A special meeting of the City Council of the City of Walcott, Iowa was held on Monday, March 11, 2019, with Mayor John Kostichek calling the meeting to order at 5:30 p.m.  Council members present were: Tim Koehler, Lisa Mengler, Jacob Puck, and Larry Smith.  Absent:  John Brockmann. City employees present:  Lisa Rickertsen, Tom Schirman, and Paul Stagg. Attorney Mike Walker was also present.  Schirman and Walker are both designated legal counsel for the City.

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

Attorney Schirman stated he felt it would be appropriate to go into closed session under Iowa Code 21.5 (1) (c).  Koehler moved and Smith seconded to go into a closed session at 5:33 p.m. under Iowa Code Chapter 21.5 (1) (C) to discuss strategy with counsel in matters that are presently in litigation.  Roll call ayes:  Koehler, Smith, Mengler, and Jacob Puck.  Motion carried.  Smith moved and Koehler seconded to close the closed session and resume the special meeting at 6:19 p.m.  Roll call ayes:  Smith, Koehler, Mengler, and Jacob Puck.  Motion carried.

Mengler moved and Smith seconded to adjourn at 6:20 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 Monday, the 4^th day of March 2019, at Walcott City Hall.  Mayor John Kostichek called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m.  Council members present were: John Brockmann, Lisa Mengler, Jacob Puck, Larry Smith, and Tim Koehler.  Absent:  None.  City staff present:  Jeff Blake, Paul Stagg, Lisa Rickertsen, and Tom Schirman.

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

Introduction of Audience/Public Comments.  None.    

Public Hearing on Fiscal Year Ending (FYE) 2020 Budget.  The public hearing was opened on the FYE 2020 Budget.  Rickertsen stated the tax levy will be at $10.08265 per $1,000 taxable valuation on regular property.  She stated the total taxable property valuation increased so there is a slight increase (2%) in property tax revenue even with keeping the levy rate the same.  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.  Koehler moved and Smith 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, Spring Clean-Up Day on May 4, 2019 from 2:00 p.m.– 5:00 p.m., and Resolution 2019-14 – Approving the Adoption of the FYE 2020 Budget.  Roll call ayes:  Mengler, Puck, Brockmann, Smith, and Koehler.  Motion carried.

Minutes from February 18, 2019.  Mengler moved and Smith seconded to approve the minutes from February 18, 2019.   Motion carried with Koehler abstaining due to absence.  Motion carried.

Community Visioning Program Update.  Stagg reported on the recent Community Visioning meeting, including that there were ninety-seven residents that participated in the event.  He presented the results from the meeting and highlighted some ideas that were presented during the meeting.  The next step is for the Community Visioning Steering Committee to meet and review the information.  Walcott was selected to participate in the Iowa Roadways Community Visioning Program following Stagg’s application with support from the City Council.

 2019 Water Main Improvements Project.  Mengler moved and Koehler seconded to approve Resolution 2019-15, Approving Contract and Bonds for the 2019 Water Main Improvements Project.  Roll call ayes:  Mengler, Koehler, Smith, Brockmann, and Puck.  Motion carried.

2019 Sanitary Sewer Repairs/Improvements Project.  Koehler moved and Puck seconded to approve Resolution 2019-16, Approving Contract and Bonds for the 2019 Sanitary Sewer Repairs/Improvements Project.  Roll call ayes:  Koehler, Puck, Brockmann, Mengler, and Smith.  Motion carried.

2019 Countywide Digital Orthophotography Project.   Rickertsen reported on the effort to assemble a partnership of local governments and agencies within Scott County to acquire countywide digital orthophotography (aerial imagery) in the spring of 2019.  Updating aerial imagery is on a recurring schedule every 4-5 years and the cost share for Walcott this year would be $2,000, compared to $4,022 paid for the last flight in 2014.  These aerial images are a valuable resource for local governments.  Puck moved and Mengler seconded to confirm Walcott’s support and participate in the 2019 digital orthophotography project.  Motion carried.

