July 1, 2024 Minutes

The semi-monthly meeting of the City Council of Walcott, Iowa, was held on Monday, July 1, 2024, 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. Staff present: Jeff Blake, Lisa Rickertsen, and Paul Stagg.

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

Introduction of Audience/Public Comments. Andy Brus, Wade Warnecke, John Brockmann, Andrea Newcomb, and Sean Romanick. Warnecke expressed concerns regarding a bump on E. James Street and upcoming Walcott Day activities on the street.  

Consent Agenda. Knutsenmoved and Bieri seconded to approve the consent agenda including the invoices and minutes from June 17, 2024. Motion carried.   

Walcott Day Events. 

• Parade Approval and Temporary Closure of Route Streets. Puck moved and Mengler seconded to approve the Walcott Day Parade route, temporary closure of route streets on July 20, 2024. Motion carried. The route will start at the school on E. James Street, turn south on Main Street, and end at E. Lincoln Street.  
• Street Closures. Bierimoved and Puck seconded to approve closing N. Henry Street, between James and Lincoln Streets; E. Otis Street, between Main and Downey Streets; N. Downey Street, between James and Otis Streets; and E. James Street, between Henry and Downey Streets on July 20, 2024. Motion carried.
• Fireworks Contribution. Knutsenmoved and Mengler seconded to approve a contribution of $1,000 to the Walcott Day Committee for the fireworks display. Motion carried. 
• 5K Race Route. Menglermoved and Bieri seconded to approve the 5K race route on July 20, 2024, with temporary street closures along the route. Motion carried.    
• Police Department Part-Time Wages. Due to the pay differences between officers paid by the City and those paid by the Walcott Day Committee, Knutsen moved and Puck seconded to approve a special wage of $30.67/hour for part-time police officers working for the City during Walcott Day events on July 19^th and 20^th. Motion carried. 
• Approval to Sell Food at Prairie View Park on Friday, July 19^th.  Mengler moved and Knutsen seconded to allow the Walcott Lions Club to sell food at Prairie View Park on July 19, 2024. Motion carried.
• Approval to Close Heritage Recreational Trail for Kids Run and Fireworks on July 19^th.  

Puck moved and Kobergseconded to close Heritage Recreational Trail at Prairie View Park for the kids run and fireworks on July 19, 2024, with a rain date on July 20, 2024. Motion carried.

Walcott Coliseum – Amend Class C License to include Temporary Outdoor Service Area for July 13, 2024. Menglermoved and Knutsen seconded to approve the temporary outdoor service area for the Walcott Coliseum on July 13, 2024. Motion carried.

Walcott Community Club – Street Closure Request for July 13, 2024 – E. Bryant Street between Main and Henry Streets. Mengler moved and Bieri seconded to approve closing E. Bryant Street, between Main and Henry Streets on July 13, 2024, from 4:00 p.m.– 11:00 p.m. Motion carried.  

Andy Brus – Golf Cart Permit Revocation. Brus requested the City Council reconsider action taken last July on his two-year golf cart permit revocation. Mengler stated the City Code doesn’t allow the Council to make changes following the hearing decision.

Safety/Speeding Concerns on W. Otis Street. Concerns were expressed regarding safety of pedestrians crossing W. Otis Street, between the splash pad and Wescott Park, due to vehicles speeding and/or distracted drivers. Following discussion, Koberg moved and Mengler seconded to approve purchasing 60 feet of rubber 2 ½” speed bumps (3 feet sections) to be placed on W. Otis Street (between Rowe and Parker Streets), at a cost up to $3,007.88. Motion carried.   

N. Grove Street Water Main Improvements Project. Stagg requested approval to move forward with replacing one block of 4” water main on N. Grove Street, which is budgeted for this fiscal year. Mengler moved and Puck seconded to proceed with obtaining engineering proposals for the water main project. Motion carried. Stagg was asked to request proposals from multiple engineering firms.    

City Clerk’s Report. Rickertsen reported the City received a grant from AARP for $12,000 towards the Tennis Court Rehabilitation and Pickleball Courts Project.

Mayor & Council Member Comments. Mayor Kostichek and Council Members reported on compliments regarding the City parks and thanked the Public Works Department. Koberg reported on concerns again regarding the bump on E. James Street. Koberg mentioned having the Police Department write speeding tickets for violators on W. Otis Street. Knutsen reported two manholes near his residence make loud rattling noises when they are driven over. Mengler thanked the Walcott Softball Organization for their efforts in bringing teams to Walcott for the fastpitch tournament (Larry Koberg ISC Qualifier).

Koberg moved and Mengler seconded to adjourn at 6:36 p.m. Motion carried. All votes on motions were unanimous, unless noted. 

July 1, 2024 Signed Minutes & Claims