The semi-monthly meeting of the City Council of Walcott, Iowa, was held on Monday, the 20^th day of March 2023 at Walcott City Hall. Mayor John Kostichek called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m. Council members present: Everett Bieri, Kirk Koberg, Harry Knutsen, Lisa Mengler, and Jacob Puck. Staff present: Lisa Rickertsen and Paul Stagg.

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

Public Hearing. Mayor Kostichek opened the public hearing on the proposed ordinance amending Chapter 160 of the Walcott City Code, which will align with the State of Iowa’s mechanical, electrical, and plumbing codes. No written or oral comments were received. Puck moved and Mengler 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, minutes from March 6, 2023, and set Spring Clean-Up Day for May 6, 2023, from 2:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. Motion carried. The dumpsters will be located at the compost area and the area will be closed from Friday, May 5^th until Monday, May 8^th, except during the clean-up day hours.

Park Board Recommendation – Naming of Field at Wescott Park. Mengler moved and Puck seconded to approve the Park Board’s recommendation to name the field at Wescott Park, Larry Koberg Field, and purchase two signs, to be placed on backstop and third base line. Motion carried.

Resolution 2023-11, Deleting Property from the Consolidated Walcott Urban Renewal Area. Bieri moved the adoption of Resolution 2023-11, Deleting Property from the Consolidated Walcott Urban Renewal Area, and the motion was seconded by Koberg. Roll call ayes: Bieri, Koberg, Knutsen, Mengler, and Puck. Nays: None. Motion carried.

Ordinance 534-23, Amending Provisions Pertaining to Chapter 160, Building Codes. The proposed ordinance amends Chapter 160 to adopt the State of Iowa plumbing, electrical, and mechanical codes, which will align with Scott County and other local communities. Koberg moved and Puck seconded to approve the first reading of Ordinance 534-23. Roll call ayes: Koberg, Puck, Mengler, Bieri, and Knutsen. Motion carried.

Ordinance 535-23, Amending Chapter 47 Prohibiting Bounce Houses and Other Inflatables. Mengler expressed concerns with some wording in the proposed ordinance and suggested changes in sections A, B, and D. Mengler moved and Bieri seconded to approve the first reading of Ordinance 535-23 with the changes as presented. Roll call ayes: Mengler, Bieri, Puck, Knutsen, and Koberg. Motion carried.

Ordinance 536-23, Deleting Property from the Tax Increment Financing District. The proposed ordinance removes Lot 1 of the Iowa 80 9^th Addition from the tax increment financing district. Knutsen moved and Bieri seconded to approve the first reading of Ordinance 536-23. Roll call ayes: Knutsen, Bieri, Mengler, Puck, and Koberg. Motion carried.

Public Works Department Report. Stagg presented a project worksheet to inspect the water tower and replace the outdated safety climb system in the tower. Koberg expressed concerns regarding the cost and necessity. Mengler moved and Knutsen seconded to approve the purchase of the safety climb system and tower inspection as presented at a cost of $5,424 (Utility Service Co., Inc.). Motion carried with Koberg opposing.

City Clerk Report. Puck moved and Bieri seconded to set the public hearing date on the FYE 2024 budget for April 17, 2023, at 6:00 p.m. Motion carried. Rickertsen presented information on the proposed FYE 2024 budget. Following discussion, council consensus was to list the levy rate on the hearing notice at 10.59934.

Mengler moved and Knutsen seconded to adjourn at 6:32 p.m. Motion carried. All votes on motions were unanimous, unless noted.

March 20, 2023 Minutes & claims

The semi-monthly meeting of the City Council of Walcott, Iowa, was held on Monday, the 6^th day of March, 2023 at Walcott City Hall. Mayor John Kostichek called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m. Council members present: Everett Bieri, Kirk Koberg, Harry Knutsen, Lisa Mengler, and Jacob Puck. Staff present: Jeff Blake, Lisa Rickertsen, and Paul Stagg. Attorney Jeff McDaniel was also present.

