January 6, 2025 Minutes

The semi-monthly meeting of the City Council of Walcott, Iowa, was held on Monday, January 6, 2025, at Walcott City Hall. Mayor John Kostichek called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m. Council members present: Harry Knutsen, Kirk Koberg, Lisa Mengler, and Jacob Puck. Everett Bieri participated electronically via phone. Staff present: Jeff Blake, Lisa Rickertsen, and Paul Stagg. Attorney Kylie Franklin, Hopkins & Huebner, was also present.      

Approval of Agenda. Puck moved and Knutsen seconded to approve the agenda. Motion carried.  

Introduction of Audience/Public Comments. There were no public comments from the 22 residents in attendance.  

Public Hearing on Budget Amendment for Fiscal Year Ending (FYE) June 30, 2025. Mayor Kostichek opened the public hearing on the budget amendment for fiscal year ending June 30, 2025 (FYE 2025). Mayor Kostichek reported the largest reason for the amendment is due to the final payment of the new fire truck which was originally planned to be paid by June 30, 2024. Street projects and the brick walkway project were also planned to be paid prior to June 30, 2024 but paid in FYE 2025. No written or other oral comments were received. Mengler moved and Koberg seconded to close the public hearing and resume the regular meeting. Motion carried.

Consent Agenda. Mengler moved and Puck seconded to approve the consent agenda including the invoices, minutes from December 16, 2024, Resolution 2025-1 -Designating the North Scott Press as Official Newspaper, Resolution 2025-2 -Authorizing Certain Payments Before a Council Meeting, Resolution 2025-3 -Establishing the Standard Mileage Rate Reimbursement, and Resolution 2025-4- Adopting the Annual Supplement to the Code of Ordinances of the City of Walcott. Roll call ayes: Mengler, Puck, Knutsen, Koberg, and Bieri. Motion carried. 

Resolution 2025-5, Approving the Adoption of Budget Amendment for FYE June 30, 2025. Koberg moved and Knutsen seconded to approve Resolution 2025-5, Approving the Adoption of Budget Amendment for FYE June 30, 2025. Roll call ayes: Koberg, Knutsen, Bieri, Puck, and Mengler. Motion carried.

Recreational Trail Phase 2 Extension Project. Following a statement from Mengler, Mengler moved and Koberg seconded to approve proceeding with the Recreational Trail Phase 2 Extension Project on the south side of the creek, adjacent to the north and west sides of the Westbrook subdivisions, and request the Recreational Trail Advisory Committee to proceed with the project and fundraising. Motion carried with Bieri and Knutsen opposing.

2024 CIPP Sewer Main Lining Project – Payment #1. Puck moved and Bieri seconded to approve payment #1 to Visu-Sewer, in the amount of $168,319.10. Motion carried.

Approval of Building Demolition and Compost Area Cleanup. The building in disrepair is located near the lagoons and it will not be replaced. Mengler moved and Koberg seconded to approve the demolition of the building at the wastewater treatment plant area and the compost area cleanup at a total cost of $4,500. Motion carried.

Mayor’s Report. Mayor Kostichek stated he was glad to see so many residents attend the meeting and feels the project (recreational trail extension) will be positive for the City.   

Koberg moved and Knutsen seconded to adjourn at 6:12 p.m. Motion carried. All votes on motions were unanimous, unless noted.