The semi-monthly meeting of the City Council of Walcott, Iowa, was held on Monday, March 3, 2025, at Walcott City Hall. Mayor Pro Tem Jacob Puck called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m. Other council members present: Everett Bieri, Harry Knutsen, Kirk Koberg, and Lisa Mengler. Absent: Mayor John Kostichek. Staff present: Lisa Rickertsen, Paul Stagg, and Joe Hahn.  

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

Introduction of Audience/Public Comments. John Brockmann, Jim Hart, and Brian Mengler. No public comments at this time. Linnea Shaw, Civil Engineer with IMEG was also present.     

Public Hearing on Plans, Specifications, Form of Contract and Cost Estimate for the N. Century Street Watermain Replacement Project. Mayor Pro Tem Jacob Puck opened the public hearing. The project, including final surface restoration, is to be completed by July 11^th. No written comments were received. Mengler moved and Koberg seconded to close the public hearing and resume the regular meeting. Motion carried

Consent Agenda. Knutsen moved and Bieri seconded to approve the consent agenda including the invoices and Resolution 2025-14, Approving Hourly Wage Increase for James Poggenpohl (for wastewater license). Roll call ayes: Knutsen, Bieri, Mengler, Koberg, and Puck. Motion carried.   

Minutes from February 17, 2025. Mengler moved and Bieri seconded to approve the minutes from February 17, 2025. Motion carried with Knutsen and Koberg abstaining due to absence from meeting.

Resolution 2025-15, Approving Contract and Bonds for the 2025 Plainview Road and Sterling Drive PCC Panel Replacement Project. Mengler moved and Bieri seconded to approve Resolution 2025-15. Roll call ayes: Mengler, Bieri, Knutsen, Koberg, and Puck. Motion carried.

N. Century Street Watermain Replacement Project.

• Sidewalks – The sidewalks on the west side of the street will need to be replaced as part of the N. Century Street Watermain Replacement Project, which is between James and Lincoln Streets. This sidewalk is currently adjacent to the curb andStagg reported the City Code states that residential sidewalks are to be located 1’ from the property line, unless the Council establishes a different distance due to special circumstances. A pre-construction meeting with the residents will be held once a construction contract has been awarded. Following discussion, Koberg moved and Mengler seconded to approve a variance for the sidewalk placement on N. Century Street (between James & Lincoln Streets). Motion carried. The variance allows for the sidewalk placement to be approximately 5’ from property line, which will allow for a 3’ boulevard. 
• Resolution 2025-16, Approving Plans, Specifications, Form of Contract, and Cost Estimate for the N. Century St. Watermain Replacement Project. Kobergmoved and Knutsen seconded to approve Resolution 2025-16. Roll call ayes: Koberg, Knutsen, Bieri, Mengler, and Puck. Motion carried. 

Walcott American Legion – Request to Construct a Door Overhang that Encroaches into City Right-of-Way (ROW). On behalf of the Walcott American Legion,Brian Mengler requested approval to add a gable roof overhang above their south entrance door, which will encroach into the City ROW but will protect individuals entering the building. Mengler presented a drawing and noted the gable will divert snow and ice away from the entrance and sidewalk. Koberg moved and Knutsen seconded to allow the Legion to add a gable roof overhang above their south door, allowing it to encroach into the City ROW but not over the public sidewalk. Motion carried.

Fire Dept Report. Chief Hahn reported on a grant submission for battery operated tools for the new truck, reinstatement of two members and new trainees as approved by the department membership, and an update on the new truck which is expected to be ready by the end of April.

• Grant Submission for Tools. Mengler moved and Knutsen seconded to approve allowing the Fire Department to submit a grant to Leary Firefighter’s Foundation for battery operated tools. Motion carried.
• Reinstatement of Fire Department Members, Jim and Christy Kirkley. Kobergmoved and seconded to approve the reinstatement of Jim and Christy Kirkley to the Fire Department. Motion carried.

