The semi-monthly meeting of the City Council of Walcott, Iowa, was held on Monday, the 7^th 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. Mengler moved and Puck seconded to approve the agenda. Motion carried.

Introduction of Audience/Public Comments. Kendall Mattson expressed concerns regarding defects with the W. Otis Street project. This will be discussed at the next regular meeting.

Consent Agenda. Bieri moved and Knutsen seconded to approve the consent agenda including the invoices and the February 2022 financial reports. Motion carried.

Minutes from February 7, 2022. Koberg moved and Puck seconded to approve the minutes from February 7, 2022. Motion carried with Mengler and Knutsen abstaining due to absence from meeting.

Minutes from February 21, 2022. Mengler moved and Bieri seconded to approve the minutes from February 21, 2022. Motion carried with Koberg abstaining due to absence from meeting.

Appointments by Council. Puck moved and Knutsen seconded to appoint Larry Smith to the Planning & Zoning Commission, term ending December 31, 2025. Motion carried. Mengler moved and Puck seconded to appoint Bernard Brus to the Zoning Board of Adjustment, term ending December 31, 2023. Motion carried.

Lincoln Street Improvements Project. Mengler moved and Bieri seconded to approve Resolution 2022-9, Approving Notice of Hearing on Proposed Plans, Specifications, Form of Contract and Cost Estimate. Roll call ayes: Mengler, Bieri, Puck, Koberg, and Knutsen. Motion carried. The public hearing will be on March 21, 2022, at 6:00 p.m.

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

Engineering Services for Future Development Utility Plan. Stagg presented a proposal from IMEG for engineering services to look at six potential development areas and determine how the areas can be served with sanitary sewer and water. Koberg moved and Bieri seconded to approve the engineering agreement with IMEG for $5,800. Motion carried.

Public Works Department Report.

• Water Tower Cleaning. Stagg presented a project worksheet for cleaning the north water tower. Mengler moved and Koberg seconded to approve hiring National Wash Authority, at a cost of $6,900, to clean the north water tower. Motion carried.
• ADA Ramps at Intersection of James and Century Streets. Stagg presented cost estimates from the City Engineer for construction of ADA ramps on E. James Street. Bieri moved and Knutsen seconded to have staff obtain bids for construction of ADA ramps at the intersection of James and Century Streets. Motion carried.
• Equipment Disposal. Bieri moved and Koberg seconded to proceed with advertising for disposal of the following equipment: 1988 Ford 6610 tractor, 1989 JD 430, 1990 JD 955, 1994 Vermeer Chipper, and 2008 JD x360. Motion carried.

Stagg also reported on the schools request to add 400’ of sidewalk, east of their driveway, along E. Lincoln Street. Council consensus was to allow the sidewalk along the curb, for drop-off and pick-up, and to add the 400’ of sidewalk to the E. Lincoln Street Improvements project plans and specifications.

Mayor Report. Mayor Kostichek proclaimed April 7^th as Junior Achievement Day in the City of Walcott.

Council examined the 1997 Freightliner (Unit 6) which Chief Kraft requested to replace during a prior budget meeting.

Puck moved and Knutsen seconded to adjourn at 6:45 p.m. Motion carried. All votes on motions were unanimous, unless noted.

March 7, 2022 Signed minutes & claims

Walcott Chamber Newsletter March 2022

The semi-monthly meeting of the City Council of Walcott, Iowa, was held on Monday, the 21^st day of February, 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.

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

Introduction of Audience/Public Comments. No comments at this time.

Public Hearings.

