The semi-monthly meeting of the City Council of Walcott, Iowa, was held on Monday, the 2^nd 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: John Brockmann, Lisa Mengler, Jacob Puck, and Larry Smith. Absent: Everett Bieri. City staff present: Jeff Blake, Paul Stagg, and Lisa Rickertsen.

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

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

Consent Agenda. Puck moved and Smith seconded to approve the consent agenda including the invoices, minutes from February 17, 2020, and Spring Clean-Up Day as May 2, 2020, from 2:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. Motion carried.

Downey Street Water Main Project. Rickertsen expressed concerns with the projected water fund balance if the project proceeds as budgeted. Stagg stated the estimated cost of replacing two blocks of water main is higher than anticipated. Brockmann suggested utilizing the water main pipe that has been stored next to the Public Works building for many years. Following discussion, Brockmann moved and Mengler seconded to proceed with the first block (James Street to Otis Street) and to see if the existing water main pipe is usable. Motion carried.

IDNR Tree Seedlings Program. Mayor Kostichek reported on a free tree seedlings program through the Iowa Department of Natural Resources that the City is eligible to apply for. The program allows for plantings on private and public properties and orders must be in increments of 25. Consensus was to pursue applying later this year, for the fall cycle, if enough interest is received from residents.

Public Works Department Report. Stagg stated the 1997 International dump truck (oldest in the fleet) has not been utilized for the past few years and he wants to dispose of it (through sealed bid process). Brockmann stated he thinks it’s sad that the heavy dump truck sits while lighter trucks plow snow. He questioned the next dump truck replacement schedule and suggested keeping the 1997. Smith moved and Puck seconded to proceed with the disposal process for the 1997 International dump truck. Motion carried with Brockmann opposing.

City Clerk’s Report. Rickertsen reported the 2020 Census information will be arriving soon and expressed the importance to the community for everyone to complete the census. Every household will have the option of responding online or by phone. Rickertsen presented information on increasing the minimum water and sewer bill which includes 1,400 gallons usage, as well as a 3-5% increase on the water rate for additional usage, which is needed to pay for improvements to the system. Korry Kraft stated he is continuously replacing fixtures due to lime buildup, even though he has a water softener. It was discussed that there is a way to soften the water at the plant but it would be very costly and would require a significant rate increase. Joe Hahn questioned why Iowa 80 Truckstop is not on the City’s water system and why there can’t be a higher water rate for commercial properties. All new construction at Iowa 80 Truckstop is required to connect to the City’s water system and the Council is not interested in pursuing a different rate structure for commercial users. Rate changes require an Ordinance, which will be prepared for a future meeting in April.                   

Council Member Comments. Brockmann expressed concerns which include the following:

• Leaves at Victory Park that haven’t been cleaned up. Smith responded that the leaves were cleaned up in the fall but then it snowed and now the ground is wet. Stagg stated the park will be cleaned up again once the conditions permit.
• Pretreatment of the streets on February 21^st and stated the treatment only lasts two hours. Stagg reported on a predicted upcoming weather event and that applying salt brine is a proactive approach to controlling snow and ice on streets. He stated that it takes four times more salt for removal following a snowfall than it does to pretreat the streets with brine and that the brine lasts much longer than two hours, typically until it snows or rains.

Smith moved and Mengler seconded to adjourn at 6:48 p.m.  Motion carried.  All votes on motions were unanimous, unless noted.

March 2, 2020 Minutes

March 2020 Chamber Newsletter

The semi-monthly meeting of the City Council of Walcott, Iowa, was held on Monday, the 17^th day of February, 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.  Absent:  None.  City staff present:  Jeff Blake and Lisa Rickertsen.

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

Introduction of Audience/Public Comments. No comments.

Public Hearing.  Mayor Kostichek opened the public hearing on the maximum property dollars levy for fiscal year ending (FYE) June 30, 2021. Rickertsen stated the proposed property tax levy rate is the same as the current year but the maximum property tax dollars request is 5.6% higher than the current year, which is due to increased valuations from new construction.  No written or other oral comments were received.  Puck moved and Mengler seconded to close the public hearing and resume the regular meeting.  Motion carried.     

Consent Agenda.  Rickertsen reported on Resolution 2020-7, closing funds for the W. Otis Street Improvements Project and Splash Pad Project and transferring the remaining balances.  Puck moved and Smith seconded to approve the consent agenda including the invoices, minutes from February 3, 2020, January 2020 financial reports, insurance renewal with EMC Insurance with Arp Insurance as the local agent, and Resolution 2020-7, Closing Project Funds and Authorizing Transfer of Funds.  Roll call ayes:  Puck, Smith, Mengler, Bieri, and Brockmann.   Motion carried.

