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

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

The semi-monthly meeting of the City Council of Walcott, Iowa, was held on Monday, the 1^st day of June, 2020, at Walcott City Hall. Mayor John Kostichek called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m.  Council members present were: Lisa Mengler, with Everett Bieri, John Brockmann, Jacob Puck, and Larry Smith participating remotely by phone. 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. Puck moved and Smith seconded to approve the consent agenda including the invoices, minutes from May 18, 2020, and renewal of Class A liquor license renewal for Walcott Legion Post #548. Motion carried.

Review/Deactivate Sections of Public Health Disaster Emergency Policy. Rickertsen reviewed the current public health disaster emergency policy. Following discussion, Smith moved and Mengler seconded to deactivate sections 1, 4, 5, and 7(H). Motion carried. City Hall will reopen to the public, water disconnects are no longer placed in moratorium, communication with staff is encouraged through phone and email, and staff is allowed to take full week vacations. The fire meeting room will remained closed due to construction of the parking lot.

Ordinance 512-20, Amending Chapter 92 Pertaining to Water Rates. Mengler moved and Puck seconded to approve the third reading of Ordinance 512-20. Roll call ayes: Mengler, Puck, and Bieri. Nays: Smith and Brockmann. Motion carried. Effective with the July 1^st billing, each customer shall pay a minimum bill of $12.00 per month (increase of $1.75/month), which includes usage up to 1,400 gallons. All usage over 1,400 gallons shall be $5.31 per 1,000 gallons (increase of $.13/1,000 gallons). Effective with the October 1^st billing, the minimum rate shall increase by $1.75 per month (total of $13.75/month) and the usage over 1,400 gallons shall increase $.13 per 1,000 gallons (total of $5.44/1,000 gallons). The rate increase is needed to pay for improvements to the water system.     

Ordinance 513-20, Amending Chapter 106 Pertaining to Solid Waste Collection Fees. Smith moved and Mengler seconded to approve the second reading of Ordinance 513-20. Roll call ayes: Smith, Mengler, Bieri, Puck, 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.

Joe Quick – Ball Tournaments. Joe Quick reported on three tournaments planned for this summer. A softball youth tournament is scheduled for June 12^th – 14^th, the Iowa Area ISC Qualifier Men’s Fastpitch Tournament June 26^th – 28^th, and a softball youth tournament August 14^th – 16^th.    Discussion was held on the current proclamation by Governor Reynolds which allows sporting gatherings/events of more than ten people as long as the gathering organizer ensures compliance with the 6’ social distancing, increased hygiene practices, and limits permanent seating to 50% of normal capacity. Quick reported on plans on how to comply with current regulations and also requested to temporarily fence Wescott and Victory Parks for the tournaments. Mengler moved and Puck seconded to allow temporary fences to be installed at Wescott and Victory Parks from June 10^th – June 30^th and August 12^th – August 18^th. Motion carried.

Police Department Report. Chief Blake reminds residents to lock vehicles and doors and not to keep valuables in vehicles. He also reported on recent equipment donations from Officer Kevin Takacs.

Public Works Department Report. Stagg reported that the parks were opened today and several signs were posted throughout the parks, mainly regarding social distancing and increased hygiene practices. The playground is opened but not sanitized but the splash pad remains closed due to the Governor’s proclamation. Mengler reported on concerns with the park maintenance and Stagg responded that he will have staff continue to work on it.

Mengler moved and Bieri seconded to adjourn at 6:37 p.m. Motion carried. All votes on motions were unanimous, unless noted.

June 1, 2020

The semi-monthly meeting of the City Council of Walcott, Iowa, was held on Monday, the 18^th day of May, 2020, at Walcott City Hall. Mayor John Kostichek called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m.  Council members present were: Lisa Mengler, with Everett Bieri, John Brockmann, Jacob Puck, and Larry Smith participating remotely by phone. City staff present were Jeff Blake, Jackie Huston, 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 Puck seconded to approve the agenda. Motion carried.

Introduction of Audience/Public Comments. None.