• Changes to Chapter 167.22. Mayor Kostichek opened the public hearing on changes to Chapter 167.22 regarding increasing the maximum size of an attached garage. Rickertsen reported the Planning & Zoning Commission recommends approval of increasing the attached garage size from 864 sq. ft. to 1,250 sq. ft. She presented information from the City Attorney regarding concerns that increasing the size would allow for an attached garage to be larger than the minimum residence (900 sq. ft.). Mengler stated the Council has discussed the increased size during prior meetings and was comfortable with it. No written or other oral comments were received. Mengler moved and Bieri seconded to close the public hearing and open the public hearing on the purchase offer from Ronnie Gruenhagen Trust. Motion carried.
• Purchase Offer. Rickertsen reported the purchase offer includes a transfer of property to the City as payment for the property conveyed to the Ronnie Gruenhagen Trust. No written or other oral comments were received. Puck moved and Bieri seconded to close the public hearing and resume the regular meeting. Motion carried.

Consent Agenda. Mengler moved and Puck seconded to approve the consent agenda including the invoices, annual insurance renewal with Arp Insurance/EMC Insurance, and request for services from the State of Iowa Auditor’s Office for the FYE 2022 examination. Motion carried.

Minutes from February 7, 2022. Due to the absence of Mengler and Knutsen at the meeting on February 7, 2022, Puck moved and Knutsen seconded to table approval of the minutes until the next meeting. Motion carried.

Lincoln Street Improvements Project. City Engineer, Jason Holdorf, was present to discuss the proposed E. Lincoln Street Improvements project. A public hearing date for the proposed project plans and specifications will be set at the next regular meeting.

Resolution 2022-7, Approving Purchase Offer from Ronnie L. Gruenhagen Trust. Mengler moved and Bieri seconded to approve Resolution 2022-7. Roll call ayes: Mengler, Bieri, Puck, and Knutsen. Motion carried. The Council feels the property exchange and related expenses are reasonable and that the acquisition of the Gruenhagen property is deemed a benefit to the citizens.

Ordinance 523-22, Amending the Official Zoning Map. Puck moved and Mengler seconded to approve the third reading of Ordinance 523-22. Roll call ayes: Puck, Mengler, Bieri, and Knutsen. Motion carried. This rezones 231 and 233 E. Walcott Road from M-2, Moderate Industrial District, to M-1, Light Industrial District.

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

City Clerk’s Report. Mengler moved and Puck seconded to approve Resolution 2022-8, Approving the Maximum Property Dollars Levy for FYE 2023. Roll call ayes: Mengler, Puck, Bieri, and Knutsen. Motion carried. The total maximum levy dollars for FYE 2023 is $1,124,520. Knutsen moved and Mengler seconded to set the FYE 2023 budget public hearing date for March 21, 2022, at 6:00 p.m. Motion carried

Bieri moved and Puck seconded to adjourn at 6:31 p.m. Motion carried. All votes on motions were unanimous, unless noted.

022122 Signed Minutes & Claims

The semi-monthly meeting of the City Council of Walcott, Iowa, was held on Monday, the 7^th day of February, 2022, at Walcott City Hall. Mayor John Kostichek called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m. Council members present: Everett Bieri, Kirk Koberg, and Jacob Puck. Absent: Harry Knutsen and Lisa Mengler. Staff present: Jeff Blake, Lisa Rickertsen, and Paul Stagg.

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

Introduction of Audience/Public Comments. Bernie Brus extended thanks to the Police & Fire Departments for their participation in the Santa parade last December and to the Public Works Department for the snow removal this winter. Brus expressed the following concerns: size of a drain opening on the north end of Rowe Lane; rental property on E. Lincoln Street in disrepair; and lack of speed limit sign on F58/200^th Street, east of City limits. Brus also reported on updates from the Hearts and Hands Foundation including proposed ditch clean-up east of the school. Brus was advised to contact the school regarding ditch clean-up and fence post removal. Mayor Kostichek reported he recently spoke with the Building Official who has a meeting scheduled with the rental property owner. Chief Blake will contact the County regarding a speed limit sign. William and Patricia Stone expressed concerns that the Main Street entrance intersection is not well-lit when traveling from the east.

