Category: Meeting Minutes

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. 

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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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January 15, 2024 Minutes-Budget Meeting

A special meeting of the City Council of the City of Walcott, Iowa, was held on Monday, January 15, 2024, at Walcott City Hall. Mayor John Kostichek called the meeting to order at 5:00 p.m. Council members present were: Everett Bieri, Harry Knutsen, Kirk Koberg, Lisa Mengler, and Jacob Puck. City staff present: Jeff Blake, Lisa Rickertsen, and Paul Stagg.   

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

FYE 2025 Budget Review and Discussion. Discussion was held on the proposed FYE (fiscal year ending) 2025 budget, including a review of departments in the general, general reserve, special revenue, capital improvements, and proprietary (water, sewer, and garbage) funds.

Mengler moved and Bieri seconded to adjourn at 5:59 p.m. Ayes: All. Motion carried.

January 15, 2024 Minutes-Budget Meeting

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January 15, 2024 Minutes

The semi-monthly meeting of the City Council of Walcott, Iowa, was held on Monday, January 15, 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. Bieri moved and Koberg seconded to approve the agenda. Motion carried.

Consent Agenda. Mengler moved and Bieri seconded to approve the consent agenda including the invoices, Resolution 2024-4, Approving Applications for the City of Walcott Low-and-Moderate Income (LMI) Furnace Replacement Program, and Resolution 2024-5, Transfer of Funds. Roll call ayes: Mengler, Bieri, Puck, Koberg, and Knutsen Motion carried. 

Approval of January 2, 2024 Minutes. Puck moved and Bieri seconded to approve the minutes from January 2, 2024. Motion carried with Knutsen abstaining due to absence from meeting.

Resolution 2024-6, Approving the Designation of State and Local Recovery Funds. Mengler moved and Puck seconded to approve Resolution 2024-6. Roll call ayes: Mengler, Puck, Bieri, Knutsen, and Koberg. Motion carried. Remaining funds will be used towards additional plant upgrades at the water and wastewater treatment plants, security cameras, and generator/electrical upgrades at the Police/Public Works Departments building.

Purchase of High Service Pump VFDs (Variable Frequency Drives) at Water Plant and Control Panel Upgrade VFD at Wastewater Plant. Puck moved and Koberg seconded to purchase 3 high service pump VFDs for the water plant and upgrade the control panel and two VFDs at the wastewater plant, at a total cost of $39,120 from Electric Pump. Motion carried.  

Ordinance 543-24, Amending the Official Zoning Map. Koberg moved and Knutsen seconded to approve the third reading of Ordinance 543-24. Roll call ayes: Koberg, Knutsen, Bieri, Mengler, and Puck. Motion carried. This is to rezone the property located at 303-305 E. Walcott Road from M-2, Moderate Industrial District, to C-2, Central Business District.

Ordinance 544-24, Amending Provisions Pertaining to All-Terrain Vehicles. Koberg moved and Knutsen seconded to approve the second reading of Ordinance 544-24. Roll call ayes: Koberg, Knutsen, Bieri, Mengler, and Puck. Motion carried. These changes better align with state code ATV regulations.

Public Works Department Report. Koberg and Mayor Kostichek thanked the department for a job well done during the recent snow storms.

City Clerk Report. Further budget discussion for fiscal year 2025 will be held during the February 5th regular meeting.

Council Member Comments. Mengler thanked the Fire Department volunteers for their continued commitment to the community, especially during the weekend snow storm.    

Koberg moved and Bieri seconded to adjourn at 6:25 p.m. Motion carried. All votes on motions were unanimous, unless noted. 

January 15, 2024 Signed Minutes & Claims

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January 2, 2024 Minutes

The semi-monthly meeting of the City Council of Walcott, Iowa, was held on Tuesday, January 2, 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 Mengler seconded to approve the agenda. Motion carried.

Consent Agenda. Bieri moved and Koberg seconded to approve the consent agenda including the invoices, minutes from December 18, 2023, Resolution 2024-1, Designating the North Scott Press as Official Newspaper, Resolution 2024-2, Authorizing Certain Payments Before a Council Meeting, and Resolution 2024-3, Establishing the Standard Mileage Rate Reimbursement. Roll call ayes: Bieri, Koberg, Mengler, and Puck. Motion carried. 

