May 6, 2024 Minutes

The semi-monthly meeting of the City Council of Walcott, Iowa, was held on Monday, May 6, 2024, at Walcott City Hall. Mayor John Kostichek called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m. Council members present: Everett Bieri, Lisa Mengler, and Jacob Puck. Absent: Harry Knutsen and Kirk Koberg. Staff present: Lisa Rickertsen and Paul Stagg.

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

Introduction of Audience/Public Comments. Lesa Puck,Korry Kraft (Fire Chief), and Brent Puck.  

Public Hearing on Budget Amendment for Fiscal Year Ending (FYE) June 30, 2024. Mayor Kostichek opened the public hearing on the budget amendment for fiscal year ending June 30, 2024 (FYE 2024). Rickertsen reported the amendment was needed due to some potential upcoming expenditures which may cause the total expenditures in specific programs to be higher than the original budgeted amounts. No written or other comments were received. Mengler moved and Puck seconded to close the public hearing and resume the regular meeting. Motion carried.

Consent Agenda. Bieri moved and Puck seconded to approve the consent agenda including the invoices, minutes from April 15, 2024, April 2024 financial reports, Class C retail alcohol & outdoor service renewal for Lampliter Inn, Resolution 2024-22 – Acknowledging New Investments, Resolution 2024-23 – Transfer of Funds, and Resolution 2024-24 – Approving Hourly Wage Increase (Grade 1 Water Treatment Operator License) for James Poggenpohl. Roll call ayes: Bieri, Puck, and Mengler.  Motion carried.

Resolution 2024-25, Approving the Adoption of the Budget Amendment for FYE 2024. Mengler moved and Bieri seconded to approve Resolution 2024-25, Approving the Adoption of the Budget Amendment for FYE 2024. Roll call ayes: Mengler, Bieri, and Puck. Motion carried. 

Walcott Women – Street Closure Request for Summer Fest. Lesa Puck reported on the request from Walcott Women to close a portion of W. Otis Street, between Parker and Rowe on June 9th for their annual summer celebration for the kids. Mengler moved and Bieri seconded to approve the closure of W. Otis Street, between Parker and Rowe, on June 9th from 3:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. Motion carried.

Fire Department Report.

  • Approval of Street Closure for Steak Fry Celebration. Puckmoved and Bieri seconded to approve closing a portion of W. Durant Street, west side of bank ATM to the west side of Legion property, on May 11th for the Fire Department Steak Fry fundraiser. Motion carried.   
  • Payment Approval to Kalmes Catering. Mengler moved and Puck seconded to approve the payment to Kalmes Catering in the amount of $11,000 for the Fire Department Steak Fry fundraiser. Motion carried.
  • Purchase Approval of Gas Detector. This will beplaced on the May 20th agenda. 
  • Approval of Grant Submission for Washer-Extractor. Mengler moved and Puck seconded to approve the grant submission for a washer-extractor through DIAL (Department of Inspections and Appeals). Motion carried.

Mengler stated to Chief Kraft that she hopes for improved communication within the Fire Department.

Recreational Trail Phase 2 Extension – Community Meeting. The community meeting, hosted by the Recreational Trail Advisory Committee, will be Wednesday, May 15th at 6:30 p.m. at the Walcott American Legion. The purpose of the meeting is for the Committee to provide information and obtain feedback from the public regarding extending the recreational trail from Prairie View Park to W. Otis Street. Stagg was asked to attend the meeting to represent the City. Council requested a representative from the Recreational Trail Advisory Committee to attend the May 20th Council meeting to discuss the results of the community meeting and the Committee’s proposed survey.     

Review of Rental Housing Fee Schedule. Discussion was held oninformation from the Building Official regarding the rental housing fee schedule. The current base rental housing fee does not cover staff costs associated with the inspections.A resolution will be prepared for the next meeting to increase the base fee for rental housing inspections.   

Public Works Department Report. Concrete Pad at Water Tower Park – Old Tower Site. Stagg presented a project worksheet to pour concrete on existing footings at the old water tower site. This 6” reinforced concrete pad could be utilized for picnic tables and future playground equipment. Mengler moved and Puck seconded to approve the bid from All American Concrete at a cost of $3,755. Motion carried. Stagg inquired about marking the property line for the City-owned property, located south and east of the creeks, adjacent to the Westbrook Subdivisions in order to aid with mowing and maintenance of the City’s property. Stagg was directed to mark the City’s property line as discussed.   

