A special meeting of the City Council of the City of Walcott, Iowa was held on Monday, May 23, 2022, at Walcott City Hall, with Mayor John Kostichek calling the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m. Council members present: Everett Bieri, Harry Knutsen, Kirk Koberg, Lisa Mengler, and Jacob Puck. Staff present: Lisa Rickertsen and Paul Stagg.

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

Resolution 2022-27, Approving Bond Purchase Agreement for the sale of General Obligation Corporate Purpose Bonds, Series 2022A. Chip Schultz, Northland Securities, Inc., was present to discuss the proposed bond purchase for the E. Lincoln Street Improvements Project. Koberg moved and Knutsen seconded to approve Resolution 2022-27. Roll call ayes: Koberg, Knutsen, Bieri, Mengler, and Puck. Motion carried.

Resolution 2022-28, Approving Limited Disclosure Dissemination Agent Agreement with Northland Securities, Inc. The agreement is in connection with the Series 2022A bonds and the required annual reporting, per the Securities and Exchange Commission. Koberg moved and Mengler seconded to approve Resolution 2022-28. Roll call ayes: Koberg, Mengler, Puck, Bieri, and Knutsen. Motion carried.

Iowa Certified Public Manager (CPM) Program Sponsorship for Paul Stagg. Stagg requested sponsorship for him to attend the Iowa CPM program. CPM is an intensive learning experience designed for supervisors and managers from federal, state, county, and local governments. Koberg questioned the program cost and time commitment, specifically due to the E. Lincoln Street Improvements Project. Stagg responded the project will be substantially complete this fall and the City has hired IMEG to provide construction observation of the project. The CPM program cost is $3,500 for 300 hours of instruction, which takes place over 17-months and starts on September 6, 2022. Following further discussion, Mengler moved and Puck seconded to approve the sponsorship for Paul Stagg to attend the Iowa CPM program, at a cost of $3,500. Motion carried.

Mengler moved and Koberg seconded to adjourn at 6:25 p.m.  Ayes:  All.  Motion carried.

May 23, 2022 Special Mtg

The semi-monthly meeting of the City Council of Walcott, Iowa, was held on Monday, the 16^th day of May, 2022, at Walcott City Hall. Mayor John Kostichek called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m. Council members present: Everett Bieri, Harry Knutsen, Kirk Koberg, Lisa Mengler, and Jacob Puck. Staff present: Jeff Blake, Lisa Rickertsen, and Paul Stagg.

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

Introduction of Audience/Public Comments. Kendall Mattson expressed concerns with the blocked sidewalks along W. Otis Street and questioned the plan and timeline. Stagg responded the sidewalks should be repaired during this construction season. The City Engineer will be present at the next meeting to provide information on the W. Otis Street project deficiencies. Chip Schultz, Northland Securities, Inc., and Laura Martin, Walcott Women, were also in attendance.

Public Hearings.

• Proposed Amendment to the Consolidated Walcott Urban Renewal Area. Mayor Kostichek opened the public hearing on the Urban Renewal Plan Amendment. Rickertsen reported the hearing notice had been published according to law and as directed by the City Council and that this is the time and place at which the City Council shall receive oral or written objections from any resident or property owner. The amendment includes adding the E. Lincoln Street Improvements project to the urban renewal plan and using tax increment financing to pay for a portion of the project. A letter was received from the Scott County Board of Supervisors, opposing the use of tax increment financing for this project. No other written or oral comments were received. Mengler moved and Koberg seconded to close the public hearing and open the public hearing on the proposal to enter into a General Obligation loan agreement. Motion carried.
• Proposal to enter into a General Obligation Loan Agreement. Rickertsen reported this is a proposal to enter into a Loan Agreement to borrow money in a principal amount not to exceed $1,750,000. A hearing notice was published according to law and no written or oral objections have been placed on filed. Chip Schultz, Northland Securities, Inc. presented information on the proposed bonds, including estimated interest rate, preliminary repayment schedule, and bond issuance. Puck moved and Bieri seconded to close the public hearing and resume the regular meeting. Motion carried.

Consent Agenda. Rickertsen reported on Resolution 2022-22, which changes the limits of city funds deposited at specific financial institutions. Mengler moved and Bieri seconded to approve the consent agenda, including the invoices, renewal of Class E Liquor & Sunday sales license for Casey’s General Store #1922, April 2022 financial reports, Resolution 2022-22 Designating Institutions as Depositories, and fireworks permit for the Iowa 80 Group Truckers Jamboree display on July 14^th and 15^th. Roll call ayes: Mengler, Bieri, Puck, Koberg, and Knutsen. Motion carried.

Minutes from May 2, 2022. Puck moved and Bieri seconded to approve the minutes from May 2, 2022. Motion carried with Koberg abstaining due to absence from meeting.

Resolution 2022-23, Resolution to Approve Urban Renewal Plan Amendment for the Consolidated Walcott Urban Renewal Area. Bieri moved and Koberg seconded to approve Resolution 2022-23. Roll call ayes: Bieri, Koberg, Knutsen, Mengler, and Puck. Motion carried.

