November 15, 2021 Minutes
City of Walcott
November 15, 2021
The semi-monthly meeting of the City Council of Walcott, Iowa, was held on Monday, the 15th day of November, 2021, 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, Jacob Puck, and Larry Smith. City staff present: Jeff Blake, Lisa Rickertsen, and Paul Stagg. City Engineer, Jason Holdorf, was also present.
Approval of Agenda. Mengler moved and Smith seconded to approve the agenda. Motion carried.
Introduction of Audience/Public Comments. Harry Knutsen reported the speed limit sign on 200th Street/F58 has not been restored at the culvert project site. This was a county project so the Scott County Engineer will be contacted.
Consent Agenda. Puck moved and Bieri seconded to approve the consent agenda including the invoices, minutes from November 1, 2021, and the October 2021 financial reports. Motion carried.
Ordinance 522-21, Amending Chapter 69 Pertaining to No Parking Zones. Ordinance 522-21 was introduced and Mengler moved and Puck seconded to approve the first reading. Roll call ayes: Mengler, Puck, Koberg, Bieri, and Smith. Motion carried. This ordinance adds a no parking zone to the west side of the 200 block of S. Grove Street, between E. Bryant Street and E. Durant Street. Council consensus was to list both the second and third Ordinance readings on the next meeting agenda.
Police Report. Chief Blake reported he picked up the new squad.
Public Works Department Report. Stagg reported on the delivery of the new John Deere X739, City Hall tuck-pointing project, lift station grinder project, and the recent planting of 18 trees. Stagg was questioned about non-operable outlets at Welcome Park, recreational trail bridge plank repairs, and low spots on the trail. Stagg responded that the bridge plank repairs are not yet completed and he will follow-up on the other two items. Concerns regarding deficiencies on the W. Otis Street project were expressed and Holdorf responded that they intend to have an action plan, which will be submitted to Council, by spring. Council members expressed their disappointment with the Victory and Wescott Parks Concrete Improvements Project, especially the landscaping (sod) work. A lengthy discussion was held on their concerns, which includes the following: sod unevenness and trip hazards; transitions into existing sod (Wescott Park); and contract time frame. Holdorf provided written information regarding his contact with the project contractors, along with a remedy solution from the sod company which they intend to complete in the spring. Following further discussion, Holdorf will contact the general contractor and request the contractor move the bleachers off the grass and correct severe trip hazards now instead of waiting until spring.
City Clerk’s Report. Rickertsen reported on the upcoming Iowa League of Cities training workshops for the Council and that the City Code draft from Iowa Codification has been received and is being reviewed.
Mayor’s Report. Mayor Kostichek expressed his thanks to the members of the Walcott Volunteer Fire Department for their commitment to provide emergency services to the Walcott community. He also expressed thanks and appreciation to Central Petroleum Company for allowing their Fire Department member employees to respond to emergency calls during working hours.
Council Member Comments. Puck questioned if citations are being issued for those not obeying the four-way stop at James & Main Streets and if bikes and golf carts are required to follow the same traffic rules as vehicles. Chief Blake stated all traffic regulations for motor vehicles also apply to golf carts (including ATV’s & UTV’s) and bicycles on roadways. Following an outburst earlier from Smith, Mengler stated the Council needs to support each other and staff.
Koberg moved and Mengler seconded to adjourn at 6:48 p.m. Motion carried. All votes on motions were unanimous, unless noted.