December 2, 2024 Minutes
The semi-monthly meeting of the City Council of Walcott, Iowa, was held on Monday, December 2, 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: Lisa Rickertsen and Paul Stagg.
Approval of Agenda. Knutsen moved and Puck seconded to approve the agenda. Motion carried.
Introduction of Audience/Public Comments. Gary Lucht, Ben McKibbin, Joe Hahn, and Kristi Robinson (Veenstra & Kimm engineer).
Consent Agenda. Mengler moved and Bieri seconded to approve the consent agenda including the invoices, minutes from November 18, 2024, Resolution 2024-54 – Approving Application and Transfer of Funds for the LMI Lead Service Pipe Replacement Program, Resolution 2024-55- Approving the Designation of State and Local Recovery Funds, Part of the American Rescue Plan Act, and Resolution 2024-56 – Transfer of Funds. Roll call ayes: Mengler, Bieri, Puck, Knutsen, and Koberg. Motion carried.
Gary Lucht – Claim of Damage to Residence from N. Grove Street Water Main Replacement Project. Gary Lucht, property owner of 246 N. Grove Street, presented photos and a cost proposal for repairs of cracks in his kitchen (wall/ceiling) and a fallen light fixture which he believes were damaged by the construction of the water main replacement on N. Grove Street. It was noted there are not any known similar claims from past infrastructure projects but the City will forward his information to the City’s insurance provider for review and investigation.
Fire Department Report – Automated CPR Grant. JoeHahn and Ben McKibbin were present on behalf of the Fire Department to request permission to subscribe to an online website to find grants for an automated CPR (chest compression) system and to apply for a corresponding grant. McKibbin stated there are no fees involved to participate with the online site. Hahn stated the automated CPR system would benefit the department and they intend to dedicate the profits from the next steak fry fundraiser towards the purchase of one. Mengler moved and Puck seconded to allow the Fire Department to complete the information to utilize the online website and apply for a grant for a LUCAS automated CPR system as requested. Motion carried.
Koberg moved and Knutsen seconded to adjourn at 6:16 p.m. Motion carried. All votes on motions were unanimous, unless noted.
November 18, 2024 Minutes
The semi-monthly meeting of the City Council of Walcott, Iowa, was held on Monday, November 18, 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. Mengler moved and Puck seconded to approve the agenda. Motion carried.
Introduction of Audience/Public Comments. Gary Lucht, Jordan Orcutt, and Andrea Newcomb. Lucht stated he found damage/new cracks in his kitchen which he believes was caused by the construction (water main project) in front of his residence on N. Grove Street. Lucht was asked to provide photos and documentation regarding his complaint, which will be listed on the December 2nd agenda.
Consent Agenda. Puck moved and Knutsen seconded to approve the consent agenda including the invoices, minutes from November 4, 2024, October financial reports, Resolution 2024-48 -Transfer of Funds, Resolution 2024-49 – Approving Application for Residential Tax Abatement within the 2017 Walcott Urban Revitalization Area, Resolution 2024-50 – Approving Change Order for the North Grove Street Water Main Replacement Project, and Resolution 2024-51 – Establishing Policy Using Low-and-Moderate Income Funds Towards Lead Service Pipe Replacement. Roll call ayes: Puck, Knutsen, Koberg, Mengler, and Bieri. Motion carried.
Hearing on Assessment of Costs related to Emergency Repair of Private Water Service Line.
Rickertsen stated the notice regarding the hearing on the proposed assessment of costs incurred by the City in undertaking emergency repairs to the private water service line situated in the right-of-way adjacent to and serving the residential property located at 215 W Durant Street had been mailed according to law and as directed by the Council. The hearing is to receive oral or written objections from the property owner. Property owner, Jordan Orcutt, stated he did not feel it was handled properly and stated he could’ve hired a plumber at a lesser cost. Stagg stated the water leak was between the main and curb stop with no way to disconnect and it needed to be excavated to determine if the leak was from the main or service line. The uncontrolled water loss, which necessitates the need for emergency repairs, was found to be from a deteriorated lead/galvanized service line pipe. There were many obstacles and factors involved including the gas main location, realigning new pipe to curb stop (to avoid tree), re-tap the water main, and removal and replacement of concrete street panel. Mayor Kostichek announced the hearing closed.