Consent Agenda. Smith moved and Mengler seconded to approve the consent agenda including the invoices, minutes from May 4, 2020, and the April 2020 financial reports. Motion carried.

Summer Youth Program. Rickertsen stated that only one parent called City Hall expressing interest in the program. Huston reported on her conversation with staff from the Scott County Y and their concerns about how to administer the program with the current sanitizing and distancing guidelines. Following discussion, Mengler moved and Smith seconded to not proceed with the program this year, due to COVID-19, and feedback from the Scott County Y. Motion carried.

Ordinance 512-20, Amending Chapter 92 Pertaining to Water Rates. Bieri moved and Puck seconded to approve the second reading of Ordinance 512-20. Roll call ayes: Bieri, Puck, Brockmann, and Mengler. Nays: Smith. Motion carried. Effective with the July 1^st billing, each customer shall pay a minimum bill of $12.00 per month (increase of $1.75/month), which includes usage up to 1,400 gallons. All usage over 1,400 gallons shall be $5.31 per 1,000 gallons (increase of $.13/1,000 gallons). Effective with the October 1^st billing, the minimum rate shall increase by $1.75 per month (total of $13.75/month) and the usage over 1,400 gallons shall increase $.13 per 1,000 gallons (total of $5.44/1,000 gallons). The rate increase is needed to pay for improvements to the water system.

Ordinance 513-20, Amending Chapter 106 Pertaining to Solid Waste Collection Fees. Ordinance 513-20 was introduced. 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. Mengler moved and Puck seconded to approve the first reading of Ordinance 513-20. Roll call ayes: Mengler, Puck, Brockmann, Bieri, and Smith. Motion carried.

Public Works Department Report. Stagg reported that the seal coating maintenance has been completed and the manhole replacements and installation will be done this week.  

• Fire Bay Door Operators. Stagg presented a project worksheet to replace three fire bay door operators. Smith moved and Bieri seconded to approve the project as presented, hiring Raynor Door at a cost of $2,868. Motion carried.
• Clean-up Day. Stagg asked for guidance on the scheduled clean-up day of June 6^th since the dumpsters need to be scheduled by the end of this week. Mengler reported that the group sponsoring the garage sales would be willing to move the garage sale date to June 27^th. Following discussion, Smith moved and Bieri seconded to postpone clean-up day to June 27^th. Motion carried.
• Century Street Sewer Repairs. Stagg presented a project worksheet to replace a small section (approximately 100’) of sewer main on N. Century Street. Brockmann stated there is only one bid and no engineering. Stagg responded that it’s a small replacement project and due to the timing with the contractor mobilizing for the manhole project he felt this was the best price. Following further discussion, Mengler moved and Puck seconded to hire Needham Excavating (labor and rock cost at $6,445) to replace the sewer main on N. Century Street as proposed. Motion carried with Brockmann opposing.

Council Comments. Council discussed park closures, ball diamond maintenance, and staff work schedules (allowed by declaration of public health disaster emergency). The City’s public health disaster emergency policy will be on the June 1^st meeting agenda.

Mengler moved and Smith seconded to adjourn at 6:36 p.m. Motion carried. All votes on motions were unanimous, unless noted.

May 18, 2020

The semi-monthly meeting of the City Council of Walcott, Iowa, was held on Monday, the 4^th day of May, 2020, at Walcott City Hall. Mayor John Kostichek called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m.  Council members present were: Lisa Mengler, with Everett Bieri, John Brockmann, Jacob Puck, and Larry Smith participating remotely by phone. City Clerk, Lisa Rickertsen, was present and Public Works Director, Paul Stagg participated 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. Smith moved and Puck seconded to approve the agenda. Motion carried.

Introduction of Audience/Public Comments. None.

Consent Agenda. Mengler moved and Smith seconded to approve the consent agenda including the invoices, minutes from April 20, 2020, and Class E liquor and Sunday sales license renewal for Casey’s General Store #1922.  Motion carried.

