February 16, 2026 Minutes
lrickertsen@cityofwalcott.com
March 2, 2026
The semi-monthly meeting of the City Council of Walcott, Iowa, was held on Monday, February 16, 2026, at Walcott City Hall. Mayor Jacob Puck called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m. Council members present: Everett Bieri, Kirk Koberg, Bobbie Martinez, Lisa Mengler, and Joe Quick. Staff present: Adam Hill, Lisa Rickertsen, and Paul Stagg.
Approval of Agenda. Mengler and Quick seconded to approve the agenda. Motion carried.
Introduction of Audience/Public Comments. Residents Taylor Quick, Lynnette Tarchinski, Joe Aubry, and John Brockmann, and reporter Noah Glasgow. Brockmann questioned the status of the bump at the Main Street railroad tracks and expressed concern regarding the lack of crack sealing on both Main Street and Memorial Road.
Consent Agenda. Koberg moved and Bieri seconded to approve the consent agenda including the invoices, minutes from February 2, 2026 and February 3, 2026, January 2026 financial reports, and designating May 2, 2026 as Spring Clean-Up Day 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 1st until Monday, May 4th, except during the clean-up day hours.
Planning & Zoning Commission Appointment – Term Ending 12/31/2030. Koberg movedand Mengler seconded to appoint Anthony Bein to the Planning & Zoning Commission, term ending 12/31/2030. Motion carried. It was noted there is still one vacant term on the Planning & Zoning Commission.
Support to Durant Ambulance for Essential Emergency Medical Services. Rickertsen reported that past contributions were determined to serve a public purpose by supporting essential emergency medical services for the community. Bieri moved and Quick seconded to approve the support contribution of $1,000 as budgeted to Durant Ambulance. Motion carried.
Park Board Recommendations.
- Purchase of Pickleball Court Divider. The Park Board recommended purchasing one 42’ court divider to be placed between the two pickleball courts. Koberg moved and Mengler seconded to approve the purchase of one pickleball court divider from Douglas Sports for $2,699. Motion carried.
- Establishing Fees for Ball Diamond Practice Reservations for Non-Local Teams. Following a review of the increase in annual electricity costs, primarily at Wescott Park, thePark Board recommended establishing fees for ball diamond practice reservations for non-local teams, excluding Tri-County Fastpitch and Walcott Athletics youth teams. Martinez stated she did not feel the City should charge fees for ball diamond reservations. Martinez & Koberg felt the increased electricity could be covered elsewhere in the budget. Koberg moved and Martinez seconded to not charge fees for ball diamond practice reservations. Motion carried. It was noted that Walcott Athletics youth teams and Tri-County Fastpitch teams will continue to have first preference for ball diamond scheduling. Koberg asked about converting the ball diamond lights to LED and Stagg was asked to look into estimated costs.
- City Sponsored Community Summer Youth Event(s). Rickertsen reported that due to declining participation in the City’s sponsored summer youth program at Camp Abe Lincoln, the Park Board discussed alternative low-cost, family-friendly youth activities. The Board recommended options such as a Touch-A-Truck event and other community outreach ideas. Rickertsen stated she is still waiting on details from the YMCA/Camp Abe Lincoln regarding their proposed summer program. Consensus was to table action until the next regular meeting.
Police Department Report. New Squad Equipment & Installation. Chief Hill presented a project worksheet for the purchase and install of new equipment for the new squad. Mengler moved and Bieri seconded to approve the squad equipment and installation quote from 424 Warning Systems for $20,684.19. Motion carried.
City Clerk Report. Set Property Tax Levy Public Hearing Date. Bieri moved and Mengler seconded to set the property tax levy public hearing date on April 6, 2026, at 5:30 p.m. Motion carried.
Stagg was asked to follow-up with Iowa Interstate Railroad regarding the bump on the Main Street railroad approach.
Koberg moved and Martinez seconded to adjourn at 6:21 p.m. Motion carried. All votes on motions were unanimous, unless noted.