The semi-monthly meeting of the City Council of Walcott, Iowa, was held on Monday, the 19^th day of December, 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, Harry Knutsen, and Jacob Puck. Absent: Lisa Mengler. Staff present: Lisa Rickertsen.

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

Public Comments. None.

Consent Agenda. Knutsen moved and Puck seconded to approve the consent agenda including the invoices, minutes from December 5, 2022, and November 2022 financial reports. Motion carried.

Appointments by Mayor.  Mayor Kostichek made the following appointments:

• 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
• Park Board. Mayor Kosticheck reappointed Mike Clayton to the Park Board with a term ending 12/31/27. Puck moved and Bieri seconded to approve the Mayor’s appointment. Motion carried.

Appointments by Council.

• Planning & Zoning Commission. Koberg moved and Knutsen seconded to reappoint Heidi Wulf to the Planning & Zoning Commission with a term ending 12/31/27. Motion carried.
• Zoning Board of Adjustment. Knutsen moved and Bieri seconded to reappoint Sandy Liebbe to the Zoning Board of Adjustment with a term ending 12/31/27. Motion carried.

City Clerk’s Report. Due to questions following a recent North Scott Press article regarding another community, Rickertsen reported on the City’s internal control procedures. She also noted an article from the North Scott Press last year stating that Walcott was among few Iowa towns properly segregating duties, according to city audits and exams.

Mayor’s Report. Mayor Kostichek reported he received a letter and a flag, from Bredenbek, Germany, recognizing the 25^th anniversary of the Sister City relationship between Walcott and Bredenbek. Discussion was held on flying the flag during the next Walcott Day or community event.

Knutsen moved and Koberg seconded to adjourn at 6:22 p.m. Motion carried. All votes on motions were unanimous, unless noted.

December 19, 2022 Signed minutes & claims

The semi-monthly meeting of the City Council of Walcott, Iowa, was held on Monday, the 5^th day of December, 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, Harry Knutsen, Lisa Mengler, and Jacob Puck. Staff present: Jeff Blake, Lisa Rickertsen, Paul Stagg, and Korry Kraft.

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

Public Comments. None.

Consent Agenda. Mengler moved and Bieri seconded to approve the consent agenda including the invoices, minutes from November 21, 2022, and Resolution 2022-47-Approving Application for Residential Tax Abatement within the 2017 Urban Revitalization Area. Roll call ayes: Mengler, Bieri, Puck, Knutsen, and Koberg. Motion carried.

Ordinance 531-22, Amending Provisions Pertaining to Stop Signs. This ordinance amends Chapter 65 of the Walcott City Code by adding eleven stop sign locations to the Code, where stop signs are already installed but not listed in the Code. Puck moved and Koberg seconded to approve the third and final reading of Ordinance 531-22. Roll call ayes: Puck, Koberg, Knutsen, Mengler, and Bieri. Motion carried.

Ordinance 532-22, Amending Provisions Pertaining to No Parking Zones. This ordinance amends Chapter 69 of the Walcott City Code by designating all sides of Sterling Drive as a no parking zone. Mengler moved and Bieri seconded to approve the third and final reading of Ordinance 532-22. Roll call ayes: Mengler, Bieri, Puck, Koberg, and Knutsen. Motion carried.

Fire Department Report.

• Holiday Lights on Fire Department Building. Chief Korry Kraft requested permission to hang seasonal lights along the south and east sides of the Fire Department/City Hall building, from approximately December 1^st until after January 1^st. He stated the Walcott Volunteer Firefighters Association has purchased the lights for the building. Mengler moved and Bieri seconded to allow the Fire Department to hang the holiday lights annually and to install and remove them as requested, as weather permits. Motion carried.
• Fire Chief Appointment. The Fire Department held their annual officer elections and the members elected Korry Kraft as the Fire Chief. Puck moved and Mengler seconded to approve the appointment of Korry Kraft as the Fire Chief, term ending December 31, 2023. Motion carried.

Police Department Report. Resolution 2022-48, Authorizing Retirement of Police Service Dog “Titan” and Donation of Dog to Police Chief Jeff Blake. Koberg moved and Bieri seconded to approve Resolution 2022-48. Roll call ayes: Koberg, Bieri, Knutsen, Puck, and Mengler. Motion carried. Titan has been a member of the Walcott Police Department for nine years, under handler, Chief Blake. Blake agreed to become the owner of Titan and assumes full responsibility, including care and upkeep, and releases the City of Walcott of all liability.