Summer Youth Program. Rickertsen stated the program is scheduled to start on June 15^th but if it’s held the program could have changes and participant limits. Discussion was held on seeing if there is still an interest in the program this summer. Interested parents should call City Hall by May 18^th.

Solid Waste Collection & Regulations.  Rickertsen reported on possible future changes to Chapters 105 & 106 regarding solid waste collection, including adding a section regarding the compost/yard waste area. An amendment will be drafted for the next meeting for the 4% garbage rate increase, per the contract with the hauler, and other changes will be incorporated into a future amendment.

Ordinance 511-20, Amending the Code of Ordinances Concerning Livestock. Smith moved and Puck seconded to approve the third reading of Ordinance 511-20. Roll call ayes: Smith, Puck, Brockmann, Bieri, and Mengler. Motion carried. This change would allow chickens (but not roosters) in Suburban Agricultural zoning districts, with the following restrictions: limit of twenty-five chickens, must be confined to a coop at all times, and coops may only be located in rear yards and at least 500 feet from all other zoning districts.

Ordinance 512-20, Amending Chapter 92 Pertaining to Water Rates. Ordinance 512-20 was introduced. Effective with the July 1^st billing, each customer shall pay a minimum bill of $12.00 per month (increase of $1.75/month), which includes usage up to 1,400 gallons. All usage over 1,400 gallons shall be $5.31 per 1,000 gallons (increase of $.13/1,000 gallons). Effective with the October 1^st billing, the minimum rate shall increase by $1.75 per month (total of $13.75/month) and the usage over 1,400 gallons shall increase $.13 per 1,000 gallons (total of $5.44/1,000 gallons).  Mengler moved and Bieri seconded to approve the first reading of Ordinance 512-20. Roll call ayes: Mengler, Bieri, Brockmann, and Puck. Nays: Smith. Motion carried. The rate increase is needed to pay for improvements to the water system.     

Public Works Department Report. Stagg reported on the closure of 200^th Street from Walcott to Durant and presented project worksheets for street maintenance and manhole replacements and installation. Mengler moved and Smith seconded to approve the street maintenance project as presented. Motion carried. This includes spot repairs and seal coating on W. Cedar Lane Drive and portions of N. Henry and N. Downey Streets at a cost of $29,819.25, from LL Pelling. Smith moved and Puck seconded to approve the manhole project as presented. Motion carried. This includes installing three manholes at a bid price of $15,850.00 from Needham Excavating. Stagg also reported on the water system flushing and stated that during flushing operations only strategic hydrants are operated to flush the mains, not every hydrant in the system.

City Clerk’s Report. Rickertsen reported on the City’s 2020 Census return rate which is lower than the county-wide rate and stressed the importance that everyone’s response matters. All residents are encouraged to complete the 2020 Census.

Mayor’s Report. Mayor Kostichek thanked the community for their recent yard clean-up efforts. A letter was sent to the Iowa Interstate Railroad regarding overgrown areas in the ditch on their property which is impeding the natural drainage flow.

Council Comments. Mengler reported on the recent cancelation of youth league ball games, thanked the police department for their quick response to recent calls, and reminds residents to lock their property (vehicles, garages, and homes). Brockmann reported on heavy use of the gravel road going west out of town due to the road closure on 200^th Street and expressed visibility concerns, due to the dust, from the City limits to the west. Stagg will relay the concerns to Muscatine County.

Smith moved and Bieri seconded to adjourn at 6:27 p.m. Motion carried. All votes on motions were unanimous, unless noted.

May 4, 2020

The semi-monthly meeting of the City Council of Walcott, Iowa, was held on Monday, the 20^th day of April, 2020, at Walcott City Hall. Mayor John Kostichek called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m.  Council members present were: Lisa Mengler, with Everett Bieri, John Brockmann, Jacob Puck, and Larry Smith participating remotely by phone. City Clerk, Lisa Rickertsen, was present and Public Works Director, Paul Stagg, and Sergeant Hill participated 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 Smith 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, March 2020 financial reports, Class C liquor license renewal including outdoor and Sunday sales for Lampliter, and Resolution 2020-17-Approval of Official Zoning Map. Roll call ayes: Smith, Puck, Mengler, Bieri, and Brockmann. Motion carried.