Public Works Department Report.  Stagg presented a supplemental agreement from Stanley Consultants, Inc. to provide additional services for the pretreatment assistance project.  Discussion was held on the scope of services which includes re-assessing aluminum and cadmium sources and assisting the City with development of local treatment agreements.  Following further discussion,

Mengler moved and Smith seconded to approve the supplemental agreement with Stanley Consultants, Inc. for the first four of six services listed in the agreement.  Motion carried.  The total approved agreement services is $23,999 with $5,320 (item 4) being the cost of a new treatment agreement, if needed, pending results of the previous services.

City Clerk’s Report.  Rickertsen presented a project worksheet to purchase a fireproof storage safe for the permanent records.  Puck moved and Smith seconded to approve the purchase of a Phoenix 509 storage safe from Triplett Office Essentials for $3,623.  Motion carried.

City Attorney Report.  Discussion was held on proposed changes to Chapter 155 (Above Ground Storage Tanks) to add provisions concerning LP tanks.   Attorney Schirman will prepare an amendment for a future meeting.

Council Comments.  Brockmann questioned the following:

• Proposed new emergency radio system for Scott County.
• Farm lease with Rod Dietz. Stagg stated the lease needed amendments and a new one will be presented at the next meeting.
• Street sign at E. James Street and Blue Grass Road and snow plow wing damage. Stagg stated the sign was knocked down during snow removal and the wing damage was from years ago.

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

March 2019 Chamber of Commerce Newsletter

The semi-monthly meeting of the City Council of Walcott, Iowa, was held on Monday, the 18^th day of February 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, and Larry Smith.  Brockmann arrived at 6:02 following approval of the consent agenda.  Absent:  Tim Koehler.  City staff present:  Jeff Blake, Josh Geigle, Lisa Rickertsen, and Tom Schirman.

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

Introduction of Audience/Public Comments.  No comments.

Consent Agenda.  Puck moved and Mengler seconded to approve the consent agenda including the invoices, minutes from February 4, 2019, January 2019 financial reports, liability insurance renewal with EMC Insurance with Arp Insurance as the local agent, and Resolution 2019-13 – Approving Lease Between the City of Walcott and the Marvin Siebke and Loretta Siebke Revocable Trust for Water Tower Park.  Roll call ayes:  Puck, Mengler, and Smith.  Motion carried.

W. Otis Street Improvements Project. Mengler moved and Smith seconded to approve payment #6 to Cornerstone Excavating, Inc. for $11,875.72. Motion carried.

Fire Department Report.  Chief Geigle reported that during a large structure fire in early December, a fire department officer on scene called Ellsworth Excavating and requested excavation services.  Subsequently, an invoice was received from Ellsworth Excavating in the amount of $3,885.00 and the insurance company is unable to pay it due to the policy limits.  Mengler questioned if the $2,500.00 fee listed on the invoice for “Hazard insurance fee for knowingly putting our equipment and labor in harms way, which may result in a reduction or loss of coverage” is a normal fee.  A lengthy discussion ensued regarding the responsibility of payment, hazard insurance fee as listed on the invoice, requiring an insurance certificate from Ellsworth Excavating, and future measures to prevent this situation from happening again.  Chief Geigle reported that two donation checks totaling $3,000 have been received to be put towards payment of this invoice and that the remaining funds would come from the Fire Department Donation Fund.  Geigle stated he has spoken to the Fire Department members regarding this so that this doesn’t happen again.  Brockmann stated he felt it is the responsibility of the insurance company to pay the invoice.  With reservations, Mengler moved and Puck seconded to approve payment to Ellsworth Excavating in the amount of $1,385 and to pay the remaining $2,500 once a certificate of insurance is received from Ellsworth Excavating.  Motion carried with Brockmann opposing.  The funds will be paid from the Fire Department Donation Fund.

City Clerk’s Report.  Puck moved and Mengler seconded to request the State Auditor’s Office perform an annual examination for FYE 2019.  Motion carried.  Mengler moved and Puck seconded to set the public hearing date for the FYE 2019 Budget Amendment for March 18, 2019, at 6:00 p.m.  Motion carried. Rickertsen reported on an insurance dividend received from EMC Insurance/Safety Group Insurance Program and provided Brockmann documentation from Stagg of the list of manholes that were raised, as he requested during the last meeting.

Council Comments.  Smith relayed thanks for a job well done on the recent snow removal by the Public Works Department.  Brockmann questioned if the new squad will include all new equipment.  Chief Blake stated they would transfer as much as possible from the current squad to the new squad.  Discussion was held on the trade-in value on the current squad and other departments that may be interested in it.

