The semi-monthly meeting of the City Council of Walcott, Iowa, was held on Monday, the 20^th day of April, 2020, at Walcott City Hall. Mayor John Kostichek called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m.  Council members present were: Lisa Mengler, with Everett Bieri, John Brockmann, Jacob Puck, and Larry Smith participating remotely by phone. City Clerk, Lisa Rickertsen, was present and Public Works Director, Paul Stagg, and Sergeant Hill participated remotely. Due to COVID-19, this meeting was held electronically via a 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 Smith seconded to approve the agenda. Motion carried.

Introduction of Audience/Public Comments. No comments.

Consent Agenda. Smith moved and Puck seconded to approve the consent agenda including the invoices, March 2020 financial reports, Class C liquor license renewal including outdoor and Sunday sales for Lampliter, and Resolution 2020-17-Approval of Official Zoning Map. Roll call ayes: Smith, Puck, Mengler, Bieri, and Brockmann. Motion carried.

Reschedule Clean-Up Day. Mengler moved and Smith seconded to reschedule clean-up day to coincide with the city-wide garage sales on June 6^th. Motion carried.

Resolution 2020-18, Approving Contract and Bonds for Parking Lot Improvements Project. Mengler moved and Bieri seconded to approve Resolution 2020-18. Roll call ayes: Mengler, Bieri, Puck, and Smith. Nays: Brockmann. Motion carried.

Ordinance 511-20, Amending the Code of Ordinances Concerning Livestock. Smith moved and Puck seconded to approve the second reading of Ordinance 511-20. Roll call ayes: Smith, Puck, Brockmann, Bieri, and Mengler. Motion carried. This change would allow chickens (but not roosters) in Suburban Agricultural zoning districts, with the following restrictions: limit of twenty-five chickens, must be confined to a coop at all times, and coops may only be located in rear yards and at least 500 feet from all other zoning districts

Police Department Report. Squad Camera Purchase Approval. Mengler moved and Puck seconded to approve the purchase of a squad camera system at a total cost of $5,135. Motion carried. Funds in the amount of $4,500 from the Governor’s Traffic Safety Bureau will be used towards the purchase, with the remaining funds from the Forfeiture Fund

Public Works Department Report. Stagg reported that approximately 90 percent of the city-wide flushing has been completed in the past two weeks. Mengler questioned if there were still large draws from the system from commercial entities, which disrupt sediment in the pipes, and if he has had any recent calls regarding water complaints. Stagg responded there have been large commercial draws and he has not received any recent complaints.

City Clerk’s Report. Discussion was held on the proposed utility rate increases. Council consensus was to move forward with the increases but to stagger the water rate increase. Rickertsen will prepare ordinances for the garbage and water rate increases, with the increases effective on July 1, 2020 billing.

Mayor’s Report. Mayor Kostichek reported on weekly conference calls regarding COVID-19 and encourages residents to continue social distancing as recommended.

Council Comments. Smith reported that the lights are being turned on at Wescott and Victory Parks on Tuesday and Friday nights for fifteen minutes to show solidarity and support for the parks and community. Brockmann reported on concerns from property owners that overgrown areas in the ditch on the railroad property is impeding agriculture drainage. Discussion was held that this is private property but consensus was to have the City Attorney to write a letter to Iowa Interstate Railroad regarding the concerns.

Smith moved and Mengler seconded to adjourn at 6:32 p.m. Motion carried. All votes on motions were unanimous, unless noted.

April 20, 2020

The semi-monthly meeting of the City Council of Walcott, Iowa, was held on Monday, the 6^th day of April, 2020, at Walcott City Hall. Mayor John Kostichek called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m.  Council members present were: Lisa Mengler, with Everett Bieri, John Brockmann, Jacob Puck, and Larry Smith participating remotely by phone. City Clerk, Lisa Rickertsen, was present and Public Works Director, Paul Stagg, participated remotely. Due to COVID-19, this meeting was held electronically via a 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 Puck seconded to approve the agenda. Motion carried.

