FEBRUARY CHAMBER NEWSLETTER

A special meeting of the City Council of the City of Walcott, Iowa was held on Monday, January 25, 2021, with Mayor John Kostichek calling the meeting to order at 5:00 p.m.  Council members present were: Everett Bieri, John Brockmann, Lisa Mengler, Jacob Puck, and Larry Smith. City staff: Paul Stagg and Josh Geigle were present and Jeff Blake and Lisa Rickertsen participated remotely. Due to COVID-19, this meeting was held electronically via conference call, permitted under the Iowa Code, Chapter 21.8, which allows an electronic meeting where members may participate remotely when an in-person meeting is impossible or impractical. Call-in information was provided to the public on the meeting agenda notice.

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

FYE 2022 Budget Review and Discussion. Discussion was held on the proposed FYE 2022 budget, including a review of the general, general reserve, special revenue, and proprietary (water, sewer, and garbage) funds, property valuations, and max levy rate. Rickertsen will make changes to the proposed budget as discussed.

Set Budget Max Levy Hearing Date. Smith moved and Mengler seconded to set the FYE 2022 budget max levy public hearing date for February 15, 2021, at City Hall at 6:00 p.m. 

Mengler moved and Puck seconded to adjourn at 6:02 p.m. Ayes: All. Motion carried.

January 25, 2021 Signed Minutes

The semi-monthly meeting of the City Council of Walcott, Iowa, was held on Monday, the 18^th day of January, 2021, at Walcott City Hall. Mayor John Kostichek called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m. Council members present: Everett Bieri, John Brockmann, Lisa Mengler, Jacob Puck, and Larry Smith. City staff: Paul Stagg was present and Lisa Rickertsen participated remotely. Due to COVID-19, this meeting was held electronically via conference call, permitted under the Iowa Code, Chapter 21.8, which allows an electronic meeting where members may participate remotely when an in-person meeting is impossible or impractical. Call-in information was provided to the public on the meeting agenda notice.

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

Introduction of Audience/Public Comments. None.

Consent Agenda. Smith moved and Bieri seconded to approve the consent agenda including the invoices, minutes from January 4, 2021, December financial reports, and Class C liquor license renewal for Gramma’s Kitchen & The Checkered Flag Bar & Grill. Motion carried.

Durant Ambulance Support. Smith moved and Brockmann seconded to approve payment, as budgeted, of $1,000 to Durant Ambulance. Motion carried.

Resolution 2021-6, Providing for a Notice of Hearing on Proposed Plans and Specifications, Form of Contract and Cost Estimate for the 2021 N. Downey Street Water Main Improvements Project. Mengler moved and Puck seconded to approve Resolution 2021-6. Roll call ayes: Mengler, Puck, Bieri, Smith, and Brockmann. Motion carried. A public hearing on the plans and specifications will be held on February 1, 2021, at 6:00 p.m.

Ordinance 516-21, Amending Chapter 167 Pertaining to Floodplain Management Overlay Districts and Standards. Stagg reported the Ordinance was drafted by the Iowa Department of Natural Resources and the City needs to adopt it prior to FEMA’s adoption of the new floodplain maps. Smith introduced Ordinance 516-21 and moved to approve the first reading. Mengler seconded. Roll call ayes: Smith, Mengler, Brockmann, Puck, and Bieri. Motion carried.

Public Works Department Report. Stagg reported on a grant received from the Iowa Department of Natural Resources/U.S. Forest Service for two hundred tree seedlings. These seedlings can be planted on public and private properties within the City of Walcott. Information on how residents can request a seedling will be in the February Chamber of Commerce newsletter and posted on the City’s website.

City Clerk Report. A budget meeting is scheduled for January 25, 2021, at 5:00 p.m.

Council Member Comments.  Brockmann expressed concerns regarding snow removal and his disappointment in allowing hammerhead street turnarounds. It was noted that the hammerheads were included in the subdivision plans that were approved by the Planning & Zoning Commission and City Council last fall. Smith reported on snow being thrown or pushed onto the streets, which is against City and State Code.