Smith moved and Puck seconded to adjourn at 6:40 p.m. Motion carried.  All votes on motions were unanimous, unless noted.

February 18, 2019 Signed Minutes & Claims

The semi-monthly meeting of the City Council of Walcott, Iowa, was held on Monday, the 4^th day of February 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. Puck moved and Mengler seconded to approve the agenda with the change of removing the January 21, 2019 minutes from the consent agenda and approving as a separate item.  Motion carried.

Introduction of Audience/Public Comments.  Joe Aubry questioned when the water main on N. Grove Street was added to the Water Main Improvements Project.  Stagg explained that the water main is not being replaced, but the scope of the project includes one service connection on N. Grove Street.

Consent Agenda.  Puck moved and Mengler seconded to approve the consent agenda including the invoices and Resolution 2019-10, Transfer of Funds.  Roll call ayes:  Puck, Mengler, Smith, Koehler, and Brockmann.  Motion carried.

Minutes from January 21, 2019.  Mengler moved and Puck seconded to approve the minutes from January 21, 2019.  Koehler abstained due to absence from meeting.  Motion carried.

2019 Water Main Improvements Project – Resolution 2019-11, Awarding Contract.  Mengler moved and Koehler seconded to approve Resolution 2019-11, Awarding Contract to BWC Excavating in the amount of $169,848.65.  Roll call ayes:  Mengler, Koehler, Smith, Puck, and Brockmann.   Motion carried.  BWC Excavating was the lowest of eight bids received on the project.  

2019 Sanitary Sewer Repairs/Improvements Project – Resolution 2019-12, Awarding Contract.    Koehler moved and Puck seconded to approve Resolution 2019-12, Awarding Contract to BWC Excavating in the amount of $212,549.50.  Roll call ayes:  Koehler, Puck, Brockmann, Mengler, and Smith.  Motion carried.  BWC Excavating was the lowest of eight bids received on the project.   

Police Department Report.  Mengler expressed concerns about vehicles parked on the street during snow removal.  

City Clerk’s Report.  Koehler moved and Puck seconded to set the FYE 2020 Budget Public Hearing date for March 4, 2019, at 6:00 p.m.  Motion carried.

Council Comments.  Brockmann questioned an invoice from Needham Excavating.  Stagg responded that the invoice includes parts and labor for manholes that were buried, some up to four feet deep, which were discovered during the televising process and that risers were added to bring them above grade.  Brockmann requested a list of the manholes that were raised, which Stagg stated he will provide.

Mengler moved and Puck seconded to adjourn at 6:15 p.m. Motion carried.  All votes on motions were unanimous, unless noted.

February 2019 Chamber Newsletter

The semi-monthly meeting of the City Council of Walcott, Iowa, was held on Monday, the 21^st day of 2019, at Walcott City Hall.  Mayor John Kostichek 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:  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 comments were made by residents in attendance which includes the following:

• Ken Washburn expressed concerns with the snow removal on Cedar Lane Drive and the Rowe Lane & Cedar Lane Drive intersection. He questioned why the streets need to be plowed curb to curb.  Mengler responded that this has been brought up in the past and the council’s policy is to have the streets plowed to the curb.
• Three other residents, Mel Brus, Dennis Siebel, and Mel Pruitt also voiced their disappointment with Cedar Lane Drive being plowed curb to curb, which caused snow to be thrown onto their sidewalks that abut the curb.
• Bob Peters reported he had discolored water on January 11^th. Stagg responded that they had recently opened three valves which had been closed (since sometime prior to his employment) and that the water against the valves is making its way through the system.
• Other residents, Brent Arp, Bernard Brus, and Jackie Puck complimented the Public Works Department on the recent snow removal.

Consent Agenda.  Puck moved and Smith seconded to approve the consent agenda including the invoices, minutes from January 7, 2019, renewal of Class C Liquor License, Class B Wine Permit and Sunday sales for Grammas Kitchen & The Checkered Flag Bar and Grill, December 2018 financial reports, Century Link Right-of-Way Permit, and Resolution 2019-8, Adopting the Annual Supplement to the Code of Ordinances.  Roll call ayes:  Puck, Smith, Mengler, and Brockmann.  Motion carried.

