The semi-monthly meeting of the City Council of Walcott, Iowa, was held on Tuesday, the 8^th day of September, 2020, at Walcott City Hall. Mayor John Kostichek called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m. Council members present were: Everett Bieri, Lisa Mengler, Jacob Puck, and Larry Smith. Brockmann participated via phone following approval of the consent agenda. City staff present were Jeff Blake, Jackie Huston, 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 Mengler seconded to approve the agenda. Motion carried.

Consent Agenda. Mengler moved and Bieri seconded to approve the consent agenda including the invoices, minutes from August 17, 2020, and Resolution 2020-22 Approving Applications for Residential Tax Abatement within the 2017 Urban Revitalization Area. Roll call ayes: Mengler, Bieri, Smith, and Puck. Motion carried.

Hearts & Hands Foundation – Austin Burt & Brent Puck – Wescott Park Enhancement Project. Burt presented information from the Hearts and Hands Foundation regarding the proposed fencing and concrete project at Wescott Park. The work includes labor, equipment, and materials for new infield fencing (the backstop, dugouts, and partial sidelines) and a concrete bleacher pad area. The fence/diamond would move inwards 10 feet to the north and 10 feet to the west. Burt stated they have secured funding commitments, scheduled volunteers to remove the existing fence on September 12^th, and anticipate project completion by the end of October. Mengler expressed thanks and appreciation to the Hearts & Hands Foundation and to all organizations for their contributions towards the project. Smith moved and Mengler seconded to approve the Wescott Park Enhancement Project as presented, and as recommended by the Park Board. Motion carried.

Code Amendment Request for Decks in Rear Yard Setbacks. Huston reported on a variance request from Michael and Marie Tharp to encroach 8 feet upon the rear yard setback for an attached deck with pergola. The Building Official noticed a deck was being built at Tharp’s without a permit and a variance was necessary to continue construction due to the rear yard setback. Huston reported the Zoning Board of Adjustment (ZBA) denied the variance due to the lack of property hardship but ZBA suggested they request the City Council consider a code change allowing decks to extend into the rear yard setback. Huston stated that extending uncovered decks into the rear yard setbacks is common in surrounding communities, but most communities consider pergolas to be a covering. Michael & Marie Tharp requested changing the code to allow decks to extend ten feet into the rear yard setback and allow it to be covered with a pergola. Smith stated he doesn’t feel a pergola should be considered a covering and suggested defining it as non-covered in the code. Council expressed support allowing the changes as suggested. Mengler moved and Puck seconded to send the issue to the Planning and Zoning Commission for their recommendation. Motion carried with Brockmann abstaining (due to phone system technical difficulties). The code changes are in the zoning chapter which requires the Planning & Zoning Commission to hold a public hearing which will be scheduled for October 12^th.

Parking Lot Improvements Project. Complaints were discussed regarding the parking lot improvements project workmanship. City Engineer, Jason Holdorf, stated they have documentation of project quality and there is a four-year maintenance bond on file. Mengler reported noticing debris mixed with the dirt located in the right-of-way along Main Street. Following discussion, Puck moved and Bieri seconded to approve payment #1 to Aero Concrete, LTD for $72,923.75. Motion carried.

Visit Quad Cities Annual Contribution. Smith moved and Mengler seconded to contribute $1,000 to Visit Quad Cities, as budgeted. Motion carried.

Storm Damage – ROW and Parks Tree Trimming /Removal. Stagg reported on bids received for storm damaged trees at the parks and on city right-of-ways. Mengler moved and Puck seconded to approve the low bid from Turkle’s Tree Service, Inc. for $10,985. Motion carried.

Resolution 2020-23, Requesting Reimbursement from the Iowa COVID-19 Government Relief Fund. Rickertsen provided information regarding funds available to local governments for expenses incurred in response to the COVID-19 emergency. Mengler moved and Bieri seconded to approve Resolution 2020-23. Roll call ayes:  Mengler, Bieri, Smith, Puck, and Brockmann.  Motion carried.

Ordinance 514-20, Amending Chapter 99 Regarding Sewer Rates. Bieri moved and Puck seconded to approve the third reading of Ordinance 514-20. Roll call ayes: Bieri, Puck, Smith, Mengler, and Brockmann. Motion carried. Effective with the October 1, 2020 billing the minimum bill will increase by $.09 to $19.25 per month. The usage rate of $6.33 per 1,000 gallons of water used per month for all usage over 1,400 gallons will remain unchanged.