Public Hearing.  Mayor Kostichek opened the public hearing on the maximum property dollars levy for fiscal year ending June 30, 2023 (FYE 2023). Rickertsen stated the maximum property tax levy dollars is 6.76% higher than the current year, with a maximum levy tax rate at 10.12356, which is just under the current levy rate of 10.12383. Rickertsen explained that the property dollars levy request has been the same amount for the past two years. No written or other oral comments were received. Puck moved and Bieri seconded to close the public hearing and resume the regular meeting. Motion carried.

Consent Agenda. Koberg moved and Bieri seconded to approve the consent agenda including the invoices, minutes from January 17, 2022 and January 20, 2022, and the January 2022 financial reports. Motion carried.

Resolution 2022-4, Approving the Maximum Property Dollars Levy for FYE 2023. Koberg moved and Bieri seconded to approve Resolution 2022-4. Roll call ayes: Koberg, Bieri, and Puck. Motion carried. The total maximum levy dollars for FYE 2023 is $1,124,520.

Resolution 2022-5, Approving Lease Between the City of Walcott and Loretta Siebke, on behalf of the Marvin Siebke & Loretta Siebke Revocable Trust. This is a one-year lease for the property adjacent to City owned property, known as Water Tower Park. Koberg moved and Puck seconded to approve Resolution 2022-5. Roll call ayes: Koberg, Puck, and Bieri. Motion carried.

Resolution 2022-6, Setting Public Hearing Date and Time for Purchase Offer from Ronnie Gruenhagen Trust. Rickertsen reported the purchase offer includes a transfer of property to the City as payment for the property conveyed to Gruenhagen Trust. Bieri moved and Puck seconded to approve Resolution 2022-6. Roll call ayes: Bieri, Puck, and Koberg. Motion carried. The hearing date is February 21, 2022, at 6:00 p.m.

Ordinance 523-22, Amending the Official Zoning Map. Puck moved and Bieri seconded to approve the second reading of Ordinance 523-22. Roll call ayes: Puck, Bieri, and Koberg. Motion carried. This rezones 231 and 233 E. Walcott Road from M-2, Moderate Industrial District, to M-1, Light Industrial District.

Lincoln Street Improvements Project. City Engineer, Jason Holdorf, was present to discuss the proposed E. Lincoln Street Improvements project. Pavement comparisons between asphalt and concrete were reviewed. Cons on the asphalt are increased preventative maintenance and more susceptible to damage from turning movements. Concrete cons include higher upfront costs, potential panel removal and replacement to correct undesirable surface issues, and longer cure time. Following discussion, Koberg moved and Puck seconded to proceed with plans for a concrete street. Motion carried.

Police Department Report. Chief Blake reported the University of Iowa is seeking additional law enforcement to assist at sporting events. Currently Walcott officers have City permission to work during University of Iowa football games. Puck moved and Koberg seconded to allow Walcott officers to work at all University of Iowa athletic events, as needed. Motion carried.

Public Works Department Report. Stagg presented a project worksheet for remodeling of the restrooms at Wescott Park as recommended by the Park Board. The project includes new ADA toilets, stall doors, stainless sinks, and automatic faucets. Koberg moved and Bieri seconded to approve the Wescott Park restroom project, not to exceed $10,091.11. Motion carried. Stagg also reported on a recent water main break on N. Century Street.

City Clerk’s Report. Rickertsen reviewed the rankings of proposed capital improvement projects. Rickertsen briefly reviewed the budget information provided to the council, including levy rate history from FYE 2001 through the current year. The levy rate in FYE 2001 was 10.50225, compared to the current levy rate at 10.12383. Koberg moved and Puck seconded to set the FYE 2023 budget public hearing date for March 21, 2022, at 6:00 p.m. Motion carried

Mayor’s Report. Mayor Kostichek commended the council for working diligently together.

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

020722 Signed Minutes & Claims

Walcott Chamber Newsletter Feb 2022

A special meeting of the City Council of the City of Walcott, Iowa, was held on Thursday, January 20, 2022, with Mayor John Kostichek calling the meeting to order at 5:30 p.m. Council members present were: Everett Bieri, Harry Knutsen, Kirk Koberg, Lisa Mengler, and Jacob Puck. City staff present: Paul Stagg and Lisa Rickertsen. Jeff Blake, Police Chief, and Korry Kraft, Fire Chief, were present for review of their department budgets only.

