Walcott Chamber Newsletter June 2022

The semi-monthly meeting of the City Council of Walcott, Iowa, was held on Monday, the 6^th 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: Lisa Rickertsen and Paul Stagg.

Approval of Agenda. Puck moved and Bieri seconded to approve the agenda with deletion of item five, 107 E. Walcott Road Easement.  Motion carried.

Consent Agenda. Mengler moved and Knutsen seconded to approve the consent agenda, including the invoices, renewal of Class A Liquor license with Sunday and Outdoor Service for Walcott Legion Post #548 , May 2022 financial reports, minutes from May 16^th and 23^rd, fireworks permit for Walcott Day display at Prairie View Park on July 15^th (rain date July 16^th), and annual cigarette permit renewals for Casey’s, Dolgencorp LLC, Iowa 80 Truckstop, and Pilot Travel Centers #043 and #268. Motion carried.

Hearts and Hands Foundation – Community Beautification Awards. Brent Puck was present on behalf of the Hearts and Hands Foundation to discuss past and proposed community beautification awards to commercial/industrial property owners. Puck reported 2015 was the last year awards were presented and the Foundation is proposing six properties that have made renovations/enhancements since 2015. Puck suggested making this an annual award. Koberg moved and Knutsen seconded to approve proceeding with the six community beautification awards, as proposed by the Hearts and Hands Foundation. Motion carried. The Hearts and Hands Foundation will contact the six property owners and an award presentation will be scheduled at a future meeting. Puck reported on a proposed community event the Foundation is working on to promote Walcott civic organizations.

Resolution 2022-29, Authoring and approving a certain Loan Agreement, providing for the issuance of $1,700,000 General Obligation Corporate Purpose Bonds, Series 2022A and providing the levy of taxes to pay the same. Rickertsen reported this is borrowing for a portion of the E. Lincoln Street Project. She reported although it provides for levying of taxes to pay the principal and interest, the City intends to use tax increment financing funds to repay the loan.  Mengler moved and Bieri seconded to approve Resolution 2022-29. Roll call ayes: Mengler, Bieri, Puck, Knutsen, and Koberg. Motion carried.

Resolution 2022-30, Resolution Amending the Fire Service Fees Charged by the Walcott Volunteer Fire Department. Rickertsen reported the Fire Department has proposed increasing the hourly vehicle fees for fire protection and other emergency response services to the non-residents of Scott County and Benefited Fire District No. 6 in Muscatine County. Mengler moved and Knutsen seconded to approve Resolution 2022-30. Roll call ayes: Mengler, Knutsen, Koberg, Puck, and Bieri. Motion carried.

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

Ordinance 526-22, Amending Chapter 92 Regarding Water Rates. 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. Bieri moved and Mengler seconded to approve the second reading. Roll call ayes: Bieri, Mengler, Puck, Knutsen, and Koberg. Motion carried.

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

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

City Engineer Report – W. Otis Street Construction Resolution. City Engineer, Jason Holodorf, and Kirk Nelson, both representatives of IMEG, were present to discuss the proposed resolution of the W. Otis Street project deficiencies. Nelson reported the cracking and heaving of concrete panels and sidewalk appear to be near underground utilities. IMEG evaluated possible contributing factors and reported that the general contractor used slag, which was not in the original specifications but was an approved substitution, for the trench backfill and they believe there was some expansion in the material over the deep utility trenches. He also reported there was no soil exploration completed prior to the design of this project. IMEG proposes to coordinate and pay for the replacement of faulted sidewalk sections and one or two street panels during this 2022 construction season. They will monitor it over the next year to see how it performs and if it is stable they will coordinate replacement of other cracked panels in 2023 and cover the costs. Nelson stated there may be further discovery once a full panel is removed and if their proposal doesn’t work they will continue to do further exploration. Further discussion ensued, including concerns with the underground utility pipe and responsibility if the panels would crack again. Nelson stated the movement would be above the pipe and the pipe would be fine. IMEG will research and report to the City on any additional maintenance bonds. Koberg moved and Mengler seconded to accept IMEG’S proposal to remedy the problems on W. Otis Street as discussed and outlined in a letter, dated June 1, 2022. Motion carried. Stagg commented that the concrete subcontractor was not at fault for the concrete deficiencies with this project.     