Minutes from January 14, 2019.  Mengler moved and Puck seconded to approve the minutes from January 14, 2019.  Brockmann abstained due to absence from meeting.  Motion carried.

City-Owned Property –SE Corner of Lincoln & Main Streets.  Karen Puck reported the Walcott Historical Society is exploring options for a permanent location and questioned the City’s intended use of the city-owned property at the SE corner of Main and Lincoln Streets.  Mengler stated the City should keep the property and reported on a memo from the Fire Chief requesting the City retain the lot since it is centrally located and a practical option for a potential Fire Station. Council consensus was to retain the property.

Splash Pad Project – Approval of Payment #2.  The project engineer and Stagg both recommended approval of pay request #2.  Mengler moved and Smith seconded to approve pay request #2 to Centennial Contractors of the Quad Cities, Inc. for $29,333.91.  Motion carried.  

Resolution 2019-9, Approving Change Orders for the West Otis Street Improvements Project.  It was noted that the project engineer feels the completed project total will be under the original contract amount, even with the additional $12,500.75 in change orders as recommended.  Puck moved and Mengler seconded to approve Resolution 2019-9.  Roll call ayes:  Puck, Mengler, Smith, and Brockmann.  Motion carried.   

Police Department Report.  A project worksheet from Chief Blake requested purchase of a 2019 Dodge Durango, which would replace the 2013 Ford Explorer.  Brockmann stated they should utilize local dealers.  Following discussion, Smith moved and Puck seconded to approve the purchase of a 2019 Dodge Durango form Deery Brothers Motors of Iowa City at a cost of $29,508. Motion carried.

Public Works Department.  Stagg presented a project worksheet to replace the 2000 Chevy K1500 with a 2019 Ford F250.  Stagg stated he did receive a bid from Ron Alpen Ford but they were not able to compete with the state bid from Stivers Ford.  Mengler moved and Smith seconded to purchase a 2019 Ford F250 from Stivers Ford for $28,663.  Motion carried.

City Clerk’s Report.  A public hearing on the FYE 2020 budget will be scheduled during the February 4^th meeting. 

Council Comments.  Mengler and Puck thanked the Public Works Department for their effective snow removal.  Brockmann requested a list of all water and sewer licenses held by staff, which Stagg provided.

Mengler moved and Puck seconded to adjourn at 6:40 p.m. Motion carried.  All votes on motions were unanimous, unless noted.

A special meeting of the City Council of the City of Walcott, Iowa was held on Monday, January 14, 2019, with Mayor John Kostichek calling the meeting to order at 5:05 p.m.  Council members present were: Tim Koehler, Lisa Mengler, Jacob Puck, and Larry Smith. Absent:  John Brockmann. 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 2020 Budget Review and Discussion. Discussion was held on the proposed FYE 2020 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. Potential proprietary rate increases will be discussed at a future meeting.

Mengler moved and Smith seconded to adjourn at 6:27 p.m.  Ayes:  All.  Motion carried.

January 14, 2019

The semi-monthly meeting of the City Council of Walcott, Iowa, was held on Monday, the 7^th day of 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. Mengler moved and Puck seconded to approve the agenda.  Motion carried.

Introduction of Audience/Public Comments. Cyndi Siemsen and Joe and Jessica Aubry were present to question why the proposed water main improvements project does not include N. Downey Street, between James and Otis Street.  Siemsen stated she has always had low water pressure at her home and had reported it to John Brockmann, former Public Works Director, for many years.  Stagg responded that the  replacement of the 1” water main on her block was one of the three water projects that he presented to Council during the August 6, 2018 meeting.  During that meeting, the City Council voted unanimously to proceed with the other two projects but due to financial constraints they did not proceed with the water main replacement project on her block.  Stagg stated that the proposed water main improvements project, scheduled to be completed this year, will set the stage for replacing the water main on her block as part of a future project.