City Clerk’s Report. Budgeted Rate Increases for Water, Sewer, and Garbage for FYE 2025. Rickertsen reported the budgeted rate increases for FYE 2025 are as follows: 5% for water, 1% sewer, and 4% for garbage. Puck moved and Mengler seconded to proceed with preparation of ordinances to amend the water, sewer, and garbage rates as discussed. Motion carried. Rickertsen also reported on an invitation from our sister city, Bredenbek, Germany, inviting Walcott residents to Bredenbek on September 7th & 8th to celebrate their village festival.  

Mayor’s Report. Mayor Kostichek expressed thanks to Bredenbek for the invitation to their weekend festival.    

Council Member Comments. Puck questioned the status of the batting cage improvements and stated he was impressed with the work/clean-up from A.R.B. Roofing at the parks. Stagg responded the batting cage improvements are completed. Bieri stated this week is Municipal Clerks Week and he expressed thanks and appreciation to Rickertsen and Deputy City Clerk, Tabetha Wright. 

Possible Closed Session per Iowa Code 21.5(1)(J). Mengler moved and Puck seconded to go into a closed session at 6:27 p.m. under Iowa Code Chapter 21.5(1 )(J) to discuss purchase of particular real estate. Roll call ayes: Mengler, Puck, and Bieri. Motion carried. Rickertsen and Stagg were allowed to stay and all others left the council chamber. Mengler moved and Bieri seconded to close the closed session and resume the regular meeting at 6:32 p.m. Roll call ayes: Mengler, Bieri, and Puck. Motion carried.

Possible Action per Closed Session. Puck moved and Bieri seconded to instruct Stagg to communicate with the property owner as discussed during the closed session. Motion carried.

Mengler moved and Bieri seconded to adjourn at 6:33 p.m. Motion carried. All votes on motions were unanimous, unless noted. 

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Recreational Trail Public Information Meeting

May 15, 2024, 6:30 p.m. at the Walcott American Legion

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April 1, 2024 Minutes

The semi-monthly meeting of the City Council of Walcott, Iowa, was held on Monday, April 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. Absent: None. Staff present: Jeff Blake, Lisa Rickertsen, Paul Stagg, and Tabetha Wright.

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

Introduction of Audience/Public Comments. Randy Moeller, Jeremy and Jenn Schaeffer, Joanne Pohl, Kurt Easton, Lisa Tauke, Chris Hebbel, Jeff and Lindsay Frantz, Kristal Schaefer, Darryl Schwarz, Ethan and Skylar Roling, Rick Needham, Brian Garlock, and Tim and Andrea Newcomb.  

Consent Agenda. Puck moved and Bieri seconded to approve the consent agenda including the invoices minutes from March 18, 2024, and Tax Increment Financing (TIF) rebate payments per agreements to Iowa 80 Truckstop, Inc. for ½ of the 4th year rebate on the main building expansion in the amount of $9,578.92 and Atlantic Bottling Company for ½ of the 3rd year rebate on the distribution building in the amount of $29,875.07. Motion carried.

Kristal Schaefer/Westbrook ResidentsProposed Recreational Trail Extension – Phase 2. Kristal Schaefer stated during the first phase of the recreational trail the residents on Michelle Lane worked with the former recreational trail committee to move the trail to the north side of Mud Creek, and to the west side of the creek (west side of the Westbrook Subdivisions) for the future trail extension (Phase 2). Several concerns were expressed from the property owners adjacent to the proposed trail extension. Their concerns include the following: claims of insufficient communication from the City regarding the proposed trail extension; proposed location of trail behind their homes; limited or no options available to provide delineation between city and private properties (due to flood plain and easements on their properties); current trail maintenance and snow removal; and safety concerns with flooding, trail hours, no trail lighting, proximity of the trail to the creek, and potential trespassing. Ethan Roling stated past council minutes reflect that only two people asked about pursuing phase 2 of the trail and the residents in attendance tonight are all against it. Lindsay Frantz stated she was told by City staff that the trail was to be located on the west side of the creek, instead of on the city-owned parcel between the creek and her property. Frantz also stated that Davenport replaces the Duck Creek Parkway asphalt trail every two years. Darryl Schwarz stated they have maintained the property (parcel between their property and creek) for over 20 years, not because they had to but because they wanted to and Schaefer stated they didn’t mind maintaining and taking care of it. During the October 2, 2024 meeting, the City Council directed the Recreational Trail Advisory Committee to continue with the trail on the south side of Mud Creek, adjacent to the north and west sides of the Westbrook subdivisions, connecting to the current trail and following the creek to W. Otis Street (all on city-owned property).Residents requested the City research other options, including re-routing the proposed trail extension to the north side of Mud Creek and the west side of the North-South creek and looking into utilizing cement culverts instead of bridges to potentially reduce costs. The residents were thanked for attending the meeting. All audience left the meeting except for Kurt Easton. Council directed the proposed recreational trail extension, phase 2, to be on the next regular meeting agenda.

