April 20, 2026
lrickertsen@cityofwalcott.com
April 24, 2026
The semi-monthly meeting of the City Council of Walcott, Iowa, was held on Monday, April 20, 2026, at Walcott City Hall. Mayor Jacob Puck called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m. Council members present: Everett Bieri, Kirk Koberg, Bobbie Martinez, Lisa Mengler, and Joe Quick. Staff present: Lisa Rickertsen and Paul Stagg.
Approval of Agenda. Mengler moved and Bieri seconded to approve the agenda. Motion carried.
Introduction of Audience/Public Comments. Attendees included residents John Brockmann, Lynnette Tarchinski, and Joe Aubry. Davenport Community School Superintendent TJ Schneckloth and reporter Noah Glasgow were also present. Tarchinski commented on the proposed Fire Meeting Room Policy, noting that there are additional community organizations in Walcott that are not listed in the policy and questioned how the listed organizations were determined. Rickertsen responded that the groups listed have utilized the meeting room in the past.
Public Hearing on Fiscal Year Ending (FYE) June 30, 2027 Budget. Mayor Puck opened the public hearing on the budget for FYE June 30, 2027. Rickertsen stated the proposed levy rate is an increase from the current year of $9.85053 to $10.29158 but the City will collect approximately $20,000 less property tax dollars than the current year. The budgeted expenditures are approximately $6.3 million which exceeds projected revenues by approximately $1.9 million. This variance is primarily due to upcoming projects. Reserve funds will be used to cover the difference. Brockmann stated his property taxes have increased after constructing two new buildings on his commercial property and inquired how existing businesses can obtain tax rebates, noting that rebates are available for other businesses. Rickertsen responded that to qualify for a TIF (tax increment financing) rebate, a business must be located within a designated TIF district and meet specific eligibility requirements, including a minimum increase in value of $2 million. She further advised that concerns regarding property assessments should be directed to the Scott County Assessor. No other oral or written comments were received. Mengler moved and Koberg seconded to close the public hearing and resume the regular meeting. Motion carried.
Consent Agenda. Bieri moved and Quick seconded to approve the consent agenda including the invoices, minutes from April 6, 2026 meetings (regular and special), March 2026 financial reports, tax increment financing (TIF) rebate payments per development agreements to Atlantic Bottling Company for the final payment on the Coca-Cola distribution building in the amount of $11,264.41 and Sterling Partners I, LLC for ½ of the 1st year payment on the new warehouse in the amount of $70,669.20. Motion carried.
Resolution 2026-17, Approving the Adoption of the FYE 2027 Budget. Koberg moved and Bieri seconded to approve Resolution 2026-17, Approving the Adoption of the FYE 2027 Budget. Roll call ayes: Koberg, Bieri, Martinez, Mengler, and Quick. Motion carried.
Davenport Community School District – Superintendent TJ Schneckloth. Superintendent Schneckloth presented and reported on the 2026 State of the District and the Strategic Plan for the Davenport Community School District. The State of the District highlights the District’s ongoing efforts to improve student academic achievement, post-secondary readiness, and operational efficiency. He reported on building and classroom updates and investments across the district, reinvestment in athletics, student programs and career pathways, and a continued focus on school safety. He noted the recent removal of the former bus lot area at the Walcott School, which is being renovated to expand the playground space. Discussion followed regarding strategies to retain students and to increase awareness of the opportunities available within the district.
Special Class C Licenses including Outdoor and Sunday Sales for Walcott Unified Fund, Inc. at Victory and Wescott Parks. Mengler moved and Bieri seconded to approve the Special Class C licenses for Walcott Unified Fund, Inc. (WUF) at Wescott and Victory Parks. Motion carried with Koberg and Quick abstaining due to their officer positions on WUF.
Resolution 2026-14, Approval of Contract and Bonds for the Well #6 Installation Project. Koberg moved and Bieri seconded to approve Resolution 2026-14, Approval of Contract and Bonds for the Well #6 Installation Project. Roll call ayes: Koberg, Bieri, Martinez, Mengler, and Quick. Motion carried.
Resolution 2026-18, Approval of Fire Department Meeting Room Policy. This policy reflects current practice, formalizes procedures in writing, and lists the local organizations approved to utilize the room. Discussion was held regarding the addition of other Walcott based community organizations for intermittent use of the room, subject to approval by the City Clerk. Mengler moved and Bieri seconded to approve Resolution 2026-18, Approval of Fire Meeting Room Policy with the addition as discussed. Roll call ayes: Mengler, Bieri, Quick, Martinez, and Koberg. Motion carried.
Resolution 2026-19, Establishing a Stormwater Reserve Fund and Authorizing the Transfer of Funds. Bieri moved and Martinez seconded to approve Resolution 2026-19, Establishing a Stormwater Reserve Fund and Authorizing the Transfer of Funds.Roll call ayes: Bieri, Martinez, Koberg, Mengler, and Quick. Motion carried.
First Reading of Ordinance 562-26, Amending Chapter 106 Pertaining to Solid Waste Collection Fee. Ordinance 562-26 was introduced. This increases the garbage rate to $20.75, effective with the July 1, 2026 billing, which is the amount the City will pay to the contracted collector. Koberg moved and Mengler seconded to approve the 1st reading to adopt Ordinance 562-26, Amending Chapter 106 Pertaining to Solid Waste Collection Fees. Roll call ayes: Koberg, Mengler, Bieri, Quick, and Martinez. Motion carried.
Martinez moved and Quick seconded to adjourn at 7:02 p.m. Motion carried. All votes on motions were unanimous, unless noted.