January 19, 2026 Minutes

The semi-monthly meeting of the City Council of Walcott, Iowa, was held on Monday, January 19, 2026, at Walcott City Hall. Mayor Jacob Puck called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m. Council members present: Everett Bieri, Kirk Koberg, Bobbie Martinez, and Lisa Mengler. Absent: None. Staff present: Adam Hill, Lisa Rickertsen, and Paul Stagg.   

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

Introduction of Audience/Public Comments. Residents Lesa Puck, Lisa Hagen, Jordan Orcutt, Harry Knutsen, Joseph & Jessica Aubry, Megan & Ben McKibbin, Brent Puck, Danna & Terry Petersen, Elizabeth Bruns, Taylor Quick, Kelly & Joe Quick, Lynnette Tarchinski, Susan Young, Kari & Neal Arivett, and Stacey Koberg and reporter, Noah Glasgow. Lesa Puck presented a check, in the amount of $1,500, from Walcott Women to be used towards the splash pad. Jordan Orcutt inquired about the cost of a special election should a petition be filed. Mayor Puck stated the City had received an estimate of $5,000. Joe Aubry felt the public notice period for the appointment process was rushed, stated he did not see an immediate necessity to have a full council, and indicated he was in favor of holding a special election to fill the vacancy. Mengler responded the City typically appoints residents to fill vacancies to avoid leaving a seat vacant for an extended period of time and to ensure another voice is present to assist in discussion and decision-making on City issues. In response to discussion at the previous meeting, Brent Puck noted the need for space for volunteer civic organizations to hold meetings. He and Stacey Koberg expressed concerns about potential fees for use of the fire department meeting room and both felt that Walcott civic organizations should be exempt from any such fees. Mayor Puck responded that any proposed fee was intended to apply to outside organizations, but no formal policy proposal has been received by the Fire Department. Lynnette Tarchinski suggested that scheduling of the meeting room should be handled City administration rather than by volunteer fire department members. 

Council Vacancy Appointment. Mayor Puck stated at the last meeting that Council decided to fill the council vacancy by appointment, and residents may submit a petition requesting a special election to the City Clerk within 14 days of the appointment. Mayor Puck reported three residents had previously expressed interest in the vacancy and two of those residents submitted applications. The two applications were received from Joe Quick and Megan McKibbin. Quick and McKibbin responded to a few questions regarding their interest in the vacancy. Following discussion, Rickertsen stated if a petition was received, the election could potentially be placed on the ballot with the upcoming school election on March 3^rd, which would result in a lower expense to the City. It was noted the council vacancy has been known since November and the process to fill the vacancy was noted in the December 1^st minutes. Mengler moved and Koberg seconded that Joe Quick be appointed to fill the council vacancy. Motion carried. Mayor Puck administered the oath of office to Joe Quick.

Consent Agenda.Mengler moved and Bieri seconded to approve the consent agenda which includes the invoices, January 5, 2026 minutes, December 2025 financial reports  Class C retail alcohol license renewal for Iowa Trucking Company – DBA Grammas Kitchen & The Checkered Flag Bar & Grill, and Resolution 2026-6 – Approving Agreement with the Iowa department of Transportation for Maintenance and Repair of Primary Roads within the City of Walcott. Roll call ayes: Mengler, Bier, Koberg, Martinez, and Quick. Nays: None. Motion carried.

Approval of Fire Department Members. Rickertsen reported the Fire Department members approved and recommended Charles Kirkley, Michael Showers, and Nathan Sidlinger for membership to the department. Koberg moved and Bieri seconded to approve the appointment of Charles Kirkley, Michael Showers, and Nathan Sidlinger to the Fire Department. Motion carried.

Resolution 2026-7, Setting a Public Hearing on Proposed Plans, Specifications, Form of Contract, and Cost Estimate for the Well #6 Installation Project and Authorizing Taking of Bids. Bieri moved and Martinez seconded to approve Resolution 2026-7. Roll call ayes: Mengler, Bieri, Koberg, Martinez, and Quick. Nays: None. Motion carried. The public hearing date will be on February 2^nd at 6:00 p.m. and the receipt of bids by 10:00 a.m. on February 25^th. 

Consideration of 2^nd  Reading of Ordinance 561-26, Amending Chapter 160 Pertaining to Building Codes. Mengler moved and Bieri seconded to approve the second reading of Ordinance 561-26. Roll call ayes: Mengler, Bieri, Quick, Martinez, and Koberg. Nays: None. Motion carried.

City Clerk Report.

• • Review of Investment Policy. Rickertsen presented the Investment Policy which is required to reviewed at least every three years, last review in February, 2023. Mengler moved and Koberg seconded to keep the investment policy as is. Motion carried.

• • FYE 2027 Budget Workshop. A budget meeting is scheduled for February 3, 2026 at 5:00 p.m.

Rickertsen presented the FYE 2025 (July 1, 2024 – June 30, 2025) annual examination report from the State Auditor’s Office and noted there were no exceptions noted, which indicates another clean financial exam. Council thanked staff for their work and cooperation with the State Auditor’s Office. 

Mayor’s Report & Council Comments. Mayor Puck and the City Council expressed appreciation to the Walcott Women organization for the donation to the splash pad, and to the residents for attending the meeting.

Bieri moved and Mengler seconded to adjourn at 6:24 p.m. Motion carried. All votes on motions were unanimous, unless noted.

January 19, 2026 Signed Minutes & Claims