Introduction of Audience/Public Comments. None.

Consent Agenda. Smith moved and Mengler seconded to approve the consent agenda including the invoices, Class B beer permits and Sunday licenses for Walcott Unified Fund for Victory and Wescott Parks, final TIF rebate payment per agreement to Iowa 80 Truckstop, Inc. for Morton Building Project for $678.51, and Resolution 2020-13-Transfer of Funds. Roll call ayes: Smith, Mengler, Puck, Bieri, and Brockmann. Motion carried.

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

Minutes from March 30, 2020. Bieri moved and Mengler seconded to approve the minutes from March 30, 2020. Motion carried with Smith abstaining due to absence from meeting.

Ordinance 511-20, Amending the Code of Ordinances Concerning Livestock. Ordinance 511-20 was introduced, which modifies section 55.05 concerning livestock. Mengler moved and Smith seconded to approve the first reading of Ordinance 511-20. Roll call ayes: Mengler, Smith, Bieri, Brockmann, and Puck. Motion carried. This change would allow chickens (but not roosters) in Suburban Agricultural zoning districts, with the following restrictions: limit of twenty-five chickens, must be confined to a coop at all times, and coops may only be located in rear yards and at least 500 feet from all other zoning districts

Policy and Administration Committee Recommendations. Mengler reported that the Policy and Administration Committee (Mengler and Puck) met twice in March regarding wages. The Committee recommended a wage increase for Sergeant Hill, retroactive to March 16, 2020, and wage increases for employees beginning July 1, 2020. Following discussion, Mengler moved and Puck seconded to approve Resolution 2020-14, Approving Hourly Wage Increase for Sergeant Hill. Roll call ayes: Mengler, Puck, Brockmann, Smith, and Bieri. Motion carried. Mengler moved and Smith seconded to approve Resolution 2020-15, Setting Wages for Employees for Fiscal Year Beginning July 1, 2020. Roll call ayes: Mengler, Smith, Bieri, Puck, and Brockmann. Motion carried.

Public Works Department Report. Stagg reported on the recent park closures but noted that the recreational trail is still open. Stagg reported on the competitive quotes received for the proposed parking lot project and he recommended proceeding with the lowest bidder, which was under the engineer’s estimate. Brockmann expressed concerns regarding proceeding with the project at this time due to the current health emergency crisis. Brockmann moved to delay awarding the project until the next meeting. Discussion was held that delaying the acceptance of the bid could affect the goal of the project being completed by Walcott Day, as defined in the project documents. Members expressed concerns about rejecting all bids and requoting the project at a later date and their desires to support a local business. The motion by Brockmann died due to a lack of a second. Mengler moved and Smith seconded to approve Resolution 2020-16, Awarding Contract for the Parking Lot Improvements Project. Roll call ayes: Mengler, Smith, Bieri, and Puck. Nays: Brockmann. Motion carried. The contract is awarded to the low bidder, Aero Concrete, Ltd from Blue Grass, in the amount of $86,215.87. Stagg also reported on a water main break on the north side of town he was currently working on.

Mayor’s Report. Mayor Kostichek stated he is requesting monthly or quarterly call reports from the Police Department.

Council Comments. Council also requested monthly or quarterly permit reports from the Building Inspector.  

Smith moved and Bieri seconded to adjourn at 6:31 p.m. Motion carried. All votes on motions were unanimous, unless noted.

April 6, 2020

WALCOTT NEWSLETTER APRIL 2020

A special meeting of the City Council of the City of Walcott, Iowa was held on Monday, March 30, 2020, at Walcott City Hall, with Mayor John Kostichek calling the meeting to order at 5:00 p.m.  Council members present were: Everett Bieri, Lisa Mengler, and Jacob Puck. John Brockmann participated remotely by phone. Absent: Larry Smith. City employees present were: Lisa Rickertsen and Paul Stagg. In order to help stop the spread of the COVID-19 virus, this special meeting was electronically via a conference call, permitted under the Iowa Code, Chapter 21.8 which allows an electronic meeting that members may participate remotely when an in person meeting is impossible or impractical. Call-in information was provided on the meeting agenda notice.

