January 18, 2021 Minutes
The semi-monthly meeting of the City Council of Walcott, Iowa, was held on Monday, the 18th day of January, 2021, at Walcott City Hall. Mayor John Kostichek called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m. Council members present: Everett Bieri, John Brockmann, Lisa Mengler, Jacob Puck, and Larry Smith. City staff: Paul Stagg was present and Lisa Rickertsen participated remotely. Due to COVID-19, this meeting was held electronically via conference call, permitted under the Iowa Code, Chapter 21.8, which allows an electronic meeting where members may participate remotely when an in-person meeting is impossible or impractical. Call-in information was provided to the public on the meeting agenda notice.
Approval of Agenda. Puck moved and Smith seconded to approve the agenda. Motion carried.
Introduction of Audience/Public Comments. None.
Consent Agenda. Smith moved and Bieri seconded to approve the consent agenda including the invoices, minutes from January 4, 2021, December financial reports, and Class C liquor license renewal for Gramma’s Kitchen & The Checkered Flag Bar & Grill. Motion carried.
Durant Ambulance Support. Smith moved and Brockmann seconded to approve payment, as budgeted, of $1,000 to Durant Ambulance. Motion carried.
Resolution 2021-6, Providing for a Notice of Hearing on Proposed Plans and Specifications, Form of Contract and Cost Estimate for the 2021 N. Downey Street Water Main Improvements Project. Mengler moved and Puck seconded to approve Resolution 2021-6. Roll call ayes: Mengler, Puck, Bieri, Smith, and Brockmann. Motion carried. A public hearing on the plans and specifications will be held on February 1, 2021, at 6:00 p.m.
Ordinance 516-21, Amending Chapter 167 Pertaining to Floodplain Management Overlay Districts and Standards. Stagg reported the Ordinance was drafted by the Iowa Department of Natural Resources and the City needs to adopt it prior to FEMA’s adoption of the new floodplain maps. Smith introduced Ordinance 516-21 and moved to approve the first reading. Mengler seconded. Roll call ayes: Smith, Mengler, Brockmann, Puck, and Bieri. Motion carried.
Public Works Department Report. Stagg reported on a grant received from the Iowa Department of Natural Resources/U.S. Forest Service for two hundred tree seedlings. These seedlings can be planted on public and private properties within the City of Walcott. Information on how residents can request a seedling will be in the February Chamber of Commerce newsletter and posted on the City’s website.
City Clerk Report. A budget meeting is scheduled for January 25, 2021, at 5:00 p.m.
Council Member Comments. Brockmann expressed concerns regarding snow removal and his disappointment in allowing hammerhead street turnarounds. It was noted that the hammerheads were included in the subdivision plans that were approved by the Planning & Zoning Commission and City Council last fall. Smith reported on snow being thrown or pushed onto the streets, which is against City and State Code.
Smith moved and Mengler seconded to adjourn at 6:23 p.m. Motion carried. All votes on motions were unanimous, unless noted.