Public Works Department Report. Stagg presented a project worksheet to eliminate the overhead electric service at Wescott Park and replace with an underground service. Mengler moved and Puck seconded to approve the Wescott Park electrical upgrade project. Motion carried. The project cost is $10,846, per the proposal from LMI (Lighting Maintenance Inc.). Stagg reported the City’s wastewater lab received a rating of 100% proficiency on their lab tests. He also reported on updates on the E. Lincoln Street project and an inquiry received on reserving the picnic tables for an out of town event. Council consensus was to not allow city-owned picnic tables be reserved/removed for events not within city limits.

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

June 6, 2022 Signed Minutes & Claims

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

The semi-monthly meeting of the City Council of Walcott, Iowa, was held on Monday, the 18^th day of April, 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 Jacob Puck. Absent: Lisa Mengler. Staff present: Jeff Blake, Lisa Rickertsen, and Paul Stagg.

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

Introduction of Audience/Public Comments. IMEG representatives, Jason Holdorf (City Engineer) and Walter DeDoncker, were in attendance.

Consent Agenda. Puck moved and Knutsen seconded to approve the consent agenda including the invoices, minutes from April 4, 2022, March 2022 financial reports, Tax Increment Financing rebate payments per agreements to Iowa 80 Truckstop, Inc. for main building expansion – ½ of 2^nd year rebate = $14,487.08 and Atlantic Bottling Company for distribution building, – ½ of 1^st year rebate = $43,748.82, and Resolution 2022-14 – Transfer of Funds. Roll call ayes: Puck, Knutsen, Koberg, and Bieri. Motion carried.

Walcott Day Committee Request. Koberg reported the theme for Walcott Day is Fields of Dreams and the Committee is requesting to plant two rows of field corn around a section of the outside fence at Victory Park. The Committee will be responsible for planting, watering, weeding, removal after Walcott Day, and re-seeding or re-sodding the area. Puck moved and Knutsen seconded to approve the request, allowing two rows of field corn to be planted outside the fence at Victory Park, as presented, between the two light poles. Motion carried.

Summer Youth Program Transportation Costs. Discussion was held on the increased transportation costs for the summer youth program. If the number of participants exceeds 70, an additional fee of $4,500 will be charged to the City for a second bus. Following discussion, Puck moved and Koberg reluctantly seconded to limit the summer youth program participation to 70. Motion carried.

Resolution 2022-15, Designation of the State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds (SLFRF). Rickertsen reported on the SLFRF received from the American Rescue Plan Act. Puck moved and Knutsen seconded to approve Resolution 2022-15. Roll call ayes: Puck, Knutsen, Koberg, and Bieri. Motion carried. This designates up to $138,860 of SLFRF to upgrade the technology equipment at the water and sewer treatment plants.

Legal Services for 2022 Urban Renewal Plan Amendment and General Obligation Project Financing Services. Rickertsen reported that these services are in connection with the E. Lincoln Street Improvements Project. Bieri moved and Puck seconded to approve the legal services, as presented, with Dorsey & Whitney, in the amount of $16,000. Motion carried.

Resolution 2022-16, Setting Public Hearing on the Urban Renewal Plan Amendment. Rickertsen reported an amendment to the urban renewal plan for the Consolidated Walcott Urban Renewal Area has been prepared to include the E. Lincoln Street Improvements Project. Bieri moved and Koberg seconded to approve Resolution 2022-16. Roll call ayes: Bieri, Knutsen, Koberg, and Puck. Motion carried. The public hearing will be held at Walcott City Hall on May 16^th at 6:00 p.m.