Public Works Department Report.

• Property Land Swap. Stagg presented information, including estimated legal costs, on a land exchange. He reported that there are sewer lines located on private property, which the City is mowing and is adjacent to a small section of city-owned property that the adjoining property owner is farming. Stagg recommended to exchange land with the adjoining property owner, moving the property boundary to follow the creek. Brockmann stated it has been this way for many years and he didn’t feel it was worth the City spending money on it. The land exchange is also necessary for the future recreational trail extension. Mengler moved and Smith seconded to pursue working with the property owner and City Attorney on a land exchange as presented. Motion carried with Brockmann opposing.
• City Dumpster behind Public Works. Stagg presented several photos from various dates of the city dumpster behind the public works department building that shows the unsightly public disposal of garbage that is occurring around the city dumpster. Stagg reported the contractor won’t empty it if there is refuse piled in front of it and reported on people dumping construction debris next to the building. His proposal is to purchase a locking dumpster, install cameras, and post signs that say no illegal dumping. Instead of allowing the public to access the dumpster, residents can call City Hall to schedule bulky waste or extra garbage collection for additional fees. Smith moved and Puck seconded to approve Stagg’s proposal and purchase a locking dumpster. Motion carried.

Mayor’s Report. Mayor Kostichek thanked the Hearts and Hands Foundation for their work on the Wescott Park enhancement project and to all who cleaned up following the storm on August 10^th.

Council Member Comments. Smith also thanked the Hearts and Hands Foundation members and Mengler questioned the status of repairs at Victory Park. Stagg responded that the trees were the biggest safety concerns and he is still waiting for additional bids on the roof, electrical, and fence, which he hopes to have for the next meeting

Smith moved and Puck seconded to adjourn at 7:04 p.m. Motion carried. All votes on motions were unanimous, unless noted.

September 8, 2020 Signed Minutes & Claims

September 2020 Chamber Newsletter

The semi-monthly meeting of the City Council of Walcott, Iowa, was held on Monday, the 17^th day of August, 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 but no public participated remotely.

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

Introduction of Audience/Public Comments. Karla Burt stated she was impressed with the volunteers and city staff during the community clean-up from the storm on August 10^th. Burt also reported on the positive comments received on the entrance sign and flower baskets, the residential property tax abatement (available in Westbrook addition only), interest they’ve received on the two new homes they are constructing, and the need for more housing in Walcott.

Consent Agenda. Puck moved and Smith seconded to approve the consent agenda including the invoices, minutes from August 3, 2020, July 2020 financial reports, Class B & C wine and beer permits and Sunday sales renewal for Dolgencorp, LLC (Dollar General), and the FYE 2020 annual financial report. Motion carried.

Karla Burt – Storm Sewer. Burt reported on issues with water draining into the backyards onto their lots on W. James Street and stated that there is no storm sewer on that portion of W. James Street or W. Cedar Lane Drive. She suggested adding storm sewer whenever street improvements are made.

Hearts & Hands Foundation – Austin Burt & Brent Puck – Wescott Park Improvements. A lengthy discussion was held with Brent Puck and Austin Burt regarding the request from Hearts and Hands Foundation to proceed with installing new fencing for the backstop, dugouts, and partial sidelines at Wescott Park. Brent Puck questioned if it was feasible for the concrete, excluding the sidewalks, to be completed this fall following the fence installation. It was discussed that the City would not be able to rebid the concrete project this fall due to the short construction timeline. The City must follow the Iowa Code regarding public improvements construction and there is not a firm installation date for the fence, just sometime in October. Foundation members felt it was important to do the concrete work either this fall or next spring. Austin Burt stated if the City does not do the concrete project this fall or next spring, the Foundation would raise funds for the concrete and fencing but expressed concerns about requesting funds from organizations for both projects. Mengler stated the City denied the concrete project bids at the last meeting per the Foundation’s request and that the City intends to proceed with the concrete project in the fall of 2021 due to Iowa Code requirements and early spring practices and games. Puck suggested they delay the project until late summer/fall in 2021 to allow them more time to raise funds and the City would schedule the concrete project in the fall after fence installation. The Mayor and council expressed their support of the improvements and their intent to complete the concrete project next fall. Burt requested permission to remove the backstop fence on September 12^th and install new fencing in October. Mengler moved and Puck seconded to allow the Hearts and Hands Foundation to remove the fence at Wescott Park on September 12^th and allow them to install new fencing in October. Motion carried. Burt will bring a detailed fence plan to the next meeting.