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

Introduction of Audience/Public Comments. Kendall Mattson, Korry Kraft, Crystal Bolser, and Vinh Phan were present. Kendall Mattson presented photos of areas of concern on W. Otis Street that he felt were not identified on the map from IMEG (presented to City Council on 2/13/23), as sections they intend to replace, and Mattson wanted to be sure the City was aware of the areas. Mayor Kostichek thanked Mattson for the information.

Consent Agenda. Mengler moved and Bieri seconded to approve the consent agenda including the invoices, February 2023 financial reports, and Resolution 2023-10, Transfer of Funds. Roll call ayes: Mengler, Bieri, Puck, Koberg, and Knutsen. Motion carried.

Approval of Minutes from February 20, 2023. Knutsen moved and Puck seconded to approve the minutes from February 20, 2023. Motion carried with Koberg abstaining due to absence at meeting.

Approval of Fire Department Members. Chief Korry Kraft introduced residents Crystal Bolser and Vinh Phan and stated they both completed the required training and the department members voted to approve their membership, pending council approval. Mengler moved and Bieri seconded to appoint Crystal Bolser and Vinh Phan to the Walcott Volunteer Fire Department. Motion carried. Mayor Kostichek and Council members expressed their appreciation to Bolser and Phan and thanked them for volunteering to join the Fire Department.

All audience members left the meeting.

Kaitlynn Capper & Nic Butcher – Sewer Backup at 133 N. Downey Street. Neither Capper or Butcher were in attendance so the matter will be brought up again at the end of the meeting.

 Ordinance 533-23, Amending Chapter 162 Pertaining to Requirements for Rental Property. The proposed change references the City’s Rental Housing Guide, which will exclude single family homes occupied by children or parents of the owner from rental housing inspections. Puck moved and Bieri seconded to approve the third reading of Ordinance 533-23. Roll call ayes: Puck, Bieri, Mengler, Koberg, and Knutsen. Motion carried.

Public Works Department Report.

• Replace Gas Monitoring System at WWTP (Wastewater Treatment Plant). Stagg presented a project worksheet to replace the gas monitoring system at the WWTP. Mengler moved and Bieri seconded to approve the purchase of the gas monitoring system as presented, in the amount of $9,485. Motion carried.
• Set Public Hearing Date on Amending Chapter 160, Building Codes. Stagg reported the Building Official, Scott Bengfort, is recommending to adopt the State of Iowa Plumbing, Electrical, and Mechanical codes. Scott County and other communities in the County are also adopting these same codes. Bieri moved and Knutsen seconded to set the public hearing date for March 20, 2023, at 6:00 p.m.

Stagg also reported on equipment recently ordered for the UV system at the WWTP. Mengler and Koberg had questions and concerns on the E. Lincoln Street project. Stagg also reported he intends to obtain quotes on a sewer lining project.

City Clerk Report. Rickertsen presented information on the proposed FYE 2024 budget, including changes to the taxable valuations due to recent legislation, lower property tax revenue, General Fund revenue account details, and levy rate history. Questions arose on the fine revenue and discussion ensued on why traffic violations were written on state codes instead of local codes since the revenue from the local code violations would come to the City instead of the state. Chief Blake will research and provide information at a future meeting. Rickertsen reported on her communication with the City Attorney that local organizations should not be using the City’s address as that of its registered agent when registering and submitting reports with the Iowa Secretary of State.

Kaitlynn Capper & Nic Butcher – Sewer Backup at 133 N. Downey Street. Rickertsen reported Capper had requested to be placed on the agenda, which was verified via email on 3/3/23. Since both Capper and Butcher failed to attend the meeting the matter is closed.

Koberg moved and Mengler seconded to adjourn at 6:52 p.m. Motion carried. All votes on motions were unanimous, unless noted.

