July 7, 2025 Minutes
ageurink@cityofwalcott.com
July 23, 2025
The semi-monthly meeting of the City Council of Walcott, Iowa, was held on Monday, July 7, 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, Ashley Geurink, Adam Hill, Lisa Rickertsen, and Paul Stagg.
Approval of Agenda. Knutsen moved and Mengler seconded to approve the agenda. Motion carried.
Introduction of Audience/Public Comments. Fire Chief Joe Hahn, City Engineer Jason Holdorf, and North Scott Press reporter Noah Glasgow were present.
Consent Agenda. Puck moved and Bieri seconded to approve the consent agenda including the invoices, minutes from June 16, 2025 and June 30, 2025, renewal of Class B retail alcohol licenses for Pilot Travel Centers LLC #043 and #268, fireworks permit for Iowa 80 Group Truckers Jamboree display on July 10th & 11th, and Resolution 2025-38, Transfer of Funds. Roll call ayes: Puck, Bieri, Mengler, Knutsen, and Koberg. Motion carried.
Walcott Day Events.
- Parade Approval and Temporary Closure of Route Streets on July 19, 2025. Menglermoved and Koberg seconded to approve the Walcott Day Parade route, temporary closure of route streets on July 19, 2025. Motion carried. The route will start at the school on E. James Street, turn south on Main Street, and end on E. Lincoln Street.
- Street Closures. Puck moved and Knutsen seconded to approve closing E. James Street, between N. Henry and N. Downey Streets; N. Henry Street, between James and Lincoln Streets; E. Otis Street, between Main and Downey Streets; and N. Downey Street, between James and Otis Streets on July 19, 2025. Motion carried.
- Fireworks Contribution. Bieri moved and Mengler seconded to approve a contribution of $1,000 to the Walcott Day Committee for the community fireworks display on July 18, 2025. Motion carried.
- 5K Race Route. Knutsen moved and Bieri seconded to approve the 5K race route on July 19, 2025. Motion carried.
- Approval to Close Heritage Recreational Trail for Kids Run and Fireworks on July 18th.
Knutsen moved and Bieri seconded to close Heritage Recreational Trail at Prairie View Park for the kids run and fireworks on July 18, 2025. Motion carried. The fireworks rain date is on July 19, 2025.
N. Century Street Watermain Replacement Project. Mengler moved and Puck seconded to approve pay request #2 to Triple B Construction for the N. Century Street Watermain Replacement Project in the amount of $155,901.80. Motion carried.
Playground Installation and Surfacing at Water Tower Park. Bieri moved and Knutsen seconded to approve the playground installation and rubber surfacing at Water Tower Park, funds to be donated by the Walcott Lions Club. Motion carried. The installation and surfacing quote from Game Time is for $28,670.25.
Police Chief Appointment. Mayor Kostichek appointed Adam Hill as the Police Chief, effective August 4, 2025.
- Resolution 2025-39, Approving Appointment and Hourly Wages for the Police Chief – Effective 08/04/2025. Puck moved and Mengler seconded to approve Resolution 2025-39. Roll call ayes: Puck, Mengler, Bieri, Knutsen, and Koberg. Motion carried.
2nd Reading of Ordinance 560-25, Amending Provisions Pertaining to Fireworks. This change is to comply with the new state law. Koberg moved and Knutsen seconded to adopt the second reading of Ordinance 560-25, Amending Provisions Pertaining to Fireworks. Roll call ayes: Koberg, Knutsen, Bieri, Mengler, and Puck. Motion carried.
Fire Department Report. Chief Hahn reported all automated external defibrillators (AEDs)were recently tested and one of thedepartment’s AEDsfailed testing.
- Request to Purchase Automated External Defibrillator. Mengler moved and Puck seconded to purchase an AED for $1,900 plus shipping. Motion carried. This purchase will be from Stryker.
Public Works Department Report.
- Request to Purchase 2 Pickleball Net Systems. Stagg presented information for two portable pickleball systems. Mengler moved and Puck seconded to purchase two pickleball net systems from Douglas Sports Equipment for $5,198. Motion carried. It was reported someone was roller blading on the new courts and another using the fenced in area as a batting cage. Neither of these items are allowed in the tennis/pickleball area. Stagg will procure a rules sign to be posted.
- Request to Purchase 2017 and 2013 International 7400 Workstar Plow Trucks. Stagg presented information to purchase two trucks from the City of Asbury. He stated we have two similar plow trucks, a 2005 and 2006, but the 2006 is not currently operational and it is not cost effective to repair. He reported the 2013 is available now but the 2017 will not be available until November or later. Koberg moved and Knutsen seconded to purchase a 2013 and a 2017 International 7400 Workstar Plow Truck from the City of Asbury, Iowa. Motion carried. The cost for the 2013 truck and equipment is $45,000 and the 2017 truck and equipment is $65,000.
Mayor Report. Mayor Kostichek reported on communication he received thanking Officer Horihan for recent assistance. He also reported on several encouraging comments from visitors during the fastpitch tournament regarding our parks and community.
Council Comments. Bieri stated he felt the residents adhered to the new fireworks law/hours. Puck stated the city parks looked great for the fastpitch tournament and thanked the Public Works staff. He also extended thanks and appreciation to all the volunteers that worked during and preparing for the tournament.
Bieri moved and Koberg seconded to adjourn at 6:32 p.m. Motion carried. All votes on motions were unanimous, unless noted.