Review of Capital Improvement Projects. Discussionwas held on the potential capital improvement projects ranked by the Mayor and City Council. Stagg will obtain budget estimates for projects ranked for the next fiscal year.

Ordinance 543-24, Amending the Official Zoning Map. Mengler moved and Puck seconded to approve the second reading of Ordinance 543-24. Roll call ayes: Mengler, Puck, Bieri, and Koberg. Motion carried. This is to rezone the property located at 303-305 E. Walcott Road from M-2, Moderate Industrial District, to C-2, Central Business District.

Ordinance 544-24, Amending Provisions Pertaining to All-Terrain Vehicles. Koberg moved and Bieri seconded to approve the second reading of Ordinance 544-24. Roll call ayes: Koberg, Bieri, Mengler, and Puck. Motion carried. These changes better align with state code regulations.

Public Works Department Report. Stagg reported on the insurance settlement from the damage to the Veterans Memorial in Welcome Park. The City has received payment from the insurance company, which was nearly $12,000, to replace the damaged items. Bieri questioned what the locate flags were for near W. Parkview Drive. Stagg responded that MidAmerican submitted a locate for a gas main installation in that area.

City Clerk Report. Rickertsen presented the survey results which were sent to agricultural property owners regarding potential future development. A lengthy discussion was held on the results, including potential residential development areas, future infrastructure needs, and funding. A budget workshop is tentatively planned for January 15th.    

Mengler moved and Koberg seconded to adjourn at 6:50 p.m. Motion carried. All votes on motions were unanimous, unless noted. 

January 2, 2024 Signed Minutes & Claims

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December 18, 2023 Minutes

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

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

Introduction of Audience & Public Comments. Korry Kraft and Ben McKibbin were present on behalf of the Fire Department.

Public Hearing on Rezoning at 303-305 E. Walcott Road. Mayor Kostichek opened the public hearing on the request from Andrew Snyder to rezone the property located at 303-305 E. Walcott Road from M-2, Moderate Industrial District, to C-2, Central Business District. Rickertsen stated the Planning & Zoning Commission met on December 11th and recommended approval of the rezoning. Mengler moved and Koberg 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 and minutes from December 4, 2023. Motion carried.   

Fire Department Report.

  • Fire Chief Appointment. Puck moved and Bieri seconded to reappoint Korry Kraft as the Fire Chief with a term ending 12/31/2024. Motion carried.
  • Change Order for New EMS Truck (Unit #6 Replacement). Kraft and McKibbin responded to several questions on the proposed change orders for the new truck. They reported that equipment will be removed from Unit #6 and be delivered to Ward Apparatus in New York this spring. The truck is expected to be completed in July. Puck moved and Knutsen seconded to approve the change orders for the new EMS truck, in the amount of $4,795.26. Motion carried. The total truck purchase price with the change orders is $609,378.26.

Appointments by Mayor.  Mayor Kostichek made the following appointments:

  • Council Committees:
  • Police & Animal Control – Knutsen and Koberg
  • Policy & Administration/City Hall – Puck and Bieri
  • Streets, Solid Waste, & Parks – Koberg and Puck 
  • Fire & Civil Defense – Mengler and Knutsen
  • Water & Sanitary Sewer – Bieri and Mengler
  • Mayor Pro Tem – Jacob Puck
  • Park Board. Mayor Kosticheck reappointed Lisa Hagen to the Park Board with a term ending 12/31/28. Mengler moved and Puck seconded to approve the Mayor’s appointment of Lisa Hagen to the Park Board. Motion carried.

Appointments by Council.

  • Planning & Zoning Commission. Puck moved and Koberg seconded to reappoint Christine Thompson to the Planning & Zoning Commission with a term ending 12/13/2028. Motion carried. 
  • Zoning Board of Adjustment. Mengler moved and Knutsen seconded to reappoint Bernard Brus to the Zoning Board of Adjustment with a term ending 12/31/28.  Motion carried.
  • City Clerk. Bierimoved and Puck seconded to reappoint Lisa Rickertsen as the City Clerk with term ending 12/31/25. Motion carried. 
  • City Attorney. Koberg moved and Knutsen seconded to reappoint Brooks Law Firm/Tom Schirman & Jeff McDaniel as the City Attorney with term ending 12/31/25. Motion carried

Ordinance 543-24, Amending the Official Zoning Map. Ordinance 543-24 was introduced and Koberg moved and Knutsen seconded to approve the 1st reading of Ordinance 543-24. Roll call ayes: Koberg, Knutsen, Puck, Mengler, and Bieri.   