No Parking/Fire Lane Across from Fire Station. Smith moved and Mengler seconded to install no parking signs and paint the curb, per state and city codes, across from the fire station bay doors. Motion carried.

Ordinance 514-20, Amending Chapter 99 Regarding Sewer Rates. Puck moved and Smith seconded to approve the second reading of Ordinance 514-20. Roll call ayes: Puck, Smith, Mengler, Bieri, and Brockmann. Motion carried. Effective with the October 1, 2020 billing the minimum bill will increase by $.09 to $19.25 per month. The usage rate of $6.33 per 1,000 gallons of water used per month for all usage over 1,400 gallons will remain unchanged.

Public Works Department Report. Stagg presented a cost opinion and engineering design costs for ADA sidewalk ramps along Main Street. He is requesting approval to proceed with the engineering design for intersections currently without ADA ramps but noted he intends to break down the ramp construction due to annual funding. Brockmann stated he felt the surveying has already been done without prior authorization. Stagg responded that some preliminary work was performed but it was below the cost threshold he is authorized to spend. Mengler moved and Smith seconded to approve the estimated engineering design fee of $7,800 for the ADA ramps on Main Street. Motion carried with Brockmann opposing. Stagg read a prepared statement (which will be included in the September Chamber newsletter) expressing his gratitude for all of the volunteer assistance following the derecho on August 10^th.

Mayor’s Report. Mayor Kostichek thanked everyone who helped clean-up following Monday’s storm. He stated he was impressed with the amount of volunteer assistance and was grateful that the youth ball tournament was still able to be played at Wescott Park over the weekend.

Council Member Comments. The majority of council members expressed their appreciation and thanks to the Public Works, Police, and Fire Departments following the storm. Discussion was held that Stagg will be assessing the trees in City right-of-ways and damaged trees will be removed by the City.

Smith moved and Puck seconded to adjourn at 7:20 p.m. Motion carried. All votes on motions were unanimous, unless noted.

August 17, 2020 Signed Minutes & Claims

The semi-monthly meeting of the City Council of Walcott, Iowa, was held on Monday, the 3^rd day of August, 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 but no public participated remotely.

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

Introduction of Audience/Public Comments. No comments.

Consent Agenda. Smith moved and Mengler seconded to approve the consent agenda including the invoices and minutes from July 20, 2020. Motion carried with Puck abstaining due to absence from meeting.

Ron Fick – Sidewalks at 302 N. Century Street. Ron Fick, owner of the vacant corner lot at 302 N. Century Street was present to discuss the requirement for him to install public sidewalks on his property. Fick reported that he did not want to install the public sidewalk until a home is constructed on the lot and stated there are other areas in town without public sidewalks. This property was identified in 2018 as a sidewalk gap property and was prioritized since it is the only property located on E. James Street, on the main route to school, without a public sidewalk. In August, 2018, the City approved a two-year deferment of the sidewalk installation, following a request from Fick. Brockmann stated he felt if requiring one property owner to install sidewalks then all properties should be required to install them. It was reported that the intention is to address all residential properties without public sidewalks but there are annual funding limitations for the reimbursement program. Following further discussion, Mengler moved and Puck seconded to allow Ron Fick until July 1, 2021, to install the public sidewalk as required but only along E. James Street. Motion carried with Brockmann opposing. At this time, Fick will not be required to install the public sidewalk on the east side of the property, unless a home is built. The property is eligible to participate in the Residential Sidewalk Reimbursement Program, which reimburses the property owner 50% of the installation cost of a public sidewalk. Fick was advised that he will need a permit for the sidewalk installation, to complete an application for the reimbursement program, and he is not required to install the handicap ramp at the corner.

Wescott Park Improvements.

