The semi-monthly meeting of the City Council of Walcott, Iowa, was held on Monday, December 4, 2023, at Walcott City Hall. Mayor John Kostichek called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m. Council members present: Everett Bieri, Kirk Koberg, Harry Knutsen, Lisa Mengler, and Jacob Puck. Staff present: Jeff Blake, Lisa Rickertsen, and Paul Stagg.

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

Consent Agenda. Koberg moved and Knutsen seconded to approve the consent agenda including the invoices and minutes from November 20, 2023. Motion carried.   

Park Board Recommendations.

• Acceptance of Flag Poles Donation at Victory Park from Walcott American Legion. Puck moved and Bieri seconded to accept the donation of two flag poles from the Walcott American Legion for Victory Park. Motion carried. 

Review of Chapter 75, All-Terrain and Off-Road Utility Vehicles. Rickertsen reported on concerns from the City Attorney regarding council’s direction to change the City Code to allow ATV’s on Plainview Road, Walcott Road, and Blue Grass Road. Chief Blake reported the Code of Iowa allows ATV’s to drive on two lane roads over the most direct and accessible route (to and from the nearest allowed County or City road or from residence). Following discussion, Koberg moved and Knutsen seconded to proceed with the code changes to Chapter 75 as discussed. Motion carried. 

Review of Capital Improvement Projects. Stagg reviewed the proposed water, sewer, and streets capital improvement projects. Council was asked to rank the projects prior to the next meeting.

Resolution 2023-49, Accepting Improvements for the 2023 W. Otis Street Reconstruction Project. Mengler moved and Puck seconded to approve Resolution 2023-49. Roll call ayes: Mengler, Puck, Bieri, Knutsen, and Koberg. Motion carried.       

Police Department Report. Blake reported he has left messages but has not received any communication from the dealer (Stew Hansen Dodge) on the squad that was ordered in October 2022.

City Clerk Report. Rickertsen presented election certificates and administered the oath of office to Council Members Bieri, Mengler, and Puck. These members were elected for another four-year term.

Puck moved and Mengler seconded to adjourn at 6:55 p.m. Motion carried. All votes on motions were unanimous, unless noted. 

December 4, 2023 Signed Minutes & Claims

The semi-monthly meeting of the City Council of Walcott, Iowa, was held on Monday, November 6, 2023, at Walcott City Hall. Mayor John Kostichek called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m. Council members present: Everett Bieri, Harry Knutsen, Lisa Mengler, and Jacob Puck. Staff present: Jeff Blake, Lisa Rickertsen, and Paul Stagg. Council member Kirk Koberg arrived at 6:03 p.m.  

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

Consent Agenda. Knutsen moved and Bieri seconded to approve the consent agenda including the invoices, October 2023 financial reports, Resolution 2023-45 – Acknowledging New Investments, and Resolution 2023-46 -Reconfirming Purchase of a 2024 Rescue Vehicle and Approving Payment for the Chassis. Roll call ayes: Knutsen, Bieri, Mengler, and Puck. Motion carried.   

Minutes from October 16, 2023. Mengler moved and Bieri seconded to approve the minutes from October 16, 2023. Motion carried.

Liqui-Grow – Request to Resize or Cut Curb at 737 E. Lincoln Street. Hovey Tinsman, Liqui-Grow, had submitted a letter to the City Council regarding his concerns with the size of the curb that was installed in front of Liqui-Grow’s property at 737 E. Lincoln Street. He requested the City cut out the current curb for a smoother transition, from the east end of their property to just west of the earthen dike. Koberg arrived. Stagg stated the 4” sloped curb in front of their property was specified in the original construction plans and is per the SUDAS (Statewide Urban Design and Specifications). Stagg expressed concerns about gravel from the parking lot currently rolling onto the street and believes it could become worse if the curb was cut down to 2” in height. Koberg stated he disagreed and feels the gravel is coming from trucks spinning out. Tinsman stated if it was more of a gradual sloped curb it would be easier to drive over. Discussion was held on cutting down the curb, a length of approximately 400’. Additional concerns were expressed about the rock and water drainage. Koberg moved and Knutsen seconded to saw cut the current curb down, at the City’s cost, similar to a driveway drop curb per SUDAS to create a smoother approach from the east end of their property to the telephone pole by their storage tank. Motion carried with Mengler abstaining due to employment conflict of interest. Koberg stated that Liqui-Grow is responsible for pulling the gravel back to try and eliminate gravel coming onto the street and Tinsman agreed. 