Reschedule Clean-Up Day. Mengler moved and Smith seconded to reschedule clean-up day to coincide with the city-wide garage sales on June 6^th. Motion carried.

Resolution 2020-18, Approving Contract and Bonds for Parking Lot Improvements Project. Mengler moved and Bieri seconded to approve Resolution 2020-18. Roll call ayes: Mengler, Bieri, Puck, and Smith. Nays: Brockmann. Motion carried.

Ordinance 511-20, Amending the Code of Ordinances Concerning Livestock. Smith moved and Puck seconded to approve the second reading of Ordinance 511-20. Roll call ayes: Smith, Puck, Brockmann, Bieri, and Mengler. Motion carried. This change would allow chickens (but not roosters) in Suburban Agricultural zoning districts, with the following restrictions: limit of twenty-five chickens, must be confined to a coop at all times, and coops may only be located in rear yards and at least 500 feet from all other zoning districts

Police Department Report. Squad Camera Purchase Approval. Mengler moved and Puck seconded to approve the purchase of a squad camera system at a total cost of $5,135. Motion carried. Funds in the amount of $4,500 from the Governor’s Traffic Safety Bureau will be used towards the purchase, with the remaining funds from the Forfeiture Fund

Public Works Department Report. Stagg reported that approximately 90 percent of the city-wide flushing has been completed in the past two weeks. Mengler questioned if there were still large draws from the system from commercial entities, which disrupt sediment in the pipes, and if he has had any recent calls regarding water complaints. Stagg responded there have been large commercial draws and he has not received any recent complaints.

City Clerk’s Report. Discussion was held on the proposed utility rate increases. Council consensus was to move forward with the increases but to stagger the water rate increase. Rickertsen will prepare ordinances for the garbage and water rate increases, with the increases effective on July 1, 2020 billing.

Mayor’s Report. Mayor Kostichek reported on weekly conference calls regarding COVID-19 and encourages residents to continue social distancing as recommended.

Council Comments. Smith reported that the lights are being turned on at Wescott and Victory Parks on Tuesday and Friday nights for fifteen minutes to show solidarity and support for the parks and community. Brockmann reported on concerns from property owners that overgrown areas in the ditch on the railroad property is impeding agriculture drainage. Discussion was held that this is private property but consensus was to have the City Attorney to write a letter to Iowa Interstate Railroad regarding the concerns.

Smith moved and Mengler seconded to adjourn at 6:32 p.m. Motion carried. All votes on motions were unanimous, unless noted.

April 20, 2020

The semi-monthly meeting of the City Council of Walcott, Iowa, was held on Monday, the 6^th day of April, 2020, at Walcott City Hall. Mayor John Kostichek called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m.  Council members present were: Lisa Mengler, with Everett Bieri, John Brockmann, Jacob Puck, and Larry Smith participating remotely by phone. City Clerk, Lisa Rickertsen, was present and Public Works Director, Paul Stagg, participated 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 Puck seconded to approve the agenda. Motion carried.

Introduction of Audience/Public Comments. None.

Consent Agenda. Smith moved and Mengler seconded to approve the consent agenda including the invoices, Class B beer permits and Sunday licenses for Walcott Unified Fund for Victory and Wescott Parks, final TIF rebate payment per agreement to Iowa 80 Truckstop, Inc. for Morton Building Project for $678.51, and Resolution 2020-13-Transfer of Funds. Roll call ayes: Smith, Mengler, Puck, Bieri, and Brockmann. Motion carried.

Minutes from March 16, 2020. Mengler moved and Puck seconded to approve the minutes from March 16, 2020. Motion carried with Brockmann abstaining due to absence from meeting.