Public Hearings.  Mayor Kostichek opened the public hearing on the plans, specifications, form of contract, and cost estimate on the 2019 Water Main Improvements Project along sections of E. James Street, N. Downey Street, and N. Grove Street.  The current estimated construction cost, plus contingency, is nearly $166,000.  Smith requested the engineer do some minor text edits to the plans.   Mengler moved and Puck seconded to close the public hearing and open the public hearing on the plans, specifications, form of contract, and cost estimate on the 2019 Sanitary Sewer Repairs/Improvements along sections of W. Bryant Street and S. Rowe Lane.  Motion carried.  The estimated construction cost, plus contingency, is around $246,000. Smith requested the text also be cleaned up on these plans.  Smith moved and Koehler seconded to close the public hearing and resume the regular meeting.  Motion carried.

Consent Agenda. Puck moved and Mengler seconded to approve the consent agenda including the invoices, minutes from December 17, 2018, Resolution 2019-1, Designating the North Scott Press as Official Newspaper, Resolution 2019-2, Authorizing Certain Payments Before a Council Meeting, Resolution 2019-3, Designation of Financial Institutions as Depositories, and Resolution 2019-4, Establishing the Standard Mileage Rate Reimbursement, and Resolution 2019-5, Transfer of Funds (from Employee Benefits Fund and Local Option Sales Tax Fund to the General Fund).  Roll call ayes:  Puck, Mengler, Smith, Koehler, and Brockmann.  Motion carried.

Resolution 2019-6, Approving Plans & Specifications, Form of Contract and Cost Estimate for the 2019 Water Main Improvements Project.   Koehler moved and Smith seconded to approve Resolution 2019-6, with the text edits in the plans as requested.  Roll call ayes:  Koehler, Smith, Mengler, Brockmann, and Puck.  Motion carried.

Resolution 2019-7, Approving Plans & Specifications, Form of Contract and Cost Estimate for the 2019 Sanitary Sewer Repairs/Improvements Project.   Smith moved and Puck seconded to approve Resolution 2019-7, with the text edits in the plans as requested.  Roll call ayes:  Smith, Puck, Brockmann, Mengler, and Koehler.  Motion carried.

Walcott Historical Society.  Karen Puck thanked the City for their past support and reported that the Walcott Historical Society has met the matching fundraising amount of $2,500 as required by City Council.  Mengler moved and Puck seconded to approve payment of $2,500 to the Walcott Historical Society.  Motion carried.  Puck also asked the Council to consider budgeting future contributions to the organization and stated that they are exploring options for a permanent location and questioned the City’s intent of the city-owned property at the SE corner of Main and Lincoln Streets.  The property will be listed on the next regular meeting agenda.  Puck was thanked for attending and for the work that the Historical Society has achieved.

Annual Donation to Durant Ambulance.  Smith moved and Mengler seconded to approve the annual budgeted donation to Durant Ambulance in the amount of $1,000.  Motion carried.

Donation to the Lower Cedar Watershed Management Authority. Mayor Kostichek reported on the Lower Cedar Watershed Management Authority ((LCWMA), which the City is a member of.  The LCWMA is a mechanism for cities, counties, and water conservation districts to cooperatively engage in watershed planning and management.  The LCWMA is requesting contributions from each member to help develop educational materials.  Mengler moved and Smith seconded to approve a $500 donation to the LCWMA.  Brockmann opposed and stated there are already enough government agencies.  Motion carried.

New Council Table.  Three quotes were received on having a new custom council table built.  Discussion was held on the drawings and construction time.  The two lowest quotes were within $25 but the quote of $4,975 from Robertsen Manufacturing, located in Davenport, had a shorter construction/delivery time.  Koehler moved and Smith seconded to proceed with Robertsen Manufacturing for construction of a council table, contingent on having all questions resolved.  Motion carried.     

Police Department Report.  Chief Blake presented a project worksheet for purchase of tourniquets and holders.  This will be paid from the $900 grant the department received from the Iowa 80/CAT Scale Go Iowa Fund.  Mengler moved and Puck seconded to approve the purchase as submitted from North American Rescue Supplies.  Motion carried.

City Clerk’s Report.  A budget workshop was scheduled for January 14^th at 5:00 p.m.

Mayor’s Report.  With respect to the recent firefighter tragedy in Clinton, Mayor Kostichek encouraged all to thank the local fire department members for their invaluable work.

Mengler moved and Puck seconded to adjourn at 7:05 p.m. Motion carried.  All votes on motions were unanimous, unless noted.

January 7, 2019

January Chamber of Commerce Newsletter