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

FYE 2023 Budget Review and Discussion. Discussion was held on the proposed FYE 2023 budget, including a review of all departments in the general, general reserve, special revenue, and proprietary (water, sewer, and garbage) funds, property valuations, and the max levy rate. Rickertsen will make changes to the proposed budget as discussed. Further review will be held during the next regular meeting on February 7, 2022.

Set Budget Max Levy Hearing Date. Following discussion, Mengler moved and Bieri seconded to set the FYE 2023 budget max levy public hearing date for February 7, 2022, at City Hall at 6:00 p.m. 

Koberg moved and Knutsen seconded to adjourn at 7:03 p.m. Ayes: All. Motion carried.

The semi-monthly meeting of the City Council of Walcott, Iowa, was held on Monday, the 17^th day of January, 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. City staff present: Jeff Blake, Lisa Rickertsen, and Paul Stagg.

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

Introduction of Audience/Public Comments. No comments at this time.

Public Hearing. Mayor Kostichek opened the public hearing on the rezoning request for 231 & 233 E. Walcott Road from M-2, Moderate Industrial District, to M-1, Light Industrial District. Rickertsen stated the Planning & Zoning Commission recommended approval of the zoning change during their meeting on January 10, 2021. No written comments or other oral comments were received. Mengler moved and Puck 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, December 2021 financial reports, and Class C liquor license renewal for Grammas Kitchen & The Checkered Flag Bar & Grill. Motion carried.

Ordinance 523-22, Amending the Official Zoning Map. Ordinance 523-22 was introduced and Puck moved to approve the first reading of Ordinance 523-22. Seconded by Bieri. Roll call ayes: Puck, Bieri, Mengler, Koberg, and Knutsen. Motion carried. This rezones 231 and 233 E. Walcott Road from M-2, Moderate Industrial District, to M-1, Light Industrial District.

Minutes from January 3, 2022. Mengler moved and Knutsen seconded to approve the minutes from January 3, 2022, with a correction to reflect the City Attorney appointment of Tom Schirman to include Brooks Law Firm. Motion carried with Koberg abstaining due to absence from meeting.

Lincoln Street Improvements Project. IMEG representatives, Jason Holdorf (City Engineer) and Matt Dotson, were present to discuss the proposed E. Lincoln Street Improvements project. Discussion included the following:

• Angle parking locations in the first two blocks.
• Asphalt versus concrete. Dotson explained that asphalt provides greater flexibility and is easier to maintain and replace. He reported the longevity for either option, based on designs, will be thirty years. Holdorf will provide a cost estimate on both options.
• Stagg reported he contacted the school and two affected businesses. The sidewalk is proposed to go to the west side of the school entrance. Stagg stated he asked the school if they were interested in extending the sidewalk or adding any off-street parking but is still waiting for a response.

Durant Ambulance Support. Mengler moved and Koberg seconded to approve the budgeted payment of $1,000 to Durant Ambulance. Motion carried.

Review of Capital Improvements Projects. Stagg reviewed the current Capital Improvement Plan and potential future infrastructure projects. Mayor Kostichek and Council members will rank the projects.

Police Department Report. Chief Blake reported the University of Iowa is seeking additional law enforcement to assist at sporting events. Currently Walcott officers have City permission to work during University of Iowa football games. This will be listed on the next regular meeting agenda. Mengler questioned the regulations regarding parking in front of mailboxes. Blake stated the City Code prohibits parking within twenty feet of either side of a mailbox. Residents William and Patricia Stone reported on issues they have had with neighbors, including parking in front of their mailbox. They were advised to contact the police department with any issues.

Public Works Department Report. Fire Chief, Korry Kraft, questioned Stagg if roads were pre-treated on January 8^th and reported on icy road conditions that evening. Stagg replied that every winter weather event is unique and operations are based on forecast, experience, staffing, and safety. He stated the forecast for the 8^th was rain which would’ve washed away any pre-treatment on the roadways. Discussion ensued and Koberg thanked the public works staff for the great job on the last snow event.