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

Ordinance 511-20, Amending the Code of Ordinances Concerning Livestock. Ordinance 511-20 was introduced, which modifies section 55.05 concerning livestock. Mengler moved and Smith seconded to approve the first reading of Ordinance 511-20. Roll call ayes: Mengler, Smith, Bieri, Brockmann, and Puck. Motion carried. This change would allow chickens (but not roosters) in Suburban Agricultural zoning districts, with the following restrictions: limit of twenty-five chickens, must be confined to a coop at all times, and coops may only be located in rear yards and at least 500 feet from all other zoning districts

Policy and Administration Committee Recommendations. Mengler reported that the Policy and Administration Committee (Mengler and Puck) met twice in March regarding wages. The Committee recommended a wage increase for Sergeant Hill, retroactive to March 16, 2020, and wage increases for employees beginning July 1, 2020. Following discussion, Mengler moved and Puck seconded to approve Resolution 2020-14, Approving Hourly Wage Increase for Sergeant Hill. Roll call ayes: Mengler, Puck, Brockmann, Smith, and Bieri. Motion carried. Mengler moved and Smith seconded to approve Resolution 2020-15, Setting Wages for Employees for Fiscal Year Beginning July 1, 2020. Roll call ayes: Mengler, Smith, Bieri, Puck, and Brockmann. Motion carried.

Public Works Department Report. Stagg reported on the recent park closures but noted that the recreational trail is still open. Stagg reported on the competitive quotes received for the proposed parking lot project and he recommended proceeding with the lowest bidder, which was under the engineer’s estimate. Brockmann expressed concerns regarding proceeding with the project at this time due to the current health emergency crisis. Brockmann moved to delay awarding the project until the next meeting. Discussion was held that delaying the acceptance of the bid could affect the goal of the project being completed by Walcott Day, as defined in the project documents. Members expressed concerns about rejecting all bids and requoting the project at a later date and their desires to support a local business. The motion by Brockmann died due to a lack of a second. Mengler moved and Smith seconded to approve Resolution 2020-16, Awarding Contract for the Parking Lot Improvements Project. Roll call ayes: Mengler, Smith, Bieri, and Puck. Nays: Brockmann. Motion carried. The contract is awarded to the low bidder, Aero Concrete, Ltd from Blue Grass, in the amount of $86,215.87. Stagg also reported on a water main break on the north side of town he was currently working on.

Mayor’s Report. Mayor Kostichek stated he is requesting monthly or quarterly call reports from the Police Department.

Council Comments. Council also requested monthly or quarterly permit reports from the Building Inspector.  

Smith moved and Bieri seconded to adjourn at 6:31 p.m. Motion carried. All votes on motions were unanimous, unless noted.

April 6, 2020

A special meeting of the City Council of the City of Walcott, Iowa was held on Monday, March 30, 2020, at Walcott City Hall, with Mayor John Kostichek calling the meeting to order at 5:00 p.m.  Council members present were: Everett Bieri, Lisa Mengler, and Jacob Puck. John Brockmann participated remotely by phone. Absent: Larry Smith. City employees present were: Lisa Rickertsen and Paul Stagg. In order to help stop the spread of the COVID-19 virus, this special meeting was electronically via a conference call, permitted under the Iowa Code, Chapter 21.8 which allows an electronic meeting that members may participate remotely when an in person meeting is impossible or impractical. Call-in information was provided on the meeting agenda notice.

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

Discussion was held on a proposed public health emergency disaster policy which establishes protocol to be utilized by the City of Walcott Officials and employees in the event the Governor of the State of Iowa declares a public health disaster emergency due to an infectious disease outbreak. Following the reading of the policy by Rickertsen, Puck moved and Mengler seconded to approve Resolution 2020-12, Approving a Policy for Public Health Emergency Disaster Procedures. Roll call ayes: Puck, Mengler, Bieri, and Brockmann. Motion carried. The Mayor’s Proclamation of Public Health Emergency Disaster and Eminent Risk Declaration was read.

Mengler moved and Bieri seconded to adjourn at 5:11 p.m.  Ayes:  All.  Motion carried.

March 30, 2020 Special Mtg