Sale of 1949 Fire Truck. Stagg reported the high bid for the 1949 fire truck was $2,225. Mengler moved and Puck seconded to approve the sale of the 1949 fire truck to the high bidder on GovDeals for $2,225. Motion carried.Stagg reported the high bidder is local. Assistant Fire Chief Joe Hahn was present and provided updates on the 2024 rescue vehicle which is currently being built. 

Request for Holiday Lights on Utility Poles along Memorial Road. Koberg reported that Walcott Day Committee is requesting approval to install holiday lights on approximately 16 light poles on Memorial Road. Following discussion, Puck moved and Bieri seconded to approve the request from the Walcott Day Committee to install holiday lights on utility poles along Memorial Road, once approved by Alliant Energy. Motion carried.

Residential Development. Discussion was held about areas located both in and out of current city limits for possible future residential development.

Mayor’s Report. Mayor Kostichek reported on a recent meeting he and Puck had with Davenport Community School Superintendent Schneckloth and Board President Gosa. Puck reported they were informed that 6^th grade students from Blue Grass and Buffalo would be attending Walcott next year.   

Council Member Comments. Koberg stated he feels the City’s regulations on ATV’s & UTV’s should match the State of Iowa’s. He requested this topic be placed on the next agenda.     

Mengler moved and Koberg seconded to adjourn at 7:12 p.m. Motion carried. All votes on motions were unanimous, unless noted. 

November 6, 2023 Signed Minutes & Claims

The semi-monthly meeting of the City Council of Walcott, Iowa, was held on Monday, October 16, 2023, at Walcott City Hall. Mayor John Kostichek called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m. Council members present: Everett Bieri, Harry Knutsen, Lisa Mengler, and Jacob Puck. Absent: Kirk Koberg. Staff present: Jeff Blake, Lisa Rickertsen, and Paul Stagg. 

Introduction of Audience/Public Comments. None.

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

Consent Agenda. Puck moved and Bieri seconded to approve the consent agenda including the invoices, minutes from October 2, 2023, September 2023 financial reports, Resolution 2023-41 – Transfer of Funds, Resolution 2023-42 – Obligating TIF Funds from the Consolidated Walcott Urban Renewal Area, Resolution 2023-43, Approval of FYE 2023 Annual Urban Renewal Report, and Resolution 2023-44, Acknowledging New Investments. Roll call ayes: Puck, Bieri, Mengler, and Knutsen. Motion carried.   

Letter to MidAmerican Energy Requesting Increase of Gas Load Capacity. City staff reported concerns were brought forth, following the recent commercial growth near the Interstate 80 interchange area, regarding the need for natural gas infrastructure improvements to provide for future commercial growth in that area. Staff prepared a letter addressing the concerns and requested MidAmerican’s intentions to expand and provide a projected timeline. Puck moved and Mengler seconded to send the letter to MidAmerican Energy. Motion carried.    

Permission for use of Barbed Wire Top on Fence. Stagg reported MidAmerican Energy has requested to use a barbed wire top on a new fence at their facility located south of the railroad tracks and east of Blue Grass Road. This facility is considered a critical facility and the request meets the minimum safety standard requirements but the City Code requires permission from the City Council to use barbed wire. Mengler moved and Bieri seconded to approve the request from MidAmerican Energy to use barbed wire on their fence. Motion carried. 

Residential Development. Discussion was held on additional areas for possible future residential development.

Clerk’s Report. 2024 Employee Health and Dental Insurance Benefits Renewal. Rickertsen reported the 2024 employee health and dental insurance will increase a combined 3.58%. Mengler moved and Puck seconded to approve the 2024 employee health and dental insurance renewal. Motion carried. Rickertsen noted the recent minutes from the Park Board and Recreational Trail Advisory Committee meetings are included in the meeting packet. 

Council Member Comments. Mengler expressed thanks to the volunteers on the Recreational Trail Advisory Committee.    

Knutsen moved and Mengler seconded to adjourn at 6:19 p.m. Motion carried. All votes on motions were unanimous, unless noted. 