Ordinance 554-25, Amending Chapter 92 Pertaining to Water Rates. Discussion was held on Ordinance 554-25 which increases the water minimum (base rate) $5.00/month and 3% usage rate.  Each customer shall pay a minimum bill of $23.53 per month, which includes usage up to 1,400 gallons and all usage over 1,400 gallons shall be $.00654 for each gallon. Knutsen moved and Mengler seconded to approve the first reading to adopt Ordinance 554-25, Amending Chapter 92 Pertaining to Water Rates, effective with the May 1, 2025 billing. Roll call ayes: Knutsen, Mengler, Bieri, Koberg, and Puck. Motion carried. 

Ordinance 555-25, Amending Chapter 99 Pertaining to Sewer Rates. Discussion was held onOrdinance 555-25 which increases the sewer base and usage rate 3%. Each customer shall pay a minimum bill of $20.02 per month and all usage over 1,400 gallons of water used per month shall be $.00671 for each gallon. Bieri moved and Mengler seconded to approve the first reading to adopt Ordinance 555-25, Amending Chapter 99 Pertaining to Sewer Rates, effective with the June 1, 2025 billing. Roll call ayes: Bieri, Knutsen, Koberg, Mengler, and Puck. Motion carried. 

Ordinance 556-25, Amending Chapter 106 Pertaining to Solid Waste Collection Fees (Garbage Rate). Ordinance 556-25 increases the garbage rate to $19.95, effective with the July 1, 2025 billing, which is the amount the City will pay to the contracted collector for garbage and recycling. Koberg moved and Bieri seconded to approve the first reading to adopt Ordinance 556-25, Amending Chapter 106 Pertaining to Solid Waste Collection Fees. Roll call ayes: Koberg, Bieri, Knutsen, Mengler, and Puck. Motion carried.

Discussion and Review of Potential Residential Development Areas and Utility Services. Discussion was held on potential residential development areas.

City Clerk Report. Rickertsen reported a resident requested street lights in front of the school for safety reasons after observing children running across the street following evening activities at the school.  Council requested the topic be placed on the next agenda for discussion.  

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

The semi-monthly meeting of the City Council of Walcott, Iowa, was held on Monday, February 17, 2025, at Walcott City Hall. Mayor John Kostichek called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m. Council members present: Everett Bieri, Lisa Mengler, and Jacob Puck. Absent: Harry Knutsen and Kirk Koberg. Staff present: Jeff Blake, Lisa Rickertsen, and Paul Stagg.

Approval of Agenda. Puck moved and Bieri seconded to approve the agenda with the deletion of item 10, Discussion of Potential Development Areas and Utility Services. Motion carried. This item was removed due to absence of two council members.    

Introduction of Audience/Public Comments. John Brockmann and Joe Quick. No public comments at this time.      

Consent Agenda. Mengler moved and Bieri seconded to approve the consent agenda including the invoices, January 2025 financial reports, annual insurance renewal with EMC Insurance, and designating Spring Clean-Up Day on May 3, 2025, 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 2^nd until Monday, May 5^th, except during the clean-up day hours.

Minutes from February 3, 2025. Mengler moved and Puck seconded to approve the minutes from February 3, 2025. Motion carried.

2025 Summer Youth Program. Rickertsen reported the proposed week-long summer youth program fees at Camp Abe Lincoln will be the same as last year. Camp Abe Lincoln/YMCA would provide the transportation to and from Walcott (Wescott Park) to Camp Abe Lincoln. The program is for children ages 4 – 12, residing in the City of Walcott. Puck moved and Bieri seconded to approve the 2025 Summer Youth Program, offering two separate weeks, June 9^th – 13^th and July 21^st  – 25^th, with each child permitted to sign up for one week through the City’s program/sponsorship, and a participant fee of $100 for each eligible child. Motion carried. Registration information will be posted on the City’s website and Facebook page once it’s available from Camp Abe Lincoln.

Resolution 2025-11, Approval of Final Plat of Walcott Well #6. Mengler moved and Bieri seconded to approve Resolution 2025-11. Roll call ayes: Mengler, Bieri, and Puck. Motion carried.

Resolution 2025-12, Awarding Contract for the 2025 Plainview Road and Sterling Drive PCC Panel Replacement Project. Eleven bids were received, with the low bidder being Heuer Construction, Inc. Bieri moved and Puck seconded to approve Resolution 2025-12, awarding the contract to Heuer Construction, Inc., for $139,057.50. Roll call ayes: Bieri, Puck, and Mengler. Motion carried.  