Special Class C License including Outdoor & Sunday Sales for Walcott Unified Fund at Victory Park. Puck moved and Mengler seconded to approve the Special Class C license for Walcott Unified Fund at Victory Park, effective 04/22/2024, pending submittal of insurance. Motion carried.  

Special Class C License including Outdoor & Sunday Sales for Walcott Unified Fund at Wescott Park. Mengler moved and Puck seconded to approve the Special Class C license for Walcott Unified Fund at Wescott Park, effective 04/22/204, pending submittal of insurance. Motion carried. 

Approval of 2024 Seal Coat Project. Koberg moved and Knutsen seconded to approve the chip seal maintenance project with LL Pelling in the amount of $29,442.20. Motion carried. This work will be on portions of N. Downey St., E. Otis St., S. Parker St., S. Main St., and W. Memorial Road.

Resolution 2024-17, Approving Contract and Bonds for the 2024 CIPP Sewer Main Lining Project. Bieri moved and Koberg seconded to approve Resolution 2024-17, Approving Contract and Bonds for the 2024 Sewer Main Lining Project. Roll call ayes: Bieri, Koberg, Knutsen, Puck, and Mengler. Motion carried. 

Resolution 2024-18, Approving Contract and Bonds for the 2024 Walcott N. Plainview Road/Walker Street Pavement Patching Project. Mengler moved and Knutsen seconded to approve Resolution 2024-18, Approving Contract and Bonds for the 2024 Walcott N. Plainview Road/Walker Street Pavement Patching Project. Roll call ayes: Mengler, Knutsen, Koberg, Puck, and Bieri. Motion carried.      

Personnel Policy Handbook. Koberg moved and Knutsen seconded to table item 11, personnel policy handbook items (sick leave and medical reimbursement policies), until the next meeting. Motion carried.  

City Clerk’s Report. Set Public Hearing Date for FYE 2025 Budget. Knutsen moved and Koberg seconded to set the public hearing date for the FYE 2025 budget for April 15, 2024, at 6:00 p.m. Motion carried.

Council Member Comments. Mengler expressed thanks to the residents that attended the meeting and for providing feedback about the proposed trail project. She stated she wished more residents would be involved, and not only when they have concerns, which would help to foster communication.

Koberg moved and Knutsen seconded to adjourn at 7:05 p.m. Motion carried. All votes on motions were unanimous, unless noted. 

April 1, 2024 Signed Minutes & Claims

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April 1, 2024 Property Tax Public Hearing Minutes

A special meeting of the City Council of the City of Walcott, Iowa, was held on Monday, April 1, 2024, at Walcott City Hall. Mayor John Kostichek called the meeting to order at 5:30 p.m. Council members present were: Everett Bieri, Harry Knutsen, Kirk Koberg, Lisa Mengler, and Jacob Puck. City staff present: Jeff Blake, Lisa Rickertsen, Paul Stagg, and Tabetha Wright.   

Mayor Kostichek opened the public hearing on the proposed property tax levy for fiscal year beginning July 1, 2024, and ending June 30, 2025. No written comments were received and there was no audience. Rickertsen reported on the proposed property tax levy hearing notices mailed to property owners. There were no additional comments.   

Bieri moved and Mengler seconded to close the public hearing and adjourn at 5:40 p.m. Ayes: All. Motion carried.

April 1, 2024 Signed Public Hearing Minutes

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March 18, 2024 Minutes

The semi-monthly meeting of the City Council of Walcott, Iowa, was held on Monday, March 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. Absent: None. Staff present: Jeff Blake, Lisa Rickertsen, and Paul Stagg.