October 16, 2023 Signed Minutes & Claims

Ord. 545-24 Pertaining to Golf Carts

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The semi-monthly meeting of the City Council of Walcott, Iowa, was held on Monday, September 18, 2023, at Walcott City Hall. Mayor John Kostichek called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m. Council members present: Everett Bieri, Harry Knutsen, and Jacob Puck. Staff present: Jeff Blake, Lisa Rickertsen, and Paul Stagg. Council members Kirk Koberg and Lisa Mengler arrived at 6:03.

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

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

Consent Agenda. Bieri moved and Knutsen seconded to approve the consent agenda including the invoices and the August 2023 financial reports. Motion carried.

Minutes from September 5, 2023. Puck moved and Bieri seconded to approve the minutes from September 5, 2023. Motion carried.

Approval of Fire Department Member. Chief Kraft introduced Brett Schneckloth. Puck moved and Bieri seconded to approve the appointment of Brett Schneckloth to the Fire Department. Mayor Kostichek thanked Schneckloth for volunteering to be on the department.

Approval of Door Replacement. A project worksheet was presented to replace the exterior door in the fire department meeting room. Puck moved and Bieri seconded to approve the low bid from American Industrial Door Company, at a cost of $3,732.61. Motion carried. Mengler arrived, followed by Koberg.

Water Tower Park Playground – Concrete Pad and Walkway for Ten Spin. Stagg presented a bid for the 20’x20’ concrete pad for the new playground equipment and a 17’ walkway to it from the sidewalk. A poured rubber surface will be installed on top of the pad. Following discussion, Mengler moved and Puck seconded to accept the concrete bid from Aero Concrete, at a cost of $12,343.75. Motion carried.

Residential Development. Stagg presented estimated costs to extend sewer to two potential residential development areas, which will require utility easements through private property. Discussion was held on potential development areas, land availability, infrastructure costs, and floodplain areas. Mengler and Puck will reach out to a local property owner and inquire about their potential interest in selling ground for residential development.

Resolution 2023-38, Accepting Improvements and Authorizing Final Payment for the 2019 Water Main Improvements Project. Knutsen moved and Mengler seconded to approve Resolution 2023-38, accepting improvements for the 2019 water main project and authorizing final payment to BWC Excavating in the amount of $7,055.31. Roll call ayes: Knutsen, Mengler, Puck, Bieri, and Koberg. Motion carried.

Police Department Report. Chief Blake reported he intends to submit a grant for LED radar speed signs, which display the vehicle speed. Council consensus was to proceed with the grant application as discussed.

Public Works Department Report. Stagg requested permission to dispose of the 2012 GMC 1500 truck through GovDeals. Puck moved and Koberg seconded to list the 2012 GMC 1500 truck on GovDeals. Motion carried. Stagg reported W. Otis Street, from Parker Street to the west, is now open and the splash pad will be dismantled this week. Questions arose on the hanging flower baskets. Prior council direction was to remove the flower baskets by the 1^st day of fall so the hanging baskets will be taken down on Friday, September 22^nd.

Mayor’s Report. Mayor Kostichek thanked the Public Works Department for their assistance on projects this summer and expressed thanks to residents for their cooperation during recent construction projects.

Council Member Comments. Concerns were expressed that spectators attending football games at the school should not be parking on private commercial property. Chief Blake will contact the school about the concerns.

Koberg moved and Mengler seconded to adjourn at 6:42 p.m.

September 2023 Chamber Newsletter

The semi-monthly meeting of the City Council of Walcott, Iowa, was held on Tuesday, September 5, 2023, 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, and Jacob Puck. Absent: Lisa Mengler. Staff present: Jeff Blake, Lisa Rickertsen, and Paul Stagg.

Approval of Agenda. Knutsen moved and Koberg seconded to approve the agenda. Motion carried.

Consent Agenda. Puck moved and Bieri seconded to approve the consent agenda including the invoices, minutes from August 21, 2023, and Resolution 2023-36, Approving the Annual Street Finance Report for Fiscal Year Ending June 30, 2023. Roll call ayes: Puck, Bieri, Knutsen, and Koberg. Motion carried.

Heritage Trail Extension.

