July 17, 2023 Minutes
City of Walcott
July 17, 2023
The semi-monthly meeting of the City Council of Walcott, Iowa, was held on Monday, July 17, 2023, 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. Puck moved and Knutsen seconded to approve the agenda with the deletion of item 11, renewal of Walcott Coliseum liquor license due to absence of renewal application. Motion carried.
Introduction of Audience/Public Comments. No comments at this time.
Public Hearing on Amending Chapter 165 Pertaining to Billboards and Chapter 167 Pertaining to Accessory Buildings and Stables. Rickertsen stated the Planning & Zoning Commission held a public hearing on July 10th and recommends the following changes:
Chapter 165 – only allow billboards in C-3 (Interstate Highway-Oriented Commercial) District and to add maximum billboard height and area requirements.
Chapter 167 – clarify location of accessory buildings, which includes structures. Accessory buildings/structures are not permitted in the side or front yards in residential zoning districts or in the front yards of commercial and industrial zoning districts; allow shipping containers in commercial and industrial zoning districts with the exterior being compatible to the primary structures; and no stacking of shipping containers. Shipping containers are currently allowed in C-3 District without these restrictions. Also, to remove “Stables” under special uses permitted in SA (Suburban Agriculture) District.
No written or other oral comments were received. Mengler moved and Puck seconded to close the hearing and resume the regular meeting. Motion carried.
Consent Agenda. Mengler moved and Bieri seconded to approve the consent agenda including the invoices, June 2023 financial reports, and Resolution 2023-33, Transfer of Funds. Roll call ayes: Mengler, Bieri, Puck, Knutsen, and Koberg. Motion carried.
Minutes from July 3, 2023. Koberg moved and Knutsen seconded to approve the minutes from July 3, 2023. Motion carried with Puck abstaining due to absence from meeting.
Ordinance 541-23, Amending Chapter 165 Pertaining to Billboards. This ordinance is for changes pertaining to billboard sign requirements, as recommended by the Planning & Zoning Commission. Mengler moved and Bieri seconded to approve the 1st reading to adopt Ordinance 541-23. Roll call ayes: Mengler, Bieri, Puck, Knutsen, and Koberg. Motion carried.
Ordinance 542-23, Amending Chapter 167 Pertaining to Accessory Buildings and Stables. This ordinance is for changes pertaining to the location of accessory/storage buildings, shipping container restrictions, and removing “Stables” as a permitted use. Bieri moved and Knutsen seconded to approve the 1st reading to adopt Ordinance 542-23. Roll call ayes: Bieri, Knutsen, Koberg, Puck, and Mengler. Motion carried.
Potential Revisions to Chapter 74, Golf Carts. A lengthy discussion was held on potential changes to Chapter 74, specifically pertaining to the golf cart violations and penalties. Following discussion, council consensus was to have staff draft an amendment to Chapter 74, which includes a $100 fine and permit revocation for 2 months for first violation; $200 fine and permit revocation for two years for second violation, and $300 fine and permanent permit revocation for third violation.
Andrew Brus – Golf Cart Permit Revocation. An appeal hearing was held during the July 3rd meeting pertaining to a notice Andrew Brus received from Chief Blake revoking his golf cart permit due to two violations within a three-month period. Mengler moved and Koberg seconded to revoke Andrew Brus’ golf cart permit for a period of two years, as per City Code, beginning from the notice date (June 29, 2023). Motion carried.
Ordinance 540-23, Amending Chapter 69 Concerning Angle Parking and No Parking Zone – 3rd and final reading. This ordinance adds angle parking on portions of the north side of E. Lincoln Street, between Main and Downey Streets, and no parking on the south side of E. Lincoln Street, between Downey Street and Blue Grass Road. Puck moved and Koberg seconded to approve the 3rd and final reading to adopt Ordinance 540-23. Roll call ayes: Puck, Bieri, Knutsen, Mengler, and Bieri. Motion carried.
Police Department Report. Chief Blake reported on a missing person case. Mengler and Mayor Kostichek expressed their thanks and appreciation to the Police Department staff for their efforts during the recent community events.
Public Works Department Report. Stagg presented a project worksheet for the purchase of a service body (tool and equipment storage) for the 2023 F250 at a cost of $11,698. Mengler moved and Puck seconded to approve the purchase of a service body for the 2023 F250 at a cost not to exceed $11,698.99 from Future Line Truck Bodies. Motion carried. Stagg reported on possible invasive plants at the parking lot at Prairie View Park. Stagg contacted the Scott County Extension office to verify the plants but they disappeared the night before they could be verified. Koberg complimented the Public Works Department staff for their work preparing for Walcott Day, especially at Victory Park.
City Clerk’s Report. Rickertsen discussed starting an official City Facebook page to provide information to the public. Council consensus was to move forward with a social media account and direct staff to prepare a social media policy at the next regular meeting. The establishment and appointments to the Recreational Trail Advisory Committee will be moved from the August 7th agenda to the September 5th agenda. Residents interested in being on the Recreational Trail Advisory Committee should contact City Hall.
Mayor Report. Mayor Kostichek expressed thanks to the Walcott Day Committee, volunteers, and residents who showed pride in our community and helped make it a successful weekend.
Council Member Comments. Koberg reported on some electrical issues at Prairie View Park, requested electrical items at Victory Park for Walcott Day activities, and requested the council allow the Police Chief to drive his squad to and from his residence. Following discussion, use of the squad to and from the Chief’s personal residence will be listed on the August 7th agenda. Koberg thanked the two Bredenbek, Germany representatives, Hans-Werner Hamann and Thorsten Schwanebeck, for attending our celebration. Mayor Kostichek also thanked them and stated he hopes the sister city relationship between Walcott and Bredenbek continues for many more years.
Koberg moved and Knutsen seconded to adjourn at 7:04 p.m.