Resolution 2024-52, Adopting Final Assessment Schedule Covering Emergency Repairs to Private Water Service Line. Rickertsen reported on the final assessment schedule covering the emergency repairs. Mengler moved and Koberg seconded to approve Resolution 2024-52, Adopting Final Assessment Schedule Covering Emergency Repairs to Private Water Service Line. Roll call ayes: Mengler, Koberg, Knutsen, Bieri, and Puck. Motion carried.
Ordinance 553-24, Amending Provisions Pertaining to Dog and Cat Licensing – 3rd Reading. This Ordinance amends Chapter 56, Dog and Cat Licenses, by changing the license and registration requirements for dogs and cats. Mengler moved and Koberg seconded to approve the third and final reading to adopt Ordinance 553-24. Roll call ayes: Mengler, Koberg, Knutsen, Bieri, and Puck. Motion carried.
Resolution 2024-53, Establishing Dog and Cat License and Delinquency Fees. Koberg moved and Bieri seconded to approve Resolution 2024-53, Establishing Dog and Cat License and Delinquency Fees. Roll call ayes: Koberg, Bieri, Knutsen, Mengler, and Puck. Motion carried.
City Clerk Report. Rickertsen stated the amendment to the agreement with HUB International (assists with the City’s employee benefits needs) is regarding the HIPAA Privacy Rules. Puck moved and Bieri seconded to approve the amendment to the HUB Business Associate Agreement. Motion carried.
Mengler moved and Knutsen seconded to adjourn at 6:21 p.m. Motion carried. All votes on motions were unanimous, unless noted.
Public Notice-Park Board Vacancy
PUBLIC NOTICE
CITIZENS OF WALCOTT
The Walcott City Council is accepting applications for a vacancy on the Walcott Park Board. Applications can be found here and at Walcott City Hall.
The appointment will be made by the City Council during their meeting on December 16, 2024. The City Council appointment shall be from January 1, 2025 until December 31, 2029. To be considered for an appointment, submit a completed application to Walcott City Hall or email to lrickertsen@cityofwalcott.com by 4:30 p.m. on December 12, 2024. All applicants must be residents of the City of Walcott and be at least 18 years of age. Applications are subject to the open record laws of the State of Iowa.
October 21, 2024 Minutes
The semi-monthly meeting of the City Council of Walcott, Iowa, was held on Monday, October 21, 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 Mengler seconded to approve the agenda. Motion carried.
Introduction of Audience/Public Comments. John Brockmann and Kristi Robinson. Brockmann stated he is improving his commercial property and questioned why the City doesn’t have programs to encourage commercial property owners to improve their property, such as a sidewalk program similar to the program available for residential properties in which the City pays for ½ of sidewalk repairs/installation of public sidewalks. The sidewalk program will be placed on the next agenda.
Public Hearing on Plans, Specifications, Form of Contract, and Estimate of Cost for the North Grove Street Water Main Replacement Project. Mayor Kostichek opened the public hearing. Questions arose on the project dates and tree removals. Robinson, engineer with Veenstra & Kimm, stated the project is scheduled to be completed by December 6, 2024 (with exception of the seeding). Stagg stated the adjacent property was notified of the two tree removals in the public right-of-way. No written comments were received. Mengler moved and Knutsen 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, minutes from October 7, 2024, Resolution 2024-39 – Authorizing Transfer of Funds, Resolution 2024-40 – Establishing Hourly Wage and Vacation for the New Building Official/Zoning Administrator, and Resolution 2024-41 – Acknowledging New Investments. Roll call ayes: Puck, Bieri, Mengler, Knutsen, and Koberg. Motion carried.
North Grove Street Water Main Replacement Project.
- Resolution 2024-42, Approving Plans, Specifications, Form of Contract, and Estimate of Cost for the North Grove Street Water Main Replacement Project. Mengler moved and Puck seconded to approve Resolution 2024-42. Roll call ayes: Mengler, Puck, Bieri, Knutsen, and Koberg. Motion carried.
- Resolution 2024-43, Awarding Contract for the North Grove Street Water Main Replacement Project. Eight bids were received, with the project engineer recommending to award the contract to the low bidder, Eastern Iowa Excavating, in the amount of $151,634.05. Bierimoved and Mengler seconded to approve Resolution 2024-43. Roll call ayes: Bieri, Mengler, Puck, Koberg, and Knutsen. Motion carried.