Public Works Department Report. Stagg reported all of the dead or diseased trees on private property have been removed, except for one which has been substantially trimmed. He reported on the E. Lincoln Street Improvements project and questions arose on when the poured section would be open. Stagg reported he assumes it will not open until next spring. Koberg stated that the project has taken too long and they should work on getting that section open prior to spring. Discussion ensued on other concerns, including holiday decorations. Stagg will hire an electrician for non-working electrical outlets for the holiday decorations and he provided an application form to Koberg to place a request to Alliant Energy for attaching additional holiday lights to their light poles. This application will be placed on a subsequent council agenda for the required City approval prior to submittal to Alliant Energy.

City Clerk’s Report. Rickertsen reported the City was awarded a grant from Scott County Regional Authority for $8,789 toward the Ten Spin playground equipment at Water Tower Park.

Mayor’s Report. Mayor Kostichek thanked the volunteers that helped install the lights at Welcome Park and all who attended the lighting ceremony at the park on November 27^th.

Council Member Comments. Mengler thanked Chief Blake for taking care of Titan during his service to the City and for agreeing to continue to provide care. Puck provided an update on a recent meeting he and Mayor Kostichek had with Davenport Community School Superintendent Schneckloth and Board President Gosa.

Mengler moved and Koberg seconded to adjourn at 6:30 p.m. Motion carried. All votes on motions were unanimous, unless noted.

December 5, 2022 Signed Minutes and Claims

The semi-monthly meeting of the City Council of Walcott, Iowa, was held on Monday, the 21^st day of November, 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, Harry Knutsen, Lisa Mengler, and Jacob Puck. Staff present: Jeff Blake, Jackie Huston, Jason Holdorf, and Paul Stagg.

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

Public Comments. None.

Mayor Kostichek opened the Public Hearing on the budget amendment for fiscal year ending June 30, 2023.  Huston reported the amendment includes expenditure increases attributable to:  the final payment on Victory Park project, electrical upgrades at Wescott Park, and bond interest payments and project costs for the E. Lincoln Street Project.  No other oral or written comments were received.  Bieri moved and Mengler seconded to close the Public Hearing and resume the regular meeting.  Motion carried.

Consent Agenda. Koberg moved and Knutsen seconded to approve the consent agenda including the invoices, minutes from November 6^th, and Resolution 2022-44, Transfer of Funds.  Motion carried with unanimous roll call vote.

Resolution 2022-45, Adoption of the FYE 2023 Budget Amendment.  Puck moved and Bieri seconded to approve Resolution 2022-45.  Motion carried with unanimous roll call vote.

Ordinance 531-22, Amending Provisions Pertaining to Stop Signs.  This adds stop sign locations to the City Code where stop signs are already installed, but not listed in the Code.  Mengler moved and Puck seconded to approve the 2^nd reading of Ordinance 531-22.  Motion carried with unanimous roll call vote.

Ordinance 532-22, Amending Provisions Pertaining to No Parking Zones. This ordinance amends Chapter 69 of the Walcott City Code by designating all sides of Sterling Drive as a no parking zone. Bieri moved and Mengler seconded to approve the 2^nd reading of Ordinance 532-22.  Motion carried with a unanimous roll call vote.

Ten Spin Project at Water Tower Park.  Huston reported that the City was notified that we will be receiving a grant from the Scott County Regional Authority for this project, but the amount has not been identified.  Due to the long lead time, Rickertsen is requesting to place the order with Boland Recreation for the ten spin and poured rubber surface in the amount of $11,889.  Koberg stated that if possible, he is requesting the Ten Spin be blue.  Mengler moved and Puck seconded to place the order.  Motion carried.

City Engineer Report.  Holdorf presented the written proposal to replace all cracked sections of the E. Otis Street Project, at IMEG’s expense.  They will be torn out and up to 12” of the slag will be replaced if necessary, and then the concrete will be replaced.  This includes certain sections of the street and parking areas.  Koberg questioned what the next step would be if this doesn’t resolve the issue.  Holdorf stated that IMEG will be monitoring the project for four years to see if additional repairs need to be made.  This work will begin next spring.

Public Works Department Report. Stagg stated that the final bid for the sale of the 2015 GMC truck with snow removal equipment was $30,500.00. He recommended the Council accept the bid.  Koberg moved and Bieri seconded to accept the bid.  Motion carried.