Approval of Agenda. Stagg requested items 18 and 19 (possible closed session and action) be removed from the agenda. Knutsen moved and Bieri seconded to approve the agenda with the deletion of items 18 and 19. Motion carried.

Introduction of Audience/Public Comments. Jordan Orcutt questioned the regulations on chickens. Rickertsen reported that City Code, Chapter 55.05, only allows chickens (not roosters) in Suburban Agricultural zoning districts with the following restrictions: the number of chickens does not exceed 25 hens; chickens are confined to a coop at all times; and coops may only be located in rear yards and must be located at least 500 feet from all other zoning districts.   

Consent Agenda. Mengler moved and Puck seconded to approve the consent agenda including the invoices, February 2024 financial reports, and designating Spring Clean-Up Day for May 4, 2024, from 2:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. Motion carried. The dumpsters will be located at the compost area and the area will be closed from Friday, May 3rd until Monday, May 6th, except during the clean-up day hours.

March 4, 2024 Minutes. Koberg moved and Bieri seconded to approve the minutes from March 4, 2024. Motion carried with Knutsen abstaining due to absence from meeting.

2024 Summer Youth Program. Rickertsen reported on the survey responses on the proposed week-long summer youth program at Camp Abe Lincoln. Camp Abe Lincoln/YMCA would provide the transportation to and from Walcott (Wescott Park) to Camp Abe Lincoln. Discussion was held on the preferable camp weeks, program cost, and city residency requirement. Mengler moved and Puck seconded to approve the 2024 Summer Youth Program, offering two weeks, June 10th – 14th and July 15th – 19th, with each child only permitted to sign up for one week (through the City’s program/sponsorship), and a fee of $100 for each eligible child. Motion carried. Registration information will be posted on the City’s website and Facebook page once it’s available from Camp Abe Lincoln. Youth wanting to attend more than one week of camp will be able to sign up directly through the YMCA for additional weeks, at full cost and not through the City’s program. 

Purchase Approval for Security Cameras. Stagg presented a project worksheet to purchase six security/public safety cameras for public buildings/property. He recommended purchase of Verkada.cameras from Heartland Business Systems. Following discussion, Koberg moved and Bieri seconded to purchase the Verkada security cameras, at a cost not to exceed $32,813, which includes a 10-year license. Motion carried. The cameras and 10-year license fees will be paid from American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds.    

Resolution 2024-12, Approving Concessionaire Agreement Between the City of Walcott and Walcott Unified Fund, Inc.  Mengler moved and Knutsen seconded to approve Resolution 2024-12, Approving Concessionaire Agreement between the City of Walcott and Walcott Unified Fund, Inc. Roll call ayes: Mengler, Knutsen, Bieri, and Puck. Motion carried with Koberg abstaining due to conflict of interest due to his role with Walcott Unified Fund, Inc.

Resolution 2024-13, Approving Hourly Wage Increase for James Poggenpohl. Puck moved and Bieri seconded to approve Resolution 2024-13, Approving Hourly Wage Increase for James Poggenpohl for his Grade 1 Water Distribution license. Roll call ayes: Puck, Bieri, Mengler, Koberg, and Kuntsen. Motion carried. 

Resolution 2024-14, Awarding Contract for the 2024 Walcott N. Plainview Road/Walker Street Pavement Patching Project. Stagg stated this project is to replace the entrance to Walker Street and he recommended approving the low bid from All American Concrete, Inc. for $64,890. Questions arose on the timeline. Stagg stated the project will be done in two phases so one lane will be open for traffic and it must be completed prior to June 7, 2024. Following discussion, Koberg moved and Puck seconded to approve Resolution 2024-14, Awarding Contract for the 2024 Walcott N. Plainview Road/Walker Street to All American Concrete, Inc. for $64,980. Motion carried. Stagg will obtain additional information from the contractor on the proposed timeline.     

Resolution 2024-15, Awarding Contract for the 2024 CIPP Sewer Main Lining Project. Stagg reported on the base bids and the secondary bid item (joint grouting), which he anticipates will be minimal. Stagg stated he felt Visu-Sewer was the best bid and recommended the contract be awarded to them. Following discussion, Council deemed it to be in the best interest of the City to award the contract to Visu-Sewer, with a base bid amount of $275,613. Mengler moved and Koberg seconded to approve Resolution 2024-15, Awarding Contract for the 2024 CIPP Sewer Main Lining Project to Visu-Sewer. Roll call ayes: Mengler, Koberg, Knutsen, Bieri, and Puck. Motion carried.  