• Ballfield and Fencing. The Park Board met on July 29^th with the majority of the board members recommending to delay the concrete project until next fall and to allow the Hearts and Hands Foundation to proceed with the fence and ballfield improvements this fall. Austin Burt, representing the Hearts and Hands Foundation, provided an update on the cost of new fencing and potential funding commitments from local organizations. Burt stated the group currently does not have enough financial commitments to complete the project so it may be completed in phases. He questioned if the City would consider participating financially but it was noted that if the City contributes it would require the City to follow the contract letting process as defined in the Iowa Code which would affect the timeline and potentially increase costs due to additional requirements. If the fence project is completed this fall it would delay the concrete project until the fall of 2021, due to spring construction timelines and diamond use in the spring. Following further discussion, Mengler moved and Puck seconded to allow the Hearts and Hands Foundation to proceed with the ballfield and fencing improvements this fall. Motion carried. Burt will bring back plans for final approval.
• Concrete Project. Two bids were received on the concrete project but due to the proposed ballfield and fencing improvements and timeline, Mengler moved and Smith seconded to reject all bids and not proceed at this time. Motion carried.       

Victory Park Slide. During the July 29^th Park Board meeting, the board unanimously recommended to remove the slide at Victory Park, following the safety inspection report and recommendation from the insurance company, and to leave the area as green space. Some items listed on the safety inspection report could be remedied but some could not, including the height of the slide. Bieri moved to bid out the removal of the tornado slide at Victory Park, per Park Board recommendation. The motion died due to lack of a second. Following further discussion, Mengler moved and Bieri seconded to bid out the removal of the tornado slide at Victory Park, per Park Board recommendation, and to have all playground equipment inspected, especially the merry-go-round at Water Tower Park. Motion carried with Smith and Brockmann opposing.

Ordinance 514-20, Amending Chapter 99 Regarding Sewer Rates. Ordinance 514-20 was introduced. Effective with the October 1, 2020 billing the minimum bill will increase by $.09 to $19.25 per month. The usage rate of $6.33 per 1,000 gallons of water used per month for all usage over 1,400 gallons will remain unchanged. Puck moved and Smith seconded to approve the first reading. Roll call ayes: Puck, Smith, Brockmann, Bieri, and Mengler. Motion carried.

Public Works Department Report. Stagg presented a photo and reported on solutions to address the trip hazards on the public sidewalks adjacent to storm intakes along Memorial Road. Following discussion, Smith moved and Puck seconded for Stagg to proceed with the sidewalk repair as recommended. Motion carried.

Mayor’s Report. Mayor Kostichek urges all residents to complete the 2020 Census and stressed the importance of a complete and accurate count since it relates to some city funding for a period of ten years.

Council Member Comments. Brockmann questioned if the splash pad is disinfected daily. Stagg responded that there are signs posted at the parks that the equipment is not sanitized.

Puck moved and Smith seconded to adjourn at 6:58 p.m. Motion carried. All votes on motions were unanimous, unless noted.

August 3, 2020 Signed Minutes & Claims

WALCOTT NEWSLETTER AUGUST 2020

The semi-monthly meeting of the City Council of Walcott, Iowa, was held on Monday, the 20^th day of July, 2020, at Walcott City Hall. Mayor John Kostichek called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m. Council members present were: Everett Bieri, Lisa Mengler, and Larry Smith with John Brockmann participating remotely by phone. Absent: Jacob Puck. City staff present were Jeff Blake and Lisa Rickertsen with Paul Stagg participating remotely. Due to COVID-19, this meeting was held electronically via a 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.

Introduction of Audience/Public Comments. No comments.

Consent Agenda. Smith moved and Mengler seconded to approve the consent agenda including the invoices, minutes from July 6 2020, June 2020 financial reports, and the FYE 2020 investment report. Motion carried.

Kent Arp – Memorial Statues at Welcome Park. Kent Arp was present on behalf of the Walcott American Legion to discuss a donation of three life-sized memorial soldier statues they want to locate near the berms behind the Veteran’s Memorial at Welcome Park. Discussion included the potential location of each statue, brick walkway to statues, and the lighting and installation of statues. Arp stated he expects it would be completed sometime next summer, possibly by the Walcott Day celebration. Bieri moved and Smith seconded to approve the donation and placement of memorial statues at Welcome Park. Motion carried.

Austin Burt – Wescott Park Improvements. Austin Burt was present on behalf of the Walcott Hearts and Hands Foundation to present information on recommended ballfield improvements, including fencing replacement at Wescott Park. He reported that these improvements include moving the ballfield northwest 10-15 feet and new fencing, which could be paid for by volunteer organizations and private donations. He expressed his opinion that the recommended improvements should be completed prior to or in conjunction with the City’s planned concrete project at Wescott Park. The City is in the process of obtaining bids for the concrete project, which will be reviewed during the August 3^rd meeting, and is planned to start after Labor Day due to games scheduled through Friday, September 4^th. Safety concerns were expressed regarding the deteriorating blacktop conditions. Following further discussion, Council did not express any opposition to the proposed donated upgrades and improvements as presented, but requested the improvements be presented at a Park Board meeting for their recommendation. This topic will be discussed at a special Park Board meeting on July 29^th and at the next Council meeting on August 3^rd. Burt will bring additional information, including costs and funding commitments, to the meeting. Brockmann disconnected from the conference call.

