February 5, 2024 Minutes
twright@cityofwalcott.com
February 5, 2024
The semi-monthly meeting of the City Council of Walcott, Iowa, was held on Monday, February 5, 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: Jeff Blake, Lisa Rickertsen, and Paul Stagg.
Approval of Agenda. Knutsen moved and Bieri seconded to approve the agenda. Motion carried.
Introduction of Audience. Korry Kraft,Don Arms, Rob Firrell, and Lynnette Tarchinski.
Consent Agenda. Mengler moved and Knutsen seconded to approve the consent agenda including the invoices, minutes from special and regular meetings on January 15, 2024, December 2023 financial reports, request for services from the State of Iowa Auditor’s Office for the FYE 2024 examination, Class C retail alcohol license renewal for Grammas Kitchen & The Checkered Flag Bar & Grill, and Resolution 2024-7, Approving Application for the City of Walcott Low-and-Moderate Income Furnace Replacement Program. Roll call ayes: Mengler, Knutsen, Bieri, Puck, and Koberg. Motion carried.
Veteran’s Outreach Center – 5K Run/Route Approval. Don Arms 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 6th.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. Following discussion, Mengler moved and Puck seconded to approve the race routes on April 6, 2024, as presented. Motion carried.
Walcott Athletic Board – Utilizing Water Tower Park for Fall Programs. Rob Firrell and Lynnette Tarchinski were present on behalf of the Walcott Athletic Board (WAB). They intend to organize new sports this fall and would like to utilize Water Tower Park for soccer and flag football from late August through mid-October. They requested permission to sell packaged snacks and drinks at the park during games (5 weeks). Firrell stated they expect to have 2 soccer fields and 3-4 flag football fields. WAB will provide portable soccer goals and do all field markings. Stagg will work with WAB on storage for the field equipment, upkeep/maintenance of fields, providing additional picnic tables, trash/recycling cans and porta rentals, and look into replacing a field marker/chalking machine. Council thanked WAB for providing new activities for the youth in the community. Puck moved and Bieri seconded to allow the Walcott Athletic Board to sell drinks and non-refrigerated prepackaged snacks at Water Tower Park during sporting events. Motion carried.
Support to Durant Ambulance. Mengler moved and Koberg seconded to approve the budgeted contribution support of $1,000 to the Durant Ambulance. Motion carried.
CIPP Lining Project – Resolution 2024-8, Providing for a Notice of Hearing. Stagg reported on the proposed 2024 sewer main lining project. Puck moved and Knutsen seconded to approve Resolution 2024-8, Providing for a Notice of Hearing on proposed plans & specifications, form of contract, and cost estimate for the 2024 CIPP sewer main lining project. Roll call ayes: Puck, Knutsen, Koberg, Mengler, and Bieri. Motion carried.
Fire Department Report. Korry Kraft presented year-end call information. The department had 384 calls in 2023. Mayor Kostichek questioned how many more years before replacing the next truck, especially one of the three that leave the station infrequently (13 -18 times in 2023). Kraft stated the next truck replacement would be the 2003 engine/pumper and he felt it would be a long time yet before it would be needed. The proposed fire department budget for the next fiscal year was reviewed.
Police Department Report.
- Approval of New Squad Upfit & Graphics. Blake presented a project worksheet to upfit the new squad and add graphics. Puck moved and Bieri seconded to proceed with the low bid from 424 Warning Systems, in the amount of $14,608.27. Motion carried. Usable equipment from the Dodge Charger will be removed and installed, along with new equipment in the new Dodge Ram. Department graphics will be installed to match existing patrol vehicle.
- Review Changes to Chapter 74, Golf Carts. Discussion was held on the changes to Chapter 74 as prepared by Attorney Schirman. An ordinance amending Chapter 74 will be on the next regular meeting.
Public Works Department Report. Stagg presented an equipment inventory list and reported on recent repairs to well #4.
City Clerk Report .
- FYE 2025 Budget Review. Rickertsen reviewed changes to the proposed FYE 2025 budget and re-estimated numbers for the current budget year.
- Set Property Tax Levy Public Hearing Date. Koberg moved and Puck seconded to set the property tax levy public hearing date on April 1, 2024 at 5:30 p.m. Motion carried. Rickertsen reported on recent state law changes, requiring the county to mail a notice to property owners showing the proposed city, county, and school property tax rates and revenues for the next budget year.
Mayor Report. Mayor Kostichekextended his thanks and appreciation to the Walcott Athletic Board volunteers for creating new programs for the youth in the community.
Possible Closed Session per Iowa Code 21.5(1)(J). Knutsenmoved and Mengler seconded to go into a closed session at 7:15 p.m. under Iowa Code Chapter 21.5(1 )(J) to discuss purchase of particular real estate. Roll call ayes: Knutsen, Mengler, Puck, Bieri, and Koberg. Motion carried. Rickertsen and Stagg were allowed to stay and all others left the council chamber. Knutsen moved and Bieri seconded to close the closed session and resume the regular meeting at 7:25 p.m. Roll call ayes: Knutsen, Bieri, Mengler, Puck, and Koberg. Motion carried.
Possible Action per Closed Session. Mengler moved and Puck seconded to instruct Stagg and Koberg to communicate with the property owner as discussed during the closed session. Motion carried.
Koberg moved and Bieri seconded to adjourn at 7:26 p.m. Motion carried. All votes on motions were unanimous, unless noted.