Policy & Administration Committee (Bieri and Puck) Recommendations

  • Resolution 2024-16, Setting Wages for Employees for Fiscal Year Beginning July 1, 2024.  Puck movedand Bieri seconded to approve Resolution 2024-16, setting Wages for Employees for Fiscal Year Beginning July 1, 2024. Roll call ayes: Puck, Bieri, Mengler, Koberg, and Knutsen. Motion carried. This is a 4% wage increase.   
  • Sick Leave Policy Amendments. A lengthy discussion was held on changes to the sick leave policy. A resolution approving the proposed changes will be prepared for the next meeting.

Discussion was held on changing the medical reimbursement policy for future employees. This will be listed on the next meeting agenda.   

City Clerk’s Report. Rickertsen reported the City was awarded a $1,000 grant from the Iowa Foundation for Parks and Recreation for a multigenerational swing. This swing allows adults and children (under 5) to swing together. Rickertsen requested permission to seek a grant for a new swing-set frame. Council consensus was to proceed with a grant application for a new frame. Rickertsen briefly reported on the public hearing on the proposed property tax levy at 5:30 p.m. on April 1, 2024.  

Mayor’s Report. Mayor Kostichek proclaimed April 4, 2024, and every first Thursday of April hereafter as Junior Achievement Day in the City of Walcott. 

Koberg moved and Mengler seconded to adjourn at 7:41 p.m. Motion carried. All votes on motions were unanimous, unless noted. 

March 18, 2024 Signed Minutes & Claims

               

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March 4, 2024 Minutes

The semi-monthly meeting of the City Council of Walcott, Iowa, was held on Monday, March 4, 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. Absent: Harry Knutsen. Staff present: Lisa Rickertsen and Paul Stagg.

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

Introduction of Audience/Public Comments. None.

Consent Agenda. Mengler requested the minutes be pulled from the consent agenda to be approved separately. Mengler moved and Puck seconded to approve the consent agenda which includes the invoices and Resolution 2024-11, Approving Official Zoning Map of the City of Walcott. Roll call ayes: Mengler, Puck, Bieri, and Koberg. Motion carried. 

February 19, 2024 Minutes. Mengler moved and Bieri seconded to approve the minutes from February 19, 2024. Motion carried with Koberg abstaining due to absence from meeting. 

2024 Summer Youth Program. Rickertsen reported the director from Camp Abe Lincoln notified the City that they are no longer able to offer the same Summer Youth Program as past years. Instead, they have proposed a full-day, full week program and transportation to and from Walcott to Camp Abe Lincoln. Discussion was held on the program cost, the City’s contribution towards the program (approximately 65% of cost) for eligible residents, and posting a survey online to gauge interest in the proposed program and preferable camp weeks. Survey results will be shared with the City Council during the March 18th meeting. 

2024 CIPP Sewer Lining Project. Stagg reported five bids were received on the 2024 CIPP Sewer Lining Project. He stated the bids are close and has requested additional information/clarification from the two low bidders. His recommendation is to table action on the project until the March 18th meeting. Koberg moved and Mengler seconded to table action on the project until the next regular meeting. Motion carried. 

Ordinance 545-24, Amending Chapter 74 Pertaining to Golf Carts. Koberg moved and Bieri seconded to waive the requirement for the second reading of Ordinance 545-24, Amending Chapter 74 Pertaining to Golf Carts. Roll call ayes: Koberg, Bieri, Mengler, and Puck. Motion carried. Puck moved and Bieri seconded to approve the third and final reading of Ordinance 545-24, Amending Chapter 74 Pertaining to Golf Carts. Roll call ayes: Puck, Bieri, Mengler, and Koberg. Motion carried.  

Public Works Department Report. Stagg questioned if the City Council is interested in applying dust control on the gravel portions of Memorial Road and W. Cedar Lane Drive this year. He presented cost estimates for the dust control applications and consensus was to schedule the spring application.

City Clerk’s Report. Rickertsen reported on a proposed lease between the City and Walcott Unified Fund (WUF) for use of the concession stands. The lease is expected to be listed on the next agenda for council approval, which is needed in order for WUF to obtain liquor licenses at the parks.  

Koberg moved and Mengler seconded to adjourn at 6:30 p.m. Motion carried. All votes on motions were unanimous, unless noted. 

