September 19, 2022

The semi-monthly meeting of the City Council of Walcott, Iowa, was held on Monday, the 19th day of September, 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, Jackie Huston, Jason Holdorf (City Engineer), and Paul Stagg.

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

Introduction of Audience/Public Comments. Audience included:  Greg Schaapveld, Shive Hattery Engineering, Kari Kraft, Walcott Women.

Consent Agenda. Knutsen moved and Mengler seconded to approve the consent agenda including the invoices, minutes from September 6, 2022, and August 2022 financial reports.  Motion carried.

Trick-or-Treating.  Kari Kraft, representing Walcott Women, stated that they would like to have the Halloween Parade and Trick-or-Treating on October 30th.  The Parade would start at 5:00 p.m. at Victory Park and proceed to the Legion with Trick-or-Treating from 6-8 p.m.  Discussion was held concerning the date, since neighboring communities, including Davenport, have Trick-or-Treating scheduled for the 31st.  Concerns were expressed about unusually large number of children when this occurred in the past.  Mengler stated that she felt that since the Walcott Women has sponsored the parade and dinner for a number of years that the Council should accept their request for the 30th.  The route for the parade was discussed, since construction on Lincoln Street could be a factor.  Mengler moved and Koberg seconded to set Trick-or-Treating on October 30th from 6-8 p.m. and the parade to be from Victory Park to the Legion with the Walcott Women and the Police Chief allowed to change it due to construction.  Motion carried.

Inflatables in City Parks. This issue was referred from the last Council meeting to the Park Board for a recommendation.  Some of the concerns addressed at the Park Board meeting were:  liability and the difficulties of requirements from the City’s insurance company, recommendations from the City’s insurance agent against allowing them, and the difficulty of monitoring usage for requirements. Given that information, the Park Board is recommending to not allow inflatables in City parks, except on Walcott Day with appropriate insurance and Council approval.  The City Attorney also recommends against allowing inflatables in the parks.  Puck moved and Bieri seconded to prepare a Code change to eliminate usage of inflatables in the City parks, as is the current policy.  Motion carried.

Grant Application for Ten Spin Playground Equipment.  The Park Board recommended to apply for a grant to assist in purchasing a Ten Spin which would replace the merry-go-round that was removed from Watertower Park because it was not ADA compliant.  Mengler moved and Koberg seconded to apply for the grant.  Motion carried.

Approval of New Fire Department Members.  Puck moved and Bieri seconded to appoint Eric Hupp, Jason Verschoore, and Kaci Zogg to the Fire Department.  Motion carried.

Resolution 2022-36, Approving the Preliminary Plat for Iowa 80 Ninth Addition.  The Planning & Zoning Commission has recommended approval.  Bieri moved and Puck seconded to approve the Iowa 80 Ninth Addition Preliminary Plat.  Motion carried with unanimous roll call vote.

Ordinance 529-22, Amending Provisions Pertaining to Alcoholic Beverage Control. The ordinance amends provisions regarding retail alcohol licenses and changes in terminology that impact sections of the Walcott City Code, due to recent state legislature changes. Mengler moved and Bieri seconded to approve the third reading of Ordinance 529-22.  Motion carried with unanimous roll call vote. This is the last of three required readings.

Ordinance 530-22, Amending Provisions Pertaining to ATVs and UTVs. The ordinance amends Chapter 75 of the Walcott City Code, including removal of the City permit and fee requirements due to recent state legislature changes. The proposed ordinance does not include any changes to Section 75.05, which requires them to have a slow-moving vehicle sign and a bicycle safety flag.  Bieri moved and Puck seconded to approve the third reading of Ordinance 530-22. Motion carried with ayes:  Mengler, Bieri, Knutsen, and Puck and Nays:  Koberg.  This is the last of three required readings.

City Engineer Report.

Resolution 2022-37, Accepting Improvements and Authorizing Final Payment for the Victory and Wescott Parks Concrete Improvements Project.  Holdorf recommends this payment.  Koberg mentioned a slight height difference in the concrete from the sidewalk to the bleacher area behind home plate.  Mengler moved and Puck seconded to approve Resolution 2022-37.  Motion carried with unanimous roll call vote.  The payment is $6,483.68 to All American Concrete, Inc.

