The semi-monthly meeting of the City Council of Walcott, Iowa, was held on Tuesday, the 7^th day of September, 2021, at Walcott City Hall. Mayor John Kostichek called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m. Council members present: Everett Bieri, Lisa Mengler, Jacob Puck, and Larry Smith. Council member Kirk Koberg arrived at 6:05 p.m. City staff present: Jeff Blake and Lisa Rickertsen.

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

Introduction of Audience/Public Comments. Elaine Arp expressed her thanks and appreciation to the City and staff for the rain barrel at Welcome Park so she could water the flowers at the Veteran’s memorial garden.

Consent Agenda. Smith moved and Mengler seconded to approve the consent agenda including the invoices, minutes from August 16, 2021, Resolution 2021-36 Annual Street Finance Report for FYE 2021, and Resolution 2021-37 Annual Urban Renewal Report for FYE 2021. Roll call ayes: Smith, Mengler, Bieri, and Puck. Motion carried.

Council member Koberg arrived.

Galaxy Meter Receiver/Collector. Rickertsen reported the collector on the water tower will no longer be able to collect meter readings by the end of this year so a new collector is required to continue receiving water meter readings. Mengler moved and Puck seconded to purchase a Galaxy Gateway Receiver for $6,500 from Metering and Technology Solutions. Motion carried. Rickertsen reported on the new meter reading software conversion and the ability for customers to sign up online or through an app to view their water usage. Information on how to sign up will be in the next newsletter.      

Fall Clean-Up Day. Discussion was held on scheduling dumpsters for a clean-up day this fall, coinciding with the fall garage sale date, and locating the dumpsters at the compost area on W. Cedar Lane Drive. Puck moved and Bieri seconded to approve setting the Fall Clean-Up Day on October 9, 2021, from 2:00 – 5:-00 p.m., with the dumpsters to be located at the compost area. Motion carried. The compost area will be closed from Friday, October 8^th until the morning of October 11^th, with the exception of during 2:00 – 5:00 p.m. on Saturday, October 9^th to allow residents to drop off eligible items in the dumpsters or compost area materials.

Walcott Historical Society Contribution. Koberg moved and Smith seconded to contribute $2,500 to the Walcott Historical Society, as budgeted. Motion carried.

Planning & Zoning Commission Vacancy. Rickertsen reported no one has expressed interest in filling the vacancy on the Planning & Zoning Commission. A vacancy occurred due to a member relocating for work. Interested residents should contact City Hall for additional information.

Ordinance 521-21, Amending Chapter 65 Pertaining to Four-Way Stop Intersections. Ordinance 521-21 was introduced and Smith moved and Mengler seconded to approve the first reading. Roll call ayes: Smith, Mengler, Bieri, Puck, and Koberg. Motion carried. This ordinance will make the intersection at Main & James Street a permanent four-way stop.

Police Department Report. Chief Blake reported the new squad will take approximately one more month before it is ready.

City Clerk Report. Rickertsen questioned contacting the TIF attorney to proceed with amending the Urban Renewal Plan to add the Lincoln Street Improvements Project to it. Council consensus was to move forward with amending the Plan.

Council Member Comments. Council reviewed the written Public Works Department updates provided by Stagg. Discussion was held on naming Wescott Park ball field after Larry Koberg. This will be placed on a future agenda in early 2022 for formal action. Discussion was held on setting an annual date to remove the hanging flower baskets. Consensus was to remove them on the first day of fall or sooner. Mengler requested status updates on the W. Otis Street project concerns, recreational trail bridge planks, guard rails on N. Parker Street, and barricaded sidewalk on E. Lincoln Street. Bieri stated organizations that have signs that were at Wescott Park and want them back up should drop them off. Smith expressed concerns about potential street deterioration due to heavy truck traffic detouring on James Street instead of Memorial Road. Chief Blake will talk to the County about changing and adding some project/detour signs.

Koberg moved and Puck seconded to adjourn at 6:47 p.m. Motion carried. All votes on motions were unanimous, unless noted.