Resolution 2022-17, Awarding Contract for the E. Lincoln Street Improvements Project. Koberg moved and Puck seconded to approve Resolution 2022-17, per the City Engineer’s recommendation. Roll call ayes: Koberg, Puck, Bieri, and Knutsen. Motion carried. The contract for the E. Lincoln Street Improvements Project is awarded to the low bidder, Needham Excavating, Inc., at $3,172,652.57.

Resolution 2022-18, Setting Public Hearing Date on Additional Action on Proposal to enter into General Obligation Loan Agreement and to Borrow Money thereunder. This is to borrow money, not to exceed $1,750,000, for paying costs related to the E. Lincoln Street Improvements Project. Bieri moved and Puck seconded to approve Resolution 2022-18. Roll call ayes: Bieri, Puck, Knutsen, and Koberg. Motion carried. The public hearing will be held at Walcott City Hall on May 16^th at 6:00 p.m.  

City Engineer Report. Holdorf reported on the landscaping progress at Victory Park. He stated he spoke to the general contractor on the Downey Street Watermain project and they will be replacing the ADA ramp that they installed incorrectly and over-seed and fertilize the area.

Public Works Department Report. Stagg presented project worksheets for street maintenance and upgrading technology equipment at the water and sewer treatment plants. He also presented information on the residential sidewalk repair program and stated he is in the process of flushing hydrants.

• Chip Seal Maintenance. Puck moved and Bieri seconded to approve the chip seal maintenance on portions of E. Otis, E. James, and N. Downey Streets. Motion carried. The contractor is LL Pelling Co. and the maintenance amount is $22,608.
• Technology/Controls Upgrades at the Water & Sewer Treatment Plants. Koberg moved and Puck seconded to hire Automatic Systems to upgrade the hardware and software components of the facility controls at a cost not to exceed $138,860. Motion carried.
• 2022 Residential Sidewalk Repair Program. Puck moved and Bieri seconded to approve the 2022 Residential Sidewalk Repair Program as presented. Motion carried.

Knutsen moved and Bieri seconded to adjourn at 6:46 p.m. Motion carried. All votes on motions were unanimous, unless noted.

April 18, 2022 Signed Minutes & Claims

The semi-monthly meeting of the City Council of Walcott, Iowa, was held on Monday, the 4^th day of April, 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 Bieri seconded to approve the agenda with addition of Introduction of Audience/Public Comments. Motion carried.

Introduction of Audience/Public Comments. Nick Needham expressed safety concerns, due to lack of visibility and large equipment, if Needham Excavating is required to install a sidewalk along their property on N. Henry Street. He reported the site plan approved last October for Central Petroleum (NW corner of Lincoln & Henry Streets) includes a sidewalk along N. Henry Street, stopping south of the creek and Needham Excavating’s property. Discussion ensued and Rickertsen stated the City Code requires the site plan be resubmitted for deviations to the approved site plan. Following further discussion, Needham (acting developer for Central Petroleum) stated they would re-submit the site plan.

Consent Agenda. Puck moved and Koberg seconded to approve the consent agenda including the invoices, minutes from March 21, 2022, and renewal of Class C liquor license including outdoor and Sunday sales for the Lamp Liter, Inc. Motion carried.

Class B Beer Permit including Outdoor & Sunday Sales for Walcott Unified Fund at Victory Park. Puck moved and Bieri seconded to approve the Class B beer permit for Walcott Unified Fund (W.U.F.) at Victory Park. Motion carried with Koberg abstaining due to conflict of interest since he is the President of W.U.F.

Class B Beer Permit including Outdoor & Sunday Sales for Walcott Unified Fund at Wescott Park. Mengler moved and Bieri seconded to approve the Class B beer permit for Walcott Unified Fund at Wescott Park. Motion carried with Koberg abstaining due to conflict of interest.