Mayor Kostichek questioned the status of W. Otis Street and stated that its condition is deteriorating.  Koberg stated that it has been 3 years since this project was completed and we have been waiting to get the sidewalk deficiencies corrected.  He would like to find a contractor and get it done now.  Holdorf responded that the contractor that will be paving Lincoln Street is scheduled to make the sidewalk corrections when they pave Lincoln Street.  Holdorf will check to see if other contractors could do it sooner.  The maintenance bond for W. Otis Street was discussed and Holdorf stated that IMEG would cover the slag related repairs for four years.

Street Committee Report.  Stagg reviewed the report presented at the last meeting and gave recommendations on all the trees listed.  Due to numerous trees on the list, the Council requested that Stagg prepare a list of the trees that present the most immediate need of removal.

Police Department Report. Chief Blake stated that the squad is still in for repairs and the Mayor expressed his displeasure about the length of time it was taking and wondered about other alternatives.

Public Works Department Report.  Stagg gave an update on the E. Lincoln Street Project.  He questioned if the Council wanted to remove the Main Street flowers on the first of fall as the Council instructed last year.  The Council confirmed that even though the flowers may still look good, they should be removed.  Stagg stated that he intends to close the Splash Pad as soon as the weather cools unless the Council wanted a firm date similar to the flowers.  The Council instructed Stagg to use his judgement for closing the Splash Pad but asked him to put the closure on the electronic community sign.  Koberg questioned the maintenance of the Grove Street ROW south of the railroad tracks, in front of the Lamp Liter.  He stated there were numerous potholes and asked why the City wasn’t putting gravel in there.  Stagg replied that it was an unimproved ROW and the business had been putting gravel there, since they utilized it and that we do not maintain other unimproved ROW areas.  Council consensus was to place some gravel in this ROW.  Mengler stated that the creek area needs more trimming.

Deputy City Clerk’s Report.  Huston reported that HyVee had asked about a Mobile Flu Shot Clinic in Walcott.  They are requesting to hold the clinic on September 29th from 4-7 p.m. at the Prairie View Park parking lot.  Pre-registration is not required, but please bring your insurance card.  Puck moved and Mengler seconded to approve the use of the parking lot for the clinic.  Council asked if it could be placed on the electronic community sign.

Mayor Comments.  The Mayor thanked the Legion for improvements to Welcome Park.

Council Comments. Mengler and Koberg encouraged citizens to continue to support the efforts to stop the restructuring of Walcott School by relocating the elementary students.

Puck moved and Koberg seconded to adjourn at 6:57 p.m. Motion carried. All votes on motions were unanimous, unless noted.

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September 6, 2022 Minutes

The semi-monthly meeting of the City Council of Walcott, Iowa, was held on Tuesday, the 6th day of September, 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 and Lisa Rickertsen.

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

Introduction of Audience/Public Comments. Several residents were in attendance regarding the proposed letter to the Davenport Community School District.

Consent Agenda. Knutsen moved and Koberg seconded to approve the consent agenda including the invoices, minutes from August 15, 2022, and Resolution 2022-35 – Approval of FYE 2022 Annual Urban Renewal Report. Roll call ayes: Knutsen, Koberg, Bieri, Mengler, and Puck. Motion carried.

Fall Clean-up Day – October 8th. Koberg moved and Bieri seconded to set fall clean-up day for residents on October 8th from 2 – 5 p.m. with the dumpsters to be located at the compost area. Motion carried.

Inflatables in City Parks. Rickertsen stated it has been past policy to not allow inflatables in city parks. She reported one was recently placed in a park without permission but without language in the City Code it makes it difficult for the police department to enforce the policy. Following discussion, council consensus was to have Park Board review the topic during their next meeting on September 14th.

Purchase New Server & Email Service. Rickertsen presented a project worksheet to purchase a new server in order to upgrade the server platform and upgrade the email service to Microsoft 365 from our current IT provider. Mengler moved and Puck seconded to replace the server ($2,003.95) and upgrade email service from Platinum Information Services. Motion carried.

Davenport Community School District Long Range Plan Letter. Rickertsen stated city staff prepared a letter addressing the concerns expressed during the last council meeting regarding Davenport Community School District’s long-range facilities planning study proposals, which includes converting the Walcott K-8 school into a middle school. Several residents in attendance stated their opposition to the proposed plan. Discussion ensued between council and those in attendance regarding some of the following concerns: long term impact and future of Walcott without an elementary school, busing to other elementary schools, open enrolling to other districts, and potential increase of policing services. Austin Burt reported an online petition was created and a local committee is hosting a Town Hall meeting at the Walcott American Legion on Tuesday, September 13th at 6:00 p.m. The Mayor and City Council encouraged residents to express their opinions to the school board and state legislators. Koberg moved and Bieri seconded to send the letter as presented to the Davenport Community School District regarding their opposition to the school district’s Facilities Master Planning Committee’s proposals. Motion carried. Koberg thanked those in attendance for attending the meeting.