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

Discussion was held on a proposed public health emergency disaster policy which establishes protocol to be utilized by the City of Walcott Officials and employees in the event the Governor of the State of Iowa declares a public health disaster emergency due to an infectious disease outbreak. Following the reading of the policy by Rickertsen, Puck moved and Mengler seconded to approve Resolution 2020-12, Approving a Policy for Public Health Emergency Disaster Procedures. Roll call ayes: Puck, Mengler, Bieri, and Brockmann. Motion carried. The Mayor’s Proclamation of Public Health Emergency Disaster and Eminent Risk Declaration was read.

Mengler moved and Bieri seconded to adjourn at 5:11 p.m.  Ayes:  All.  Motion carried.

March 30, 2020 Special Mtg

The semi-monthly meeting of the City Council of Walcott, Iowa, was held on Monday, the 16^th day of March, 2020, at Walcott City Hall. Mayor John Kostichek called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m.  Council members present were: Everett Bieri, Lisa Mengler, Jacob Puck, and Larry Smith. Absent: John Brockmann. City staff present: Jeff Blake, Paul Stagg, and Lisa Rickertsen.

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

Introduction of Audience/Public Comments. No comments at this time.

Public Hearing. Mayor Kostichek opened the public hearing on the budget for fiscal year ending June 30, 2021 (FYE 2021). Rickertsen stated the tax levy will be at $10.08240 per 1,000 taxable valuation on regular property. The budget includes utility rate increases to cover costs associated with the maintenance and future improvements to the water system and a garbage rate increase to cover the annual rate increase from the garbage contractor. No written or oral comments were received. Smith moved and Puck seconded to close the public hearing and resume the regular meeting. Motion carried.

Consent Agenda. Puck moved and Bieri seconded to approve the consent agenda including the invoices, February 2020 financial reports, Resolution 2020-9-Approving the Adoption of the FYE 2021 Budget, IMEG engineering proposal for the Downey Street Water Main project ($13,450), and Night Owl Wireless right-of-way permit. Roll call ayes: Puck, Bieri, Mengler, and Smith. Motion carried.

Minutes from March 2, 2020. Mengler moved and Puck seconded to approve the minutes from March 2, 2020. Motion carried with Bieri abstaining due to absence from meeting.

Request for Chickens in Suburban Agriculture Zoning. Angela Felsing was present to request the regulations be changed to allow chickens in SA (Suburban Agricultural) zoning for properties that are located at least 500’ from other residences. Concerns were discussed regarding enclosures, size of flock, and future development. Following discussion, Smith moved and Mengler seconded to have Attorney Schirman proceed with an ordinance change to allow chickens (no roosters) in SA zoning, only to be located at least 500’ from other zoning classifications, require enclosures, and limit the flock to 25. Motion carried.

Resolution 2020-10, Approving Burts’ Second Addition Preliminary Plat. Rickertsen stated that the Planning & Zoning Commission recommended approval of the preliminary and final plats during their meeting on March 9, 2020. Smith moved and Mengler seconded to approve Resolution 2020-10. Roll call ayes: Smith, Mengler, Bieri, and Smith. Motion carried.

Resolution 2020-11, Certificate of Acceptance – Approving Burts’ Second Addition Final Plat. Rickertsen stated that all documents have been reviewed and approved by Attorney Schirman. The City is waiting on one original document to be submitted, although an electronic copy has been received. Puck moved and Mengler seconded to approve Resolution 2020-11, pending receipt of the final original document. Roll call ayes: Puck, Mengler, Bieri, and Smith. Motion carried.

Public Works Department Report. Stagg presented information from the City Engineer regarding concerns on utilizing the ductile iron pipe (DIP), which has been stored next to the Public Works building for many years, for the proposed Downey Street water main replacement project. The amount of existing pipe is not enough for the entire project and the cost to purchase additional DIP (to keep the same material for entire project) is approximately three times more than the PVC that is planned for the project. Utilizing the existing pipe would not result in a cost savings and it could result in a liability by the City supplying the material. He further suggested the best use of the existing supply is to utilize it for small water main repairs.

