WALCOTT NEWSLETTER JUNE 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

May 2020 Chamber Newsletter

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

WALCOTT NEWSLETTER APRIL 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

The semi-monthly meeting of the City Council of Walcott, Iowa, was held on Monday, the 16^th day of March, 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. Absent: John Brockmann. City staff present: Jeff Blake, Paul Stagg, and Lisa Rickertsen.

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

Introduction of Audience/Public Comments. No comments at this time.

Public Hearing. Mayor Kostichek opened the public hearing on the budget for fiscal year ending June 30, 2021 (FYE 2021). Rickertsen stated the tax levy will be at $10.08240 per 1,000 taxable valuation on regular property. The budget includes utility rate increases to cover costs associated with the maintenance and future improvements to the water system and a garbage rate increase to cover the annual rate increase from the garbage contractor. No written or oral comments were received. Smith moved and Puck seconded to close the public hearing and resume the regular meeting. Motion carried.

Consent Agenda. Puck moved and Bieri seconded to approve the consent agenda including the invoices, February 2020 financial reports, Resolution 2020-9-Approving the Adoption of the FYE 2021 Budget, IMEG engineering proposal for the Downey Street Water Main project ($13,450), and Night Owl Wireless right-of-way permit. Roll call ayes: Puck, Bieri, Mengler, and Smith. Motion carried.

Minutes from March 2, 2020. Mengler moved and Puck seconded to approve the minutes from March 2, 2020. Motion carried with Bieri abstaining due to absence from meeting.

Request for Chickens in Suburban Agriculture Zoning. Angela Felsing was present to request the regulations be changed to allow chickens in SA (Suburban Agricultural) zoning for properties that are located at least 500’ from other residences. Concerns were discussed regarding enclosures, size of flock, and future development. Following discussion, Smith moved and Mengler seconded to have Attorney Schirman proceed with an ordinance change to allow chickens (no roosters) in SA zoning, only to be located at least 500’ from other zoning classifications, require enclosures, and limit the flock to 25. Motion carried.

Resolution 2020-10, Approving Burts’ Second Addition Preliminary Plat. Rickertsen stated that the Planning & Zoning Commission recommended approval of the preliminary and final plats during their meeting on March 9, 2020. Smith moved and Mengler seconded to approve Resolution 2020-10. Roll call ayes: Smith, Mengler, Bieri, and Smith. Motion carried.

Resolution 2020-11, Certificate of Acceptance – Approving Burts’ Second Addition Final Plat. Rickertsen stated that all documents have been reviewed and approved by Attorney Schirman. The City is waiting on one original document to be submitted, although an electronic copy has been received. Puck moved and Mengler seconded to approve Resolution 2020-11, pending receipt of the final original document. Roll call ayes: Puck, Mengler, Bieri, and Smith. Motion carried.

Public Works Department Report. Stagg presented information from the City Engineer regarding concerns on utilizing the ductile iron pipe (DIP), which has been stored next to the Public Works building for many years, for the proposed Downey Street water main replacement project. The amount of existing pipe is not enough for the entire project and the cost to purchase additional DIP (to keep the same material for entire project) is approximately three times more than the PVC that is planned for the project. Utilizing the existing pipe would not result in a cost savings and it could result in a liability by the City supplying the material. He further suggested the best use of the existing supply is to utilize it for small water main repairs.

City Clerk’s Report. Rickertsen reported on the recent briefings with county and state officials regarding COVID-19.Discussion was held on the possibility of restricting public access at City buildings and waiving policy requirements regarding a doctor’s note if an employee is absent for a period of three consecutive days or more. Council consensus was to restrict public access as needed and waive the doctor’s note requirement at this time.

Bieri moved and Mengler seconded to adjourn at 6:38 p.m. Motion carried. All votes on motions were unanimous, unless noted.

March 16, 2020