March 4, 2024 Signed Minutes & Claims

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February 19, 2024 Minutes

The semi-monthly meeting of the City Council of Walcott, Iowa, was held on Monday, February 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, Lisa Mengler, and Jacob Puck. Absent: Kirk Koberg. Staff present: Jeff Blake and Lisa Rickertsen.

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

Introduction of Audience/Public Comments. None.

Public Hearing. Mayor Kostichek opened the public hearing on the plans and specifications, form of contract, and cost estimate for the 2024 CIPP Sewer Main Lining Project. No written or oral comments were received. Puck moved and Mengler seconded to close the public hearing and resume the regular meeting. Motion carried.

Consent Agenda. Mengler moved and Bieri seconded to approve the consent agenda including the invoices, minutes from February 5, 2024, January 2024 financial reports, and Resolution 2024-9, Adopting the Annual Supplement to the Code of Ordinances. Roll call ayes: Mengler, Bieri, Puck, and Knutsen. Motion carried. 

Resolution 2024-10, Approving Plans & Specifications and Form of Contract for the 2024 CIPP Sewer Main Lining Project. Bieri moved and Knutsen seconded to approve Resolution 2024-10, Approving Plans & Specifications and Form of Contract for the 2024 CIPP Sewer Main Lining Project. Roll call ayes: Bieri, Knutsen, Mengler, and Puck. Motion carried.

Grant Submissions for Tennis Court Rehabilitation and Pickleball Courts Project. Puck moved and Mengler seconded to approve two grant submissions for the Tennis Court Rehabilitation and Pickleball Courts Project. Motion carried.

Lincoln/Durant Streets Flushing Manholes Replacement Project. Discussion was held on the project worksheet to replace two flushing manholes, which will allow them to be accessible for jetting, cleaning, lining or other maintenance activities. Mengler moved and Puck seconded to approve the Lincoln/Durant Streets Flushing Manholes Replacement Project with the low bidder, Triple B Construction, for $18,755. Motion carried.  

Ordinance 545-24, Amending Chapter 74 Pertaining to Golf Carts. Ordinance 545-24 was introduced and discussed. Mengler moved and Knutsen seconded to approve the first reading of Ordinance 545-24, Amending Chapter 74 Pertaining to Golf Carts. Roll call ayes: Mengler, Knutsen, Bieri, and Puck. Motion carried. Application forms will no longer require all operators to be listed.

Policy & Administration Committee (Bieri and Puck) Recommendations.

  • Sick Leave Policy Amendments. Bieri moved and Puck seconded to table the discussion of the sick leave policy until the March 18th meeting. Motion carried. 
  • Employee Wages for Fiscal Year Beginning July 1, 2024. Puck moved and Bieri seconded to direct the City Clerk to prepare a wage resolution as presented and discussed. Motion carried.

Mayor Report. Mayor Kostichek reported on a recent meeting he and Puck had with Davenport Community School Superintendent Schneckloth.

Puck moved and Knutsen seconded to adjourn at 6:27 p.m. Motion carried. All votes on motions were unanimous, unless noted. 

February 19, 2024 Signed Minutes & Claims

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February 5, 2024 Minutes

The semi-monthly meeting of the City Council of Walcott, Iowa, was held on Monday, February 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.

Introduction of Audience. Korry Kraft,Don Arms, Rob Firrell, and Lynnette Tarchinski.

Consent Agenda. Mengler moved and Knutsen seconded to approve the consent agenda including the invoices, minutes from special and regular meetings on January 15, 2024, December 2023 financial reports, request for services from the State of Iowa Auditor’s Office for the FYE 2024 examination, Class C retail alcohol license renewal for Grammas Kitchen & The Checkered Flag Bar & Grill, and Resolution 2024-7, Approving Application for the City of Walcott Low-and-Moderate Income Furnace Replacement Program. Roll call ayes: Mengler, Knutsen, Bieri, Puck, and Koberg. Motion carried. 

Veteran’s Outreach Center – 5K Run/Route Approval. Don Arms was present on behalf of the Veteran’s Outreach Center to request approval of a 5K Run/Route (Run for Veterans 5K) on Saturday, April 6th.The route will be the same as the 5K route on Walcott Day but the start and end will be in front of the Walcott American Legion. There will also be a 1-mile run/walk. Following discussion, Mengler moved and Puck seconded to approve the race routes on April 6, 2024, as presented. Motion carried.    