Resolution 2022-12, Setting Public Hearing on the Adoption of the Proposed Code of Ordinances of the City of Walcott, Iowa. Mengler moved and Koberg seconded to approve Resolution 2022-12. Roll call ayes: Mengler, Koberg, Knutsen, Bieri, and Puck. Motion carried. The public hearing will be on May 2^nd at 6:00 p.m.

Resolution 2022-13, Accepting Westbrook 7^th Addition Public Improvements. Koberg moved and Puck seconded to approve Resolution 2022-13. Roll call ayes: Koberg, Puck, Bieri, Mengler, and Knutsen. Motion carried.

Sale of Equipment. Stagg presented the auction results for the sale of the following equipment: 1989 Ford 6610 Tractor, 1989 John Deere 430, 1990 JD 955, and 2008 JD X360. Koberg moved and Puck seconded to approve the sale of equipment as presented, for a total of $36,578. Motion carried.

Public Works Department Report.

• Equipment Disposal. Stagg presented photos of some old equipment and requested to dispose of them. Koberg moved and Knutsen seconded to dispose of the equipment as presented by Stagg. Motion carried.
• Purchase of Brush Grapple for Skid Steer. Stagg presented a project worksheet to purchase a brush grapple for the skid steer. Puck moved and Mengler seconded to approve the purchase of a brush grapple for $3,199 from BDS Equipment. Motion carried.

City Clerk Report. Rickertsen reported the Iowa DOT submitted information on an upcoming pavement marking project on I-80 within City limits.

Council Comments. Council members expressed concerns/disappointment with the recent contractor projects at Victory and Wescott Parks, especially with the sod and workmanship. Puck questioned if the Historical Society is still interested in the 1949 fire truck and reported on a complaint he received regarding the graveled portion of W. Memorial Road.

Puck moved and Knutsen seconded to adjourn at 6:46 p.m. Motion carried. All votes on motions were unanimous, unless noted.

April 4, 2022 Signed Minutes & Claims

Walcott Chamber Newsletter April 2022

The semi-monthly meeting of the City Council of Walcott, Iowa, was held on Monday, the 21^st day of March, 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. Koberg moved and Mengler seconded to approve the agenda. Motion carried.

Introduction of Audience. Residents, Bob Peters and Matt Ziegenhorn, and IMEG representatives, Jason Holdorf (City Engineer) and Walter DeDoncker, were in attendance.

Public Hearings.

• FYE 2023 Budget. Mayor Kostichek opened the public hearing on the budget for fiscal year ending June 30, 2023 (FYE 2023). Rickertsen stated the proposed tax levy tax rate of $10.12356 is slightly below the current levy rate. The budget includes a water rate increase to cover costs associated with the maintenance and future improvements to the water system and a garbage rate increase to cover the annual rate increase from the garbage contractor. No written or other comments were received. Puck moved and Bieri seconded to close the public hearing and open the public hearing on the proposed plans, specifications, form of contract, and cost estimate for the E. Lincoln Street improvements project. Motion carried.
• E. Lincoln Street Improvements Project Proposed Plans, Specifications, Form of Contract, and Cost Estimate. Holdorf stated the project includes new concrete paving, curb and gutter on E. Lincoln Street from Main Street to Blue Grass Road and on Henry Street from Lincoln Street to the railroad tracks; new water mains and storm sewer; and a culvert replacement. Holdorf reviewed the plans and discussed the project details including: parking, sidewalks, drainage inlets, and a 4” sloped curb in front of Twin State. Mengler expressed concerns about the same issues potentially occurring on this project as there are on W. Otis Street. Holdorf reported those problems may be attributed to the challenges with W. Otis Street, including soil conditions and extreme temperature changes and weather conditions during the project construction. Questions arose on increasing the depth of the concrete and/or drainable subbase. Discussion ensued regarding increasing the concrete and drainable subbase depth from 7” to 8” each. Holdorf stated there are no guarantees with the challenging soils and weather conditions. 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, minutes from March 7, 2022, and set Spring Clean-Up Day for May 7, 2021, from 2:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. Motion carried. The dumpsters will be located at the compost area.