City Clerk’s Report. Rickertsen briefly reviewed the budget orientation information provided to council. The budget meeting scheduled for January 24^th was rescheduled to January 20^th at 5:30 p.m.

Council Member Comments. Koberg thanked Stones for attending the meeting and Knutsen questioned the possibility of adding stop lights on Plainview Road by the interstate ramps.

Knutsen moved and Koberg seconded to adjourn at 7:45 p.m. Motion carried. All votes on motions were unanimous, unless noted.

Walcott Chamber Newsletter Jan 2022

The semi-monthly meeting of the City Council of Walcott, Iowa, was held on Monday, the 3^rd day of January, 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. City staff present: Jeff Blake, Lisa Rickertsen, and Paul Stagg.

Approval of Agenda. Puck moved and Mengler seconded to approve the agenda with deletion of item 8, E. Lincoln Street Improvements Project. Motion carried.

Introduction of Audience/Public Comments. None.

Consent Agenda. Rickertsen reported on the resolutions listed in the consent agenda. Mengler moved and Bieri seconded to approve the consent agenda including the invoices, Resolution 2022-1, Designating the North Scott Press as Official Newspaper, Resolution 2022-2, Authorizing Certain Payments Before a Council Meeting, and Resolution 2022-3, Establishing the Standard Mileage Rate Reimbursement. Roll call ayes: Mengler, Bieri, Puck, and Knutsen. Motion carried.

Minutes from December 20, 2021. Puck moved and Bieri seconded to approve the minutes from December 20, 2021. Motion carried with Knutsen abstaining due to absence from meeting.

Appointments by Mayor.  Mayor Kostichek made the following appointments:

• Park Board. Reappointed Kelly Quick to the Park Board with a term ending 12/31/26. Mengler moved and Puck seconded to approve the Mayor’s appointment. Motion carried.
• Council Committees:
• Police & Animal Control – Koberg and Puck
• Policy & Administration/City Hall – Bieri and Mengler
• Streets, Solid Waste, & Parks – Puck and Knutsen
• Fire & Civil Defense – Knutsen and Bieri
• Water & Sanitary Sewer – Mengler and Koberg
• Mayor Pro Tem – Jacob Puck

Appointments by Council.

• City Attorney & City Clerk. Puck moved and Bieri seconded to reappoint Tom Schirman as the City Attorney and Lisa Rickertsen as the City Clerk with terms ending 12/31/23. Motion carried.
• Planning & Zoning Commission. Mengler moved and Bieri seconded to reappoint Tom Sweeney and Joe Aubry to the Planning & Zoning Commission with terms ending 12/31/26. Motion carried.
• Zoning Board of Adjustment. Bieri moved and Puck seconded to reappoint Jason Holdorf to the Zoning Board of Adjustment with a term ending 12/31/26. Motion carried.

Stanley Consultants, Inc. Services Proposal. Stagg reported the Iowa Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) requires the City to perform feasibility studies on reducing nutrient discharges from the wastewater treatment plant. A proposal and schedule was received from the engineering firm that designed the wastewater treatment plant, Stanley Consultants, Inc. Mengler moved and Bieri seconded to approve the proposal with Stanley Consultants, Inc. to conduct a wastewater nutrient study as required by the IDNR, not to exceed $27,175. Motion carried.

City Clerk’s Report. A budget meeting was scheduled for January 24^th at 5:00 p.m.

Mayor’s Report. Mayor Kostichek took a moment to recognize Leon Downing who served as Walcott’s mayor for sixteen years.  

Council Member Comments. Comments included possible flashing lights at the four-way stop intersection and notices for sidewalk snow removal.

Puck moved and Bieri seconded to adjourn at 6:21 p.m. Motion carried. All votes on motions were unanimous, unless noted.

January 3, 2022 Signed Minutes & Claims