Smith moved and Mengler seconded to adjourn at 6:23 p.m. Motion carried. All votes on motions were unanimous, unless noted.

January 18, 2021 Signed Minutes & Claims

The semi-monthly meeting of the City Council of Walcott, Iowa, was held on Monday, the 4^th day of January, 2021, at Walcott City Hall. Mayor John Kostichek called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m. Council members present: Everett Bieri, John Brockmann, Lisa Mengler, Jacob Puck, and Larry Smith. City staff present: Jeff Blake, Lisa Rickertsen, and Paul Stagg. Due to COVID-19, this meeting was held electronically via conference call, permitted under the Iowa Code, Chapter 21.8, which allows an electronic meeting where members may participate remotely when an in-person meeting is impossible or impractical. Call-in information was provided to the public on the meeting agenda notice.

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

Introduction of Audience/Public Comments. Josh Geigle, Fire Chief, thanked the Public Works Department for their assistance during recent snow events. Geigle left the meeting and there were no other public comments at this time.

Consent Agenda. Rickertsen reported on the Resolutions listed in the consent agenda. Mengler moved and Puck seconded to approve the consent agenda including the invoices, minutes from December 21, 2020, Resolution 2021-1, Designating the North Scott Press as Official Newspaper, Resolution 2020-2, Authorizing Certain Payments Before a Council Meeting, Resolution 2021-3, Transfer of Funds, Resolution 2021-4, Establishing the Standard Mileage Rate Reimbursement, and Resolution 2021-5 Adopting the Annual Supplement to the Code of Ordinances. Roll call ayes:  Mengler, Puck, Smith, Bieri, and Brockmann. Motion carried.

326 E. Lincoln Street – Request for Tree Trimming Reimbursement. The property owner was not present so no council action was taken, however, discussion was held on a memo from the City Attorney referencing the City Code, which states the property owner is responsible for maintenance of trees between the lot line and curb line unless the tree is dead or diseased which is the responsibility of the City.   

1949 Fire Truck. During the December 7^th meeting, Brockmann stated the Walcott Historical Society inquired about the City donating the 1949 fire truck to them. The City Attorney and a representative from the state auditor’s office both provided information and the auditor’s office recommends the City should go through the bidding process to dispose of the truck. Joe Hahn participated via phone and stated he would like to see the truck stay in Walcott and be restored so the Fire Department can drive it in parades. Mengler moved and Smith seconded to table the issue until more information is obtained from the Fire Department. Motion carried.

Police Department Report. Chief Blake presented the department’s monthly report.

Public Works Department Report. Stagg provided department updates and Smith complimented the department for their efforts during the recent snow storms.

Council Member Comments.  Brockmann expressed his concerns, which included snow removal and street improvement priorities. Puck questioned the decision to discontinue plowing on the night of a recent snowfall. Stagg replied that the lack of visibility created unsafe conditions.

Puck moved and Smith seconded to adjourn at 6:36 p.m. Motion carried. All votes on motions were unanimous, unless noted.

January 4, 2021 Signed Minutes & Claims

JANUARY CHAMBER NEWSLETTER 2021

The semi-monthly meeting of the City Council of Walcott, Iowa, was held on Monday, the 21^st day of December, 2020, at Walcott City Hall. Mayor John Kostichek called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m. Council members present: Everett Bieri, John Brockmann, Lisa Mengler, Jacob Puck, and Larry Smith. City staff present: Jeff Blake, Lisa Rickertsen, and Paul Stagg. Due to COVID-19, this meeting was held electronically via conference call, permitted under the Iowa Code, Chapter 21.8, which allows an electronic meeting where members may participate remotely when an in-person meeting is impossible or impractical. Call-in information was provided to the public on the meeting agenda notice.

Approval of Agenda. Mengler moved and Bieri seconded to approve the agenda, with deletion of item eight, screen for Wulf Road lift station. Motion carried.