Approval for Wulf Lift Station VFD (Variable Frequency Drives). Stagg reported on the purchase of a VFD for the lift station on Wulf Road from Electric Pump at a cost of $13,665. Koberg moved and Bieri seconded to approve the purchase of a VFD from Electric Pump. Motion carried. The purchase will be paid from the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) Fund.
Approval of Engineering Services for Well Property Info/Plat. Mengler moved and Puck seconded to approve the surveying/engineering services from IMEG for the well property purchase at a fee of $6,500. Motion carried
Ordinance 552-24, Amending Provisions Pertaining to Pedestrians’ Right-of-Way. This Ordinance amends sections 60.02 and 65.07 pertaining to pedestrians in the right-of-way, to match recent changes to the Code of Iowa. Puck moved and Bieri seconded to approve the third and final reading to adopt Ordinance 552-24. Roll call ayes: Puck, Bieri, Mengler, Koberg, and Knutsen. Motion carried.
Ordinance 553-24, Amending Provisions Pertaining to Dog Licensing – Introduction and 1st Reading. Ordinance 553-24 was introduced. This Ordinance amends Chapter 56, Dog and Cat Licenses, by changing the license and registration requirements for dogs and cats. Bieri moved and Koberg seconded to approve the first reading to adopt Ordinance 553-24. Roll call ayes: Bieri, Koberg, Knutsen, Mengler, and Puck. Motion carried.
Disposal of 2017 Dodge Charger. Stagg reported the high bid on GovDeals for the 2017 Dodge Charger was $10,900. Koberg moved and Knutsen seconded to sell the 2017 Dodge Charger to the high bidder for $10,900. Motion carried.
City Clerk Report.
- City Attorney Position. Rickertsen reported Attorney Schirman will not be able to fulfill the appointed term, which ends on 12/31/2025, but another attorney at Brooks Law Firm has shown interest in the appointment. Council directed staff to meet with the interested attorney.
- Resolution 2024-44, Setting Date for Hearing on Water Service Line Assessment. This is to set a date for a public hearing on the proposed assessment of costs of an emergency nuisance abatement of a private water service line. Mengler moved and Knutsen seconded to approve Resolution 2024-44. Roll call ayes: Mengler, Knutsen, Koberg, Bieri, and Puck. Motion carried.
Puck moved and Koberg seconded to adjourn at 6:25 p.m. Motion carried. All votes on motions were unanimous, unless noted.
October 7, 2024 Minutes
The semi-monthly meeting of the City Council of Walcott, Iowa, was held on Monday, October 7, 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: Lisa Rickertsen and Paul Stagg.
Approval of Agenda. Knutsen moved and Puck seconded to approve agenda. Motion carried.
Introduction of Audience/Public Comments. John Brockmann and Phil Wiese. Wiese introduced himself and stated he is running for Iowa House District 82.
Consent Agenda. Mengler moved and Puck seconded to approve the consent agenda including the invoices, September 2024 financial reports, Tax Increment Financing (TIF) rebate payments per agreements to Iowa 80 Truckstop, Inc. for Main Building Expansion in the amount of $12,264.8 and Atlantic Bottling Company for Distribution Building in the amount of $22,398.45, and Resolution 2024-37, Provide for Notice of Hearing on Proposed Plans, Specifications, Form of Contract and Estimate of Cost for the North Grove Street Water Main Replacement Project. Roll call ayes: Mengler, Puck, Koberg, Knutsen, and Bieri. Motion carried. The public hearing will be on October 21, 2024 at 6:00 p.m.
Approval of Minutes from September 16, 2024. Knutsen moved and Bieri seconded to approve the minutes from September 16, 2024. Motion carried with Koberg abstaining due to absence from meeting.
Review of Chapter 56- Dog & Cat Licenses. Rickertsen presented proposed changes to Chapter 56. An Ordinance amending Chapter 56 will be prepared for the next meeting.
Resolution 2024-38, Accepting Improvements and Authorizing Final Payment for the N. Downey Street Water Main Improvements Project. Knutsen moved and Mengler seconded to approve Resolution 2024-38. Roll call ayes:Knutsen, Mengler, Puck, Bieri, and Koberg. Motion carried. The final payment is to Hagerty Earthworks LLC in the amount of $29,891.77.
