July 18, 2011

City of Walcott July 18, 2011
The semi-monthly meeting of the City Council of Walcott, Iowa, was held on Monday, the 18th day of July, 2011. Mayor Jim Couper called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m. Council members present were: Larry Koberg, John Kostichek, Jackie Puck, Jacob Puck, and Tim Koehler. Absent: None. City employees present: J. Huston, J. Brockmann, T. Schirman, and A. Hill.
Jake Puck moved and Koberg seconded to approve the agenda. Motion carried.
Public Hearing. Mayor Couper opened the Public Hearing on Amending Chapter 167.23, regarding garages.
Huston presented the change to the garage ordinance. The P&Z Commission is recommending this change that would affect only a few properties. Those properties with a single-car, attached garage and having a rear property line adjacent to a platted alley, would be allowed to build a second garage, accessed from the alley, with a total garage space not to exceed current code limits. Kostichek questioned exterior treatment, which must be compatible with and similar to the principle structure's exterior. Following discussion, Koehler moved and Kostichek seconded to close the Public Hearing and resume the regular meeting. Motion carried.
Consent Agenda. Koberg moved and Jake Puck seconded to approve the consent agenda including the invoices and minutes from 7/5/2011. Motion carried.
Introduction of Audience. Brent Puck, Recreational Trail Committee.
Resolution 2011-37, Approving Contract & Bonds for the N. Downey Street Pavement Improvements Project. Jackie Puck moved and Koberg seconded to approve Resolution 2011-37. Motion carried with unanimous roll call vote.
Resolution 2011-38, Approving Final Plat for Iowa 80 Fifth Addition. Schirman stated that all Final Plat documents are in order. Huston reported that P&Z is recommending approval of this plat that provides frontage for the Museum lot that previously was landlocked. Koehler moved and Koberg seconded to approve Resolution 2011-38. Motion carried with a unanimous roll call vote.
Ordinance 455-11, Adding a New Section Permitting Garages to be Located on Alleys. Jake Puck introduced and moved to approve the 1st reading of Ordinance 455-11. Koberg seconded. Motion carried with a unanimous roll call vote.
Public Work's Report. Brockmann reported that geese have been gathering on the Recreational Trail during the day. Attempts to disperse them have been unsuccessful. Further methods will be tried.
City Clerk's Report. Huston reminded the Council of the Committee-of-the-Whole meeting that is scheduled for August 1st at 4:30 p.m.
City Attorney Report. None.
Mayor's Report. Mayor Couper expressed his appreciation for everyone who helped make Walcott Day a huge success again this year, including the Recreational Trail and Legion Memorial/Welcome Park dedications. He announced that the Ragbrai event, July 30th, has over 230 volunteers and is requesting to put up a fence for the beer garden during that event. Council consensus was agreeable.
Questions/Concerns. Brent Puck reported that the Recreational Trail Committee is working on the plans for benches, etc. Brockmann stated that the well is working and he will be checking to see if the pond is holding water.
Closed Session. Schirman stated that since this item was discussed in open session at the last Council meeting, there was really no need to go into closed session at this time. Mayor Couper moved on to the Review and Possible Approval of Offer on Real Estate.
Discussion was held on the possible purchase of 106 W. Lincoln Street and 118 N. Main Street involving the following:
  • Prices, taxes, and possible inspections
  • Possible uses for buildings or properties : green space, parking, expansion of City Hall/Fire Department building, rental property
  • Rejuvenating the downtown area
  • Funding of purchases
  • Locations for possible municipal building
Schirman recommended to delay a decision regarding an offer to purchase until more information was gathered regarding cost of inspections, appraisals, or environmental reports. Schirman will obtain that information for the next meeting and Mayor Couper will report on the current price for the property at 1113 N. Main.
Kostichek moved and Jake Puck seconded to adjourn at 7:45 p.m. Motion carried. All votes on motions were unanimous, unless noted.
Skip to content