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 16^th 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. 

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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 11^th until Monday, October 14^th, 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. 

August 19, 2024 Signed Minutes & Claims

August 2024 Chamber Newsletter

The semi-monthly meeting of the City Council of Walcott, Iowa, was held on Monday, August 5, 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 Bieri seconded to approve the agenda. Motion carried.

Consent Agenda. Puckmoved and Mengler seconded to approve the consent agenda including the invoices, renewal of Class C retail alcohol license for The Coliseum LLC, and Resolution 2024-32 – Acknowledging New Investments. Roll call ayes: Puck, Mengler, Bieri, Knutsen, and Koberg. Motion carried.   

Minutes from July 15, 2024. Koberg moved and Bieri seconded to approve the minutes from July 15, 2024. Motion carried with Puck abstaining due to absence at meeting.

Introduction of Audience/Public Comments. Andrea Newcomb. 

Replacement of Sewer Plant Flow Meter. Koberg moved and Bieri seconded to approve replacing the sewer plant flow meter at a cost of $7,744 from GPM Environmental Solutions, LLC. Motion carried.

Engineering Proposal – N. Grove Street Water Main Replacement Project. Discussion was held on the engineering proposals for the Grove Street water main project. Following discussion, Mengler moved and Puck seconded to approve the engineering proposal for the N. Grove Street Water Main Replacement Project with Veenstra & Kimm, Inc. in the amount of $29,895.80. Motion carried.  

Street Closure Request – Burt Clinic. Bieri moved and Koberg seconded to approve closing Vernon Street (east of Main Street) on September 1, 2024, from 11:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Motion carried.    

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

Public Works Department Report. Due to the upcoming retirement of the Building Official, Stagg discussed establishing a plan for the building department inspections when the City is without a certified inspector. Discussion was held on contacting local certified inspectors on their availability and to have Stagg look into an agreement with Scott County as a back-up plan for an inspector, both on an as-needed basis.    

Council Member Comments. Mengler requested to add the recreational trail extension project to the August 19^th agenda.

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

August 5, 2024 Signed Minutes & Claims

 

The semi-monthly meeting of the City Council of Walcott, Iowa, was held on Monday, July 15, 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 Harry Knutsen. Absent: Jacob Puck. Staff present: Jeff Blake, Paul Stagg, and Tabetha Wright.

Approval of Agenda. Mengler moved and Bieri seconded to approve the agenda, with the deletion of item 6. Motion carried.

Introduction of Audience/Public Comments. None.

Consent Agenda. Knutsen moved and Koberg seconded to approve the consent agenda including the invoices, minutes from July 1, 2024, renewal of Class B retail alcohol licenses for Pilot Travel Centers LLC #043 and #268, June 2024 financial reports, and Resolution 2024-31, Transfer of Funds. Roll call ayes: Bieri, Knutsen, Koberg, and Mengler. Motion carried. 

Purchase Approval of 2 Picnic Tables for Water Tower Park. Mengler moved and Koberg seconded to approve purchasing 2 picnic tables for Water Tower Park at a cost of $2,908. Motion carried.

Public Works Department Report. Stagg reported that the speed bumps ordered for W. Otis Street have been delivered and they should be installed within the week. Stagg received an inquiry from a resident requesting that the City allow five American Legion flags/holders to be added to the Avenue of Flags along the north side of Victory Park bordering E. James Street; Council reached a consensus to allow the request. Koberg verified with Stagg that the security light at Victory Park may be disconnected during Walcott Day, provided the work is completed by a licensed electrician. Public Works will also provide barricades for Walcott Day to help with traffic control around Victory Park. Mengler reported that two citizens have approached her with concerns about manhole covers on Memorial Road that appear to be dropping/sagging. Stagg is aware of the issue and will prepare a project worksheet for the necessary repairs.

Koberg moved and Mengler seconded to adjourn at 6:09 p.m. Motion carried. All votes on motions were unanimous, unless noted. 

July 15, 2024 Signed Minutes & Claims

July 2024 Chamber Newsletter

The semi-monthly meeting of the City Council of Walcott, Iowa, was held on Monday, July 1, 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. Koberg moved and Puck seconded to approve the agenda. Motion carried.

Introduction of Audience/Public Comments. Andy Brus, Wade Warnecke, John Brockmann, Andrea Newcomb, and Sean Romanick. Warnecke expressed concerns regarding a bump on E. James Street and upcoming Walcott Day activities on the street.  