Resolution 2022-24, Resolution Adopting and Approving Tax Compliance Procedures Relating to Tax-Exempt Bonds. Koberg moved and Mengler seconded to approve Resolution 2022-24. Roll call ayes: Koberg, Mengler, Puck, Bieri, and Knutsen. Motion carried.

Resolution 2022-25, Taking additional action to enter into General Obligation Loan Agreement and authorizing the use of a preliminary official statement for the sale of Bonds. Schultz reported on the preliminary official statement, which is a set of factual information about the City. Puck moved and Bieri seconded to approve Resolution 2022-25. Roll call ayes: Puck, Bieri, Mengler, Knutsen, and Koberg. Motion carried.

Walcott Women – Street Closure Request – June 5^th from 3:30 – 6:30 p.m. – W. Otis Street between Parker and Rowe. Laura Martin reported on the request to close a portion of W. Otis Street on June 5^th for an end of summer celebration for the kids. Martin stated that a Kona Ice truck will be there and Walcott Women will be providing the shaved ice to the kids. Following discussion, Mengler moved and Koberg seconded to approve the closure of W. Otis Street, between Parker and Rowe, on June 5^th from 3:30 p.m. – 6:30 p.m., with the understanding there will not be any individual sales from Kona Ice. Motion carried.

Toughbook Laptops purchase. A project worksheet was presented for the purchase of two laptops for the Fire Department and one for the Police Department. Chief Blake reported the Fire Department’s laptops are outdated and not compatible with the new county software and he currently only has two squad laptops so a third laptop will eliminate moving laptops between squads. Puck moved and Mengler seconded to approve the purchase of three laptops from Platinum Information Services, in the amount of $11,078.17. Motion carried.

P&A Committee Recommendations. Bieri reported the Policy Administration Committee (Bieri and Mengler) met on May 4^th and recommends the following:

• Hourly wage increase for part-time public works laborer. Bieri moved and Mengler seconded to approve the hourly wage of $15.00/hour for the part-time seasonal public works laborer with no pay increase on July 1, 2022. Motion carried.
• Resolution 2022-26, Setting Wages for Employees for Fiscal Year Beginning July 1, 2022. Mengler moved and Bieri seconded to approve Resolution 2022-26. Roll call ayes: Mengler, Bieri, Puck, Knutsen, and Koberg. Motion carried. This is a 4% wage increase.

Discussion was also held on the committee recommendation to sponsor Stagg, per his request, at the next Certified Public Manager Program. This will be placed on the May 23^rd special meeting agenda.

Ordinance 525-22, Adopting the Code of Ordinances of the City of Walcott. Puck moved and Koberg seconded to approve the second reading of Ordinance 525-22. Roll call ayes: Puck, Koberg, Knutsen, Bieri, and Mengler. Motion carried.

Ordinance 526-22, Amending Chapter 92 Regarding Water Rates. Ordinance 526-22 was introduced and Bieri moved and Puck seconded to approve the first reading. Roll call ayes: Roll call ayes: Bieri, Puck, Mengler, Knutsen, and Koberg. Motion carried. Effective with the July 1^st billing, each customer shall pay a minimum bill of $17.00 per month (increase of $1.25/month), which includes usage up to 1,400 gallons. All usage over 1,400 gallons shall be $5.82 per 1,000 gallons (4 % increase = $.22/1,000 gallons). The rate increase is needed to pay for improvements to the aging water system.

Ordinance 527-22, Amending Chapter 99 Regarding Sewer Rates. Ordinance 527-22 was introduced and Mengler moved and Koberg seconded to approve the first reading of Ordinance 527-22. Roll call ayes: Roll call ayes: Mengler, Koberg, Knutsen, Bieri, and Puck. Motion carried. Effective with the July 1^st billing, the usage rate will increase 2% ($.13/1,000 gallons) to $6.46 per 1,000 gallons of water used per month for all usage over 1,400 gallons. The rate increase is needed to pay for improvements.

Ordinance 528-22, Amending Chapter 106 Pertaining to Solid Waste Collection Fees. Ordinance 528-22 was introduced and Bieri moved and Puck seconded to approve the first reading. Roll call ayes: Roll call ayes: Bieri, Puck, Mengler, Knutsen, and Koberg. Motion carried. Effective with the July 1^st billing, the monthly garbage rate increases from $14.18 to $14.89. The City pays an increase each year per the contract with the hauler.

Public Works Department Report. Stagg reported on several department activities, including updating of utility maps with GPS coordinates of all water shut-off locations. Koberg questioned who is responsible for the shut-off valves. Stagg responded that the Code states the property owners are responsible and the valves should be visible and even with the ground. Stagg also reported the city owned lot adjacent to the railroad tracks is being utilized for material storage for the E. Lincoln Street project.