Resolution 2025-13, Provide for a Notice of Hearing on the Proposed Plans, Specifications, Form of Contract, and Cost Estimate for the N. Century Street Watermain Replacement Project.  Puck moved and Mengler seconded to approve Resolution 2025-13. Roll call ayes: Puck, Mengler, and Bieri. Motion carried.

Park Board Recommendations. Park Board recommended to replace the splash pad misting feature with a bucket drop feature and approve the proposed donated improvements to the Victory Park concession stand by Walcott Unified Fund, Inc. and the Walcott Day Committee. 

• Splash Pad Bucket Feature. Mengler questioned the cost increase of the bucket drop feature. Stagg explained the original quote increased due to freight cost and necessary design changes to make it fit properly. Mengler moved and Puck seconded to approve the purchase of the splash pad bucket feature from Rain Drop at a cost of $20,745. Motion carried.   

• Donated Improvements at Victory Park Concession Stand. Joe Quick, representing Walcott Unified Fund, Inc., reported on the proposed donated improvements to the concession stand at Victory Park. The improvements include epoxy flooring, energy efficient exterior lights, and replacing the soffit and fascia. Funds will be provided by the Walcott Day Committee and improvements will be completed as funding allows. Puck moved and Bieri seconded to approve the donated improvements at the Victory Park concession stand as discussed. Motion carried. 

City Clerk Report.

• FYE 2026 Budget Review. Rickertsen reviewed changes to the proposed FYE 2026 budget. The property tax levy rate is proposed to decrease from 10.13540 to 9.85053.
  • Set Property Tax Levy Public Hearing Date. Bieri moved and Mengler seconded to set the property tax levy public hearing date on April 7, 2025 at 5:30 p.m. Motion carried.
• Review and Discussion of Water, Sewer, and Garbage Rates. Following review and discussion of rates and expenses, including maintenance and future improvements, Mengler moved and Puck seconded to direct Rickertsen to prepare ordinances proposing the following rate increases: garbage rate at $19.95 (to match contractor rate), $2.50 water base rate increase beginning in both May and October with a 3% usage rate increase, and a 3% overall sewer rate increase. Motion carried.    

Council Member Comments. Mengler expressed thanks and appreciation to the Walcott Day Committee for the donation for the Victory Park concession stand improvements and to Joe Quick/ Walcott Unified Fund, Inc. for spearheading the project.

Puck moved and Mengler seconded to adjourn at 6:37 p.m. Motion carried. All votes on motions were unanimous, unless noted.

February 17, 2025 Signed Minutes & Claims

The semi-monthly meeting of the City Council of Walcott, Iowa, was held on Monday, February 3, 2025, 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: Jeff Blake, Lisa Rickertsen, and Paul Stagg.

Approval of Agenda. Knutsen moved and Bieri seconded to approve the agenda with deletion of item 10, Resolution 2025-11, Approval of Final Plat of Walcott Well #6, due to lack of information. Motion carried.  

Introduction of Audience/Public Comments. Don Arns, John Brockmann, Bridget Geigle, and Joe Hahn. Brockmann expressed his disappointment with the recent council action to proceed with the recreational trail extension on the south side of Mud Creek, noting potential flooding concerns.     

Public Hearing on Plans, Specifications, Form of Contract and Cost Estimate for the 2025 Plainview Road and Sterling Drive PCC Panel Replacement Project. Mayor Kostichek opened the public hearing. Rickertsen reported on the cost estimates and the project phases and sections. Stagg reported the first phase should be completed by June 6^th and the second phase will begin on or after July 14^th. No written comments were received. Mengler moved and Puck seconded to close the public hearing and resume the regular meeting. Motion carried.

Consent Agenda. Mengler moved and Bieri seconded to approve the consent agenda including the invoices, minutes from January 20, 2025 and January 30, 2025, request services from the State of Iowa Auditor’s Office for the FYE 2025 examination, Resolution 2025-8 – Acknowledging New Investments, and Resolution 2025-9, Approving Agreement for the Collection of Solid Waste and Recycling. Roll call ayes: Mengler, Bieri, Puck, and Knutsen. Motion carried. 

