August 19, 2024 Minutes
twright@cityofwalcott.com
August 19, 2024
The semi-monthly meeting of the City Council of Walcott, Iowa, was held on Monday, August 19, 2024, 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. Knutsen moved and Puck seconded to approve the agenda. Motion carried.
Introduction of Audience/Public Comments. Mike Avise, Skylar Roling, Kristal Schaefer, John Brockmann, Jeremy & Jenn Schaeffer, Joanne Pohl, Brent Puck, Rick Needham, and Brian and Lisa Garlock. Brockmann reported on a letter sent from the City to a client of his regarding weeds and stated the City has grass in concrete streets and needs to seal/maintain them.
Consent Agenda. Mengler moved and Koberg seconded to approve the consent agenda including the invoices, minutes from August 5, 2024, July 2024 financial reports, and setting fall clean-up day for residents on October 12, 2024, at the compost facility from 2:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. Motion carried. The compost area will be closed from Friday, October 11th until Monday, October 14th, except during the clean-up day hours.
Recreational Trail Phase 2 Extension. Koberg stated the Walcott Mobile Home Park Community is not going to give up lots that have potential to place a mobile home on it. With proper permitting (and requirements from IDNR), mobile homes may be allowed in the flood plain (by the IDNR). Kristal Schaefer stated that many of the residents (adjacent to the City-owned property on the south side of Mud Creek and west side of Westbrook Subdivisions) do not want the proposed trail extension located behind their residences. Mengler stated it’s her understanding it has always been the intent to locate the trail where the City is proposing it (south and east sides of creeks). Mengler moved to proceed with the recreational trail extension. Motion died due to lack of a second. Further discussion included the status of the proposed survey previously presented from the Recreational Trail Advisory Committee. Committee member, Mike Avise, stated the Committee is waiting for further direction from the Council regarding the survey. Koberg moved to send out the survey to find out if residents want the trail extension. Seconded by Puck. Motion carried with Mengler opposing. The survey will be on the next meeting agenda for further review prior to distribution. Schaefer questioned if the residents in the Westbrook Subdivisions, adjacent to the City-owned property, can mow the City’s property when they mow their property. Stagg stated when the City mows that area they don’t mow sections that are already shorter than their mower height.
Tennis Court Striping Project. This will be placed on the next agenda.
Ordinance 549-24, Amending Chapter 95 Pertaining to Sanitary Sewer System. Ordinance 549-24, Amending Chapter 95 Pertaining to Sanitary Sewer System, was introduced. This Ordinance amends sections 95.02 and 95.09 by adding abbreviations and definitions and changes to special penalties. Mengler moved and Bieri seconded to approve the first reading to adopt Ordinance 549-24. Roll call ayes: Mengler, Bieri, Puck, Koberg, and Knutsen. Motion carried.
Ordinance 550-24, Amending Chapter 97 Pertaining to Use of Public Sewers. Ordinance 550-24, Amending Chapter 97 Pertaining to Use of Public Sewers, was introduced. This Ordinance includes changes to sections 97.02, 97.03, 97.05, 97.07 regarding prohibited discharges, restricted discharges, pretreatment facilities, and testing of wastes. Puck moved and Koberg seconded to approve the first reading to adopt Ordinance 550-24. Roll call ayes: Puck, Koberg, Knutsen, Bieri, and Mengler. Motion carried.
Ordinance 551-24, Amending Chapter 99 Pertaining to Sewer Service Charges. Ordinance 551-24, Amending Chapter 99 Pertaining to Sewer Charges, was introduced. This Ordinance amends sections 99.09 and 99.11 pertaining to sewer surcharges and administrative fees. Mengler moved and Knutsen seconded to approve the first reading to adopt Ordinance 551-24. Roll call ayes: Mengler, Knutsen, Bieri, Mengler, and Koberg. Motion carried.
Public Works Department Report. Stagg reported on preparation of preliminary plans for the N. Grove Street Water Main Improvements Project. Council consensus was to keep the sidewalk at 3’ from the property line. Mayor Kostichek questioned the timeline of the 2024 CIPP Sewer Main Lining Project. Stagg responded the contractor has until mid-December to complete the project.
Mayor’s Report. Mayor Kostichek stated he feels the survey (recreational trail extension project) will be helpful in determining a final decision on the project. He also reported the Walcott Lions Club will be donating playground equipment for Water Tower Park and expressed thanks to the Club.
Koberg moved and Puck seconded to adjourn at 6:51 p.m. Motion carried. All votes on motions were unanimous, unless noted.