August 19, 2019 Minutes
Briana
August 19, 2019
The semi-monthly meeting of the City Council of Walcott, Iowa, was held on Monday, the 19th day of August 2019, at Walcott City Hall. Mayor John Kostichek called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m. Council members present were: John Brockmann, Tim Koehler, Lisa Mengler, Jacob Puck, and Larry Smith. Absent: None. City staff present: Jeff Blake, Lisa Rickertsen, Tom Schirman, and Paul Stagg.
Approval of Agenda. Puck moved and Koehler seconded to approve the agenda. Motion carried.
Introduction of Audience/Public Comments. Resident Joe Hahn reported he has heard a lot of positive comments regarding the new splash pad.
Public Hearings. The public hearing was opened for rezoning of 342 E. Bryant Street from M-2 (Moderate Industrial District) to C-2 (Central Business District). Rickertsen reported that an application was received from Dan & Jodeen Stepleton which request the property be rezoned to allow it to be used for storage and repair of their personal vehicles and equipment. Their intention is to expand the building to the required setbacks for C-2. The Planning & Zoning Commission held a public hearing on the request on August 12th and unanimously recommended the property be rezoned to C-2. Mengler questioned if this would have any effect on the parking area for the Lampliter. Any expansion to the building would be on their own property. No written or other oral comments were received. Mengler moved and Smith seconded to close the public hearing and open the public hearing on the rezoning request for 107 E. Walcott Road from M-2 and M-1 (Light Industrial) to C-2. Rickertsen reported that an application was received from Bryan Newell which requests the rezoning to allow construction or restoration of an automotive repair shop due to recent storm damage. The property has been utilized as an automotive repair shop for many years under a non-conforming use status. The request is so the business would be in compliance with the C-2 zoning classification. The Planning & Zoning Commission held a public hearing on the request on August 12th and unanimously recommended the property be rezoned to C-2. No written comments or other oral comments were received. Puck moved and Koehler seconded to close the public hearing and resume the regular meeting. Motion carried.
Consent Agenda. Koehler moved and Mengler seconded to approve the consent agenda including the invoices, minutes from August 5, 2019, July 2019 financial reports, Class C beer permit and Sunday sales renewal for Dolgencorp, LLC (Dollar General), and Resolution 2019-28, Transfer of Funds. Roll call ayes: Koehler, Mengler, Smith, Brockmann, and Puck. Motion carried.
Rezoning Request for 342 E. Bryant Street – Ordinance 507-19, Amending the Official Zoning Map. Smith introduced and moved to approve the first reading of Ordinance 507-19. Seconded by Puck. Roll call ayes: Smith, Puck, Koehler, and Mengler. Brockmann abstained as he is the current property owner. Motion carried. This Ordinance changes the zoning for 342 E. Bryant Street from M-2 to C-2.
Rezoning Request for 107 E. Walcott Road – Ordinance 508-19, Amending the Official Zoning Map. Mengler introduced and moved to approve the first reading of Ordinance 508-19. Seconded by Koehler. Roll call ayes: Mengler, Koehler, Smith, Puck, and Brockmann. Motion carried. This Ordinance changes the zoning for 107 E. Walcott Road from M-2 and M-1 to C-2.
Proposed City Hall/Fire Station Parking Lot. The current budget includes funds for a proposed parking lot, which would be paid from the Municipal Building Reserve Fund. Discussion was held on the three options presented by the City Engineer last fall. Smith moved and Mengler seconded to proceed with option A (lot adjacent to City Hall). Motion carried with Brockmann opposing.
Police Department Report. Chief Blake reported on the department’s participation with the recent multi-jurisdictional traffic enforcement event. He also introduced, Timothy Horihan, as the new full-time officer he hired. Smith moved and Koehler seconded to approve Resolution 2019-29, Establishing Hourly Wage for Police Officer Timothy Horihan. Roll call ayes: Smith, Koehler, Brockmann, Puck, and Mengler. Motion carried. Rickertsen administered the Oath of Office to Officer Horihan.
Public Works Department Report. The high bid of $2,125 was one of three received for the 2011 Ford Crown Victoria. The Council felt that the high bid was too low and it was noted that the notice stated that the City has a right to reject any or all bids. Stagg also reported he has a 2000 Chevy pickup to dispose of since the new truck is ready for delivery. Following discussion, Mengler moved and Smith seconded to re-advertise the sale of the 2011 Crown Victoria with a minimum bid of $3,500 and to also list the 2000 Chevy pickup for sale, with Stagg determining a minimum bid for the pickup. Motion carried.
Council Comments. Koehler mentioned he appreciated the opportunity to serve the community and felt the experience was educational. Koehler was thanked for his willingness to serve as a member of the City Council for almost nine years.
Council Vacancy Appointment. The two applicants, Joe Aubry and Everett Bieri, were both thanked for their interest in fulfilling the council vacancy. Smith moved and Mengler seconded to appoint Everett Bieri to the City Council, until the next regular election on November 5, 2019. Motion carried. Rickertsen administered the oath of office to Everett Bieri.
Koehler moved and Mengler seconded to adjourn at 6:39 p.m. Motion carried. All votes on motions were unanimous, unless noted.