Public Works Department Report. Stagg presented the written documentation from the safety specialist from Iowa Association of Municipal Utilities as requested, along with written communication from the City’s insurance company loss control manager that states if the problems aren’t corrected, which would be difficult, then the slide should be removed. During the June 10^th Park Board meeting, concerns were expressed about the slide and Stagg was asked to have it inspected. Smith stated that if you misuse any playground equipment you could get hurt. Mengler questioned if the City could address the concerns listed in the inspection report. Stagg responded that some could be remedied, but not all. Following discussion, Mengler moved and Bieri seconded to have the Park Board review this for feasible remedies (as noted in the inspection report) and/or possible equipment replacement. Motion carried with Smith opposing. Mengler expressed concerns regarding the trip hazards on the sidewalk adjacent to the storm intakes along Memorial Road, splash pad equipment malfunctions, and the completion date for the parking lot project which has passed. Stagg replied that he will pursue solutions for the trip hazards and he reported on the ongoing issues with the splash pad equipment and the substantial completion of the parking lot project.

City Clerk’s Report. Rickertsen presented information she received from the North Scott Press regarding purchasing an ad for an upcoming issue (August 19^th) that will feature Walcott. Council consensus was to not participate in purchasing an ad.

Mayor’s Report. Mayor Kostichek reported on the importance of all residents completing the 2020 Census.

Smith moved and Mengler seconded to adjourn at 7:00 p.m. Motion carried. All votes on motions were unanimous, unless noted.

July 20, 2020 Signed Minutes & Claims

The semi-monthly meeting of the City Council of Walcott, Iowa, was held on Monday, the 6^th day of July, 2020, 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 with Everett Bieri and John Brockmann participating remotely by phone. City staff present were Jason Holdorf (City Engineer) and Lisa Rickertsen. Due to COVID-19, this meeting was held electronically via a 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 Puck seconded to approve the agenda. Motion carried.

Introduction of Audience/Public Comments. No comments.

Consent Agenda. Smith moved and Puck seconded to approve the consent agenda including the invoices, minutes from June 15, 2020, Class C beer permit renewals for Pilot Travel Centers #043 and #268, and Resolution 2020-20 Designations of Financial Institutions as Depositories. Roll call ayes: Smith, Puck, Mengler, Bieri, and Brockmann. Motion carried.

Minutes from June 30, 2020. Mengler moved and Smith seconded to approve the minutes from June 30, 2020. Motion carried with Brockmann abstaining due to absence from meeting.

Slide at Victory Park. A recent park inspection at Victory Park was performed by a safety group representative from Iowa Association Municipal Utilities. Public Works Director, Paul Stagg, submitted information to the Council recommending to remove the slide from the park following the inspection. After discussion, Smith moved and Puck seconded to table action until written documentation from the safety inspector is received. Motion carried.

Wescott Park Pavement Repair and Addition Project. Holdorf provided a summary of the proposed project. Questions arose on if there will be any issues with installing new fences in the future. Discussion was held that it would be minimal and the current liability issues outweigh potential minimal costs. Discussion was also held on the estimated cost of asphalt removal and if city staff can remove the existing asphalt/concrete instead of it being included in the quotation. Mengler moved and Puck seconded to approve Resolution 2020-21, Approving Plans and Specifications of the Wescott Park Pavement Repair and Addition Project. Roll call ayes: Mengler, Puck, Smith, Bieri, and Brockmann. Motion carried. Holdorf will contact Stagg to see if staff is able to remove the asphalt.

City Clerk’s Report. Rickertsen reported on an upcoming water quality testing at Mud Creek at Prairie View Park on July 18^th by the Partners of Scott County Watersheds. She also reported on the increase of COVID-19 cases in Scott County and that the 2020 Census response deadline has been extended until October. She stressed the importance to the community that all residents complete and be counted in the 2020 Census.