Consent Agenda. Puck moved and Bieri seconded to approve the consent agenda including the invoices and minutes from December 7, 2020. Motion carried.

Appointments by Mayor.  Mayor Kostichek made the following appointments:

• Park Board. Reappointment of Brian Mengler to the Park Board with a term ending 12/31/25. Smith moved and Puck seconded to approve the Mayor’s appointment. Motion carried.
• Council Committees:
• Police & Animal Control – Brockmann and Smith
• Policy & Administration/City Hall – Puck and Bieri
• Streets, Solid Waste, & Parks – Bieri and Mengler
• Fire & Civil Defense – Mengler and Brockmann
• Water & Sanitary Sewer – Smith and Puck
• Mayor Pro Tem – Jacob Puck

Appointments by Council.

• Planning & Zoning Commission. Lisa VanderSchaaf-Miller introduced herself and expressed her interest in the opportunity to serve on the Planning & Zoning Commission. Puck moved and Mengler seconded to appoint Lisa VanderSchaaf-Miller to the Planning & Zoning Commission with a term ending 12/31/25. Motion carried.
• Zoning Board of Adjustment. Bieri moved and Smith seconded to reappoint Brent Arp to the Zoning Board of Adjustment for a term ending 12/31/25. Motion carried.

Lincoln Street Improvements Project. Stagg presented engineering proposals for topographic surveying and geotechnical exploration (soil boring) services from the City Engineer. He stated this is preliminary work that needs to be completed in order to proceed with preparing the plans and specifications for the proposed street improvements project. Brockmann questioned the need for these services and utilizing other firms. Mengler moved and Smith seconded to approve the topographic surveying services with IMEG. Motion carried with Brockmann opposing. Mengler moved and Puck seconded to approve the geotechnical exploration services with IMEG. Motion carried.

2021 Seal Coating Project. Stagg presented a project worksheet for regular street maintenance. Puck moved and Mengler seconded to approve the street maintenance project as presented, not to exceed $35,000. Motion carried. This includes spot repairs and seal coating on E. Flagg, E. Durant, E. Bryant, N. Grove Streets, from LL Pelling.

Public Works Department Report. Stagg reported on department updates, including that the new fence posts have been installed at Victory Park.

Mayor’s Report. Mayor Kostichek thanked the council members for their cooperation and working together throughout this past year.

Smith moved and Puck seconded to adjourn at 6:20 p.m. Motion carried. All votes on motions were unanimous, unless noted.

December 21, 2020 Signed Minutes & Claims

The semi-monthly meeting of the City Council of Walcott, Iowa, was held on Monday, the 7^th day of December, 2020, at Walcott City Hall. Mayor John Kostichek called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m. Council members present: Everett Bieri, John Brockmann, Lisa Mengler, Jacob Puck, and Larry Smith. City staff present: Jeff Blake, Lisa Rickertsen, and Paul Stagg. Due to COVID-19, this meeting was held electronically via conference call, permitted under the Iowa Code, Chapter 21.8, which allows an electronic meeting where members may participate remotely when an in-person meeting is impossible or impractical. Call-in information was provided to the public on the meeting agenda notice.

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

Consent Agenda. Puck moved and Mengler seconded to approve the consent agenda including the invoices, reappointment of Josh Geigle as Fire Chief for a one-year term ending December 31, 2021, and the November 2020 financial reports. Motion carried.

Minutes from November 16, 2020. Bieri moved and Mengler seconded to approve the minutes from November 16, 2020. Motion carried with Brockmann and Smith abstaining due to absence from meeting.

Capital Improvements Plan Review. Projects listed in the capital improvements plan for the current and next fiscal year were reviewed and discussed. Stagg provided updates on projects the City Engineer is working on. Council asked Stagg to obtain budget figures on a few potential projects.