Resolution 2025-10 – Approving Plans, Specifications, Form of Contract, and Cost Estimate for the 2025 Plainview Road and Sterling Drive PCC Panel Replacement Project. Puck moved and Bieri seconded to approve Resolution 2025-10. Roll call ayes: Puck, Bieri, Mengler, and Knutsen  Motion carried.

Veteran’s Outreach Center – 5K Run/Route Approval. Don Arns was present on behalf of the Veteran’s Outreach Center to request approval of a 5K Run/Route (Run for Veterans 5K) on Saturday, April 12^th.The route will be the same as the 5K route on Walcott Day but the start and end will be in front of the Walcott American Legion. There will also be a 1-mile run/walk. Arns stated they would like to see residents along the route encourage the runners. Mengler moved and Puck seconded to approve the race routes on April 12, 2025, as presented. Motion carried. Mayor Kostichek thanked Arms and stated he feels it’s a very worthwhile project.  

Reinstatement of Fire Department Member Bridget Geigle. Mengler moved and Bieri seconded to approve the reinstatement of Bridget Geigle to the Fire Department. Motion carried.

Public Works Department Report. Abandon Well # 3 (remove pumping equipment and plug well). Stagg reported on the project worksheet requesting approval to remove the pumping equipment and abandon well #3, which is located at the old water plant and has been offline/not in use since the current water plant was built in 1997. Mengler moved and Bieri seconded to approve the abandonment of well #3 to the low bidder, Northway Well and Pump, in the amount of $17,450. Motion carried. Brockmann questioned why the well was taken offline and expressed water supply concerns if there are water main breaks between the current water plant and Walcott Road.        

City Clerk Report. Rickertsen presented information on the water fund and potential rate increases to maintain the system and fund water main replacements. Additional information will be provided at the next regular meeting.     

Knutsen moved and Bieri seconded to adjourn at 6:26 p.m. Motion carried. All votes on motions were unanimous, unless noted.

February 3, 2025 Signed Minutes & Claims

A special meeting of the City Council of the City of Walcott, Iowa, was held on Thursday, January 30, 2025 at Walcott City Hall. Mayor John Kostichek called the meeting to order at 5:00 p.m. Council members present were: Everett Bieri, Harry Knutsen, Kirk Koberg, Lisa Mengler, and Jacob Puck. City staff present: Jeff Blake, Joe Hahn, Paul Stagg, and Lisa Rickertsen. Blake and Hahn were present for review of their department budgets only. 

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

FYE 2026 Budget Review and Discussion. Discussion was held on the proposed FYE 2026 budget, including a review of all departments in the general, general reserve, special revenue, capital improvement, and proprietary (water, sewer, and garbage) funds.

Koberg moved and Mengler seconded to adjourn at 6:32 p.m. Ayes: All. Motion carried.

January 30, 2025 Budget Workshop Signed Minutes

The semi-monthly meeting of the City Council of Walcott, Iowa, was held on Monday, January 20, 2025, 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: Adam Hill, Lisa Rickertsen, and Paul Stagg.

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

Introduction of Audience/Public Comments. Matt Pivit, Republic Services.   

Consent Agenda. Puck moved and Knutsen seconded to approve the consent agenda including the invoices, minutes from January 6, 2025, December 2024 financial reports, Class C retail alcohol license renewal for Iowa Trucking Company – DBA Grammas Kitchen & The Checkered Flag Bar & Grill, and Resolution 2025-6, Transfer of Funds. Roll call ayes: Puck, Knutsen, Mengler, Bieri, and Koberg. Motion carried. 

Matt Pivit, Republic Services – Proposed Garbage and Recycling Contract. Discussion was held on the proposed contract renewal. Rickertsen presented rate information from other communities, indicating that the rate increases and 5-year rate structure is comparable to other local communities. Koberg moved and Puck seconded to move forward with extending the garbage and recycling contract with Republic Services. Rickertsen will prepare a resolution for the next meeting to formally adopt the contract.   

2024 CIPP Sewer Main Lining Project – Payment #2. Mengler moved and Puck seconded to approve payment #2 to Visu-Sewer, in the amount of $93,149.88. Motion carried.