Resolution 2022-46, Establishing Hourly Wage for Public Works Heavy Equipment Operator/Laborer.  Mengler moved and Puck seconded to approve Resolution 2022-46 for the new Public Works employee.  Motion carried with unanimous roll call vote.

Stagg reported that the contractor indicated they intended to finish grading this week and pour the east end of E. Lincoln Street next week.

Koberg moved and Mengler seconded to adjourn at 6:41 p.m. Motion carried. All votes on motions were unanimous, unless noted.

November 21, 2022 Signed Minutes & Claims

The semi-monthly meeting of the City Council of Walcott, Iowa, was held on Monday, the 7^th day of November, 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, Harry Knutsen, Lisa Mengler, and Jacob Puck. Staff present: Jeff Blake, Lisa Rickertsen, and Paul Stagg.

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

Public Comments. None at this time.

Consent Agenda. Mengler moved and Bieri seconded to approve the consent agenda including the invoices, Resolution 2022-41-Transfer of Funds, Resolution 2021-42-Obligating TIF Funds from the Consolidated Walcott Urban Renewal, and October 2022 financial reports. Roll call ayes: Mengler, Bieri, Puck, Knutsen, and Koberg. Motion carried.

Approval of Minutes from October 17, 2022. Knutsen moved and Puck seconded to approve the minutes from October 17, 2022. Motion carried with Koberg abstaining due to absence from meeting.

Fire Department Report. Joe Hahn, Korry Kraft, and Ben McKibbin were present on behalf of the Fire Department to discuss replacing the 1997 rescue truck. Kraft attended the October 3^rd council meeting and was asked to obtain a second quote for a new chassis. Kraft reported the chassis prices on a Freightliner and Spartan Custom are comparable but an exact amount for a Freightliner could not be provided for another year and a truck with a Freightliner chassis wouldn’t be built for two to three years. Discussion ensued and Hahn stated the Fire Department designed a new truck and with Council’s approval they intend to distribute the bid package to five different manufacturers. He stated they typically keep trucks for 20-25 years per the National Fire Protection Association (recommendations) but trucks can be recertified each year. Mengler moved and Puck seconded to allow the Fire Department to send the truck specifications out for bid. Motion carried. The bids will be requested by December 15^th so it can be placed on the December 19^th council agenda.

Lincoln Street Improvements. Questions arose on the project status. Stagg reported on the upcoming plans to pour the concrete street from Downey Street east to Blue Grass Road. The contractor is still waiting on a culvert so the remaining project, from Downey Street to Main Street, will be poured next spring. Mengler moved and Koberg seconded to approve payment #5 to Needham Excavating, in the amount of $373,117.62, as recommended by the project engineer. Motion carried.

2023 Employee Health and Dental Insurance Benefits Renewal. Rickertsen reported the current health insurance plan will not be available in 2023. A comparable health plan was presented, with a premium increase of 6.81%. Knutsen moved and Puck seconded to approve the 2023 employee health and dental insurance renewal with the health plan moving to the Wellmark Enhanced Blue 1500 HMO plan. Motion carried.

Resolution 2022-43, Approving an Agreement between the City of Walcott and the Humane Society of Scott County. Rickertsen reported on the proposed three-year agreement, prepared by the Humane Society, and noted a revision to section 8, deleting the incorrect Iowa Code section number. Mengler moved and Bieri seconded to approve Resolution 2022-43, with the correction as noted. Roll call ayes: Mengler, Bieri, Puck, Koberg, and Knutsen. Motion carried.

Ordinance 531-22, Amending Provisions Pertaining to Stop Signs. This ordinance amends Chapter 65 of the Walcott City Code by adding eleven stop sign locations to the Code, where stop signs are already installed but not listed in the Code. Puck moved and Bieri seconded to approve the first reading of Ordinance 531-22. Roll call ayes: Puck, Bieri, Mengler, Knutsen, and Koberg. Motion carried. This is the first of three required readings.

Ordinance 532-22, Amending Provisions Pertaining to No Parking Zones. This ordinance amends Chapter 69 of the Walcott City Code by designating all sides of Sterling Drive as a no parking zone. Bieri moved and Mengler seconded to approve the first reading of Ordinance 532-22. Roll call ayes: Bieri, Mengler, Puck, Koberg, and Knutsen. Motion carried. This is the first of three required readings to prohibit parking on Sterling Drive.