• Creation of Recreational Trail Advisory Committee. City policy states that temporary citizen advisory committees may be created, and appointed (with council approval), by the Mayor for a particular purpose. Mayor Kostichek is creating this temporary committee to research options and pursue funding opportunities for the extension of the Heritage Trail. The Committee shall investigate and develop plans for this extension and present their findings and recommendations to the City Council for their consideration.
• Committee Member Appointments. Rickertsen reported that two residents, Kari Arivett and Brett Mengler, submitted their name for appointment and seven other names were submitted from the Hearts and Hands Foundation chairperson. Two of those individuals, Brenda Thrapp and Chad Burt, were members of the original recreational trail committee and they are volunteering to be involved with the new committee. The other five interested individuals are: Mike Avise, Austin Burt, Reed Hagen, Tracy Hewlett, and Bobby Jo Mosier. Following discussion, Mayor Kostichek appointed and Koberg moved and Puck seconded to approve the appointment of the following individuals to the Recreational Trail Advisory Committee: Kari Arivett, Mike Avise, Austin Burt, Reed Hagen, Tracy Hewlett, Brett Mengler, and Bobby Jo Mosier and Chad Burt and Brenda Thrapp as advisory members. Motion carried.

Mayor Kostichek expressed thanks and appreciation to those that volunteered to be on the committee.

Visit Quad Cities Annual Contribution Request. The annual contribution request was received from Visit Quad Cities. This contribution goes towards tourism and promoting of Walcott. Koberg moved and Knutsen seconded to approve the contribution to Visit Quad Cities, in the amount of $1,000. Motion carried.

Walcott Historical Society Annual Contribution Request. Discussion was held on the contribution request from the Walcott Historical Society. This contribution it to assist in preservation of the City’s history. Puck moved and Knutsen seconded to approve the contribution to Walcott Historical Society, in the amount of $2,500. Motion carried.

Resolution 2023-37, Establishing Policy and Procedures for the City of Walcott Low-and-Moderate Income (LMI) Furnace Replacement Program. Rickertsen reported the City has utilized tax increment financing to support residential development and as required under the Iowa Code a percentage of the incremental revenues generated by the residential development project (assisted living facility) was required to be set-aside and used to assist LMI families that reside within city limits. Discussion was held on the specific use of the set-aside funds ($44,942.84), proposed policy, and forms. Knutsen moved and Puck seconded to approve Resolution 2023-37, Establishing Policy and Procedures for the City of Walcott LMI Furnace Replacement Program. Roll call ayes: Knutsen, Puck, Bieri, and Koberg. Motion carried. The program is for direct assistance for furnace replacement for eligible LMI single-family owner-occupied units. Program documents will be posted on the City’s website and interested residents should contact City Hall for more information.

Public Works Department Report.

• Sale of 2023 Ford F250 truck bed. Stagg reported the high bid on GovDeals for the 2023 Ford F250 truck bed is $775. Koberg moved and Puck seconded to sell the 2023 Ford F250 truck bed to the high bidder for $775. Motion carried.

Stagg provided updates on the W. Otis Street project and stated that Ossian, Inc. is having water and sewer extended to their property.

City Clerk’s Report. Rickertsen stated that the mobile flu vaccine clinic will be September 14^th from 3 – 7 p.m. at the Prairie View Park parking lot.

• City Website Redesign and Development. Rickertsen presented quotes to modernize and update the City’s website design/theme. Puck moved and Koberg seconded to approve the quote ($4,500) from Victory Enterprises for the City Website redesign and development. Motion carried.
• New City Logo/Branding. Rickertsen stated Victory Enterprises questioned if the City wanted to update the City logo. The City’s slogan, “Hearts and Hands Working Together” and the logo have been the same for at least twenty years. Following discussion, Koberg moved and Puck seconded to approve having Victory Enterprise propose a new city logo design at a cost of $750. Motion carried.

Koberg moved and Bieri seconded to adjourn at 6:45 p.m.

September 5, 2023 Signed Minutes & Claims

The semi-monthly meeting of the City Council of Walcott, Iowa, was held on Monday, August 21, 2023, at Walcott City Hall. Mayor John Kostichek called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m. Council members present: Everett Bieri, Kirk Koberg, Lisa Mengler, and Jacob Puck. Staff present: Lisa Rickertsen and Paul Stagg. Knutsen arrived at 6:03 p.m.