September 7, 2021 Signed Minutes & Claims

SEPTEMBER 2021 CHAMBER NEWSLETTER

The semi-monthly meeting of the City Council of Walcott, Iowa, was held on Monday, the 16^th 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 70^th Avenue will begin by the County on Monday, August 23^rd, and the culvert on 60^th 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.

Signed Minutes & Claims August 16, 2021

The semi-monthly meeting of the City Council of Walcott, Iowa, was held on Monday, the 2^nd 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. City staff present: Jeff Blake, Lisa Rickertsen, and Paul Stagg.

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

Introduction of Audience/Public Comments. None.

Consent Agenda. Puck moved and Koberg seconded to approve the consent agenda including the invoices, minutes from July 19, 2021, and the FYE 2021 Annual Financial report. Motion carried.

Lift Station Grinder. Stagg presented a project worksheet to purchase a grinder for the north lift station. This will grind debris before it enters the wetwell, which will help alleviate clogged pumps and service calls. Mengler moved and Bieri seconded to approve the lift station grinder as presented, at a total cost of $59,486.00. Motion carried.

Victory and Wescott Parks Concrete Improvements Project.

• Resolution 2021-32, Awarding Contract for Victory and Wescott Parks Concrete Improvements Project. Smith moved and Mengler seconded to approve Resolution 2021-32. Roll call ayes: Smith, Mengler, Bier, Puck, and Koberg. Motion carried. The contract is awarded to the low bidder, All American Concrete, Inc., in the amount of $127,192.50.
• Basketball Poles & Hoops. Koberg moved and Smith seconded to purchase two new basketball adjustable systems (poles, backboards and hoops) from Douglas Industries for $2,499/each. Motion carried.

Police Department Report. Chief Blake reported on the status of the new squad. He was asked to review temporary load restrictions on E. James Street.

Public Works Department Report. Stagg provided his department report, including updates on the S. Downey Street project, maintenance at Prairie View Park, and a cost to extend the water line at Welcome Park. Discussion was held on the S. Downey Street contractor not meeting project deadlines and potential penalties. Council consensus was to not pursue the water extension at Welcome Park due to cost.

City Clerk’s Report. Rickertsen reported on recent training and that nomination papers for the November 2^nd City election are available at City Hall.

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

August 2, 2021 Signed Minutes & Claims

AUGUST 2021 CHAMBER NEWSLETTER

The semi-monthly meeting of the City Council of Walcott, Iowa, was held on Monday, the 19^th day of July, 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. 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. No comments.

Consent Agenda. Smith moved and Bieri seconded to approve the consent agenda including the invoices, FYE 2021 Investment report, and Dolgencorp, LLC Class C beer, Class B wine, and Sunday sales permits renewal. Motion carried.

Approval of Minutes from July 6, 2021. Mengler moved and Koberg seconded to approve minutes from July 6, 2021. Motion carried with Puck abstaining due to absence from meeting.

Resolution 2021-31, Approving Site Plan for Ossian, Inc. Rickertsen reported the Planning & Zoning Commission recommended approval of the site plan with stipulations. Mike Ossian stated the temporary construction drive was to remain gravel until after construction of Phase 2 improvements instead of Phase 1 as noted in the Planning & Zoning minutes. Rickertsen will verify with the Planning & Zoning Administrator. Smith moved and Puck seconded to approve Resolution 2021-31, as recommended by the Planning & Zoning Commission. Roll call ayes: Smith, Puck, Koberg, Mengler, and Smith. Motion carried.

Gravel Portion of W. Memorial Road. Stagg presented costs, as requested, following a suggestion from a resident during the meeting on June 21, 2021, to either seal coat or apply dust control to the gravel portion of W. Memorial Road. Following discussion, council consensus was not to proceed with either option at this time.  