N. Century Street Water Main Replacement Project. Puck moved and Koberg seconded to proceed with plans for the N. Century Street Water Main Replacement project. Motion carried.

Purchase Approval for 2025 JD Z997R. Stagg presented a project worksheet to replace the 2013 Z997R. Mengler moved and Bieri seconded to approve the purchase of a 2025 JD Z997R from Sinclair Tractor for $21,797. Motion carried. The 2013 mower will be sold once the new one is in service. 

Annual Contribution to Durant Ambulance. Koberg moved and Mengler seconded to approve a contribution of $1,000 to Durant Ambulance. Motion carried.

Resolution 2025-7, Provide for a Notice of Hearing on Proposed Plans, Specifications, Form of Contract, and Cost Estimate for the 2025 Plainview Road and Sterling Drive PCC Panel Replacement Project. Puck moved and Bieri seconded to approve Resolution 2025-7. Roll call ayes: Puck, Bieri, Mengler, Knutsen, and Koberg. Motion carried. The hearing will be on February 3^rd at 6:00 p.m.

City Clerk Report. The budget review meeting will be on January 30^th at 5:00 p.m.

Mengler moved and Koberg seconded to adjourn at 6:42 p.m. Motion carried. All votes on motions were unanimous, unless noted.

January 20, 2025 Signed Minutes & Claims

The semi-monthly meeting of the City Council of Walcott, Iowa, was held on Monday, January 6, 2025, 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. Everett Bieri participated electronically via phone. Staff present: Jeff Blake, Lisa Rickertsen, and Paul Stagg. Attorney Kylie Franklin, Hopkins & Huebner, was also present.      

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

Introduction of Audience/Public Comments. There were no public comments from the 22 residents in attendance.  

Public Hearing on Budget Amendment for Fiscal Year Ending (FYE) June 30, 2025. Mayor Kostichek opened the public hearing on the budget amendment for fiscal year ending June 30, 2025 (FYE 2025). Mayor Kostichek reported the largest reason for the amendment is due to the final payment of the new fire truck which was originally planned to be paid by June 30, 2024. Street projects and the brick walkway project were also planned to be paid prior to June 30, 2024 but paid in FYE 2025. No written or other oral comments were received. Mengler moved and Koberg 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 December 16, 2024, Resolution 2025-1 -Designating the North Scott Press as Official Newspaper, Resolution 2025-2 -Authorizing Certain Payments Before a Council Meeting, Resolution 2025-3 -Establishing the Standard Mileage Rate Reimbursement, and Resolution 2025-4- Adopting the Annual Supplement to the Code of Ordinances of the City of Walcott. Roll call ayes: Mengler, Puck, Knutsen, Koberg, and Bieri. Motion carried. 

Resolution 2025-5, Approving the Adoption of Budget Amendment for FYE June 30, 2025. Koberg moved and Knutsen seconded to approve Resolution 2025-5, Approving the Adoption of Budget Amendment for FYE June 30, 2025. Roll call ayes: Koberg, Knutsen, Bieri, Puck, and Mengler. Motion carried.

Recreational Trail Phase 2 Extension Project. Following a statement from Mengler, Mengler moved and Koberg seconded to approve proceeding with the Recreational Trail Phase 2 Extension Project on the south side of the creek, adjacent to the north and west sides of the Westbrook subdivisions, and request the Recreational Trail Advisory Committee to proceed with the project and fundraising. Motion carried with Bieri and Knutsen opposing.

2024 CIPP Sewer Main Lining Project – Payment #1. Puck moved and Bieri seconded to approve payment #1 to Visu-Sewer, in the amount of $168,319.10. Motion carried.

Approval of Building Demolition and Compost Area Cleanup. The building in disrepair is located near the lagoons and it will not be replaced. Mengler moved and Koberg seconded to approve the demolition of the building at the wastewater treatment plant area and the compost area cleanup at a total cost of $4,500. Motion carried.

Mayor’s Report. Mayor Kostichek stated he was glad to see so many residents attend the meeting and feels the project (recreational trail extension) will be positive for the City.   

Koberg moved and Knutsen seconded to adjourn at 6:12 p.m. Motion carried. All votes on motions were unanimous, unless noted.

January 6, 2025 Signed Minutes & Claims