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

Consent Agenda. Mengler moved and Bieri seconded to approve the consent agenda including the invoices, minutes from August 7, 2023, July 2023 financial reports, and renewal of Class B retail alcohol licenses for Pilot Travel Centers, LLC #268 and #043 and Dolgencorp, LLC – Dollar General #18154. Motion carried.

Walcott Women – Trick-or-Treating- Laura Martin, representing Walcott Women, stated they would like to have Trick-or-Treating on Sunday, October 29^th from 5 – 7 p.m. with the Halloween Parade starting at 5:00 p.m. Mengler moved and Bieri seconded to set Trick-or-Treating on October 29^th from 5 – 7 p.m. and approve the Halloween Parade at 5 p.m. Motion carried. Knutsen arrived.

Fall Clean-up Day at Compost Facility on October 14, 2023 from 2-5 p.m.  Mengler moved and Puck seconded to set fall clean-up day for residents on October 14^th from 2 – 5 p.m. with the dumpsters to be located at the compost area. Motion carried. The compost area will be closed from Friday, October 13^th until Monday, October 16^th, except during the clean-up day hours.

Hy-Vee Mobile Flu Vaccine Clinic at Prairie View Park. Rickertsen reported a local resident /pharmacist has inquired about a Hy-Vee Mobile Flu Shot Clinic in Walcott again this year. They are requesting to hold the clinic on either September 14^th or 15^th (Thursday or Friday) at the Prairie View Park parking lot. Koberg moved and Knutsen seconded to approve the use of the Prairie View Park parking lot for the Hy-Vee Mobile flu shot clinic on either date (9/14 or 9/15). Motion carried.

Residential Development. A lengthy discussion was held on potential areas for future residential development, infrastructure needs, and how to attract developers. Stagg was asked to obtain some infrastructure costs and Koberg volunteered to talk to two property owners about potential residential development.

Resolution 2023-35, Approving Applications for Residential Tax Abatement within the 2017 Walcott Urban Revitalization Area of the City of Walcott.  Rickertsen reported 16 new homes have been built since the urban revitalization area was created in December, 2017, and there is only one lot remaining to qualify. Puck moved and Mengler seconded to approve Resolution 2023-35, Approving Applications for Residential Tax Abatements. Roll call ayes: Puck, Mengler, Bieri, Knutsen, and Koberg. Motion carried.

Ordinance 541-23, Amending Chapter 165 Pertaining to Billboards. This ordinance is for changes pertaining to billboard sign requirements, as recommended by the Planning & Zoning Commission. Bieri moved and Koberg seconded to approve the 3^rd and final reading to adopt Ordinance 541-23, Amending Chapter 165. Roll call ayes: Bieri, Koberg, Knutsen. Mengler, and Puck. Motion carried.

Ordinance 542-23, Amending Chapter 167 Pertaining to Accessory Buildings and Stables. This ordinance is for changes pertaining to the location of accessory/storage buildings, shipping container restrictions, and removing “Stables” as a permitted use. Puck moved and Bieri seconded to approve the 3^rd and final reading to adopt Ordinance 542-23, Amending Chapter 167. Roll call ayes: Puck, Bieri, Mengler, Knutsen, and Koberg. Motion carried.

Public Works Department Report. Stagg provided updates on current projects and the recent water main break on N. Main Street. He also reported the service body is installed on the new Ford F250 and he requested permission to dispose of the truck bed through GovDeals. Koberg moved and Mengler seconded to list the 2023 Ford F250 truck bed on GovDeals. Motion carried.

City Clerk’s Report. Rickertsen stated that due to Labor Day, the next meeting will be on Tuesday, September 5^th.

Bob Taylor – Parker Street Right-of-Way (ROW). Bob Taylor, property owner of 120 W. Bryant Street, arrived and inquired if the City would be open to vacating the unimproved Parker Street ROW adjacent to his business. Stagg confirmed there are no city utilities located in the ROW. Discussion was held that this ROW would only be beneficial to the adjoining property owners and they would be required to obtain a survey, splitting the ROW in half, and be responsible for all related costs. Council consensus was that they are open to vacating the unimproved Parker Street ROW (between W. Bryant Street and the railroad tracks) to the adjoining property owner(s).

Mengler moved and Knutsen seconded to adjourn at 7:20 p.m

August 21, 2023 Signed Minutes & Claims