Public Works Department Report. Stagg provided updates on the W. Otis Street project defects and reported he has started mowing creek banks after receiving the bar mower last week. Mengler questioned the status of the Prairie View Park projects. Council consensus was to obtain quotes to remove and install the bridge planks. Other items discussed included leveling out areas at Victory Park during the upcoming concrete improvements project. Consensus was to have Stagg contact the City Engineer to amend the project plans by adding additional areas to grade and sod.

Mayor’s Report. Mayor Kostichek expressed thanks to the Walcott Day Committee, local organizations, volunteers, and residents who helped make it a successful weekend.

Mengler moved and Smith seconded to adjourn at 6:51 p.m. Motion carried. All votes on motions were unanimous, unless noted.

July 19, 2021 Signed Minutes & Claims

The semi-monthly meeting of the City Council of Walcott, Iowa, was held on Tuesday, the 6^th day of July, 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, and Larry Smith. Absent: Jacob Puck. City staff present: Jeff Blake, Lisa Rickertsen, and Paul Stagg.

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

Introduction of Audience/Public Comments. None.

Public Hearing. Mayor Kostichek opened the public hearing on the proposed plans, specifications, form of contract, and cost estimate for the Victory and Wescott Parks Concrete Improvements Project. Rickertsen reported on the project start and completion dates and that competitive quotes would be received until 2:00 p.m. on July 28, 2021. No public comments were received. Mengler moved and Smith seconded to close the public hearing and resume the regular meeting. Motion carried.

Consent Agenda. Mengler moved and Bieri seconded to approve the consent agenda including the invoices, Class C Beer Permit for Pilot #268, and the June 2021 financial reports. Motion carried.

Approval of Minutes from June 21, 2021. Smith moved and Koberg seconded to approve minutes from June 21, 2021. Motion carried with Mengler abstaining due to absence from meeting.

New Class C Liquor License for The Coliseum, LLC. Rickertsen reported the property closing date is expected to be on July 14^th.  Mengler moved and Smith seconded to approve the Class C liquor and Sunday sales license for The Coliseum, LLC, contingent upon ownership of property. Motion carried.

Walcott Day Events. 

• Mengler moved and Bieri seconded to approve the Walcott Day Parade and temporary closure of route streets on July 17, 2021. Motion carried.
• Street Closures. Smith moved and Koberg seconded to approve closing N. Henry Street, between James and Lincoln Streets; E. Otis Street, between Main and Downey Streets; N. Downey Street, between James and Otis Streets; and E. James Street, between Henry and Downey Streets on July 17, 2021. Motion carried.
• Fireworks Donation. Bieri moved and Mengler seconded to approve the donation of $1,000 to the Walcott Day Committee for the fireworks display. Motion carried.
• 5K Race & Temporary Street Closures. Mengler moved and Smith seconded to approve the 5K race route on July 17, 2021, as presented. Motion carried.
• Police Department Part-Time Wages. Due to the pay differences between officers paid by the City and those paid by the Walcott Day Committee, Koberg moved and Smith seconded to approve a special wage of $26.75/hour for part-time police officers working for the City during Walcott Day events on July 16^th and 17^th. Motion carried.

Resolution 2021-30, Approving Plans, Specifications, Form of Contract, and Cost Estimate for the Victory and Wescott Parks Concrete Improvements Project. Mengler moved and Smith seconded to approve Resolution 2021-30. Roll call ayes: Mengler, Smith, Bieri, and Koberg. Motion carried.

Review of Proposed Code Changes – Chapters 165 – 168. Mengler moved and Bieri seconded to table the review of Chapters 165-168 until a council meeting in August, to allow additional time to review. Motion carried. Council consensus was to request the Zoning Administrator, Jackie Huston, attend the meeting to provide additional information regarding the proposed changes from the Planning & Zoning Commission.