Resolution 2020-8, Approving the Maximum Property Dollars Levy for FYE June 30, 2021.  Mengler moved and Smith seconded to approve Resolution 2020-8.  Roll call ayes:  Mengler, Smith, Bieri, Brockmann, and Puck. Motion carried.

City Clerk’s Report.  Smith moved and Puck seconded to set the FYE 2021 budget public hearing date for March 16, 2020, at 6:00 p.m.  Motion carried.

Mengler moved and Bieri seconded to adjourn at 6:07 p.m.  Motion carried.  All votes on motions were unanimous, unless noted.

February 17, 2020

The semi-monthly meeting of the City Council of Walcott, Iowa, was held on Monday, the 3^rd day of February, 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, and Jacob Puck.  Absent:  Larry Smith.  City staff present:  Jeff Blake, Lisa Rickertsen, and Paul Stagg.

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

Introduction of Audience/Public Comments. Resident John Walker commented on the recent snow removal and on a notice he received from the Post Office regarding snow removal interfering with mail delivery.  Stagg responded that they attempt to clear snow as close to the curb as possible while avoiding vehicles and mailboxes.

Consent Agenda.  Mengler moved and Bieri seconded to approve the consent agenda including the invoices, minutes from January 20, 2020, Class C Liquor License renewal for Gramma’s Kitchen & Checkered Flagg, and requesting the State Auditor’s Office to perform the FYE 2020 financial examination.  Motion carried.

2020 Summer Youth Program.  Rickertsen stated that the six-week program is proposed to be held June 15^th through July 24^th on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays from 9:00 a.m. to noon.  The cost remains the same of $196.45 per child from the YMCA, so the proposal is to again charge $70 per child for Walcott and Fire District #6 residents and $196.45 for non-residents.  Puck moved and Bieri seconded to approve the Summer Youth Program as presented.  Motion carried.

Fire Department Report.  Chief Blake reported on a project worksheet, submitted by Chief Geigle, to replace the remaining out-of-date air pack bottles.  Puck moved and Mengler seconded to approve the purchase of nine Scott Air pack bottles from Feld Fire at a total cost of $9,936.  Motion carried.

Police Department.  Chief Blake presented a project worksheet for replacing the laptops in the squad cars.  Mengler moved and Bieri seconded to approve the purchase as presented from the low bid, Platinum Information Services, at a cost of $7,535.10.  Motion carried.  This cost includes installation and docking stations for all squads.   

Public Works Department Report.  Stagg reported on an upcoming culvert/drainage project along F58/200^th Street from Walcott to Durant.

Bieri moved and Mengler seconded to adjourn at 6:12 p.m.  Motion carried.  All votes on motions were unanimous, unless noted.

February 3, 2020

February 2020 Chamber Newsletter

The semi-monthly meeting of the City Council of Walcott, Iowa, was held on Monday, the 20^th day of January, 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.  Absent:  None.  City staff present:  Lisa Rickertsen, Paul Stagg, and City Engineer, Jason Holdorf.

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

Introduction of Audience/Public Comments. Joe Hahn expressed his objection to the City Hall parking lot project.  Mayor Kostichek and Mengler responded that the project goal is to alleviate parking on Lincoln Street, particularly across from the Fire Station bay doors. Ken Washburn expressed concerns about the snow removal procedures.  Discussion ensued and it was noted that council had previously directed staff to plow curb to curb.

Consent Agenda.  Mengler moved and Smith seconded to approve the consent agenda including the invoices, minutes from January 6, 2020 and January 15, 2020, December 2019 financial reports, and Resolution 2020-5 – Adopting the Annual Supplement to the Code of Ordinances.  Roll call ayes:  Mengler, Smith, Bieri, Brockmann, and Puck.  Motion carried.

Ordinance 510-19-Amending the Official Zoning Map.  Mengler moved and Smith seconded to approve the 3^rd reading of Ordinance 510-19.  Roll call ayes: Mengler, Smith, Brockmann, and Bieri.  Motion carried with Puck abstaining due to conflict of interest. This Ordinance changes the zoning for 210 and 230 W. Flagg Street from R-3 to R-1.

FYE 2021 Budget and Review of Capital Improvement Projects.  Rickertsen presented and reviewed updated budget information.

• FYE 2021 Budget Max Levy Hearing Date. Puck moved and Mengler seconded to set the hearing date for February 17, 2020, at 6:00 p.m. at City Hall.  Motion carried.
• Capital Improvement Projects. Following discussion on future capital improvement projects, Smith moved and Mengler seconded to direct Holdorf to prepare plans for replacing the water main on N. Downey Street, between James and Lincoln Streets.  Motion carried.