City Clerk’s Report. Rickertsen reported on the recent briefings with county and state officials regarding COVID-19.Discussion was held on the possibility of restricting public access at City buildings and waiving policy requirements regarding a doctor’s note if an employee is absent for a period of three consecutive days or more. Council consensus was to restrict public access as needed and waive the doctor’s note requirement at this time.

Bieri moved and Mengler seconded to adjourn at 6:38 p.m. Motion carried. All votes on motions were unanimous, unless noted.

March 16, 2020

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

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

Introduction of Audience/Public Comments. No comments at this time.

Consent Agenda. Puck moved and Smith seconded to approve the consent agenda including the invoices, minutes from February 17, 2020, and Spring Clean-Up Day as May 2, 2020, from 2:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. Motion carried.

Downey Street Water Main Project. Rickertsen expressed concerns with the projected water fund balance if the project proceeds as budgeted. Stagg stated the estimated cost of replacing two blocks of water main is higher than anticipated. Brockmann suggested utilizing the water main pipe that has been stored next to the Public Works building for many years. Following discussion, Brockmann moved and Mengler seconded to proceed with the first block (James Street to Otis Street) and to see if the existing water main pipe is usable. Motion carried.

IDNR Tree Seedlings Program. Mayor Kostichek reported on a free tree seedlings program through the Iowa Department of Natural Resources that the City is eligible to apply for. The program allows for plantings on private and public properties and orders must be in increments of 25. Consensus was to pursue applying later this year, for the fall cycle, if enough interest is received from residents.

Public Works Department Report. Stagg stated the 1997 International dump truck (oldest in the fleet) has not been utilized for the past few years and he wants to dispose of it (through sealed bid process). Brockmann stated he thinks it’s sad that the heavy dump truck sits while lighter trucks plow snow. He questioned the next dump truck replacement schedule and suggested keeping the 1997. Smith moved and Puck seconded to proceed with the disposal process for the 1997 International dump truck. Motion carried with Brockmann opposing.

City Clerk’s Report. Rickertsen reported the 2020 Census information will be arriving soon and expressed the importance to the community for everyone to complete the census. Every household will have the option of responding online or by phone. Rickertsen presented information on increasing the minimum water and sewer bill which includes 1,400 gallons usage, as well as a 3-5% increase on the water rate for additional usage, which is needed to pay for improvements to the system. Korry Kraft stated he is continuously replacing fixtures due to lime buildup, even though he has a water softener. It was discussed that there is a way to soften the water at the plant but it would be very costly and would require a significant rate increase. Joe Hahn questioned why Iowa 80 Truckstop is not on the City’s water system and why there can’t be a higher water rate for commercial properties. All new construction at Iowa 80 Truckstop is required to connect to the City’s water system and the Council is not interested in pursuing a different rate structure for commercial users. Rate changes require an Ordinance, which will be prepared for a future meeting in April.                   

Council Member Comments. Brockmann expressed concerns which include the following:

• Leaves at Victory Park that haven’t been cleaned up. Smith responded that the leaves were cleaned up in the fall but then it snowed and now the ground is wet. Stagg stated the park will be cleaned up again once the conditions permit.
• Pretreatment of the streets on February 21^st and stated the treatment only lasts two hours. Stagg reported on a predicted upcoming weather event and that applying salt brine is a proactive approach to controlling snow and ice on streets. He stated that it takes four times more salt for removal following a snowfall than it does to pretreat the streets with brine and that the brine lasts much longer than two hours, typically until it snows or rains.

Smith moved and Mengler seconded to adjourn at 6:48 p.m.  Motion carried.  All votes on motions were unanimous, unless noted.