Public Works Department Report. Stagg provided an update on the N. Downey Street project. Council expressed their frustration and concerns that the project is not completed and the completion deadline was July 1, 2021. Discussion was held on the daily liquidated damages fee. Council requested Stagg continue to contact the contractor and encourage them to complete the project as soon as possible, preferably by early next week. Mengler expressed these concerns: W. Otis Street project defects the contractor is responsible to repair; mowing and creek overgrowth; and status of various projects at Prairie View Park. Stagg responded with the following: he will contact the Otis Street project contractor again; he is waiting on delivery of a bar mower to mow city ditches and creek banks on city property; and he will complete the other items mentioned as time allows. Mengler felt it is important to have the items completed and suggested utilizing overtime if necessary, with no objections from other council members.         

City Clerk’s Report. Rickertsen reported on upcoming Chamber of Commerce ribbon cutting ceremonies at S&V Fence and Rock Valley Physical Therapy. She also reported on resident compliments on the flowers and the City‘s support and sponsorship of the summer youth program.

Council Member Comments. Bieri reported the Streets Committee met with Stagg and Dr. Mickey Burt on June 23^rd regarding Burt’s request to place a sign in the City right-of-way. After discussion, Dr. Burt decided to place the sign on private property instead of City right-of-way. It was requested to remind citizens to leave distance between the garbage and recycling totes when placing at the curb for collection.

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

July 6, 2021 Signed Minutes & Claims

JULY 2021 CHAMBER NEWSLETTER

The semi-monthly meeting of the City Council of Walcott, Iowa, was held on Monday, the 21^st day of June, 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, Jacob Puck, and Larry Smith. Absent: Lisa Mengler. 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. Elaine Arp was present on behalf of the Legion and inquired about getting a water connection closer to the Veteran’s memorial garden on the north side of Welcome Park. Stagg will obtain a cost estimate to run a water line to the area. Jim Paulsen reported on concerns regarding dust on the graveled portion of W. Memorial Road and suggested seal coating the road. Cost estimates for sealcoating were obtained in the past and the council did not feel the expense was justified and applying dust control was a better option for now. Following further discussion, W. Memorial Road will be placed on the next agenda. Paulsen also suggested placing red flags on the speed limit signs along Memorial Road.     

Consent Agenda. Puck moved and Koberg seconded to approve the consent agenda including the invoices, minutes from June 7, 2021, Resolution 2021-24 – Transfer of Funds, Resolution 2021-25 – Acceptance of 5’ Easement Dedication from CDN Investments, LC, Resolution 2021-26 – Establish New Fund & Transfer, renewal of Class C Beer Permit for Pilot #043, renewal of Class C Liquor License & Sunday License for the New Walcott Coliseum, Inc., and annual cigarette permit renewals for Casey’s, Dolgencorp (Dollar General), Iowa 80 Truckstop, and Pilot Travel Centers #043 and #268.  Roll call ayes: Puck, Koberg, Smith, and Bieri.  Motion carried.

Police Department Report. Blake reported a grant of $1,200 was awarded from the Iowa 80/Cat Scale Go Iowa Fund towards temporary portable fencing at the parks.

Burt Clinic – Request to Allow Sign in City Right-of-Way (ROW). Mickey Burt requested permission to locate a two-post panel sign in the ROW east of their parking lot between the sidewalk and row of trees. Burt stated Rock Valley Therapy will be moving into a portion of Suite B and the sign will direct patients to the parking lot and the entrance door on the east side of the building. Mayor Kostichek and Smith expressed concerns regarding setting a precedent allowing structures in the ROW. City code prohibits signs in the City ROW or on City property unless specifically approved by the Council. A memo from Attorney Schirman was reviewed which included a historical background, City Code provisions, practical and factual concerns, liability exposure, and setting a precedent for future requests. It was questioned if the City could abandon some ROW. The Street Committee, Bieri and Mengler, will meet with Stagg and Burt and the subject will be placed on the July 6^th meeting agenda.

City Hall/Fire Department. Puck moved and Bieri seconded to direct Stagg to obtain bids on replacing the rubber flat roof on the Fire Station and obtain bids for tuckpointing the front and east side of City Hall. Motion carried.