Ordinance 552-24, Amending Provisions Pertaining to Pedestrians’ Right-of-Way. This Ordinance amends sections 60.02 and 65.07 pertaining to pedestrians in the right-of-way, to match recent changes to the Code of Iowa. Puck moved and Bieri seconded to approve the second reading to adopt Ordinance 552-24. Roll call ayes: Puck, Bieri, Mengler, Koberg, and Knutsen. Motion carried.
Public Works Department Report. Stagg reported on a water main break on W. Durant Street.
City Clerk Report. Discussion was held on the May 2024 community presentation regarding the proposed recreational trail extension. Council consensus was to not reference the community presentation on the upcoming trail survey. Rickertsen reported on an upcoming hearing regarding assessing costs for an emergency water service line repair.
Koberg moved and Mengler seconded to adjourn at 6:22 p.m. Motion carried. All votes on motions were unanimous, unless noted.
September 16, 2024 Minutes
The semi-monthly meeting of the City Council of Walcott, Iowa, was held on Monday, September 16, 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, Lisa Mengler, and Jacob Puck. Absent: Kirk Koberg. 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. Joanne Pohl, Ethan and Skylar Roling, Rick Needham, Darryl Schwarz, Randy Moeller, Tim and Andrea Newcomb, Jennifer and Jeremy Schaeffer, Brian Garlock, Kristal Schaefer, Laura Martin, and Mike Avise.
Consent Agenda. Mengler moved and Knutsen seconded to approve the consent agenda including the invoices, minutes from September 3, 2024, August 2024 financial reports, renewal of Class B retail alcohol license for Dolgencorp (Dollar General), FYE 2024 (Fiscal Year Ending June 30, 2024) Annual Financial Report, Resolution 2024-35, Approval of FYE 2024 Annual Urban Renewal Report, and Resolution 2024-36, Approval of the Annual Street Finance Report for FYE 2024. Roll call ayes: Mengler, Knutsen, Bieri, and Puck. Motion carried.
Walcott Women – Trick-or-Treating. Laura Martin, representing Walcott Women, stated they would like to have Trick-or-Treating on Thursday, October 31st from 6 – 8 p.m. with the Halloween Parade starting at 5:15 p.m. Mengler moved and Puck seconded to approve the Halloween Parade at 5:15, from Victory Park to the Walcott Legion, and to set Trick-or-Treating on October 31st from 6 – 8 p.m. Motion carried.
Recreational Trail Phase 2 Extension Survey. Mike Avise, representing the Recreational Trail Advisory Committee, reported the Committee met and revised the proposed survey per the discussion at the last council meeting. Several property owners, adjacent to the proposed trail extension, expressed their concerns about the trail being located on city-owned property behind their residences. Puck moved and Bieri seconded to approve distributing the survey as presented by the Committee. Motion carried.
Sewer Service Charges Adjustment Request – 310 N. Century Street. Rickertsen reported on a letter receivedfrom the property owner at 310 N. Century Street, requesting a credit for a portion of his recent sewer bill due to a water leak that did not enter the sanitary sewer system and has been repaired. Rickertsen stated Chapter 99.10 of the City Code allows an adjustment for sewer if it meets certain criteria. Mengler moved and Puck seconded to approve a credit of $47.70 towards the sewer bill at 310 N. Century Street. Motion carried.
Approval of Water Tower Park Playground Equipment Purchase & Donation from Walcott Lions Club. Puck reported on the playground equipment project at Water Tower Park, which was recommended by the Park Board and approved by the City Council during the May 15, 2023 meeting.
The Walcott Lions Club presented a donation in the amount of $15,331.53, to purchase the playground structure. Mengler moved and Knutsen seconded to accept the donation from the Walcott Lions Club and approve the purchase of the playground equipment in the amount of $15,331.53. Motion carried.
Approval to Purchase Replacement Multi-Function Machine. Puck moved and Bieri seconded to approve the purchase of a multi-function machine from Ricoh at a cost of $4,782.53. Motion carried. The current machine will be transferred to the Police Department.
