December 2, 2024 Minutes

The semi-monthly meeting of the City Council of Walcott, Iowa, was held on Monday, December 2, 2024, at Walcott City Hall. Mayor John Kostichek called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m. Council members present: Everett Bieri, Harry Knutsen, Kirk Koberg, Lisa Mengler, and Jacob Puck. Staff present: Lisa Rickertsen and Paul Stagg.   

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

Introduction of Audience/Public Comments. Gary Lucht, Ben McKibbin, Joe Hahn, and Kristi Robinson (Veenstra & Kimm engineer).

Consent Agenda. Mengler moved and Bieri seconded to approve the consent agenda including the invoices, minutes from November 18, 2024, Resolution 2024-54 – Approving Application and Transfer of Funds for the LMI Lead Service Pipe Replacement Program, Resolution 2024-55- Approving the Designation of State and Local Recovery Funds, Part of the American Rescue Plan Act, and Resolution 2024-56 – Transfer of Funds. Roll call ayes: Mengler, Bieri, Puck, Knutsen, and Koberg. Motion carried.

Gary Lucht – Claim of Damage to Residence from N. Grove Street Water Main Replacement Project. Gary Lucht, property owner of 246 N. Grove Street, presented photos and a cost proposal for repairs of cracks in his kitchen (wall/ceiling) and a fallen light fixture which he believes were damaged by the construction of the water main replacement on N. Grove Street. It was noted there are not any known similar claims from past infrastructure projects but the City will forward his information to the City’s insurance provider for review and investigation.  

Fire Department Report – Automated CPR Grant. JoeHahn and Ben McKibbin were present on behalf of the Fire Department to request permission to subscribe to an online website to find grants for an automated CPR (chest compression) system and to apply for a corresponding grant. McKibbin stated there are no fees involved to participate with the online site. Hahn stated the automated CPR system would benefit the department and they intend to dedicate the profits from the next steak fry fundraiser towards the purchase of one. Mengler moved and Puck seconded to allow the Fire Department to complete the information to utilize the online website and apply for a grant for a LUCAS automated CPR system as requested. Motion carried.

Koberg moved and Knutsen seconded to adjourn at 6:16 p.m. Motion carried. All votes on motions were unanimous, unless noted.