January 4, 2021 Minutes
Briana
January 4, 2021
The semi-monthly meeting of the City Council of Walcott, Iowa, was held on Monday, the 4th 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 present: Jeff Blake, Lisa Rickertsen, and Paul Stagg. 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. Smith moved and Puck seconded to approve the agenda. Motion carried.
Introduction of Audience/Public Comments. Josh Geigle, Fire Chief, thanked the Public Works Department for their assistance during recent snow events. Geigle left the meeting and there were no other public comments at this time.
Consent Agenda. Rickertsen reported on the Resolutions listed in the consent agenda. Mengler moved and Puck seconded to approve the consent agenda including the invoices, minutes from December 21, 2020, Resolution 2021-1, Designating the North Scott Press as Official Newspaper, Resolution 2020-2, Authorizing Certain Payments Before a Council Meeting, Resolution 2021-3, Transfer of Funds, Resolution 2021-4, Establishing the Standard Mileage Rate Reimbursement, and Resolution 2021-5 Adopting the Annual Supplement to the Code of Ordinances. Roll call ayes: Mengler, Puck, Smith, Bieri, and Brockmann. Motion carried.
326 E. Lincoln Street – Request for Tree Trimming Reimbursement. The property owner was not present so no council action was taken, however, discussion was held on a memo from the City Attorney referencing the City Code, which states the property owner is responsible for maintenance of trees between the lot line and curb line unless the tree is dead or diseased which is the responsibility of the City.
1949 Fire Truck. During the December 7th meeting, Brockmann stated the Walcott Historical Society inquired about the City donating the 1949 fire truck to them. The City Attorney and a representative from the state auditor’s office both provided information and the auditor’s office recommends the City should go through the bidding process to dispose of the truck. Joe Hahn participated via phone and stated he would like to see the truck stay in Walcott and be restored so the Fire Department can drive it in parades. Mengler moved and Smith seconded to table the issue until more information is obtained from the Fire Department. Motion carried.
Police Department Report. Chief Blake presented the department’s monthly report.
Public Works Department Report. Stagg provided department updates and Smith complimented the department for their efforts during the recent snow storms.
Council Member Comments. Brockmann expressed his concerns, which included snow removal and street improvement priorities. Puck questioned the decision to discontinue plowing on the night of a recent snowfall. Stagg replied that the lack of visibility created unsafe conditions.
Puck moved and Smith seconded to adjourn at 6:36 p.m. Motion carried. All votes on motions were unanimous, unless noted.