Ordinance 544-24, Amending Provisions Pertaining to All-Terrain Vehicles. Ordinance 544-24 was introduced and Mengler moved and Puck to approve the first reading of Ordinance 544-24. Roll call ayes: Mengler, Puck, Bieri, Knutsen, and Koberg.

Review of Capital Improvements Project. This will be discussed at the next regular meeting.

Police Department Report. Blake reported the squad is at the dealership but it will take a few more months before the equipment installation is completed and the squad is in service.   

Public Works Department Report. Stagg reported the sewer main lining project was completed last Monday and two water main breaks, which happened at the same time, were fixed on Friday. He expressed thanks and appreciation to Needham Excavating Inc. for their quick response in repairing the breaks.    

City Clerk Report. Rickertsen reported the City recently launched a new website. City offices will be closed on December 25th & 26th and January 1st. The next regular meeting will be on Tuesday, January 2nd.

Mayor’s Report. Mayor Kosticheck thanked Kraft and McKibbin for attending and providing explanations on the change orders for the new fire truck.

Koberg moved and Mengler seconded to adjourn at 6:23 p.m. Motion carried. All votes on motions were unanimous, unless noted. 

December 18, 2023 Signed Minutes & Claims

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December 4, 2023 Minutes

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

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

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

Park Board Recommendations.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

December 4, 2023 Signed Minutes & Claims

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November 20, 2023 Minutes

The semi-monthly meeting of the City Council of Walcott, Iowa, was held on Monday, November 20, 2023, at Walcott City Hall. Mayor John Kostichek called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m. Council members present: Everett Bieri, Kirk Koberg, Harry Knutsen, Lisa Mengler, and Jacob Puck. Staff present: Jeff Blake, Lisa Rickertsen, and Paul Stagg.

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

Introduction of Audience/ Public Comments. Korry Kraft and Ben McKibbin were present on behalf of the Fire Department. Kraft stated the building lost power on November 8th and they feel it caused surges which may have damaged the power invertor in Unit #3, as well as the compressor. Surge protectors will be purchased and Stagg will research for a permanent solution.      

Consent Agenda. Knutsen moved and Mengler seconded to approve the consent agenda including the invoices, minutes from November 6, 2023, Resolution 2023-47, Transfer of Funds, and Resolution 2023-48, Approving Applications for the City of Walcott Low-and-Moderate Income Furnace Replacement Program. Roll call ayes: Knutsen, Mengler, Puck, Bieri, and Koberg. Motion carried.   

Park Board Recommendations.

  • Naming of Field at Victory Park. Menglernoted that Victory Park was named in honor of those serving with the armed forces. Puck moved and Bieri seconded to approve the Park Board’s recommendation to name the field at Victory Park, Armed Forces Field. Motion carried.  
  • Acceptance of Scoreboard/Sign Donation from Walcott American Legion. Puck moved and Bieri seconded to approve the scoreboard/sign donation from Walcott American Legion. Motion carried. Mengler stated the Walcott Community Club was also donating funds towards the new scoreboard. 

Review of Chapter 75, All-Terrain and Off-Road Utility Vehicles. Koberg requested changes to the ATV/UTV chapter, to be consistent with state code. Chief Blake did not have any concerns with making changes to the chapter. Following discussion, council consensus was to amend the City Code regarding ATV’s to be consistent with state code. Rickertsen will prepare an ordinance amendment for the next regular meeting.   

Development Letter/Survey to Agricultural Property Owners. Discussion was held on mailing a survey letter to agricultural property owners regarding potential future development.    

Public Works Department Report. Stagg reported on recent communication with MidAmerican Energy regarding the letter the City sent pertaining to future gas infrastructure improvements. Improvements are installed as needed, when development occurs.

Mayor’s Report. Mayor Kostichek expressed thanks and appreciation to the Walcott Day Committee volunteers for installing the holiday lights.

Mengler moved and Bieri seconded to adjourn at 6:46 p.m. Motion carried. All votes on motions were unanimous, unless noted. 

November 20, 2023 Signed Minutes & Claims

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November 6, 2023 Minutes

 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

November 6, 2023 Signed Minutes & Claims

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