November 16, 2020 Minutes
The semi-monthly meeting of the City Council of Walcott, Iowa, was held on Monday, the 16th day of November, 2020, at Walcott City Hall. Mayor John Kostichek called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m. Council members present were: Everett Bieri and Lisa Mengler, with Jacob Puck participating remotely. Absent: John Brockmann and Larry Smith. City staff present were Lisa Rickertsen and Paul Stagg. Due to COVID-19, this meeting was held electronically via conference call, permitted under the Iowa Code, Chapter 21.8, which allows an electronic meeting where members may participate remotely when an in-person meeting is impossible or impractical. Call-in information was provided to the public on the meeting agenda notice.
Approval of Agenda. Mengler moved and Bieri seconded to approve the agenda. Motion carried.
Consent Agenda. Bieri moved and Mengler seconded to approve the consent agenda including the invoices, minutes from November 2, 2020, and the October 2020 financial reports. Motion carried.
City Code Updates. Rickertsen presented costs from Iowa Codification to complete a comprehensive update of the existing City Code. Puck moved and Bieri seconded to proceed with updating the City Code with Iowa Codification at a cost of $5,100 plus online updates up to $875. Motion carried.
Public Works Department Report. Stagg reported on a recent water main break and installation of street and water main in the Westbrook Seventh Addition. Discussion was held on budgeting for concrete work at Victory Park for next fall and fixing the damaged windmill at Prairie View Park.
City Clerk Report. Rickertsen reminded council of the flag raising ceremony on November 18, 2020, at 3:30 p.m. at City Hall.
Bieri moved and Mengler seconded to adjourn at 6:13 p.m. Motion carried. All votes on motions were unanimous, unless noted.
November 2, 2020 Minutes
The semi-monthly meeting of the City Council of Walcott, Iowa, was held on Monday, the 2nd day of November, 2020, 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. City staff present were Jeff Blake, Lisa Rickertsen, and Paul Stagg. Due to COVID-19, call-in information was provided to the public on the meeting agenda notice.
Approval of Agenda. Puck moved and Bieri seconded to approve the agenda. Motion carried.
Consent Agenda. Mengler moved and Smith seconded to approve the consent agenda including the invoices, minutes from October 19, 2020, Resolution 2020-30 – Transfer of Funds, Resolution 2020-31- Obligating TIF Funds ($138,000) from the Consolidated Walcott Urban Renewal Area for FYE 2022, and Resolution 2020-32 – Wage Increase for Building Official for Fire Inspector Certification. Roll call ayes: Mengler, Smith, Brockmann, Puck, and Bieri. Motion carried.
Ordinance 515-20, Amending Provisions Pertaining to Decks – Chapter 167.05 (5). Smith moved and Puck seconded to waive the second reading of Ordinance 515-20. Roll call ayes: Smith, Puck, Bieri, Mengler, and Brockmann. Motion carried. Mengler moved and Smith seconded to approve the third and final reading of Ordinance 515-20. Roll call ayes: Mengler, Smith, Puck, Brockmann, and Bieri. Motion carried.
Police Department Report. On behalf of the Police and Fire Departments, Chief Blake thanked the Lambda Phi Sorority for donations of $1,200 to each department from the lighted address sign fundraiser.
Public Works Department Report.
- Sale Approval of 1997 International Dump Truck. Three bids were received for the 1997 International truck. Puck moved and Mengler seconded to approve the sale of the 1997 truck to the high bidder, Matt Moore, for $4,867.00. Motion carried.
- Sale/Removal of Slide from Victory Park. Smith moved and Bieri seconded to allow Tim Hamann to remove the slide from Victory Park and approve the sale of it for $3.00. Motion carried.
- Snow Pusher Purchase Approval. Stagg presented a project worksheet for the purchase of a snow pusher for the skid steer. Brockmann questioned the use of a snow pusher since there is one on the Case tractor. Stagg responded that the skid steer and tractor will both be utilized for snow removal. Puck moved and Mengler seconded to approve the lowest quote, from Titan Machinery, at $7,000.00. Motion carried with Brockmann opposing.
- Stagg provided updates on the following: installation of light poles at Wescott Park; fence removal, electrical repairs, and restroom repairs at Victory Park; brush grinding at compost area; generator transfer switch repairs at Fire Station; and furnace replacement at City Hall.
City Clerk Report. Rickertsen reported the health insurance premium for 2021 will decrease by 6.24% and the base rates for the dental insurance will remain the same. Mengler moved and Puck seconded to approve the 2021 employee health and dental insurance benefits renewal with Wellmark. Motion carried. The Walcott American Legion will be donating a flag pole and flag that will be located near the parking lot at City Hall. A flag raising ceremony will be held on November 18, 2020, at 3:30 p.m. followed by a flag burning ceremony. The public is invited to attend.
Mayor’s Report. Mayor Kostichek read a letter thanking Rickertsen for her commitment and attendance at the Iowa Municipal Professionals Academy. He also expressed thanks to Lambda Phi Sorority and the Walcott American Legion for their donations.
Council Member Comments. Brockmann questioned the debris clean-up delay at Victory Park. Stagg responded that the electrical contractor should be starting soon and he is obtaining quotes for the building repairs. Smith reported on field lights being turned on at Victory Park. Discussion was held that the park is currently closed due to storm damage and for safety reasons a lock will be placed on the electrical box.
Smith moved and Bieri seconded to adjourn at 6:25 p.m. Motion carried. All votes on motions were unanimous, unless noted.