Council Member Comments. Comments include the following: residents illegally blowing grass clippings into streets which can end up in the street drains and clog the storm sewer and can create hazardous conditions, especially for cyclists; storm intakes on Memorial Road; Prairie View Park grass height/burn; weed chemical application; and speeding concerns on Memorial Road.

Smith moved and Mengler seconded to adjourn at 6:25 p.m. Motion carried. All votes on motions were unanimous, unless noted.

July 6, 2020 Signed Minutes & Claims

July 2020 Chamber Newsletter

A special meeting of the City Council of the City of Walcott, Iowa was held on Tuesday, June 30, 2020, at Walcott City Hall, with Mayor John Kostichek calling the meeting to order at 4:30 p.m. Council members present were: Lisa Mengler and Larry Smith, with Everett Bieri and Jacob Puck participating remotely by phone. Absent: John Brockmann. City employee, Lisa Rickertsen, was also present. Due to the COVID-19 virus, call-in information to participate remotely was provided to the public on the meeting agenda notice.

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

Smith moved and Mengler seconded to approve the Class C liquor and Sunday sales license for the New Walcott Coliseum, Inc., dba Walcott Coliseum. Motion carried.

Mengler moved and Smith seconded to adjourn at 4:33 p.m.  Ayes:  All.  Motion carried.

June 30, 2020 special meeting

The semi-monthly meeting of the City Council of Walcott, Iowa, was held on Monday, the 15^th day of June, 2020, at Walcott City Hall. Mayor Pro Tem Jacob Puck called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m. Other council members present were: Lisa Mengler, with Everett Bieri, John Brockmann, and Larry Smith participating remotely by phone. Absent: Mayor Kostichek. City staff present were Jeff Blake and Lisa Rickertsen with Paul Stagg participating remotely by phone. Due to COVID-19, this meeting was held electronically via a 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.

Introduction of Audience/Public Comments. No comments.

Consent Agenda. Mengler moved and Smith seconded to approve the consent agenda including the invoices, minutes from June 1, 2020, May 2020 financial reports, Resolution 2020-19, Approving Transfer of Funds (year-end transfers) and annual cigarette permit renewals for Casey’s, Dolgencorp (Dollar General), Iowa 80 Truckstop, and Pilot Travel Centers #043 and #268.  Roll call ayes: Mengler, Smith, Bieri, Brockmann, and Puck.  Motion carried.

Electronic Council Meetings. Rickertsen questioned if the council wanted to continue with the electronic council meetings. She reported on the current Governor’s proclamation which allows holding the meeting by electronic means and restricting public attendance from an in-person meeting location. Council consensus was to wait and see if the governor issues a new proclamation regarding remote meetings past June 25^th.

Ordinance 513-20, Amending Chapter 106 Pertaining to Solid Waste Collection Fees. Mengler moved and Puck seconded to approve the third reading of Ordinance 513-20. Roll call ayes: Mengler, Puck, Bieri, Smith, and Brockmann. Effective with the July 1^st billing, the monthly garbage rate increases from $13.12 to $13.64, which is the 4% increase the City pays to the collector.

Public Works Department Report. Stagg reported that the splash pad is now open daily from 10:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m. Stagg presented a project worksheet for purchase of a 2020 John Deere Skid Steer. Brockmann questioned the use of it and stated he felt the purchase wasn’t needed. Stagg responded that it is a versatile piece of equipment which can be utilized year round. Following discussion, Mengler moved and Bieri seconded to approve the purchase of a 2020 John Deere Skid Steer from Sinclair Tractor at a price of $57,278.06. Motion carried with Brockmann opposing.

Council Member Comments. Comments included compliments received on the flags and hanging baskets on N. Main Street, reinstalling a dead end sign on Michelle Lane, speed limit concerns on Cedar Lane Drive, concrete project at Wescott Park scheduled to start this fall, two discolored water complaints, report of a truck on private property which hasn’t moved for five years, mowing of right-of-ways (specifically along W. Walcott Road), and the letter to Iowa Interstate Railroad regarding cleanup of the drainage area located on their property. Smith questioned why his comments from the last meeting, including that a resident complimented on the nice tar and chip project was not included in the last meeting minutes. Rickertsen stated that the minutes are to include council action and not all comments are included but Council can always request specific comments be included in the minutes.

Bieri moved and Mengler seconded to adjourn at 6:24 p.m. Motion carried. All votes on motions were unanimous, unless noted.

June 15, 2020