Public Works Department Report. Stagg presented information on disposal of the 2015 GMC 1500 truck. Stagg reported the truck is equipped with a snow plow and salt spreader and he is requesting permission to list the truck for sale on the GovDeals website. He stated the truck has not been utilized for over two years and it’s not heavy enough for what the City needs for plowing. This truck will not be replaced but Stagg stated he intends to request replacing another truck at a future council meeting. Mengler moved and Puck seconded to allow the disposal of the 2015 GMC 1500 truck with snow removal equipment as presented by Stagg. Motion carried.

City Clerk’s Report. Rickertsen presented information on amending the current budget. Bieri moved and Knutsen seconded to set a public hearing date for the FYE 23 (July 1, 2022 – June 30, 2023) budget amendment for November 21^st at 6:00 p.m. Motion carried.

Mayor’s Report. Mayor Kostichek thanked the Fire Department for their research on the truck replacement. He also questioned the status of the West Otis Street project deficiencies. Stagg responded that he believes it is still IMEG’s intention to do a few test panels yet this year. Koberg stated he felt IMEG should pour a new street. Stagg responded that the intention on the plan from IMEG, which they brought to council (on June 6, 2022), was to do a few test panels first to make sure it would alleviate the problems before proceeding with other cracked street panels. Following further discussion, including street safety concerns, council agreed to request IMEG send a representative to the next council meeting.

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

November 7, 2022 Signed Minutes and Claims

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

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

Public Comments. None.  

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

Approval of Minutes from October 3, 2022. Puck moved and Knutsen seconded to approve the minutes from October 3, 2022. Motion carried.

Iowa 80 Ninth Addition.

• Resolution 2022-38 – Approval of Final Plat for Iowa 80 Ninth Addition – Certificate of Acceptance by the City of Walcott. Rickertsen reported the Planning & Zoning Commission recommended approval of the final plat and the additional information as requested by the Commission has been received. Mengler moved and Bieri seconded to approve Resolution 2022-38. Roll call ayes: Mengler, Bieri, Puck, and Knutsen. Motion carried.
• Resolution 2022-39 – Approval of Site Plan for a Warehouse for Sterling Partners I, LLC. Rickertsen reported the Site Plan was recommended by the Planning & Zoning Commission provided that both sides of Sterling Drive become a “No Parking” zone from Plainview Road to 100’ past the east driveway of the warehouse. Stagg requested the City Council make Sterling Drive no parking on the entire street, due to the width of the street and the City Code already states no semi parking on city streets. Chief Blake agreed with Stagg to not allow parking on any part of Sterling Drive. Puck moved and Mengler seconded to approve Resolution 2022-39 and direct staff to prepare an ordinance for no parking on Sterling Drive. Roll call ayes: Puck, Mengler, Bieri, and Knutsen. Motion carried.

Ryan Stacy – Tree Abatement Notice. Ryan Stacy requested to be placed on the agenda to discuss the abatement notice to remove a dead, diseased, or damaged tree from his property at 227 N. Century Street. Stacy was not present, but council consensus was that the nuisance exists and it is to be abated according to the notice. 

Park Board Recommendations. Rickertsen reported the Park Board recommends accepting the following donations:

• Gary Meincke Memorial Table Donations for Wescott Park. Lynnette and Cora Tarchinski were present in regards to the Gary Meincke memorial donations. Memorial funds were donated to the City in memory of Gary Meincke and the family would like these funds, along with additional funds they will donate, for the purchase of two drink rails, to be located on the last two 8’ sections of fence along the 3^rd base line, and one square picnic table. Puck moved and Mengler seconded to approve the purchase of two drink rails and one square picnic table for Wescott Park, as presented, with the donated funds. Motion carried. Mengler thanked Tarchinski and her family for the memorial donations for Wescott Park.
• Walcott Lions Club Bench Donations for Water Tower Park. Rickertsen stated the Walcott Lions are requesting to place two 8’ memorial composite benches at Water Tower Park. One bench is in memory of Leon Downing and the other for Butch Arp. Mengler moved and Knutsen seconded to approve the donation of two benches from the Walcott Lions Club to be placed at Water Tower Park. Motion carried.