City Clerk’s Report. Rickertsen reported on upcoming meetings on the Scott County Multi-Jurisdictional Local Hazard Mitigation Plan, which expires in 2023. By continuing to participate in the plan, Walcott is eligible for FEMA funds for hazard mitigation grant programs. She also reported only eighteen spots remain in the Summer Youth Recreation Program

Council Member Comments. Koberg stated he was not pleased with the restoration of the new sidewalk areas at Wescott Park. Knutsen reported on a potential trip hazard on the North Main Street sidewalk near the bridge. Stagg stated he is aware of it and will paint it yellow until the contractor can make the repairs. Mengler expressed thanks to all the volunteers that participated with the Wescott Park concession stand improvements.

Koberg moved and Knutsen seconded to adjourn at 6:59 p.m. Motion carried. All votes on motions were unanimous, unless noted.

May 16, 2022 Signed Minutes & Claims

Walcott Chamber Newsletter May 2022

The semi-monthly meeting of the City Council of Walcott, Iowa, was held on Monday, the 2^nd day of May, 2022, at Walcott City Hall. Mayor John Kostichek called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m. Council members present: Everett Bieri, Harry Knutsen, Lisa Mengler, and Jacob Puck. Absent: Kirk Koberg. Staff present: Lisa Rickertsen and Paul Stagg. City Engineer, Jason Holdorf, was also present.

Approval of Agenda. Puck moved and Bieri seconded to approve the agenda, with moving the minutes from April 18^th from the consent agenda and to be approved separately. Motion carried.

Public Hearing. Mayor Kostichek opened the public hearing on the proposed Code of Ordinances. Rickertsen reported the proposed Code of Ordinances includes changes discussed and approved by City Council at several meetings over the past year. No written or other comments were received. Mengler moved and Bieri seconded to close the public hearing and resume the regular meeting. Motion carried.

Consent Agenda. Puck moved and Knutsen seconded to approve the consent agenda, including the invoices, Resolution 2022-19 – Accepting Deed for Real Property, and Resolution 2022-20 – Approval of Official Zoning Map. Roll call ayes: Puck, Knutsen, Mengler, and Bieri. Motion carried.

Joe Quick, Walcott Unified Fund – Tournament Fencing. Joe Quick reported on two upcoming fastpitch tournaments, May 27^th – 28^th and June 24^th – 26^th.  Quick requested approval to install temporary fencing at Wescott Park from May 26^th – 29^th and at both Wescott and Victory Parks June 22^nd – 26^th. Following discussion, Puck moved and Mengler seconded to allow temporary fences be installed at Wescott and Victory Parks for the two tournaments as discussed. Motion carried.

Lincoln Street Improvements Project.

• Resolution 2022-21, Approving Contract and Bonds for the E. Lincoln Street Improvements Project. Mengler moved and Bieri seconded to approve Resolution 2022-21. Roll call ayes: Mengler, Bieri, Puck, and Knutsen. Motion carried.
• IMEG Engineering Services for Construction Observation. Bieri moved and Puck seconded to approve the engineering services for construction observation with IMEG at a fee of $174,500. Motion carried. Mayor Kostichek requested Holdorf submit project progress reports to be included in council meeting packets.

Ordinance 525-22, Adopting the Code of Ordinances of the City of Walcott. Ordinance 525-22 was introduced and Mengler moved and Puck seconded to approve the first reading. Roll call ayes: Mengler, Puck Bieri, and Knutsen. Motion carried.

Fire Department Steak Fry. Mengler moved and Puck seconded to approve closing a portion of W. Durant Street (west side of bank ATM to the west side of Legion property) on May 14^th  for the Fire Department Steak Fry fundraiser. Motion carried. Chief Kraft was asked to join the meeting and stated he will contact the resident whose driveway will be inaccessible due to the street closure. Puck moved and Bieri seconded to approve the payment to Kalmes Catering in the amount of $10,000 for the Fire Department Steak Fry fundraiser. Motion carried.

Public Works Department Report. Stagg reported he completed the hydrant flushing and reminded council of Spring Clean Up Day on May 7^th from 2:00 – 5:00 –p.m. The dumpsters will be located at the compost area on W. Cedar Lane Drive. The compost area will be closed from Friday afternoon on May 6^th until the morning of May 9^th, with the exception of during 2:00 – 5:00 p.m. on Saturday, May 7^th to allow residents to drop off eligible items in the dumpsters or compost area materials

City Clerk’s Report. Rickertsen presented information on the projected balances in the water, sewer, and garbage funds. Council reviewed and discussed potential rate increases, needed to pay for water and sewer system improvements and garbage rate increases per the hauler contract. Council consensus was to proceed with a water base rate increase of $1.25/month plus a 4% ($.22/per 1,000 gallons) increase for water usage above 1,400 gallons; 2% ($.13/per 1,000 gallons) increase for sewer usage above 1,400 gallons; and a 5% ($.71//month) increase to the garbage rate. Rickertsen will prepare ordinances for the next meeting, with the proposed rate increase effective date to be on the July 1, 2022 billing.

Mengler moved and Knutsen seconded to adjourn at 6:30 p.m. Motion carried. All votes on motions were unanimous, unless noted.

May 2, 2022 Minutes & Claims