The semi-monthly meeting of the City Council of Walcott, Iowa, was held on Monday, the 16^th day of September, 2019, at Walcott City Hall.  Mayor John Kostichek called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m.  Council members present were: Everett Bieri, John Brockmann, 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 Bieri seconded to approve the agenda.  Motion carried.

Introduction of Audience/Public Comments. No comments.    

Consent Agenda.  Mengler moved and Smith seconded to approve the consent agenda including the invoices, minutes from September 3, 2019, and the August 2019 financial reports.  Motion carried.

Alliant Energy Proposed Rate Increase. Paula Schneckloth, Alliant Energy, was present to answer questions regarding the proposed electric rate increase they requested from the Iowa Utilities Board.  The base rate will increase but other components, energy efficiency and fuel costs, are expected to decrease.  An interim rate increase started on April 1, 2019, which was approximately $8.00 per month for the typical residential customer and another proposed increase of approximately $12.00 per month next year, if approved by the Iowa Utilities Board.  Concerns were expressed regarding the rising rates, notification timeline regarding city budgets, and hardship concerns for low and fixed income households.  Schneckloth reported there are low-income assistance programs through Alliant Energy.  Following further discussion, Mengler moved and Smith seconded to send a letter to the Iowa Utilities Board opposing Alliant Energy’s full base rate increase as requested.  Motion carried.

Private Use of Vacant City Lot (SE corner of Lincoln & Main Streets) for Parking on 10/26/19.  Dan Needham and Britta Adams were present to request the use of the vacant city grass lot for parking vehicles for a few hours on 10/26/2019. Mayor Kostichek expressed concerns about utilizing the lot for parking if the ground conditions are too wet.  Puck moved and Mengler seconded to allow parking on the grass lot, as requested, pending proof of insurance certificate if required.  Motion carried.

Resolution 2019-32, Approving Overhang Easement with ITC Midwest, LLC.  Rickertsen reported Attorney Schirman recommended changes, which were submitted to ITC Midwest, LLC.  This item will be placed on the next agenda, following communication from ITC regarding changes.

Rezoning Request for 342 E. Bryant Street – Ordinance 507-19, Amending the Official Zoning Map.  Mengler moved and Puck seconded to approve the third reading of Ordinance 507-19.  Roll call ayes:  Mengler, Puck, Smith, Mengler, and Bieri.  Brockmann abstained as he is the current property owner.  Motion carried.  This Ordinance changes the zoning for 342 E. Bryant Street from M-2 to C-2.

Rezoning Request for 107 E. Walcott Road – Ordinance 508-19, Amending the Official Zoning Map.  Smith moved and Bieri seconded to approve the third reading of Ordinance 508-19.  Roll call ayes:  Smith, Bieri, Mengler, Brockmann, and Puck.  Motion carried. This Ordinance changes the zoning for 107 E. Walcott Road from M-2 and M-1 to C-2.

Fire Department Steak Fry.  Puck moved and Mengler seconded to approve closing a portion of W. Durant Street (west side of bank ATM to the west side of Legion property) on September 21^st until the next morning.  Motion carried.  Mengler moved and Puck seconded to approve the payment to Kalmes Catering in the amount of $9,000.  Motion carried.                                                                              

Puck moved and Bieri seconded to adjourn at 6:30 p.m.  Motion carried.  All votes on motions were unanimous, unless noted.

September 16, 2019 Minutes & Claims

The semi-monthly meeting of the City Council of Walcott, Iowa, was held on Tuesday, the 3^rd day of September, 2019, at Walcott City Hall.  Mayor John Kostichek called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m.  Council members present were: Everett Bieri, John Brockmann, 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. No comments.     

Consent Agenda.  Mengler moved and Bieri seconded to approve the consent agenda including the invoices, minutes from August 19, 2019 and August 26, 2019, Resolution 2019-30, Approving the Annual 2019 Fiscal Year Street Finance Report, and Resolution 2019-31, Approval of FYE 2019 Annual Urban Renewal Report.  Roll call ayes:  Mengler, Bieri, Smith, Brockmann, and Puck.  Motion carried.    

Trick-or-Treating – October 31, 2019.  Rickertsen reported that Walcott Women is proposing Trick-or-Treating on October 31^st.  Puck moved and Mengler seconded to approve Trick-or-Treating on October 31^st from 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. and the parade from Victory Park to the Walcott American Legion.  Motion carried. 

Visit Quad Cities Annual Donation.  Mengler moved and Puck seconded to approve a donation to Visit Quad Cities, in the amount of $1,000, as budgeted.  Motion carried. 

Rezoning Request for 342 E. Bryant Street – Ordinance 507-19, Amending the Official Zoning Map.  Puck moved and Smith seconded to approve the second reading of Ordinance 507-19.  Roll call ayes:  Puck, Smith, Mengler, and Bieri.  Brockmann abstained as he is the current property owner.  Motion carried.  This Ordinance changes the zoning for 342 E. Bryant Street from M-2 to C-2. 

Rezoning Request for 107 E. Walcott Road – Ordinance 508-19, Amending the Official Zoning Map.  Bieri moved and Mengler seconded to approve the second reading of Ordinance 508-19.  Roll call ayes:  Bieri, Mengler, Smith, Puck, and Brockmann.  Motion carried. This Ordinance changes the zoning for 107 E. Walcott Road from M-2 and M-1 to C-2.   

W. Otis Street Improvements Project – Seeding and Right-of-Way Restoration.  City Engineer, Jason Holdorf, arrived and reported that the landscape contractor will do additional raking to remove debris and the contractor recommended to utilize the existing growth and slit seeding the areas.  Discussion ensued that the contract specifications gives the contractor options on how to establish grass and it is the contractor’s responsibility to get the grass established.  The City has the ability to use the contractor’s bond if the grass does not grow.  Holdorf explained that due to the fall seeding, they won’t be able to treat the weeds until next spring.  He will talk to the general contractor regarding raising the storm intake near the splash pad area.  Council consensus was to have the contractor proceed with the slit seeding as recommended by the contractor.         

Parking Lot Engineering Proposal. Brockmann expressed concerns regarding the soil stability.  Stagg stated the foundation was removed and it was compacted when the house was demolished.  Holdorf stated the current proposal does not include soil testings but he will provide an estimate. The engineering proposal is in the amount of $10,000 and includes a topographic survey, construction plans and specifications, and a bidding form.  Smith moved and Mengler seconded to approve the parking lot engineering proposal.  Motion carried with Brockmann opposing.                                                                                       

Mayor Report.  Mayor Kostichek reported on the proposed rate increase from Alliant Energy.  This topic will be on the next regular meeting agenda for council discussion regarding submitting comments about the proposed electric rate increase.

Council Comments.  Brockmann questioned the bid status on the Chevy truck.  The City is currently accepting sealed bids on a 2000 Chevy Silverado and a 2011 Ford Crown Victoria police interceptor.  Sealed bids are due by 2:00 p.m. on October 3^rd.  A notice is posted online and at City Hall with additional information, including the minimum bid amount.  

Smith moved and Mengler seconded to adjourn at 6:30 p.m.  Motion carried.  All votes on motions were unanimous, unless noted.

September 3, 2019