Lincoln Street Improvements Project. Mengler moved and Knutsen seconded to approve payment #3 to Needham Excavating, as recommended by the project engineer. Motion carried. Karla Burt questioned why the road closed signs on Walcott Road were still up since Main Street is now open. Rickertsen was asked to contact the project engineer regarding the signage.

Ordinance 529-22, Amending Provisions Pertaining to Alcoholic Beverage Control. The ordinance amends provisions regarding retail alcohol licenses and changes in terminology that impact sections of the Walcott City Code, due to recent state legislature changes. Mengler moved and Puck seconded to approve the second reading of Ordinance 529-22. Roll call ayes: Mengler, Puck, Bieri, Knutsen, and Koberg. Motion carried. This is the second of three required readings.

Ordinance 530-22, Amending Provisions Pertaining to ATVs and UTVs. The ordinance amends Chapter 75 of the Walcott City Code, including removal of the City permit and fee requirements due to recent state legislature changes. The proposed ordinance does not include any changes to Section 75.05, which requires them to have a slow-moving vehicle sign and a bicycle safety flag. Koberg expressed concerns since our rules are different, requiring the slow-moving sign and flag, which are not state requirements, and some other local communities are not requiring them. Mengler feels these two items provide more safety in town. Mengler moved and Puck seconded to approve the second reading of Ordinance 530-22. Roll call ayes: Mengler, Puck, Bieri, and Knutsen. Nays: Koberg. Motion carried. This is the second of three required readings.

Police Department Report. Chief Blake presented his report including the status of repairs to the Dodge Durango squad, which is still out of service. Mayor Kostichek questioned Titan’s (K9) status. Chief Blake stated the dog is eleven years old and he will probably retire him by the end of the year.

Council Comments. Knutsen reported the Street Committee (Knutsen and Puck) met and have a list, which will be placed on the next agenda, of dead and/or diseased trees within the community. Mengler thanked the audience members for attending and voicing their opinions.

Knutsen moved and Puck seconded to adjourn at 6:56 p.m. Motion carried. All votes on motions were unanimous, unless noted.

September 6, 2022

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August 15, 2022 Minutes

The semi-monthly meeting of the City Council of Walcott, Iowa, was held on Monday, the 15th day of August, 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.

 Consent Agenda. Knutsen moved and Koberg seconded to approve the consent agenda including the invoices, minutes from August 1, 2022, renewal of beer & wine permit and Sunday sales license for Dolgencorp LLC (Dollar General), July 2022 financial reports, Resolution 2022-34-Approving Annual Street Finance Report for Fiscal Year Ending (FYE) June 30, 2022, FYE 2022 Annual Financial Report, and the FYE 2022 Investment Report. Roll call ayes: Knutsen, Koberg, Puck, Bieri, and Mengler. Motion carried.

Visit Quad Cities Annual Contribution. Bieri moved and Puck seconded to approve a contribution to Visit Quad Cities in the amount of $1,000 as budgeted. Motion carried.

Ordinance 529-22, Amending Provisions Pertaining to Alcoholic Beverage Control. The ordinance amends provisions regarding retail alcohol licenses and changes in terminology that impact sections of the Walcott City Code, due to recent state legislature changes. Mengler moved and Bieri seconded to approve the first reading of Ordinance 529-22. Roll call ayes: Mengler, Bieri, Puck, Koberg, and Knutsen. Motion carried. This is the first of three required readings.

Ordinance 530-22, Amending Provisions Pertaining to ATVs and UTVs. The ordinance amends Chapter 75 of the Walcott City Code, including removal of the City permit and fee requirements due to recent state legislature changes. The proposed ordinance does not include any changes to Section 75.05, which requires them to have a slow-moving vehicle sign and a bicycle safety flag. Koberg expressed he was not in favor of keeping the sign and flag requirements if they are not required by state code. Mengler moved and Puck seconded to approve the first reading of Ordinance 530-22. Roll call ayes: Mengler, Puck, Bieri, and Knutsen. Nays: Koberg. Motion carried. This is the first of three required readings.