Consent Agenda. Knutsenmoved and Bieri seconded to approve the consent agenda including the invoices and minutes from June 17, 2024. Motion carried.   

Walcott Day Events. 

• Parade Approval and Temporary Closure of Route Streets. Puck moved and Mengler seconded to approve the Walcott Day Parade route, temporary closure of route streets on July 20, 2024. Motion carried. The route will start at the school on E. James Street, turn south on Main Street, and end at E. Lincoln Street.  
• Street Closures. Bierimoved and Puck seconded to approve closing N. Henry Street, between James and Lincoln Streets; E. Otis Street, between Main and Downey Streets; N. Downey Street, between James and Otis Streets; and E. James Street, between Henry and Downey Streets on July 20, 2024. Motion carried.
• Fireworks Contribution. Knutsenmoved and Mengler seconded to approve a contribution of $1,000 to the Walcott Day Committee for the fireworks display. Motion carried. 
• 5K Race Route. Menglermoved and Bieri seconded to approve the 5K race route on July 20, 2024, with temporary street closures along the route. Motion carried.    
• Police Department Part-Time Wages. Due to the pay differences between officers paid by the City and those paid by the Walcott Day Committee, Knutsen moved and Puck seconded to approve a special wage of $30.67/hour for part-time police officers working for the City during Walcott Day events on July 19^th and 20^th. Motion carried. 
• Approval to Sell Food at Prairie View Park on Friday, July 19^th.  Mengler moved and Knutsen seconded to allow the Walcott Lions Club to sell food at Prairie View Park on July 19, 2024. Motion carried.
• Approval to Close Heritage Recreational Trail for Kids Run and Fireworks on July 19^th.  

Puck moved and Kobergseconded to close Heritage Recreational Trail at Prairie View Park for the kids run and fireworks on July 19, 2024, with a rain date on July 20, 2024. Motion carried.

Walcott Coliseum – Amend Class C License to include Temporary Outdoor Service Area for July 13, 2024. Menglermoved and Knutsen seconded to approve the temporary outdoor service area for the Walcott Coliseum on July 13, 2024. Motion carried.

Walcott Community Club – Street Closure Request for July 13, 2024 – E. Bryant Street between Main and Henry Streets. Mengler moved and Bieri seconded to approve closing E. Bryant Street, between Main and Henry Streets on July 13, 2024, from 4:00 p.m.– 11:00 p.m. Motion carried.  

Andy Brus – Golf Cart Permit Revocation. Brus requested the City Council reconsider action taken last July on his two-year golf cart permit revocation. Mengler stated the City Code doesn’t allow the Council to make changes following the hearing decision.

Safety/Speeding Concerns on W. Otis Street. Concerns were expressed regarding safety of pedestrians crossing W. Otis Street, between the splash pad and Wescott Park, due to vehicles speeding and/or distracted drivers. Following discussion, Koberg moved and Mengler seconded to approve purchasing 60 feet of rubber 2 ½” speed bumps (3 feet sections) to be placed on W. Otis Street (between Rowe and Parker Streets), at a cost up to $3,007.88. Motion carried.   

N. Grove Street Water Main Improvements Project. Stagg requested approval to move forward with replacing one block of 4” water main on N. Grove Street, which is budgeted for this fiscal year. Mengler moved and Puck seconded to proceed with obtaining engineering proposals for the water main project. Motion carried. Stagg was asked to request proposals from multiple engineering firms.    

City Clerk’s Report. Rickertsen reported the City received a grant from AARP for $12,000 towards the Tennis Court Rehabilitation and Pickleball Courts Project.

Mayor & Council Member Comments. Mayor Kostichek and Council Members reported on compliments regarding the City parks and thanked the Public Works Department. Koberg reported on concerns again regarding the bump on E. James Street. Koberg mentioned having the Police Department write speeding tickets for violators on W. Otis Street. Knutsen reported two manholes near his residence make loud rattling noises when they are driven over. Mengler thanked the Walcott Softball Organization for their efforts in bringing teams to Walcott for the fastpitch tournament (Larry Koberg ISC Qualifier).

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

July 1, 2024 Signed Minutes & Claims

The semi-monthly meeting of the City Council of Walcott, Iowa, was held on Monday, June 17, 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 Mengler seconded to approve the agenda. Motion carried.

