August 16, 2021 Minutes
The semi-monthly meeting of the City Council of Walcott, Iowa, was held on Monday, the 16th day of August, 2021, at Walcott City Hall. Mayor John Kostichek called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m. Council members present: Everett Bieri, Kirk Koberg, Lisa Mengler, Jacob Puck, and Larry Smith. Absent: none. City staff present: Jeff Blake, Jackie Huston, Josh Geigle, and Paul Stagg.
Approval of Agenda. Puck moved and Bieri seconded to approve the agenda. Motion carried.
Introduction of Audience/Public Comments. Harry Knutsen, Bryce Hewlett, and Kelsie Denoyer.
Consent Agenda. Mengler moved and Koberg seconded to approve the consent agenda including the invoices, minutes from August 2, 2021, July 2021 financial reports, Resolution 2021-33 Wage increase for Building Official due to Residential Electrical Inspector Certification, and Resolution 2021-34 Establishing Special Revenue Fund for COVID Recovery Fund monies. Motion carried with unanimous roll call vote.
Partners of Scott County Watershed. Mayor Kostichek read a Proclamation declaring August 2021 Water Quality Month. Kelsi Denoyer, representing the Watershed, presented information regarding: water quality, watersheds, and educational tools to protect and raise water quality.
Harry Knutsen, sign request for Main & James Streets intersection. Mr. Knutsen stated that recently more children have moved into this area and he has observed vehicles exceeding the speed limit on Main Street. Mr. Hewlett lives on that intersection and agrees with that information and they are requesting a 4-way stop at the intersection. Mengler commented that she had been in favor of a 4-way stop, but the previous Council had decided against it. The rest of the Council agreed that a 4-way stop would be beneficial. Chief Blake stated that during an observation period he noted that the average speed on Main Street was 27 mph with 2 cars out of 100, exceeding the speed limit by over 11 mph. He also noted that the temporary stop signs that are used before and after school, have been hit by vehicles and he would also recommend the 4-way stop. Mengler moved and Smith seconded to proceed with the process to establish a 4-way stop at the intersection of Main & James Streets. Motion carried.
Purchase of Ram Hurst R430. Chief Geigle presented the Fire Department’s Project Worksheet to purchase this used equipment from Alex Air Apparatus at a cost of $2,820.00. It will be used for extrication and is cheaper than a new model. Mengler moved and Puck seconded to purchase the equipment as presented. Motion carried.
City Hall Tuck Pointing Project: Stagg presented the Project Worksheet with 2 bids. Smith moved and Koberg seconded to accept the bid from Otto Baum, not to exceed $30,000, as budgeted. Motion carried.
Fire Station Roof Project: Stagg presented the Project Worksheet with 2 bids. Mengler moved and Puck seconded to accept the bid from West Branch Roofing for $57,411.00. Motion carried.
Zoning & Subdivision Code Review: Huston presented the changes recommended by the Planning & Zoning Commission which include: An increase in maximum size for attached garages to 1,250 sq. ft., reorganization of the sign chapter, and shipping containers cannot be used as accessory buildings, except in C-3 zoning. Smith moved and Puck seconded to charge developers 50% of the cost of engineering reviews for Subdivisions and Site Plans. Motion carried.
Resolution 2021-35, Approving the contract and bonds for the Victory and Wescott Concrete Improvements Project. Timeline and other details were discussed. Mengler moved and Bieri seconded to accept the contract and bonds with the project starting as early as possible taking shelter reservations into consideration. Motion carried with unanimous roll call vote.
Police Department Report. Chief Blake reported that the motor in his truck squad is having serious difficulties so the trade-in amount has been changed to $10,000, as is.
Public Works Department Report. Stagg reported that an individual has offered to donate 7 large maple trees to Victory and Wescott Parks. The Park Board is recommending placement of 5 trees at Victory and 2 at Wescott. Smith moved and Puck seconded to thankfully accept the donation. Motion carried. Stagg also reported on the following: W. Otis Street – IMEG is taking elevations and will prepare a report to determine the cause of deficiencies, the replacement of the culvert on F58 at 70th Avenue will begin by the County on Monday, August 23rd, and the culvert on 60th Avenue south of Walcott will likely not be done until next spring. Council consensus was to pursue a weight limit for James Street during the replacement of the culvert on F58, due to the detour, if possible. Stagg informed the Council that damage had been done to the new surfacing on the recreational trail by an individual on an electric scooter who drove around the barricades and left grooves in the new resurfacing for a significant length. He is getting an estimate for repairs to the surface. He also reported that due to shortages, he can’t obtain street paint for the crosswalks, at this time.
Huston reported that there is still a vacancy on the Planning & Zoning Commission and asked the Council to encourage someone to apply.
Smith moved and Koberg seconded to adjourn at 7:18 p.m. Motion carried. All votes on motions were unanimous, unless noted.