Public Works Department Report. Stagg provided updates on the E. Lincoln Street Improvements project. He also reported that only one competitive quote was received for the ADA improvements at the James & Century Streets intersection. Stagg stated the project plans and specifications were submitted to eight contractors and the quote was significantly higher than budgeted. Koberg expressed his concern that local contractors were not contacted to submit a quote. Koberg moved and Knutsen seconded to reject the quote and resubmit for quotes to include local contractors. Motion carried. Discussion was also held on ash trees suspected to be dead, diseased, or damaged. The Street Committee will meet to evaluate ash trees through-out the City.

City Clerk’s Report. Rickertsen presented her report including information on IT support and network services. Mengler moved and Bieri seconded to extend the contract with Platinum Information Systems until June 30, 2023. Motion carried.

Mayor Report. Mayor Kostichek questioned the status of the Iowa Certified Public Manager Program the City agreed to sponsor for Stagg. Stagg stated he was accepted to the program and it begins on September 6th.  Mayor Kostichek also questioned the status of the engineering reports on the E. Lincoln Street Improvements Project per his request. Stagg stated the reports are being sent direct to him and he is summarizing them during the council meetings.

Council Comments. Puck reported on a meeting he and Koberg attended on the Davenport Community School district’s long range facilities planning study, which includes a proposal to turn the Walcott K-8 school into a middle school. He stated Walcott was well represented at the meeting and their next meeting is August 25th. Mengler reported the Hearts and Hands Foundation is hosting Walcott One, a community event showcasing local organizations, at the Walcott American Legion on August 25th from 6:00 – 8:00 p.m. with dinner being served.

Puck moved and Mengler seconded to adjourn at 6:40 p.m. Motion carried. All votes on motions were unanimous, unless noted.

August 15, 2022 Signed Minutes & Claims

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August 1, 2022 Minutes

The semi-monthly meeting of the City Council of Walcott, Iowa, was held on Monday, the 1st day of August, 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: Lisa Rickertsen and Paul Stagg.

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

Consent Agenda. Knutsen moved and Bieri seconded to approve the consent agenda, which includes the invoices, minutes from July 18, 2022, and renewal of Class C liquor and Sunday sales license for The Coliseum LLC (Walcott Coliseum). Motion carried.

Lincoln Street Improvements Project – Payment #2. Stagg provided updates on the E. Lincoln Street Improvements Project. Mengler moved and Puck seconded to approve payment #2 to Needham Excavating in the amount of $141,177.93. Motion carried.

Public Works Department Report. Stagg reported on repairs at the splash pad and parts ordered for the slide at Victory Park.

City Clerk’s Report. Rickertsen reported on the movie in the park event at Wescott Park on August 19th  and upcoming code amendments due to 2022 legislative changes.

Mayor Report. Mayor Kostichek inquired about the walk-in cooler located on city property which has not being utilized. Council consensus was to have Stagg investigate if it can be dismantled and to dispose of it. Mayor Kostichek questioned the status of the engineer’s report on how potential development areas can be served with sanitary sewer and water. Stagg responded he reviewed a preliminary report but has not yet received a final report following his comments.

Council Comments. Comments included the sign at Prairie View Park that needs painted, appreciation to the Public Works Department staff for their assistance with the damaged railroad crossing, and compliments on the tree watering at the parks.

Koberg moved and Knutsen seconded to adjourn at 6:17 p.m. Motion carried. All votes on motions were unanimous, unless noted.

August 1, 2022 Signed Minutes & Claims

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July 18, 2022 Minutes

The semi-monthly meeting of the City Council of Walcott, Iowa, was held on Monday, the 18th 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 1st 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

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July 5, 2022 Minutes

The semi-monthly meeting of the City Council of Walcott, Iowa, was held on Tuesday, the 5th 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

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June 20, 2022 Minutes

The semi-monthly meeting of the City Council of Walcott, Iowa, was held on Monday, the 20th day of June, 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. Knutsen moved and Mengler seconded to approve the agenda.  Motion carried.

Consent Agenda. Koberg moved and Knutsen seconded to approve the consent agenda, which includes the invoices and minutes from June 6, 2022. Motion carried.

Walcott Day Events. 