Policy & Administration Committee Recommendations. Bieri reported on the changes the Policy & Administration Committee, Bieri and Mengler, recommend for the personnel policy handbook. Mengler moved and Puck seconded to approve Resolution 2022-40, Approving Amendments to the Personnel Policy Handbook. Roll call ayes: Mengler, Puck, Knutsen, and Bieri. Motion carried.

Review of Stop Signs. Stagg reported on inconsistencies with stop and yield signs, which are either not installed per City Code or signs installed that are not listed in the City Code. Following discussion, Mengler moved and Knutsen seconded to have an ordinance prepared to list the eleven stop sign locations, which are already installed, to the City Code, and install two stop signs and replace a yield sign with a stop sign per the City Code. Motion carried.

Police Department Report. Blake reported on a request to use golf carts on a portion of the recreational trail, crossing the bridge from the mobile home park and traveling to Bridge Lane. He stated two residents at the mobile home park own golf carts and there is currently no legal way for them to get into the rest of the community with a golf cart. Concerns from Council Members and the City Attorney were: regarding mixing golf carts with pedestrian traffic, increased liability for the City, and abuse of the rules. Mengler moved and Puck seconded to deny the request to allow golf cart use on the recreational trail. Motion carried.

Public Works Department Report. Stagg presented the City Engineer’s study on possible routes to extend sanitary sewer and water to six potential future development areas. All six areas can be served without installing lift stations. Stagg also provided updates on the E. Lincoln Street project and reported the park restrooms and concession stands have been winterized and are closed for the season.

City Clerk’s Report. Rickertsen reported the State Auditor’s Office released the annual examination for fiscal year ending June 30, 2022, and that no exceptions were noted, which indicates a clean financial exam. Mengler thanked Rickertsen for a job well done.

Knutsen moved and Mengler seconded to adjourn at 6:28 p.m. Motion carried. All votes on motions were unanimous, unless noted.

October 17, 2022 Signed Minutes & Claims

The semi-monthly meeting of the City Council of Walcott, Iowa, was held on Monday, the 3^rd day of October, 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: Jeff Blake, Lisa Rickertsen, and Paul Stagg. Chief Korry Kraft was present for the Fire Department Report and City Engineer, Jason Holdorf, arrived for the City Engineer report.

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

Introduction of Audience/Public Comments. No comments.

Consent Agenda. Knutsen moved and Mengler seconded to approve the consent agenda including the invoices, minutes from September 19, 2022, and Tax Increment Financing Rebate Payments Per Agreements – Iowa 80 Truckstop, Inc. – Main Building Expansion, ½ of 3^rd year rebate = $12,829.16 & Atlantic Bottling Company –Distribution Building, ½ of 2^nd year rebate = $38,547.38. Motion carried.

Trick-or-Treating. Rickertsen reported the Walcott Women representative at the last council meeting requested the incorrect time for Trick-or-Treating. Puck moved and Bieri seconded to accept the revised time of 5 – 7 p.m. for Trick-or-Treating on October 30, 2022, with the parade starting at 4:15 p.m. (line up at 4:00 p.m.). Motion carried.

Request to Sell Food at City Park on October 8, 2022. Tim Klindt requested permission to sell food (egg rolls) at a City park on October 8^th during the city-wide garage sales. His wife runs a business, Humble, out of their home in Blue Grass, which is licensed by the Scott County Health Department. Klindt stated they are trying to promote their business in Walcott. Rickertsen reported the City Attorney questioned if this would set a precedent and how would it affect other local businesses. Following discussion, Council suggested Klindt contact local business owners that may allow a food truck on their private property and thanked him for attending.

Fire Department Report –New Rescue Truck Plans & Specifications. Chief Korry Kraft presented specifications for a new rescue truck, which would replace the 1997 rescue truck. He requested permission to send the truck specifications to bidders. Mayor Kostichek questioned the need for a Spartan custom chassis, instead of a standard chassis. Kraft stated the Spartan custom chassis is comparable in price to a Freightliner chassis, but the Spartan sits over the engine which allows for a larger cab. Kraft was asked to obtain a quote on another chassis (Freightliner) for review at the next council meeting. Mayor Kosticheck questioned applying for grants and Kraft stated they just missed a grant cycle but agreed they may be able to apply in the spring for the truck box.

Walcott Historical Society. Mengler moved and Puck seconded to approve the contribution request of $2,500 to the Walcott Historical Society as budgeted. Motion carried.