Introduction of Audience/Public Comments. Skylar Roling, Tim and Andrea Newcomb, Kurt Easton, Lisa Tauke, Scott Pohl, Jeremy Schaeffer, Kristal Schaefer, and Sean Romanick.

Consent Agenda. Puckmoved and Knutsen seconded to approve the consent agenda including the invoices, annual tobacco permit renewals for Casey’s General Store, Dolgencorp LLC, Iowa 80 Truckstop (2 locations), and Pilot Travel Centers #043 and #268, and the May 2024 financial reports. Motion carried.   

Approval of Minutes from June 3, 2024. Koberg moved and Mengler seconded to approve the minutes form June 3, 2024. Motion carried.

Recreational Trail Phase 2 Extension. Koberg reported on communication he had with a representative from the property owner of the Walcott Mobile Home Community (MHC), as directed during the June 3, 2024 meeting. Stagg presented a map of the City’s utilities and questioned where a proposed bridge placement would be, due to location of utilities if the trail crosses Mud Creek again. Following discussion, Koberg moved and Mengler seconded to table the proposed survey until the City receives more information from the Walcott MHC property owner. Motion carried. Comments were received regarding golf carts on the recreational trail, which is prohibited.

Resolution 2024-30, Transfer of Funds. Knutsen moved and Bieri seconded to approve Resolution 2024-30, Transfer of Funds. Roll call ayes: Knutsen, Bieri, Mengler, Puck and Koberg. Motion carried. This transfer is for budgeted year-end transfers.   

Ordinance 546-24, Amending Chapter 92 Pertaining to Water Rates. Ordinance 546-24 includes an increase of 5% to both the minimum (base rate) and usage rate, effective with the July 1^st billing. Each customer shall pay a minimum bill of $18.53 per month (increase of $.88/month), which includes usage up to 1,400 gallons and all usage over 1,400 gallons shall be $6.35 per 1,000 gallons (increase of $.30/1,000 gallons). Puck moved and Bieri seconded to approve the third and final reading to adopt Ordinance 546-24, Amending Chapter 92 Pertaining to Water Rates. Roll call ayes: Puck, Bieri, Mengler, Koberg, and Knutsen. Motion carried.   

Ordinance 547-24, Amending Chapter 99 Pertaining to Sewer Rates. Ordinance 547-24 is an increase of 1% to both the minimum (base rate) and usage rate, effective with the July 1^st billing. Each customer shall pay a minimum bill of $19.44 per month (increase of $.19/month) and all usage over 1,400 gallons of water used per month shall be $6.52 per 1,000 gallons (increase of $.06/1,000 gallons). Mengler moved and Knutsen seconded to approve the third and final reading to adopt Ordinance 547-24, Amending Chapter 99 Pertaining to Sewer Rates. Roll call ayes: Mengler, Knutsen, Koberg, Bieri, and Puck. Motion carried.   

Ordinance 548-24, Amending Chapter 106 Pertaining to Solid Waste Collection Fees (Garbage Rate). Ordinance 548-24 is a 4% increase ($.62) to the monthly garbage rate, effective with the July 1^st billing, which is the percentage increase the City pays to the collector per contract. The rate will be $16.11 per month for each container of solid waste. Bieri moved and Puck seconded to approve the third and final reading to adopt Ordinance 548-24, Amending Chapter 106 Pertaining to Solid Waste Collection Fees. Roll call ayes: Bier, Puck, Mengler, Koberg, and Knutsen. Motion carried.  

Disposal of 2017 Dodge Charger. Koberg moved and Bieri seconded to dispose of the 2017 Dodge Charger through GovDeals website. Motion carried.

Public Works Department Report. Stagg had previously expressed concerns regarding the location of the City’s utilities and the proposed recreational trail extension options. He questioned if the Council agreed that the west side of the tributary is not an option for the trail extension location. In order to be on the west side of the tributary the trail extension would run north of Mud Creek and cross back into the City’s wastewater treatment plant property. Stagg stated recreational facilities should not be located in a wastewater treatment plant facility area. Koberg stated we need to work through all options to move forward and Mengler stated she agrees a trail should not go through the wastewater treatment plant facility area.

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

June 17, 2024 Signed Minutes & Claims

June 2024 Chamber Newsletter