Police Department Report. On behalf of the Fire and Police Departments, Blake expressed thanks to the Walcott American Legion for their recent donations to the departments. Blake also reported on an incident earlier in the afternoon where an unidentified person posed as a city utility worker to gain entrance into someone’s home. Residents should be vigilant and immediately report any suspicious individuals or activity.

Public Works Department Report.

• Locust tree at Wescott Park. Stagg reported that the volunteers making improvements at Wescott Park requested removal of the tree located on the SE corner of Wescott Park. This tree sustained some damage in the derecho but not enough to justify removing it so the City hired a contractor to trim it. The volunteers requested it be removed so they can properly grade the area. Stagg reported the insurance agent stated the volunteers cannot remove the tree but they could hire someone to remove it, provided they submit a certificate of liability insurance to the City. Following discussion, Brockmann moved and Smith seconded to allow the tree to be removed, provided the volunteers hire a contractor and proper insurance is submitted to the City. Motion carried.
• Stagg also reported the Fire Department attempted to burn areas at Prairie View Park but there was a lot of green undergrowth and wet conditions that prevented a good burn. He stated his department will attempt to mow the area. Brockmann stated it would be better to do a burn in the spring.

Mayor’s Report. Mayor Kostichek also expressed thanks to the Walcott American Legion for their recent donations and to all the volunteers who have donated their time and equipment at Wescott Park.

Council Members Comments. Brockmann reported on several items, including the following:

• Stated the Walcott Historical Society wants the City to gift the 1949 fire truck to them. Rickertsen stated that the City cannot gift real property, except to another governmental entity, but she would contact the City Attorney.
• Inquired if the Public Works Department could do a rough grade for the new sidewalk location on the east side of Wescott Park and have the City provide a few loads of infield material for the improvements. Council consensus was to have the City provide two loads of material as requested and have Stagg coordinate with Tim Hamann regarding the grading.
• Stated he had received complaints of discolored water. Residents experiencing water discoloration should contact City staff when it happens.
• Inquired about a beaver dam in the creek behind the mobile home park. Stagg responded that he is aware of and taking care of it.
• Questioned the remaining clean-up of Victory Park. Stagg responded he has contractors authorized to perform work at the park and they have agreed to have it completed by spring.

Mengler moved and Smith seconded to adjourn at 7:11 p.m. Motion carried. All votes on motions were unanimous, unless noted.

December 7, 2020 Minutes & Claims

December 2020 Chamber Newsletter

The semi-monthly meeting of the City Council of Walcott, Iowa, was held on Monday, the 16^th day of November, 2020, at Walcott City Hall. Mayor John Kostichek called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m. Council members present were: Everett Bieri and Lisa Mengler, with Jacob Puck participating remotely. Absent: John Brockmann and Larry Smith. City staff present were Lisa Rickertsen and Paul Stagg. Due to COVID-19, this meeting was held electronically via conference call, permitted under the Iowa Code, Chapter 21.8, which allows an electronic meeting where members may participate remotely when an in-person meeting is impossible or impractical. Call-in information was provided to the public on the meeting agenda notice.

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

Consent Agenda. Bieri moved and Mengler seconded to approve the consent agenda including the invoices, minutes from November 2, 2020, and the October 2020 financial reports. Motion carried.

City Code Updates. Rickertsen presented costs from Iowa Codification to complete a comprehensive update of the existing City Code. Puck moved and Bieri seconded to proceed with updating the City Code with Iowa Codification at a cost of $5,100 plus online updates up to $875. Motion carried.

Public Works Department Report. Stagg reported on a recent water main break and installation of street and water main in the Westbrook Seventh Addition. Discussion was held on budgeting for concrete work at Victory Park for next fall and fixing the damaged windmill at Prairie View Park.

City Clerk Report. Rickertsen reminded council of the flag raising ceremony on November 18, 2020, at 3:30 p.m. at City Hall.

Bieri moved and Mengler seconded to adjourn at 6:13 p.m. Motion carried. All votes on motions were unanimous, unless noted.