March 6, 2023 Signed Minutes & Claims

The semi-monthly meeting of the City Council of Walcott, Iowa, was held on Monday, the 20^th day of February, 2023 at Walcott City Hall. Mayor John Kostichek called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m. Council members present: Everett Bieri, Lisa Mengler, Harry Knutsen, and Jacob Puck. Absent: Kirk Koberg. Staff present: Jeff Blake and Lisa Rickertsen.

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

Consent Agenda. Mengler moved and Puck seconded to approve the consent agenda including the invoices, minutes from February 13, 2023, and annual insurance renewal with EMC Insurance with Arp Insurance being the local agent. Motion carried.

Approval of Minutes from February 6, 2023. Knutsen moved and Bieri seconded to approve the minutes from February 6, 2023. Motion carried.

Hearts & Hands Foundation Updates. Brent Puck and Austin Burt were present on behalf of the Hearts & Hands Foundation. Puck questioned if the City was interested in moving forward with phase two of the recreational trail. This would go from the current trail, behind the homes on the north side of Michelle Lane, and run along the creek to W. Otis Street. Following discussion, the potential trail project will be placed a future council agenda. Puck also expressed concerns with the need for future residential growth and offered their assistance. Burt presented three options on wayfinding signs, an idea that came out of the 2019 Community Visioning Program. The options include using the same decorative poles as on N. Main Street, either with or without the light fixture. The signage would indicate direction of amenities, such as parks and public facilities. The preliminary proposal is for seven poles, located at three Main Street intersections. Burt will obtain updated costs on options for the poles and signage. Mengler thanked the Hearts & Hands Foundation members and expressed appreciation for everything they do for the City.

E. Lincoln Street Improvements Project. Mengler moved and Puck seconded to approve payment #6 to Needham Excavating in the amount of $803,671.39. Motion carried.

Resolution 2023-8, Amending and Approving the Rental Housing Guide for the City of Walcott. Puck moved and Bieri seconded to approve Resolution 2023-8. Roll call ayes: Puck, Bieri, Mengler, and Knutsen. Motion carried.

Resolution 2023-9, Amending and Approving the Investment Policy for the City of Walcott. Mengler moved and Bieri seconded to approve Resolution 2023-9. Roll call ayes: Mengler, Bieri, Knutsen, and Puck. Motion carried.

Ordinance 533-23, Amending Chapter 162 Pertaining to Requirements for Rental Property. The proposed change references the City’s Rental Housing Guide, which will exclude single family homes occupied by children or parents of the owner from rental housing inspections. Puck moved and Bieri seconded to approve the second reading of Ordinance 533-23. Roll call ayes: Puck, Bieri, Mengler, and Knutsen. Motion carried.

City Clerk Report. Rickertsen presented her report including an update on senate study bill (SSB 1124) and the impact it may have to the City. She also reported on a notice from the County Assessor regarding a valuation litigation settlement on a parcel located in the City.

• FYE 2024 Budget Update. Rickertsen reported on recent state legislation which reduces the residential taxable valuations in the next budget, FYE 2024. The budget deadline has been extended in order for Counties to recalculate the taxable valuations. Further budget discussions will resume in March.
• Urban Renewal Area Changes. Discussion was held on changes to the current urban renewal area and potential projects. Council consensus was to proceed with area changes as presented.

Mayor Report. Mayor Kostichek thanked the Hearts & Hands Foundation members for their efforts in providing the preliminary work on potential City projects.

Knutsen moved and Bieri seconded to adjourn at 7:02 p.m. Motion carried. All votes on motions were unanimous, unless noted.

February 20, 2023 Signed Minutes & Claims

A special meeting of the City Council of the City of Walcott, Iowa, was held on Monday, February 13, 2023, at Walcott City Hall. Mayor John Kostichek called the meeting to order at 5:03 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. City Engineer, Jason Holdorf, was also present.

