January 17, 2022 Minutes

The semi-monthly meeting of the City Council of Walcott, Iowa, was held on Monday, the 17^th day of January, 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, Kirk Koberg, Lisa Mengler, and Jacob Puck. City staff present: Jeff Blake, Lisa Rickertsen, and Paul Stagg.

Approval of Agenda. Mengler moved and Bieri seconded to approve the agenda. Motion carried.

Introduction of Audience/Public Comments. No comments at this time.

Public Hearing. Mayor Kostichek opened the public hearing on the rezoning request for 231 & 233 E. Walcott Road from M-2, Moderate Industrial District, to M-1, Light Industrial District. Rickertsen stated the Planning & Zoning Commission recommended approval of the zoning change during their meeting on January 10, 2021. No written comments or other oral comments were received. Mengler moved and Puck seconded to close the public hearing and resume the regular meeting. Motion carried.

Consent Agenda. Puck moved and Knutsen seconded to approve the consent agenda including the invoices, December 2021 financial reports, and Class C liquor license renewal for Grammas Kitchen & The Checkered Flag Bar & Grill. Motion carried.

Ordinance 523-22, Amending the Official Zoning Map. Ordinance 523-22 was introduced and Puck moved to approve the first reading of Ordinance 523-22. Seconded by Bieri. Roll call ayes: Puck, Bieri, Mengler, Koberg, and Knutsen. Motion carried. This rezones 231 and 233 E. Walcott Road from M-2, Moderate Industrial District, to M-1, Light Industrial District.

Minutes from January 3, 2022. Mengler moved and Knutsen seconded to approve the minutes from January 3, 2022, with a correction to reflect the City Attorney appointment of Tom Schirman to include Brooks Law Firm. Motion carried with Koberg abstaining due to absence from meeting.

Lincoln Street Improvements Project. IMEG representatives, Jason Holdorf (City Engineer) and Matt Dotson, were present to discuss the proposed E. Lincoln Street Improvements project. Discussion included the following:

• Angle parking locations in the first two blocks.
• Asphalt versus concrete. Dotson explained that asphalt provides greater flexibility and is easier to maintain and replace. He reported the longevity for either option, based on designs, will be thirty years. Holdorf will provide a cost estimate on both options.
• Stagg reported he contacted the school and two affected businesses. The sidewalk is proposed to go to the west side of the school entrance. Stagg stated he asked the school if they were interested in extending the sidewalk or adding any off-street parking but is still waiting for a response.

Durant Ambulance Support. Mengler moved and Koberg seconded to approve the budgeted payment of $1,000 to Durant Ambulance. Motion carried.

Review of Capital Improvements Projects. Stagg reviewed the current Capital Improvement Plan and potential future infrastructure projects. Mayor Kostichek and Council members will rank the projects.

Police Department Report. Chief Blake reported the University of Iowa is seeking additional law enforcement to assist at sporting events. Currently Walcott officers have City permission to work during University of Iowa football games. This will be listed on the next regular meeting agenda. Mengler questioned the regulations regarding parking in front of mailboxes. Blake stated the City Code prohibits parking within twenty feet of either side of a mailbox. Residents William and Patricia Stone reported on issues they have had with neighbors, including parking in front of their mailbox. They were advised to contact the police department with any issues.

Public Works Department Report. Fire Chief, Korry Kraft, questioned Stagg if roads were pre-treated on January 8^th and reported on icy road conditions that evening. Stagg replied that every winter weather event is unique and operations are based on forecast, experience, staffing, and safety. He stated the forecast for the 8^th was rain which would’ve washed away any pre-treatment on the roadways. Discussion ensued and Koberg thanked the public works staff for the great job on the last snow event.

City Clerk’s Report. Rickertsen briefly reviewed the budget orientation information provided to council. The budget meeting scheduled for January 24^th was rescheduled to January 20^th at 5:30 p.m.

Council Member Comments. Koberg thanked Stones for attending the meeting and Knutsen questioned the possibility of adding stop lights on Plainview Road by the interstate ramps.

Knutsen moved and Koberg seconded to adjourn at 7:45 p.m. Motion carried. All votes on motions were unanimous, unless noted.