City Hall Parking Lot Improvements Project.  Holdorf had presented a cost estimate, along with plans and specifications for the parking lot project.  He reported that the soil report was completed and there were no major issues.  Following discussion, Bieri moved and Smith seconded to approve Resolution 2020-9 Approving Plans & Specifications for the City Hall Parking Lot Improvements Project.  Roll call ayes:  Bieri, Smith, Mengler, and Puck.  Nays:  Brockmann.  Motion carried.

Public Works Department Report.  Stagg expressed thanks to the citizens that made the extra effort to move vehicles off the street during the recent snowfall.

Bieri moved and Mengler seconded to adjourn at 6:53 p.m.  Motion carried.  All votes on motions were unanimous, unless noted.

January 20, 2020

A special meeting of the City Council of the City of Walcott, Iowa was held on Wednesday, January 15, 2020, with Mayor John Kostichek calling the meeting to order at 5:30 p.m.  Council members present were: Everett Bieri, John Brockmann, Lisa Mengler, Jacob Puck, and Larry Smith. Absent:  None.  City employees present were:  Jeff Blake, Lisa Rickertsen, and Paul Stagg.

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

FYE 2021 Budget Review and Discussion. Discussion was held on the proposed FYE 2021 budget, including a review of the general, general reserve, special revenue, and proprietary (water, sewer, and garbage) funds.  Discussion was also held on future capital projects.  Rickertsen will make changes to the proposed budget as discussed. Potential proprietary rate increases will be discussed at a future meeting.

Smith moved and Mengler seconded to adjourn at 7:17 p.m.  Ayes:  All.  Motion carried.

January 15, 2020

The semi-monthly meeting of the City Council of Walcott, Iowa, was held on Monday, the 6^th day of January, 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.  Absent:  None.  City staff present:  Jeff Blake, Lisa Rickertsen, and Paul Stagg.

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

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

Consent Agenda.  Mengler moved and Puck seconded to approve the consent agenda including the invoices, minutes from December 16, 2019, Resolution 2020-1, Designating the North Scott Press as Official Newspaper, Resolution 2020-2, Authorizing Certain Payments Before a Council Meeting, Resolution 2020-3, Designation of Financial Institutions as Depositories, and Resolution 2020-4, Establishing the Standard Mileage Rate Reimbursement.  Roll call ayes:  Mengler, Puck, Brockmann, Bieri, and Larry Smith.  Motion carried.

Appointments by Mayor.  Mayor Kostichek made the following appointments:

• Park Board. Rebecca Avise to the Park Board with a term ending 12/31/24. Puck moved and Mengler seconded to approve the Mayor’s appointment.  Motion carried.
• Council Committees:
• Police & Animal Control – Bieri and Mengler
• Policy & Administration/City Hall – Mengler and Puck
• Streets, Solid Waste, & Parks – Smith and Bieri
• Fire & Civil Defense – Brockmann and Smith
• Water & Sanitary Sewer – Puck and Brockmann
• Mayor Pro Tem – Jacob Puck

Appointments by Council.

• Planning & Zoning Commission. Smith moved and Bieri seconded to appoint Michael Sissel to the Planning & Zoning Commission with a term ending 12/31/24. Motion carried.
• Zoning Board of Adjustment. Puck moved and Mengler seconded to appoint Mickey Burt to the Zoning Board of Adjustment for a term ending 12/31/24.  Motion carried.
• City Attorney & City Clerk. Mengler moved and Puck seconded to reappoint Tom Schirman as the City Attorney and Lisa Rickertsen as the City Clerk, terms ending 12/31/21.  Motion carried.

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

Ordinance 510-19-Amending the Official Zoning Map.  Mengler moved and Smith seconded to approve the 2^nd reading of Ordinance 510-19.  Roll call ayes: Mengler, Smith, Brockmann, and Bieri.  Motion carried with Puck abstaining due to conflict of interest. This Ordinance changes the zoning for 210 and 230 W. Flagg Street from R-3 to R-1.

Public Works Department Report.  Stagg presented a project worksheet with two bids for cleaning and televising the sanitary sewer lines north of Walcott Road (Old Hwy 6).  Mengler moved and Smith seconded to approve hiring Central Iowa Televising for the sewer cleaning and televising project, at a cost not to exceed $50,000.  Motion carried.

Mayor’s Report.  Mayor Kostichek extended his thanks and appreciation to all city and fire department volunteers for all their services.   

Council Member Comments.  Brockmann commented that the condition of the graveled portion of Memorial Road has improved with the recent maintenance.  Smith questioned if contractors hired by the City need or should have company signage on their vehicles.  There is no such policy but if there are any issues Stagg should be contacted.

Puck moved and Smith seconded to adjourn at 6:16 p.m.  Motion carried.  All votes on motions were unanimous, unless noted.

January 6, 2020

January 2020 Chamber of Commerce Newsletter