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

City Engineer Report – W. Otis Street Construction Resolution. On behalf of IMEG, Jason Holdorf presented an updated map of sections of W. Otis Street they intend to replace. IMEG is taking responsibility for correcting the street deficiencies. Holdorf stated they will monitor to make sure the corrections are sufficient, similar to a four-year maintenance bond. Mayor Kostichek, Koberg, and Mengler all expressed concerns with only replacing partial concrete sections, especially since it has deteriorated more since last fall and if additional slag is not removed future movement and cracks may occur. Holdorf stated in IMEG’s opinion their proposal should work but will have more information once sections are removed. He also stated he doesn’t feel it’s financially realistic to remove all the slag and replace the entire street at this time. Discussion ensued and Mengler and Koberg both stated they feel the slag should be removed and the entire street should be replaced. Stagg stated the slag used in the trench backfill was identified as the issue causing concrete movements/cracks but expressed concerns that there aren’t very many panels directly over the sanitary sewer trench that are being proposed for replacement, so only a minimal amount of slag would be removed. Mengler questioned the potential timeline and Holdorf replied the contractor won’t be able to start until after Memorial Day. Discussion was held on additional studies and drafting an agreement between IMEG and the City for the resolution of W. Otis Street. Holdorf will take the City’s concerns back to IMEG and attend a future council meeting this spring.

Mengler moved and Bieri seconded to adjourn at 5:46 p.m. Ayes: All. Motion carried.

February 13, 2023 Special Mtg

The semi-monthly meeting of the City Council of Walcott, Iowa, was held on Monday, the 6^th day of February, 2023 at Walcott City Hall. Mayor John Kostichek called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m. Council members present: Everett Bieri, Lisa Mengler, Harry Knutsen, and Jacob Puck. Absent: Kirk Koberg. Staff present: Lisa Rickertsen and Paul Stagg.

Approval of Agenda. Mengler moved and Puck seconded to approve the agenda with deletion of item eight, Kaitlynn Capper, as requested by Ms. Capper. Motion carried.

Public Hearing.  Mayor Kostichek opened the public hearing on the maximum property dollars levy for fiscal year ending June 30, 2024 (FYE 2024). Rickertsen stated the maximum property tax levy dollars is $1,079,134, which is 4.03% less than the current year. Rickertsen reported on recent legislation filed last week which could reduce the residential rollback by 1.8% for FYE 2024. 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. Knutsen moved and Puck seconded to approve the consent agenda including the invoices, January 2023 financial reports, and to request services from the State of Iowa Auditor’s Office for the FYE 2023 examination. Motion carried.

Approval of Minutes from January 16, 2023. Bieri moved and Puck seconded to approve the minutes from January 16, 2023. Motion carried.

City Hall Restroom & Hallway Upgrades.  A project worksheet was presented to upgrade the City Hall restrooms and hallway.  Mengler moved and Puck seconded to approve the City Hall restroom and hallway upgrades as presented, not to exceed $7,000. Motion carried.

Resolution 2023-6, Approving the Maximum Dollars Levy for FYE 2024. Bieri moved and Mengler seconded to approve Resolution 2023-6. Roll call ayes: Bieri, Mengler, Puck, and Knutsen. Motion carried.

Resolution 2023-7, Approving and Adopting the Scott County Multi-Jurisdiction Local Hazard Mitigation Plan. Puck moved and Bieri seconded to approve Resolution 2023-7. Roll call ayes: Puck, Bieri, Mengler, and Knutsen. Motion carried. Hazard mitigation plans are required by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to be updated every five years. The current plan will expire in June, 2023.

Ordinance 533-23, Amending Chapter 162 Pertaining to Requirements for Rental Property. The proposed change references the City’s Rental Housing Guide, which will exclude single family homes occupied by children or parents of the owner from rental housing inspections. Knutsen moved and Puck seconded to approve the first reading of Ordinance 533-23. Roll call ayes: Knutsen, Puck, Mengler, and Bieri. Motion carried.