March 2, 2020 Minutes

March 2020 Chamber Newsletter

The semi-monthly meeting of the City Council of Walcott, Iowa, was held on Monday, the 17^th day of February, 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.  Absent:  None.  City staff present:  Jeff Blake and Lisa Rickertsen.

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

Introduction of Audience/Public Comments. No comments.

Public Hearing.  Mayor Kostichek opened the public hearing on the maximum property dollars levy for fiscal year ending (FYE) June 30, 2021. Rickertsen stated the proposed property tax levy rate is the same as the current year but the maximum property tax dollars request is 5.6% higher than the current year, which is due to increased valuations from new construction.  No written or other oral comments were received.  Puck moved and Mengler seconded to close the public hearing and resume the regular meeting.  Motion carried.     

Consent Agenda.  Rickertsen reported on Resolution 2020-7, closing funds for the W. Otis Street Improvements Project and Splash Pad Project and transferring the remaining balances.  Puck moved and Smith seconded to approve the consent agenda including the invoices, minutes from February 3, 2020, January 2020 financial reports, insurance renewal with EMC Insurance with Arp Insurance as the local agent, and Resolution 2020-7, Closing Project Funds and Authorizing Transfer of Funds.  Roll call ayes:  Puck, Smith, Mengler, Bieri, and Brockmann.   Motion carried.

Resolution 2020-8, Approving the Maximum Property Dollars Levy for FYE June 30, 2021.  Mengler moved and Smith seconded to approve Resolution 2020-8.  Roll call ayes:  Mengler, Smith, Bieri, Brockmann, and Puck. Motion carried.

City Clerk’s Report.  Smith moved and Puck seconded to set the FYE 2021 budget public hearing date for March 16, 2020, at 6:00 p.m.  Motion carried.

Mengler moved and Bieri seconded to adjourn at 6:07 p.m.  Motion carried.  All votes on motions were unanimous, unless noted.

February 17, 2020

The semi-monthly meeting of the City Council of Walcott, Iowa, was held on Monday, the 3^rd day of February, 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, and Jacob Puck.  Absent:  Larry Smith.  City staff present:  Jeff Blake, Lisa Rickertsen, and Paul Stagg.

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

Introduction of Audience/Public Comments. Resident John Walker commented on the recent snow removal and on a notice he received from the Post Office regarding snow removal interfering with mail delivery.  Stagg responded that they attempt to clear snow as close to the curb as possible while avoiding vehicles and mailboxes.

Consent Agenda.  Mengler moved and Bieri seconded to approve the consent agenda including the invoices, minutes from January 20, 2020, Class C Liquor License renewal for Gramma’s Kitchen & Checkered Flagg, and requesting the State Auditor’s Office to perform the FYE 2020 financial examination.  Motion carried.

2020 Summer Youth Program.  Rickertsen stated that the six-week program is proposed to be held June 15^th through July 24^th on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays from 9:00 a.m. to noon.  The cost remains the same of $196.45 per child from the YMCA, so the proposal is to again charge $70 per child for Walcott and Fire District #6 residents and $196.45 for non-residents.  Puck moved and Bieri seconded to approve the Summer Youth Program as presented.  Motion carried.

Fire Department Report.  Chief Blake reported on a project worksheet, submitted by Chief Geigle, to replace the remaining out-of-date air pack bottles.  Puck moved and Mengler seconded to approve the purchase of nine Scott Air pack bottles from Feld Fire at a total cost of $9,936.  Motion carried.

Police Department.  Chief Blake presented a project worksheet for replacing the laptops in the squad cars.  Mengler moved and Bieri seconded to approve the purchase as presented from the low bid, Platinum Information Services, at a cost of $7,535.10.  Motion carried.  This cost includes installation and docking stations for all squads.   

Public Works Department Report.  Stagg reported on an upcoming culvert/drainage project along F58/200^th Street from Walcott to Durant.

Bieri moved and Mengler seconded to adjourn at 6:12 p.m.  Motion carried.  All votes on motions were unanimous, unless noted.

February 3, 2020

February 2020 Chamber Newsletter