  • Parade Approval and Temporary Closure of Route Streets. Discussion was held on the proposed parade route, from the school on E. James Street, turning north on Main Street to E. Parkview Drive. Although the parade route will stop at E. Parkview Drive, in order to get back to the school, most of the floats will turn at E. Parkview Drive and then at N. Downey Street to return to the school. Following discussion, Puck moved and Bieri seconded to approve the Walcott Day Parade route, temporary closure of route streets, and to include no parking on the south side of E. Parkview Drive and west side of N. Downey Street on July 16, 2022. Motion carried.
  • Street Closures. Mengler moved and Puck 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 16, 2022. Motion carried.
  • Fireworks Contribution. Knutsen moved and Koberg seconded to approve a contribution of $1,000 to the Walcott Day Committee for the fireworks display. Motion carried.
  • 5K Race & Temporary Street Closures. Discussion was held on repairs to W. Otis Street, changing the route to exclude W. Otis Street and moving that portion of the route to W. James Street. Mengler moved and Knutsen seconded to approve the revised 5K race route on July 16, 2022 as discussed. 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, Mengler moved and Knutsen seconded to approve a special wage of $28.09/hour for part-time police officers working for the City during Walcott Day events on July 15th and 16th. Motion carried.
  • Approval to Sell Food at Prairie View Park on Friday, July 15th. Koberg moved and Mengler seconded to allow the Walcott Lions Club to sell food at Prairie View Park on July 15th. Motion carried.
  • Approval to Close Heritage Recreational Trail for Kids Run and Fireworks on July 15th.

Puck moved and Bieri seconded to close Heritage Recreational Trail at Prairie View Park for the kids run and fireworks on July 15th. Motion carried.

Resolution 2022-31, Transfer of Funds. Rickertsen reported this resolution includes budgeted year-end transfers and additional transfers to the E. Lincoln Street Project fund. Bieri moved and Knutsen seconded to approve Resolution 2022-31. Roll call ayes: Bieri, Knutsen, Koberg, Mengler, and Puck. Motion carried.   

Resolution 2022-32, Approving Revised Site Plan at 140 E. Lincoln Street for Central Petroleum Company. The revised site plan excludes a sidewalk on the east side of the lot at 140 E. Lincoln Street. Mengler moved and Knutsen seconded to approve Resolution 2022-32. Roll call ayes: Mengler, Knutsen, Koberg, Bieri, and Puck. Motion carried.

Ordinance 526-22, Amending Chapter 92 Regarding Water Rates. Effective with the July 1st 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. Puck moved and Mengler seconded to approve the third reading of Ordinance 526-22. Roll call ayes: Puck, Mengler, Bieri, Knutsen, and Koberg. Motion carried.

Ordinance 527-22, Amending Chapter 99 Regarding Sewer Rates. Effective with the July 1st 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. Mengler moved and Bieri seconded to approve the third reading of Ordinance 527-22. Roll call ayes: Mengler, Bieri, Puck, Koberg, and Knutsen. Motion carried.

Ordinance 528-22, Amending Chapter 106 Pertaining to Solid Waste Collection Fees. Effective with the July 1st 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. Knutsen moved and Bieri seconded to approve the third reading of Ordinance 528-22. Roll call ayes: Roll call ayes: Knutsen, Bieri, Koberg, Mengler, and Puck. Motion carried.

Police Department Report. Chief Blake reported on changes to the Code of Iowa regarding ATVs and UTVs. He stated the City will need to amend the City Code since the City will no longer be able to charge registration fees for ATVs and UTVs but they must have a valid State of Iowa registration. Mengler questioned noise regulations regarding barking dogs. Chief Blake stated residents should call the Police Department for noise disturbances.         

Public Works Department Report. Stagg presented an update on the E. Lincoln Street project. Mengler questioned his plan for the weeds in the rocks around the pond and Stagg responded they will spray them this week. Stagg will also check on a dying tree near or in the right-of-way on S. Main Street.

City Clerk Report. Rickertsen reported the gravel road (60th Avenue) south of W. Memorial Road will be closed to through traffic for a culvert replacement project. She stated the next regular council meeting will be on Tuesday, July 5th.

Mayor Report. Mayor Kostichek stated he appreciates the volunteer efforts from the Walcott Day Committee members.

Council Member Comments. Koberg reported a resident was told to move a structure that was recently built in an easement area and he questioned the easement regulations. Stagg stated the City Code states that structures are not allowed in city easements. Knutsen reported on defective sidewalk sections on the Main Street bridge. Stagg stated it is on a list, along with other areas, and he is still pursuing concrete bids. Knutsen also suggested additional police patrol at the four-way stop at the Main and James Streets intersection.

Knutsen moved and Bieri seconded to adjourn at 6:39 p.m. Motion carried. All votes on motions were unanimous, unless noted.

June 20, 2022

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