Lincoln Street Improvements Project. Mengler moved and Puck seconded to approve payment #4 to Needham Excavating, in the amount of $170,414.11, as recommended by the project engineer. Motion carried. Mengler questioned the status of the Main and Lincoln Street intersection. Stagg responded it should be paved before winter.

Police Department Report. Chief Blake presented his report including a project worksheet to purchase a 2023 Dodge Ram 1500 and reported on the status of repairs to the Dodge Durango squad, which is still out of service. Chief Blake stated the vehicle would not be delivered until after July 1^st and he could write a grant in the spring. Puck moved and Bieri seconded to approve the purchase as presented for a 2023 Dodge Ram 1500 from Stew Hansen Dodge, at a cost of $41,084, with an older squad to be traded in at a later date. Motion carried.

City Engineer Report. Jason Holdorf reported on the status of correction for the the W. Otis Street deficiencies. He contacted other contractors and is pursuing sidewalk repairs. Holdorf stated it is IMEG’s intention to replace a few street panels, as well as the two sidewalk sections this fall and revisit it next year. Mayor Kostichek questioned the timeline on paving E. Lincoln Street, particularly at the east end of the project. Holdorf stated he hopes the paving will start in mid-late October. Mengler questioned the status of the future development utility plan study. Holdorf responded he would forward it to Stagg prior to the next meeting.

Public Works Department Report. Stagg provided additional updates on the E. Lincoln Street project.

• Dead and Diseased Trees. Stagg reorganized the list as requested. Mengler moved and Bieri seconded to direct Stagg to proceed with letters to the ten property owners as listed. Motion carried.
• Valve Exerciser. Stagg presented a project worksheet to purchase a valve exerciser to use on hydrants and water main valves. Following discussion, Puck moved and Knutsen seconded to approve the purchase of a valve exerciser at a cost of $4,950. Motion carried.  

Stagg also reported on the mowing of the recreational trail and an open position in the Public Works Department. Mengler questioned the status of the concrete bids for the James & Century Streets intersection ADA improvements. Stagg responded since it’s late in the construction season, they will obtain bids again next spring.

Possible Closed Session per Iowa Code 21.5(1)(J). Bieri moved and Puck seconded to go into a closed session at 6:47 p.m. under Iowa Code Chapter 21.5(1)(j) to discuss purchase of particular real estate. Roll call ayes: Bieri, Puck, Mengler, and Knutsen. Motion carried. Rickertsen and Stagg were allowed to stay at the meeting and all others were asked to leave the council chamber.

Mengler moved and Puck seconded to close the closed session and resume the regular meeting at 7:00 p.m. Roll call ayes: Mengler, Puck, Bieri, and Knutsen. Motion carried.

Possible Action per Closed Session. Mengler moved and Puck seconded to instruct staff to communicate with property owner as discussed during the closed session. Motion carried.

Bieri moved and Knutsen seconded to adjourn at 7:01 p.m. Motion carried. All votes on motions were unanimous, unless noted.

October 3, 2022 Signed Minutes & Claims

The semi-monthly meeting of the City Council of Walcott, Iowa, was held on Monday, the 19^th day of September, 2022, at Walcott City Hall. Mayor John Kostichek called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m. Council members present: Everett Bieri, Harry Knutsen, Kirk Koberg, Lisa Mengler, and Jacob Puck. Staff present: Jeff Blake, Jackie Huston, Jason Holdorf (City Engineer), and Paul Stagg.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

City Engineer Report.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

September 6, 2022

The semi-monthly meeting of the City Council of Walcott, Iowa, was held on Monday, the 15^th day of August, 2022, at Walcott City Hall. Mayor John Kostichek called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m. Council members present: Everett Bieri, Harry Knutsen, Kirk Koberg, Lisa Mengler, and Jacob Puck. Staff present: Jeff Blake, Lisa Rickertsen, and Paul Stagg.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

August 15, 2022 Signed Minutes & Claims

The semi-monthly meeting of the City Council of Walcott, Iowa, was held on Monday, the 1^st day of August, 2022, at Walcott City Hall. Mayor John Kostichek called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m. Council members present: Everett Bieri, Harry Knutsen, Kirk Koberg, Lisa Mengler, and Jacob Puck. Staff present: Lisa Rickertsen and Paul Stagg.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

August 1, 2022 Signed Minutes & Claims