Public Works Department Report. Discussion was held on requesting the City Engineer and/or IMEG representatives attend a special council meeting regarding the W. Otis Street deficiencies.

City Clerk’s Report. Rickertsen reported on other pieces of state legislation recently filed, including proposed changes to sales taxes and the property tax system in Iowa, which will greatly impact cities and counties.

Mengler moved and Bieri seconded to adjourn at 6:35 p.m. Motion carried. All votes on motions were unanimous, unless noted.

February 6, 2023 Signed Minutes & Claims

The semi-monthly meeting of the City Council of Walcott, Iowa, was held on Monday, the 16^th day of January, 2023 at Walcott City Hall. Mayor John Kostichek called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m. Council members present: Everett Bieri, Lisa Mengler, Harry Knutsen, and Jacob Puck. Absent: Kirk Koberg. Staff present: Jeff Blake, Lisa Rickertsen, and Paul Stagg.

Approval of Agenda. Rickertsen requested item seven, City Hall restroom and hallway upgrades, be removed from the agenda due to obtaining additional information. Knutsen moved and Bieri seconded to approve the agenda with deletion of item seven. Motion carried.

Consent Agenda. Mengler moved and Puck seconded to approve the consent agenda including the invoices, Class C liquor license renewal for Gramma’s Kitchen and The Checkered Flag Bar & Grill, December 2022 financial reports, and minutes from January 3, 2023 and January 12, 2023. Motion carried.

Sterling Partners I LLC – TIF (Tax Increment Financing) Program Application for New Warehouse. Dave Meier was present and requested a TIF rebate for the new warehouse they are building this year. He stated they will be using 100,000 sq ft and 151,000 sq ft will be available for lease. They expect the warehouse to be completed by year end. Mengler moved and Puck seconded to approve the application for the TIF program for a four-year term with the following percentages: 40, 30, 20, and 10. Motion carried. Rickertsen stated the company will be responsible for reimbursing the City for legal fees in connection with the preparation of a development agreement for the TIF rebate.

Durant Ambulance Support. Bieri moved and Knutsen seconded to approve the budgeted contribution of $1,000 to Durant Ambulance. Motion carried.

Resolution 2023-4, Approving Purchase Offer with Marvin & Loretta Siebke Revocable Trust. Rickertsen reported on the purchase offer details. Mengler moved and Puck seconded to approve Resolution 2023-4. Roll call ayes: Mengler, Puck, Bieri, and Knutsen. Motion carried.

Resolution 2023-5, Acknowledging a New Investment. Rickertsen reported on a CD purchased at CBI Bank and Trust. Puck moved and Knutsen seconded to approve Resolution 2023-5. Roll call ayes: Puck, Knutsen, Bieri, and Mengler. Motion carried.

Public Works Department Report. Stagg presented his report which included a proposal from the Building Official to change the single-family rental housing regulations. The proposal is to exclude single family houses occupied by children or parents of the owner from the rental housing program. Council consensus was to proceed with the change as discussed.

• Purchase of Overhead Doors on Storage Building. Stagg presented a project worksheet to replace four overhead doors on the storage building. Following discussion, Mengler moved and Bieri seconded to approve the purchase of four overhead doors, including labor installation costs, from Raynor Door at a cost of $17,917. Motion carried.

City Clerk’s Report. Set Budget Max Levy Hearing Date. Mengler moved and Bieri seconded to set the FYE 2024 budget max levy public hearing date for February 6, 2023, at City Hall at 6:00 p.m.

Motion carried. Discussion was held on the maximum levy amount and rate for the public notice.

Mayor’s Report. Mayor Kostichek reported on a recent meeting at the Davenport Community School regarding their legislative priorities.

Bieri moved and Mengler seconded to adjourn at 6:35 p.m. Motion carried. All votes on motions were unanimous, unless noted.

