety concerns walking in that area.  Stagg responded that he has addressed these concerns with the contractor.  Holdorf stated the storm drain was installed to make sure water didn’t back up onto adjoining properties.  It was stated that now is not the best time to plant grass seed but it could be reseeded in the fall.  Holdorf agreed that the rock and debris needs cleaned up as well as backfilling around the curb.  Resident Kendall Mattson requested additional dirt for the corner adjacent to his house to help flatten the area and slow water runoff.  Stagg responded that it was pointed out to the contractor last week and they will return to fix the area when the concrete panel next to his house is replaced.   Mayor Kostichek thanked the residents for attending and addressing the issues.

Walcott Day. 

• Koehler moved and Puck seconded to approve the Walcott Day Parade and closure of appropriate streets on July 20, 2019. Motion carried.
• Street Closures. Puck moved and Mengler seconded to approve closing N. Henry Street, between James and Lincoln Streets; E. Otis Street, between Main and Downey Streets; N. Downey Street, between James and Otis Streets; and E. James Street, between Henry and Downey Streets on July 20, 2019.  Motion carried.
• Fireworks Donation. Smith moved and Koehler seconded to approve the donation of $1,000 to the Walcott Day Committee for the fireworks display. Motion carried.
• 5K Race & Street Closure. Puck moved and Koehler seconded to approve the 5K race route on July 20^th as presented. Motion carried.  The race starting and ending point will be on E. James Street by Victory Park.
• Police Department Part-Time Wages. Due to the pay differences between officers paid by the City and those paid by the Walcott Day Committee, Koehler moved and Smith seconded to approve a special wage of $24.59/hour for part-time officers working for the City during Walcott Day events.  Motion carried.

Police Department Report.  Chief Blake reported that Officer Sullivan will be relocating at the end of July so he is currently advertising for a full-time officer.  

City Clerk’s Report.  Rickertsen proposed a budget amendment for fiscal year ending June 30, 2020 (FYE 2020) to pay for projects that were budgeted to be paid in full in FYE 2019 but were not yet completed.  Mengler moved and Puck seconded to set the public hearing date for the FYE 2020 Budget Amendment for July 15, 2019, at 6:00 p.m.  Motion carried.

Mayor’s Report.  Mayor Kostichek thanked the fire, police, and public works departments and all volunteers for the recent storm damage cleanup.     

Council Member Comments. Brockmann questioned the status of the splash pad project.  Stagg responded that he continues to call the contractor but the electrical and plumbing sub-contractors must complete their portions of the project before the general contractor can install the splash pad fixtures.

Smith moved and Koehler seconded to adjourn at 6:28 p.m. Motion carried.  All votes on motions were unanimous, unless noted.

July 1, 2019