Downey Street Water Main Improvements Project. Stagg recommended payment to Hagerty Earthworks, LLC for the portion of the project completed and Smith commended the crew for an excellent job. Smith moved and Koberg seconded to approve payment #1, in the amount of $92,630.94, to Hagerty Earthworks, LLC. Motion carried.

Parking Lot Improvements Project. Puck moved and Bieri seconded to approve Resolution 2021-27, Accepting Improvements and Authorizing Final Payment to Aero Concrete, LTD, in the amount of $3,861.00. Roll call ayes: Puck, Bieri, Smith, and Koberg. Motion carried.

Resolution 2021-28, Setting a Public Hearing on Proposed Plans, and Specifications, Form of Contract and Cost Estimate for the Wescott & Victory Parks Concrete Project. Smith moved and Bieri seconded to approve Resolution 2021-28, setting a hearing date for July 6^th at 6:00 p.m. Roll call ayes: Smith, Bieri, Smith, and Koberg. Motion carried.

Resolution 2021-29, Requesting Funds from the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021. Puck moved and Smith seconded to approve Resolution 2021-29. Roll call ayes: Puck, Smith, Bieri, and Koberg. Motion carried.

Ordinance 519-21, Amending Chapter 92 Regarding Water Rates. Bieri moved and Koberg seconded to approve the third and final reading of Ordinance 519-21. Roll call ayes: Bieri, Koberg, and Puck. Nays: Smith. Motion carried. Effective with the July 1^st billing, each customer shall pay a minimum bill of $15.75 per month (increase of $2.00/month), which includes usage up to 1,400 gallons. All usage over 1,400 gallons shall be $5.60 per 1,000 gallons (increase of $.16/1,000 gallons). The rate increase is needed to pay for improvements to the aging water system.     

Smith left the meeting for another meeting obligation.

Ordinance 520-21, Amending Chapter 106 Pertaining to Solid Waste Collection Fees. Koberg moved and Puck seconded to approve the third and final reading of Ordinance 520-21. Roll call ayes: Koberg, Puck, and Bieri. Motion carried. Effective with the July 1^st billing, the monthly garbage rate increases from $13.64 to $14.18, which is a 4% increase the City pays to the collector each contract year.

Public Works Department Report. Stagg presented project worksheets for the following equipment:

• John Deere X739 Lawn Tractor. Discussion was held on the proposed tractor purchase with attachments (snow blower, tiller, bagger, and bar mower). This purchase will consolidate functions and replace four tractors. Puck moved and Koberg seconded to approve the purchase as presented and budgeted, from Sinclair Tractor, at a cost of $27,283.51. Motion carried. The current tractors will be advertised for bids at a later date.
• John Deere Zero Turn Mower. Stagg reported this mower will assist in mowing approximately twenty-three acres of city property and will allow a mower to be kept at the water plant so staff isn’t trailering a mower back and forth which is time consuming. Koberg moved and Puck seconded to approve the purchase as presented and budgeted, from Sinclair Tractor, at a cost of $17,200. Motion carried.
• GPS System and Training. Stagg reported this purchase will ensure utility maps remain up to date as infrastructure is added or replaced and will allow the ability to map additional assets. Koberg moved and Bieri seconded to approve the purchase as presented and budgeted, from Seiler Geospatial for $6,109 for the GPS equipment and $2,500 from SAM Companies for the training. Motion carried.

Stagg reported on and presented a certificate of excellence for sewer lab testing proficiency. Council commended Stagg and the Public Works staff, particularly Justin Richardson who performs the testing.

Mayor’s Report. Mayor Kostichek reported he received a letter from someone traveling through and they expressed their thanks to Chief Blake for his dedication, sensitivity, and willingness to help those in need.

Koberg moved and Puck seconded to adjourn at 7:17 p.m. Motion carried. All votes on motions were unanimous, unless noted.

June 21, 2021 Signed Minutes & Claims

The semi-monthly meeting of the City Council of Walcott, Iowa, was held on Monday, the 7^th day of June, 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. City staff present: Jeff Blake, Lisa Rickertsen, and Paul Stagg. Due to COVID-19 and as permitted under the Iowa Code, Chapter 21.8, which allows an electronic meeting where individuals 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. None.