Resolution 2022-10, Approving the Adoption of the FYE 2023 Budget. Bieri moved and Koberg seconded to approve Resolution 2022-10 as proposed. Roll call ayes: Bieri, Koberg, Knutsen, Mengler, and Puck. Motion carried.

Resolution 2022-11, Approving Plans, Specifications, Form of Contract, and Cost Estimate for the E. Lincoln Street Improvements Project. Mengler moved and Koberg seconded to approve Resolution 2022-11, per changes as discussed (increasing concrete and subbase depths to 8”). Roll call ayes: Mengler, Koberg, Knutsen, Bieri, and Puck. Motion carried.

W. Otis Street Deficiencies. Holdorf stated IMEG provided construction observation on the W. Otis Street Improvements project and they did not see anything unusual at the time. Council expressed their dissatisfaction with the street defects and questioned what may be causing the problems, how to correct it, and who is liable. Holdorf stated he has reached out to the contractor but they have not come to a resolution yet. He stated that IMEG has done additional testing exploration to find the cause of the problems, at no cost to the city, but they have not found anything conclusive yet. Following further discussion, Holdorf agreed to provide a final report and resolution to the City by May 31, 2022.

Summer Youth Program. Rickertsen presented information on the proposed Summer Youth Program with the Scott County YMCA. Mengler moved and Puck seconded to approve the 2022 Summer Youth Program as presented. Motion carried. Fees will remain the same as last year: $70 per participant for children residing within city limits or Fire District #6 and the full cost of $196.45 for non-residents. The program will be held on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays from June 20^th – July 29^th.

Park Board Recommendations.   

• Allow Plugs for Temporary Tournament Fences at Wescott and Victory Parks. Puck moved and Koberg seconded to allow installation of plugs in the parks for temporary tournament fences, as recommended by the Park Board. Motion carried.
• Tennis Courts Crack Sealing. Stagg presented a project worksheet to repair the cracks on the tennis courts. Mengler moved and Puck seconded to approve the crack sealing at the tennis courts, not to exceed $3,400, as recommended by the Park Board. Motion carried.

City Code Review/Update. Rickertsen reviewed proposed changes to the City Code, which were previously discussed at several council meetings. Council had no further changes so they will be submitted to the recodification company.

Ordinance 524-22, Amending Chapter 167.22 Regarding Accessory Buildings. Puck moved and Koberg seconded to approve the third reading of Ordinance 524-22. Roll call ayes: Puck, Koberg, Knutsen, Bieri, and Mengler. Motion carried. This will increase the maximum attached garage size from 864 sq. ft. to 1,250 sq. ft.

Public Works Department Report.

• Purchase of Used Broom for JD X739 Tractor. Stagg presented a project worksheet that included multiple quotes on a used broom for the JD X739 tractor. Koberg moved and Knutsen seconded to approve purchasing a used broom for the JD X739 tractor, at the lowest cost of $2,500. Motion carried.
• Main Lift Station Pump Repairs. Stagg presented a project worksheet to rebuild a failed pump in the main lift station. Mengler moved and Bieri seconded to approve the main lift station repairs, not to exceed $15,865. Motion carried.

Stagg also reported the traffic paint won’t be available for at least another 6 – 8 weeks and the equipment which was approved to be disposed of at the last meeting, is listed at www.govdeals.com. The two-week auction ends on April 4^th and bids will be presented to council for approval during their meeting that evening.

Knutsen moved and Koberg seconded to adjourn at 7:35 p.m. Motion carried. All votes on motions were unanimous, unless noted.

March 21, 2022 Signed Minutes & Claims