November 16, 2020 Signed Minutes & Claims

The semi-monthly meeting of the City Council of Walcott, Iowa, was held on Monday, the 2^nd day of November, 2020, at Walcott City Hall. Mayor John Kostichek called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m. Council members present were: Everett Bieri, John Brockmann, Lisa Mengler, Jacob Puck, and Larry Smith. City staff present were Jeff Blake, Lisa Rickertsen, and Paul Stagg. Due to COVID-19, call-in information was provided to the public on the meeting agenda notice.

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

Consent Agenda. Mengler moved and Smith seconded to approve the consent agenda including the invoices, minutes from October 19, 2020, Resolution 2020-30 – Transfer of Funds, Resolution 2020-31- Obligating TIF Funds ($138,000) from the Consolidated Walcott Urban Renewal Area for FYE 2022, and Resolution 2020-32 – Wage Increase for Building Official for Fire Inspector Certification. Roll call ayes: Mengler, Smith, Brockmann, Puck, and Bieri. Motion carried.

Ordinance 515-20, Amending Provisions Pertaining to Decks – Chapter 167.05 (5). Smith moved and Puck seconded to waive the second reading of Ordinance 515-20. Roll call ayes: Smith, Puck, Bieri, Mengler, and Brockmann. Motion carried. Mengler moved and Smith seconded to approve the third and final reading of Ordinance 515-20. Roll call ayes: Mengler, Smith, Puck, Brockmann, and Bieri. Motion carried.

Police Department Report. On behalf of the Police and Fire Departments, Chief Blake thanked the Lambda Phi Sorority for donations of $1,200 to each department from the lighted address sign fundraiser.

Public Works Department Report.

• Sale Approval of 1997 International Dump Truck. Three bids were received for the 1997 International truck. Puck moved and Mengler seconded to approve the sale of the 1997 truck to the high bidder, Matt Moore, for $4,867.00. Motion carried.
• Sale/Removal of Slide from Victory Park. Smith moved and Bieri seconded to allow Tim Hamann to remove the slide from Victory Park and approve the sale of it for $3.00. Motion carried.
• Snow Pusher Purchase Approval. Stagg presented a project worksheet for the purchase of a snow pusher for the skid steer. Brockmann questioned the use of a snow pusher since there is one on the Case tractor. Stagg responded that the skid steer and tractor will both be utilized for snow removal. Puck moved and Mengler seconded to approve the lowest quote, from Titan Machinery, at $7,000.00. Motion carried with Brockmann opposing.
• Stagg provided updates on the following: installation of light poles at Wescott Park; fence removal, electrical repairs, and restroom repairs at Victory Park; brush grinding at compost area; generator transfer switch repairs at Fire Station; and furnace replacement at City Hall.

City Clerk Report. Rickertsen reported the health insurance premium for 2021 will decrease by 6.24% and the base rates for the dental insurance will remain the same. Mengler moved and Puck seconded to approve the 2021 employee health and dental insurance benefits renewal with Wellmark. Motion carried. The Walcott American Legion will be donating a flag pole and flag that will be located near the parking lot at City Hall. A flag raising ceremony will be held on November 18, 2020, at 3:30 p.m. followed by a flag burning ceremony. The public is invited to attend.

Mayor’s Report. Mayor Kostichek read a letter thanking Rickertsen for her commitment and attendance at the Iowa Municipal Professionals Academy. He also expressed thanks to Lambda Phi Sorority and the Walcott American Legion for their donations.

Council Member Comments. Brockmann questioned the debris clean-up delay at Victory Park. Stagg responded that the electrical contractor should be starting soon and he is obtaining quotes for the building repairs. Smith reported on field lights being turned on at Victory Park. Discussion was held that the park is currently closed due to storm damage and for safety reasons a lock will be placed on the electrical box.

Smith moved and Bieri seconded to adjourn at 6:25 p.m. Motion carried. All votes on motions were unanimous, unless noted.

November 2, 2020 Signed Minutes & Claims