The semi-monthly meeting of the City Council of Walcott, Iowa, was held on Monday, the 18^th day of July, 2022, at Walcott City Hall. Mayor John Kostichek called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m. Council members present: Harry Knutsen, Kirk Koberg, Lisa Mengler, and Jacob Puck with Everett Bieri participating via phone. Staff present: Lisa Rickertsen and Paul Stagg.

Approval of Agenda. Koberg moved and Knutsen seconded to approve the agenda.  Motion carried.

Consent Agenda. Knutsen moved and Puck seconded to approve the consent agenda, which includes the invoices, Class C Beer Permits for Pilot Travel Center #043 and #268, and the June 2022 financial reports. Motion carried.

Approval of Minutes from July 5, 2022.  Mengler moved and Koberg seconded to approve the minutes from July 5, 2022. Motion carried with Puck abstaining due to absence from the meeting.

Bryan Newell – Easement at 107 E. Walcott Road. Bryan Newell requested the City reverse an easement on his property, which was obtained by the City last October. The water main is located 10’ from his property line which is further from his property than originally believed. Koberg moved and Mengler seconded to approve Resolution 2022-33, Withdrawal of Acceptance of Dedication of Easement. Roll call ayes: Koberg, Mengler, Puck, Bieri, and Knutsen. Motion carried.

William Belz – Request for a Portion of Rowe Lane Right-of-Way (ROW). William Belz requested a portion of the unimproved Rowe Lane ROW adjacent to his property on W. Lincoln Street. Mengler questioned what has changed since the same request was denied in 2015. Stagg responded he marked the utilities (storm sewer and sanitary sewer) and met with Belz and that it seems to be a reasonable request, pending a survey. Following discussion, Mengler moved and Puck seconded to have Belz obtain a survey/plat (indicating property lines and utilities) and present to Council for consideration and that Belz would be responsible for his survey and all fees incurred by the City regarding this request. Motion carried.

Walcott Coliseum.

• Street Closure on July 30, 2022 and Adding Outdoor Service Area to Class C Liquor License for July 29 – 31, 2022. Rickertsen reported the required sketch and certificate of liability have not been received. Following discussion, Mengler moved and Koberg seconded to approve closing a portion of E. Bryant Street, between the Coliseum’s property lines, on July 30th, from 4:00 p.m. – 11:00 p.m., pending the City obtains a certificate of insurance, listing the City as an additional insured. Motion carried. Puck moved and Knutsen seconded to approve the addition of an outdoor service area to the Coliseum’s Class C liquor license from July 29 – July 31, 2022, pending a detailed sketch is submitted to the City with the outdoor service area not to exceed the Coliseum’s property line, from west to east along E. Bryant Street. Motion carried.
• Renewal of Class C Liquor License & Sunday License (08/05/22 – 08/04/23) for the Walcott Coliseum. No action could be taken since the license is still pending their insurance approval. This will be listed on the August 1^st agenda

Public Works Department Report. Stagg presented an update on the E. Lincoln Street project and expressed his concerns regarding a volunteer disconnecting a security light at Victory Park. He reported this volunteer approached him the week of Walcott Day and asked if the light could be shut off for Walcott Day and Stagg responded it could not since the light is not on a separate switch and is connected to the street lights. The volunteer, without further inquiries, subsequently used a lift to disconnect the light. Discussion ensued regarding liability exposure to the City and the Walcott Day Committee due to the volunteer’s action. Koberg stated he would speak to the volunteer. Mayor Kostichek questioned the status of the sidewalk repairs along W. Otis Street. Stagg responded that the City Engineer has a contractor but he does not have a definite repair date yet although he thinks it will happen within the next month. Koberg reported some of the picnic tables sit low and discussion followed regarding obtaining ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) specifications for the construction or purchase of future tables. Koberg and Mengler stated the parks looked good for Walcott Day and complimented the Public Works Department.

Mayor Report. Mayor Kostichek expressed thanks to the Public Works Department, Walcott Day Committee, volunteers, and residents who showed pride in our community and helped make it a successful weekend.

Council Member Comments. Council member comments included Mengler stating she appreciates the volunteers during Walcott Day and for residents cleaning and opening up their property.

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

July 18, 2022 Signed Minutes & Claims

The semi-monthly meeting of the City Council of Walcott, Iowa, was held on Tuesday, the 5^th day of July, 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, and Lisa Mengler.  Absent:  Jacob Puck. Staff present: Jeff Blake, Jackie Huston, and Paul Stagg.

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

Audience:  Joe Aubry.

Consent Agenda. Koberg moved and Knutsen seconded to approve the consent agenda, which includes the invoices and minutes from June 20, 2022. Motion carried.

East Lincoln Street Improvements Project:  Contractor’s Pay Request #1 for Needham Excavating, Inc.  Pay request and recommendation from the City Engineer to approve was presented.  Mengler moved and Koberg seconded to approve Pay Request #1 for Needham Excavating, Inc. in the amount of $193,596.23.  Motion carried.

Police Department Report.  Chief Blake asked for a consensus regarding a Walcott Police Officer and squad attending the Eldridge Night Out Against Crime community event.  Following discussion, the Council did not indicate objection to the request if it did not present short-staffing in Walcott.  

Public Works Department Report:  River Valley LP Contract.  Stagg presented the contract for this season’s LP with River Valley.  It is for 2,300 gallons.  Mengler moved and Bieri seconded to approve the LP contract with River Valley.  Motion carried.  Stagg stated that the Lincoln Street Project was progressing as planned.  Mengler reported that one of the decorative light poles on Main Street was loose.

Mayor Report. Mayor Kostichek reported that visitors to Walcott had remarked on the attractiveness of the Main Street flower baskets.

Council Member Comments. Knutsen asked about the progress on repairing the defective sidewalk sections on the Main Street bridge. Stagg stated he is still pursuing concrete bids. Knutsen also thanked Chief Blake for the additional police patrol at the four-way stop at the Main and James Streets intersection.

Knutsen moved and Bieri seconded to adjourn at 6:11 p.m. Motion carried. All votes on motions were unanimous, unless noted.

July 5, 2022 Signed Minutes & Claims

Walcott Chamber Newsletter July 2022