Consent Agenda. Smith moved and Bieri seconded to approve the consent agenda including the invoices, minutes from May 17, 2021, renewal of Class A Liquor license including Sunday and outdoor service for the Walcott Legion Post #548, May 2021 financial reports, fireworks permit for Walcott Day Display at Prairie View Park on July 16^th, and fireworks permit for Iowa 80 Group Truckers Jamboree display on July 8^th and 9^th. Motion carried with Puck abstaining due to absence from May 17, 2021, meeting.

Parks Concrete Project. Stagg reviewed the timeline for the concrete project this fall at Wescott and Victory Parks.  Council requested IMEG change the project location to reflect it’s for both Wescott and Victory Parks. Mengler moved and Puck seconded to approve the engineering and surveying proposal with IMEG for the Wescott & Victory Park Improvements Project in the amount of $6,200. Motion carried.

Ordinance 519-21, Amending Chapter 92 Regarding Water Rates. Puck moved and Koberg seconded to approve the second reading of Ordinance 519-21. Roll call ayes: Puck, Koberg, Mengler, and Bieri. Nays: Smith. Motion carried. Effective with the July 1^st billing, each customer shall pay a minimum bill of $15.75 per month (increase of $2.00/month), which includes usage up to 1,400 gallons. All usage over 1,400 gallons shall be $5.60 per 1,000 gallons (increase of $.16/1,000 gallons). The rate increase is needed to pay for improvements to the aging water system.     

Ordinance 520-21, Amending Chapter 106 Pertaining to Solid Waste Collection Fees. Mengler moved and Smith seconded to approve the second reading of Ordinance 520-21. Roll call ayes: Mengler, Smith, Bieri, Koberg, and Puck. Motion carried. Effective with the July 1^st billing, the monthly garbage rate increases from $13.64 to $14.18, which is a 4% increase the City pays to the collector each contract year.

Resolution 2021-23, Establishing Hourly Wage for Kevin Raap, Public Works Laborer. Koberg moved and Puck seconded to approve Resolution 2021-23. Roll call ayes: Koberg, Puck, Mengler, Bieri, and Smith. Motion carried.

Review/Deactivate Public Health Disaster Emergency Policy. The Public Health Disaster Emergency Policy, which was approved on March 30, 2020, was reviewed. Mengler moved and Smith seconded to deactivate the Public Health Disaster Emergency Policy. Motion carried.  

City Credit Card Processing Fees. The Public Health Disaster Emergency Policy waived all credit/debit card and online electronic check processing fees during the declaration of the emergency. Since the policy has been deactivated, all electronic check and credit/debit card processing fees will revert to being charged to the customer, beginning July 1, 2021.

City Code Review. Proposed City Code changes to chapters 135 – 162 were reviewed. These changes will be incorporated in the City Code recodification process. Discussion was held on the request from the Planning & Zoning Commission to review the current garage size limits. Council consensus was that they were willing to increase the size of attached garages up to 1,250 square feet as long as thirty percent of the lot, including any accessory buildings, remains unused and open (green space). This will go back to the Planning & Zoning Commission for further review.

Police Department Report. Chief Blake reported he received a $17,000 grant from the Scott County Regional Authority for the purchase of a new squad.

Public Works Department Report. Stagg reported the splash pad is open daily from 10 a.m. – 8 p.m. He also provided department updates including the Downey Street water main improvements project and upcoming county road and culvert projects.

City Clerk Report. Rickertsen reported on recent complaints about dogs in the parks, which is not allowed except for leashed dogs on the recreational trail. Mengler referred to a recent North Scott Press article regarding city audits and commended Rickertsen and staff for doing a great job with the city finances.

Smith moved and Mengler seconded to adjourn at 7:07 p.m. Motion carried. All votes on motions were unanimous, unless noted.

June 7, 2021 Minutes & Claims