February 21, 2022 Minutes
City of Walcott
February 21, 2022
The semi-monthly meeting of the City Council of Walcott, Iowa, was held on Monday, the 21st day of February, 2022, 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: Lisa Rickertsen.
Approval of Agenda. Mengler moved and Puck seconded to approve the agenda. Motion carried.
Introduction of Audience/Public Comments. No comments at this time.
Public Hearings.
- Changes to Chapter 167.22. Mayor Kostichek opened the public hearing on changes to Chapter 167.22 regarding increasing the maximum size of an attached garage. Rickertsen reported the Planning & Zoning Commission recommends approval of increasing the attached garage size from 864 sq. ft. to 1,250 sq. ft. She presented information from the City Attorney regarding concerns that increasing the size would allow for an attached garage to be larger than the minimum residence (900 sq. ft.). Mengler stated the Council has discussed the increased size during prior meetings and was comfortable with it. No written or other oral comments were received. Mengler moved and Bieri seconded to close the public hearing and open the public hearing on the purchase offer from Ronnie Gruenhagen Trust. Motion carried.
- Purchase Offer. Rickertsen reported the purchase offer includes a transfer of property to the City as payment for the property conveyed to the Ronnie Gruenhagen Trust. No written or other oral comments were received. Puck moved and Bieri seconded to close the public hearing and resume the regular meeting. Motion carried.
Consent Agenda. Mengler moved and Puck seconded to approve the consent agenda including the invoices, annual insurance renewal with Arp Insurance/EMC Insurance, and request for services from the State of Iowa Auditor’s Office for the FYE 2022 examination. Motion carried.
Minutes from February 7, 2022. Due to the absence of Mengler and Knutsen at the meeting on February 7, 2022, Puck moved and Knutsen seconded to table approval of the minutes until the next meeting. Motion carried.
Lincoln Street Improvements Project. City Engineer, Jason Holdorf, was present to discuss the proposed E. Lincoln Street Improvements project. A public hearing date for the proposed project plans and specifications will be set at the next regular meeting.
Resolution 2022-7, Approving Purchase Offer from Ronnie L. Gruenhagen Trust. Mengler moved and Bieri seconded to approve Resolution 2022-7. Roll call ayes: Mengler, Bieri, Puck, and Knutsen. Motion carried. The Council feels the property exchange and related expenses are reasonable and that the acquisition of the Gruenhagen property is deemed a benefit to the citizens.
Ordinance 523-22, Amending the Official Zoning Map. Puck moved and Mengler seconded to approve the third reading of Ordinance 523-22. Roll call ayes: Puck, Mengler, Bieri, and Knutsen. Motion carried. This rezones 231 and 233 E. Walcott Road from M-2, Moderate Industrial District, to M-1, Light Industrial District.
Ordinance 524-22, Amending Chapter 167.22 Regarding Accessory Buildings. Ordinance 524-22 was introduced. Bieri moved and Puck seconded to approve the first reading of Ordinance 524-22. Roll call ayes: Bieri, Puck, Mengler, and Knutsen. Motion carried. This will increase the maximum attached garage size from 864 sq. ft. to 1,250 sq. ft.
City Clerk’s Report. Mengler moved and Puck seconded to approve Resolution 2022-8, Approving the Maximum Property Dollars Levy for FYE 2023. Roll call ayes: Mengler, Puck, Bieri, and Knutsen. Motion carried. The total maximum levy dollars for FYE 2023 is $1,124,520. Knutsen moved and Mengler seconded to set the FYE 2023 budget public hearing date for March 21, 2022, at 6:00 p.m. Motion carried
Bieri moved and Puck seconded to adjourn at 6:31 p.m. Motion carried. All votes on motions were unanimous, unless noted.