Ordinance 549-24, Amending Chapter 95 Pertaining to Sanitary Sewer System. This Ordinance amends sections 95.02 and 95.09, pertaining to the sanitary sewer system by adding abbreviations and definitions and changes to special penalties. Mengler moved and Puck seconded to approve the third and final reading to adopt Ordinance 549-24. Roll call ayes: Mengler, Puck, Bieri, and Knutsen. Motion carried.
Ordinance 550-24, Amending Chapter 97 Pertaining to Use of Public Sewers. This Ordinance amends sections 97.02, 97.03, 97.05, 97.07, pertaining to use of public sewers regarding the following: prohibited discharges, restricted discharges, pretreatment facilities, and testing of wastes. Bieri moved and Knutsen seconded to approve the third and final reading to adopt Ordinance 550-24. Roll call ayes: Bieri, Knutsen, Mengler, and Puck. Motion carried.
Ordinance 551-24, Amending Chapter 99 Pertaining to Sewer Service Charges. This Ordinance amends sections 99.09 and 99.11 pertaining to sewer surcharges and administrative fees. Puckmoved and Mengler seconded to approve the third and final reading to adopt Ordinance 551-24. Roll call ayes: Puck, Mengler, Bieri, and Knutsen. Motion carried.
Ordinance 552-24, Amending Provisions Pertaining to Pedestrians’ Right-of-Way. Ordinance 552-24 was introduced. This Ordinance amends sections 60.02 and 65.07 pertaining to pedestrians in the right-of-way, to match recent changes to the Code of Iowa. Puck moved and Mengler seconded to approve the first reading to adopt Ordinance 552-24. Roll call ayes: Puck, Mengler, Bieri, and Knutsen. Motion carried.
Police Department Report. Blake stated three of the new solar speed signs will need to be installed at different locations than previously presented.
Public Works Department Report. Stagg reported he intends to close the splash pad on September 23rd due to the upcoming cooler temperatures. Mengler expressed safety concerns with farm equipment traffic traveling on Memorial Road when vehicles are parked on both sides of the street during practices and games at Water Tower Park. Temporary no-parking signs will be placed on the south side of Memorial Road through mid-October.
Mayor’s Report. Mayor Kostichek expressed thanks and appreciation to the members of the Walcott Athletic Board for their efforts in promoting youth sports, particularly their utilization of Water Tower Park. He also thanked the Walcott Lions Club for the playground donation for Water Tower Park.
Knutsen moved and Mengler seconded to adjourn at 7:05 p.m. Motion carried. All votes on motions were unanimous, unless noted.
September 3, 2024 Minutes
The semi-monthly meeting of the City Council of Walcott, Iowa, was held on Tuesday, September 3, 2024, 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: Jeff Blake, Lisa Rickertsen, and Paul Stagg. Council Member Knutsen arrived at 6:13 p.m.
Approval of Agenda. Puck moved and Bieri seconded to approve the agenda. Motion carried.
Introduction of Audience/Public Comments. Larry Seiler,Tim and Andrea Newcomb, Randy Moeller, John Brockmann, Kristal Schaefer, and Recreational Trail Advisory Committee members Mike Avise and Bobby Jo Mosier.
Consent Agenda. Menglermoved and Puck seconded to approve the consent agenda including the invoices, minutes from August 19, 2024, and the FYE 2024 Investment Report. Motion carried.
Larry Seiler – Flagg Street. Larry Seiler reported he recently installed a flag pole in the City right-of-way (ROW), which prompted notification from City staff for him to remove the pole from the City’s property. Seiler stated the pole is 3’ off his property line at 200 W. Flagg Street, it is not permanent as it can be removed (from the inground sleeve), and he requested it be allowed to stay in the City ROW. Following discussion, Koberg moved and Puck seconded to allow the flag pole to remain in the City ROW (adjacent to 200 W. Flagg Street) with permission to be requested first in the future. Motion carried. Signs, including flag poles, are not permitted in the City right-of-way unless specifically approved by the Council. Seiler also stated there is a lot of standing water on the south side of Flagg Street. He expressed concerns with the grade of the ditch and he feels it needs attention. Mayor Kostichek stated it would be looked into. Knutsen arrived at 6:13 p.m.
Walcott Women – Trick-or-Treating. No one was in attendance from the Walcott Women organization so the topic will be placed on the September 16th agenda.
