July 21, 2025 Minutes

The semi-monthly meeting of the City Council of Walcott, Iowa, was held on Monday, July 21, 2025, 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. Absent: None. Staff present: Jeff Blake, Adam Hill, Lisa Rickertsen, and Paul Stagg.

Approval of Agenda. Puck moved and Bieri seconded to approve the agenda with the deletion of item 7, Fire Department Report. Motion carried.

Introduction of Audience/Public Comments. North Scott Press reporter Noah Glasgow was present. On behalf of the Walcott Day Committee, Lisa Mengler thanked the City departments for everything they did for the Walcott Day events.

Consent Agenda. Mengler moved and Bieri seconded to approve the consent agenda including the invoices, minutes from July 7, 2025, June 2025 financial reports, renewal of Class B retail alcohol license for Dollar General, Resolution 2025-40 – Designating Financial Institutions as Depositories, and telecommunications utility right-of-way permit for Lumen Custom Networks. Roll call ayes: Mengler, Bieri, Puck, Knutsen, and Koberg. Motion carried. 

Resolution 2025-41, Setting Date for Public Hearing on Urban Renewal Plan Amendment for the Consolidated Walcott Urban Renewal Area. The amendment is to authorize a new urban renewal project utilizing a portion of tax increment financing to pay for a portion (approximately 50%)of the costs of constructing a new municipal well. Bieri moved and Knutsen seconded to approve Resolution 2025-41. Roll call ayes: Bieri, Knutsen, Koberg, Mengler, and Puck. Motion carried. The public hearing is scheduled for August 18^th at 6:00 p.m.

3^rd and Final Reading of Ordinance 560-25, Amending Provisions Pertaining to Fireworks.

This change is to comply with the new state law. Koberg moved and Mengler seconded to adopt the third and final reading of Ordinance 560-25, Amending Provisions Pertaining to Fireworks. Roll call ayes: Koberg, Mengler, Bieri, Puck, and Knutsen. Motion carried

Police Department Report.

• Resolution 2025-42 – Approving Agreement with University of Iowa for Law Enforcement Assistance at Special Events. Kobergmoved and Puck seconded to approve Resolution 2025-42. Roll call ayes: Koberg, Puck, Mengler, Bieri, and Knutsen. Motion carried.
• Purchase 2025 Ford F-150/Replace Dodge Durango. Menglermoved and Bieri seconded to approve the purchase of a 2025 Ford F150 to replace the Dodge Durango for $49,142. Motion carried.   

Public Works Department Report. Stagg reported the tennis and pickleball courts are open.Council expressed concerns with the restrooms at Victory Park, including dim lights.  

City Clerk Report. Rickertsen reported a vacancy exists on the Park Board and the Zoning Board of Adjustments. Interested residents should submit an application to City Hall by 4:00 p.m. on August 28^th. Appointments will be listed on the September 2^nd council agenda.

Mayor Report. Mayor Kostichek expressed thanks to the volunteers and those attending and participating during the Walcott Day celebration, especially with the weather conditions.

Koberg moved and Knutsen seconded to adjourn at 6:20 p.m. Motion carried. All votes on motions were unanimous, unless noted.