February 3, 2025 Minutes
twright@cityofwalcott.com
February 4, 2025
The semi-monthly meeting of the City Council of Walcott, Iowa, was held on Monday, February 3, 2025, 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, Lisa Rickertsen, and Paul Stagg.
Approval of Agenda. Knutsen moved and Bieri seconded to approve the agenda with deletion of item 10, Resolution 2025-11, Approval of Final Plat of Walcott Well #6, due to lack of information. Motion carried.
Introduction of Audience/Public Comments. Don Arns, John Brockmann, Bridget Geigle, and Joe Hahn. Brockmann expressed his disappointment with the recent council action to proceed with the recreational trail extension on the south side of Mud Creek, noting potential flooding concerns.
Public Hearing on Plans, Specifications, Form of Contract and Cost Estimate for the 2025 Plainview Road and Sterling Drive PCC Panel Replacement Project. Mayor Kostichek opened the public hearing. Rickertsen reported on the cost estimates and the project phases and sections. Stagg reported the first phase should be completed by June 6th and the second phase will begin on or after July 14th. No written comments were received. Mengler moved and Puck 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 January 20, 2025 and January 30, 2025, request services from the State of Iowa Auditor’s Office for the FYE 2025 examination, Resolution 2025-8 – Acknowledging New Investments, and Resolution 2025-9, Approving Agreement for the Collection of Solid Waste and Recycling. Roll call ayes: Mengler, Bieri, Puck, and Knutsen. Motion carried.
Resolution 2025-10 – Approving Plans, Specifications, Form of Contract, and Cost Estimate for the 2025 Plainview Road and Sterling Drive PCC Panel Replacement Project. Puck moved and Bieri seconded to approve Resolution 2025-10. Roll call ayes: Puck, Bieri, Mengler, and Knutsen Motion carried.
Veteran’s Outreach Center – 5K Run/Route Approval. Don Arns 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 12th.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. Arns stated they would like to see residents along the route encourage the runners. Mengler moved and Puck seconded to approve the race routes on April 12, 2025, as presented. Motion carried. Mayor Kostichek thanked Arms and stated he feels it’s a very worthwhile project.
Reinstatement of Fire Department Member Bridget Geigle. Mengler moved and Bieri seconded to approve the reinstatement of Bridget Geigle to the Fire Department. Motion carried.
Public Works Department Report. Abandon Well # 3 (remove pumping equipment and plug well). Stagg reported on the project worksheet requesting approval to remove the pumping equipment and abandon well #3, which is located at the old water plant and has been offline/not in use since the current water plant was built in 1997. Mengler moved and Bieri seconded to approve the abandonment of well #3 to the low bidder, Northway Well and Pump, in the amount of $17,450. Motion carried. Brockmann questioned why the well was taken offline and expressed water supply concerns if there are water main breaks between the current water plant and Walcott Road.
City Clerk Report. Rickertsen presented information on the water fund and potential rate increases to maintain the system and fund water main replacements. Additional information will be provided at the next regular meeting.
Knutsen moved and Bieri seconded to adjourn at 6:26 p.m. Motion carried. All votes on motions were unanimous, unless noted.