January 16, 2023 Signed minutes & claims

The semi-monthly meeting of the City Council of Walcott, Iowa, was held on Tuesday, the 3^rd day of January, 2023 at Walcott City Hall. Mayor John Kostichek called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m. Council members present: Everett Bieri, Kirk Koberg, Lisa Mengler, Harry Knutsen, and Jacob Puck.  Staff present: Lisa Rickertsen and Paul Stagg.

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

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 2023-1, Designating the North Scott Press as Official Newspaper, Resolution 2023-2, Authorizing Certain Payments Before a Council Meeting, and Resolution 2023-3, Establishing the Standard Mileage Rate Reimbursement. Roll call ayes: Mengler, Bieri, Puck, Koberg, and Knutsen. Motion carried.

Minutes from December 19, 2022.  Puck moved and Bieri seconded to approve the minutes from December 19, 2022. Motion carried with Mengler abstaining due to absence from meeting.

Fire Department Report. Replace Unit #6- 1997 EMS Truck. Walcott Fire Department members, Chief Korry Kraft, Joe Hahn, and Ben McKibbin, were present to request approval to purchase a new truck from Ward Apparatus at a cost of $604,583. McKibbin reported they sent the request for bids to six companies but Ward Apparatus was the only one that submitted a bid. Letters were received from three other companies, one stated they were unable to submit a bid due to the market volatility and timelines requested and the other two were not able to submit a bid based on the truck specifications. Mengler expressed concerns on the cost, lack of bids, and her responsibility to the taxpayers when spending city funds. Mayor Kostichek questioned if anything could be removed from the truck and the members responded the truck is already “bare bones” and they will transfer the current equipment to the new truck. He also questioned the size of the truck and Hahn stated it will be built to fit into the current building. Koberg expressed several concerns, including the cost, number of bids, and funding. Discussion was held on the current funds available, potential grant requests, and timelines. After a lengthy discussion, Knutsen moved and Koberg seconded to approve the purchase of a truck from Ward Apparatus at the cost of $604,583 to replace Unit #6, with the Fire Department submitting a grant request this spring. Motion carried. Hahn stated Ward Apparatus will pay for travel expenses for three inspections during the chassis and box construction, one to Michigan and two to New York, at no cost to the City.

Public Works Department.

• Replace Air Compressor at Water Plant. Stagg presented a project worksheet to replace the air compressor at the water plant. He stated he only obtained one quote because it’s the same brand as the three air compressors at the sewer plant and A-L-L Equipment services the air compressors. Koberg moved and Puck seconded to approve the purchase of an air compressor as presented (from A-L-L Equipment at a cost of $7,840.24). Motion carried.
• Replace 2009 GMC 2500 with 2023 Ford 2500. Stagg presented a project worksheet to replace the 2009 GMC 2500 with a 2023 Ford 2500 from Stivers Ford through the state bid contract. Stagg stated the truck does not include a utility box, but he intends to purchase one. Mengler moved and Bieri seconded to replace the 2009 GMC 2500 with the purchase of a 2023 Ford 2500 at a cost of $43,095 from Stivers Ford, which is the state bid. Motion carried.

City Clerk’s Report. A budget meeting was scheduled for January 12^th at 5:00 p.m.  

Sterling Partners I LLC – TIF (Tax Increment Financing) Program Application for New Warehouse. No representative from Sterling Partners I LLC was present. Rickertsen will contact the City’s TIF attorney regarding concerns if the TIF application request meets the urban renewal plan requirements. Mengler moved and Puck seconded to table until the next regular meeting. Motion carried.

Council Member Comments. Puck questioned the deteriorated condition of the rental property accessory building (garage) along Main Street. Discussion ensued regarding rental property and dangerous building regulations. Koberg’s comments included his frustration with the narrow width of E. Lincoln Street by the school. Stagg stated it was not designed for parking on both sides in that area.

Knutsen moved and Koberg seconded to adjourn at 7:38 p.m. Motion carried. All votes on motions were unanimous, unless noted.

January 3, 2023 Signed Minutes & Claims