Recreational Trail Phase 2 Extension Survey. Discussion was held on thesurvey previously submitted by the Recreational Trail Advisory Committee to gain input from the community on the proposed trail extension. The Committee will revise the survey as discussed and present at the next council meeting.
Walcott Historical Society Contribution Request. Mengler moved and Puck seconded to approve the contribution request to the Walcott Historical Society, in the amount of $2,500. Motion carried. This contribution is to promote and assist in preservation of the City’s history.
Visit Quad Cities Annual Contribution Request. Koberg moved and Knutsen seconded to approve the contribution to Visit Quad Cities, in the amount of $1,000. Motion carried.This contribution goes towards tourism and promotion of Walcott.
Tennis/Pickleball Court Striping Project. Mengler moved and Puck seconded to approve the tennis/pickleball court striping project with Tennis Surfaces of Iowa at a cost of $23,190. Motion carried.
Manhole Replacement Project. This project is for seven manhole surround/street panel replacements on Memorial Road. Puck moved and Knutsen seconded to approve the project with Triple B Construction at a cost of $29,220. Motion carried. Stagg will work with the contractor to place no parking signs along the street at specific areas during construction.
Resolution 2024-33, Approving the Designation of State and Local Recovery Funds, Part of the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA). Mengler moved and Bieri seconded to approve Resolution 2024-33. Roll call ayes: Mengler, Bieri, Puck, Knutsen, and Koberg. Motion carried.This Resolution lists potential uses for the remaining ARPA funds, including electrical upgrades, solar powered radar speed signs, and office equipment upgrades.
- Purchase of Solar Powered Radar Speed Signs and Laptop. Mengler moved and Bieri seconded to purchase 6 solar powered radar speed signs at a cost of $20,686.87 and a laptop for the Public Works Department at a cost of $1,565.71, both to be paid with ARPA funds. Motion carried. The speed signs will be placed on existing poles on E. James Street, E. Lincoln Street, and Memorial Road. It was noted that no citations are issued from these signs. These signs are to help slow down traffic by displaying the vehicle speed of approaching motorists.
Resolution 2024-34, Acceptance and Final Payment of Walcott N. Plainview Road/Walker Street Pavement Patching Project. Koberg moved and Knutsen seconded to approve Resolution 2024-34. Roll call ayes: Koberg, Knutsen, Bieri, Mengler, and Puck. Motion carried. The final payment to All American Concrete Inc. is $10,522.85.
Ordinance 549-24, Amending Chapter 95 Pertaining to Sanitary Sewer System. This Ordinance amends sections 95.02 and 95.09, pertaining to the sanitary sewer system by adding abbreviations and definitions and changes to special penalties. Puck moved and Mengler seconded to approve the second reading to adopt Ordinance 549-24. Roll call ayes: Puck, Mengler, Knutsen, Bieri, and Koberg. Motion carried.
Ordinance 550-24, Amending Chapter 97 Pertaining to Use of Public Sewers. This Ordinance amends sections 97.02, 97.03, 97.05, 97.07, pertaining to use of public sewers regarding the following: prohibited discharges, restricted discharges, pretreatment facilities, and testing of wastes. Bieri moved and Koberg seconded to approve the second reading to adopt Ordinance 550-24. Roll call ayes: Bieri, Koberg, Knutsen, Puck, and Mengler. Motion carried.
Ordinance 551-24, Amending Chapter 99 Pertaining to Sewer Service Charges. This Ordinance amends sections 99.09 and 99.11 pertaining to sewer surcharges and administrative fees. Mengler moved and Puck seconded to approve the second reading to adopt Ordinance 551-24. Roll call ayes: Mengler, Puck, Bieri, Knutsen, and Koberg. Motion carried.
Police Department Report. Puck questioned the distance from a stop sign for street parking. Parking is prohibited within 10 feet from a stop sign and an intersection of any street or alley.
Public Works Department Report. Mengler inquired about placing a flag on the pole at Water Tower Park. Stagg stated the current flag pole is scheduled to be removed and a donated pole will be installed at a new location at the park.
Koberg moved and Mengler seconded to adjourn at 6:59 p.m. Motion carried. All votes on motions were unanimous, unless noted.
August 19, 2024 Minutes
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.