Walcott Athletic Board – Utilizing Water Tower Park for Fall Programs. Rob Firrell and Lynnette Tarchinski were present on behalf of the Walcott Athletic Board (WAB). They intend to organize new sports this fall and would like to utilize Water Tower Park for soccer and flag football from late August through mid-October. They requested permission to sell packaged snacks and drinks at the park during games (5 weeks). Firrell stated they expect to have 2 soccer fields and 3-4 flag football fields. WAB will provide portable soccer goals and do all field markings. Stagg will work with WAB on storage for the field equipment, upkeep/maintenance of fields, providing additional picnic tables, trash/recycling cans and porta rentals, and look into replacing a field marker/chalking machine. Council thanked WAB for providing new activities for the youth in the community. Puck moved and Bieri seconded to allow the Walcott Athletic Board to sell drinks and non-refrigerated prepackaged snacks at Water Tower Park during sporting events. Motion carried.

Support to Durant Ambulance. Mengler moved and Koberg seconded to approve the budgeted contribution support of $1,000 to the Durant Ambulance. Motion carried.

CIPP Lining Project – Resolution 2024-8, Providing for a Notice of Hearing. Stagg reported on the proposed 2024 sewer main lining project. Puck moved and Knutsen seconded to approve Resolution 2024-8, Providing for a Notice of Hearing on proposed plans & specifications, form of contract, and cost estimate for the 2024 CIPP sewer main lining project. Roll call ayes: Puck, Knutsen, Koberg, Mengler, and Bieri.  Motion carried.

Fire Department Report. Korry Kraft presented year-end call information. The department had 384 calls in 2023. Mayor Kostichek questioned how many more years before replacing the next truck, especially one of the three that leave the station infrequently (13 -18 times in 2023). Kraft stated the next truck replacement would be the 2003 engine/pumper and he felt it would be a long time yet before it would be needed. The proposed fire department budget for the next fiscal year was reviewed.  

Police Department Report.

  • Approval of New Squad Upfit & Graphics. Blake presented a project worksheet to upfit the new squad and add graphics. Puck moved and Bieri seconded to proceed with the low bid from 424 Warning Systems, in the amount of $14,608.27. Motion carried. Usable equipment from the Dodge Charger will be removed and installed, along with new equipment in the new Dodge Ram. Department graphics will be installed to match existing patrol vehicle.
  • Review Changes to Chapter 74, Golf Carts. Discussion was held on the changes to Chapter 74 as prepared by Attorney Schirman. An ordinance amending Chapter 74 will be on the next regular meeting.          

Public Works Department Report. Stagg presented an equipment inventory list and reported on recent repairs to well #4.   

City Clerk Report .

  • FYE 2025 Budget Review. Rickertsen reviewed changes to the proposed FYE 2025 budget and re-estimated numbers for the current budget year.
    • Set Property Tax Levy Public Hearing Date. Koberg moved and Puck seconded to set the property tax levy public hearing date on April 1, 2024 at 5:30 p.m. Motion carried. Rickertsen reported on recent state law changes, requiring the county to mail a notice to property owners showing the proposed city, county, and school property tax rates and revenues for the next budget year.

Mayor Report. Mayor Kostichekextended his thanks and appreciation to the Walcott Athletic Board volunteers for creating new programs for the youth in the community.

Possible Closed Session per Iowa Code 21.5(1)(J). Knutsenmoved and Mengler seconded to go into a closed session at 7:15 p.m. under Iowa Code Chapter 21.5(1 )(J) to discuss purchase of particular real estate. Roll call ayes: Knutsen, Mengler, Puck, Bieri, and Koberg. Motion carried. Rickertsen and Stagg were allowed to stay and all others left the council chamber. Knutsen moved and Bieri seconded to close the closed session and resume the regular meeting at 7:25 p.m. Roll call ayes: Knutsen, Bieri, Mengler, Puck, and Koberg. Motion carried.

Possible Action per Closed Session. Mengler moved and Puck seconded to instruct Stagg and Koberg to communicate with the property owner as discussed during the closed session. Motion carried.

Koberg moved and Bieri seconded to adjourn at 7:26 p.m. Motion carried. All votes on motions were unanimous, unless noted. 

February 5, 2024 Signed Minutes & Claims

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