February 17, 2025 Minutes
lrickertsen@cityofwalcott.com
February 24, 2025
The semi-monthly meeting of the City Council of Walcott, Iowa, was held on Monday, February 17, 2025, 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: Jeff Blake, Lisa Rickertsen, and Paul Stagg.
Approval of Agenda. Puck moved and Bieri seconded to approve the agenda with the deletion of item 10, Discussion of Potential Development Areas and Utility Services. Motion carried. This item was removed due to absence of two council members.
Introduction of Audience/Public Comments. John Brockmann and Joe Quick. No public comments at this time.
Consent Agenda. Mengler moved and Bieri seconded to approve the consent agenda including the invoices, January 2025 financial reports, annual insurance renewal with EMC Insurance, and designating Spring Clean-Up Day on May 3, 2025, 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 2nd until Monday, May 5th, except during the clean-up day hours.
Minutes from February 3, 2025. Mengler moved and Puck seconded to approve the minutes from February 3, 2025. Motion carried.
2025 Summer Youth Program. Rickertsen reported the proposed week-long summer youth program fees at Camp Abe Lincoln will be the same as last year. Camp Abe Lincoln/YMCA would provide the transportation to and from Walcott (Wescott Park) to Camp Abe Lincoln. The program is for children ages 4 – 12, residing in the City of Walcott. Puck moved and Bieri seconded to approve the 2025 Summer Youth Program, offering two separate weeks, June 9th – 13th and July 21st – 25th, with each child permitted to sign up for one week through the City’s program/sponsorship, and a participant 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.
Resolution 2025-11, Approval of Final Plat of Walcott Well #6. Mengler moved and Bieri seconded to approve Resolution 2025-11. Roll call ayes: Mengler, Bieri, and Puck. Motion carried.
Resolution 2025-12, Awarding Contract for the 2025 Plainview Road and Sterling Drive PCC Panel Replacement Project. Eleven bids were received, with the low bidder being Heuer Construction, Inc. Bieri moved and Puck seconded to approve Resolution 2025-12, awarding the contract to Heuer Construction, Inc., for $139,057.50. Roll call ayes: Bieri, Puck, and Mengler. Motion carried.
Resolution 2025-13, Provide for a Notice of Hearing on the Proposed Plans, Specifications, Form of Contract, and Cost Estimate for the N. Century Street Watermain Replacement Project. Puck moved and Mengler seconded to approve Resolution 2025-13. Roll call ayes: Puck, Mengler, and Bieri. Motion carried.
Park Board Recommendations. Park Board recommended to replace the splash pad misting feature with a bucket drop feature and approve the proposed donated improvements to the Victory Park concession stand by Walcott Unified Fund, Inc. and the Walcott Day Committee.
- Splash Pad Bucket Feature. Mengler questioned the cost increase of the bucket drop feature. Stagg explained the original quote increased due to freight cost and necessary design changes to make it fit properly. Mengler moved and Puck seconded to approve the purchase of the splash pad bucket feature from Rain Drop at a cost of $20,745. Motion carried.
- Donated Improvements at Victory Park Concession Stand. Joe Quick, representing Walcott Unified Fund, Inc., reported on the proposed donated improvements to the concession stand at Victory Park. The improvements include epoxy flooring, energy efficient exterior lights, and replacing the soffit and fascia. Funds will be provided by the Walcott Day Committee and improvements will be completed as funding allows. Puck moved and Bieri seconded to approve the donated improvements at the Victory Park concession stand as discussed. Motion carried.
City Clerk Report.
- FYE 2026 Budget Review. Rickertsen reviewed changes to the proposed FYE 2026 budget. The property tax levy rate is proposed to decrease from 10.13540 to 9.85053.
- Set Property Tax Levy Public Hearing Date. Bieri moved and Mengler seconded to set the property tax levy public hearing date on April 7, 2025 at 5:30 p.m. Motion carried.
- Review and Discussion of Water, Sewer, and Garbage Rates. Following review and discussion of rates and expenses, including maintenance and future improvements, Mengler moved and Puck seconded to direct Rickertsen to prepare ordinances proposing the following rate increases: garbage rate at $19.95 (to match contractor rate), $2.50 water base rate increase beginning in both May and October with a 3% usage rate increase, and a 3% overall sewer rate increase. Motion carried.
Council Member Comments. Mengler expressed thanks and appreciation to the Walcott Day Committee for the donation for the Victory Park concession stand improvements and to Joe Quick/ Walcott Unified Fund, Inc. for spearheading the project.
Puck moved and Mengler seconded to adjourn at 6:37 p.m. Motion carried. All votes on motions were unanimous, unless noted.