June 1, 2026 Minutes
lrickertsen@cityofwalcott.com
June 5, 2026
The semi-monthly meeting of the City Council of Walcott, Iowa, was held on Monday, June 1, 2026, at Walcott City Hall. Mayor Jacob Puck called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m. Council members present: Everett Bieri, Kirk Koberg, Bobbie Martinez, Lisa Mengler, and Joe Quick. Staff present: Adam Hill, Lisa Rickertsen, and Paul Stagg.
Approval of Agenda. Bieri moved and Mengler seconded to approve the agenda. Motion carried.
Introduction of Audience/Public Comments. Residents in attendance were: Bret Lacher, Joe Aubry, Jordan Orcutt, John Brockmann, and Felisha Lacher. North Scott Press reporter, Noah Glasgow, was also present. Aubry questioned the status of the slide replacement at Victory Park. The City is still waiting on the new slide to arrive from the supplier.
Consent Agenda. Quick moved and Martinez seconded to approve the consent agenda including the invoices, minutes from May 18, 2026, fireworks permit for Walcott Day display at Prairie View Park on July 17, 2026 (rain date July 18th), and Class F Retail Alcohol license renewal for the Walcott Legion Post #548. Motion carried.
Minutes from May 28, 2026 Special Meeting. Mengler moved and Martinez seconded to approve the minutes from May 28, 2026. Motion carried with Koberg and Bieri abstaining due to absence from meeting.
Street Closure Request for the City Touch-a-Truck event on June 13, 2026, W. Otis Street between Parker Street and the Tennis Court and Parker Street between James and W. Otis Streets from 7:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. Koberg moved and Bieri seconded to approve the street closure request as presented for the City sponsored Touch-A-Truck event on June 13, 2026. Motion carried. The event will be held at Wescott Park on Saturday, June 13th from 9:00 a.m.– 11:00 a.m. Attendees may arrive anytime during the event hours.
Policy & Administration Committee (Mengler & Martinez) Recommendations
- Resolution 2026-24, Setting Wages for Employees of the City of Walcott, Iowa for Fiscal Year Beginning July 1, 2026. Mengler moved and Martinez seconded to approve Resolution 2026-24, Setting Wages for Employees of the City of Walcott, Iowa for Fiscal Year beginning July 1, 2026. Roll call ayes: Mengler, Martinez, Koberg, Bieri, and Quick. Motion carried. This reflects a 4% wage increase.
- Resolution 2026-25, Approving Amendments to the Personnel Policy Handbook. Mengler moved and Martinez seconded to approve Resolution 2026-25, Approving Amendments to the Personnel Policy Handbook.Mengler, Martinez, Koberg, Bieri, and Quick. Motion carried.
Walcott Commons
- Street Closure Request for Walcott Commons on June 12, 2026, a portion of E. Bryant Street, adjacent to 116 E. Bryant Street from 6:00 p.m. – 12:00 a.m. Felisha Lacher requested permission to close a portion of E. Bryant Street for the grand opening celebration for Walcott Commons. Koberg moved and Martinez seconded to approve the request to close a portion of E. Bryant Street, from Main Street to the east side of the building at 116 E. Bryant Street on June 12, 2026, from 6:00 p.m. – 12:00 a.m. Motion carried.
- Amendment to Walcott Commons Class C Retail Alcohol License for Temporary Outdoor Service on June 12, 2026. Martinez moved and Mengler seconded to approve the amendment to the Class C Retail Alcohol License for Walcott Commons on June 12, 2026, as presented. Motion carried.
Consideration of Second Reading of Ordinance 563-26, Amending Chapter 92 Pertaining to Water Rates. Ordinance 563-26, representing a 5% increase, establishes a minimum monthly bill of $24.71 and usage over 1,400 gallons shall be $0.00687 per gallon, effective with the July 1, 2026 billing. Bieri moved and Koberg seconded to approve the second reading to adopt Ordinance 563-26. Roll call ayes: Bieri, Koberg, Martinez, Mengler, and Quick. Nays: None. Motion carried.
Consideration of Second Reading of Ordinance 564-26, Amending Chapter 99 Pertaining to Sewer Rates. Ordinance 564-26, representing a 5% increase, establishes a minimum monthly bill of $21.02 and a usage rate of $.00705 for each gallon of water used per month over 1,400 gallons, effective with the July 1, 2026 billing. Quick moved and Mengler seconded to approve the second reading to adopt Ordinance 564-26. Roll call ayes: Quick, Mengler, Bieri, Martinez, and Koberg. Nays: None. Motion carried.
Police Department Report. Chief Hill reported on the recent Bike Rodeo event and thanked the following sponsors: Burt Clinic of Chiropractic, Iowa 80 Truckstop, Wal-Mart (W. Kimberly Road), Trek Bicycle, Jerry and Sparky’s Bicycle Shop, and the University of Iowa Safety Store. He also thanked Council Member Bieri and Deputy City Clerk, Trish Moses, for volunteering their time and the Walcott School and Principal Garnica for allowing use of the school parking lot for the Bike Rodeo.
Public Works Department Report. Stagg reported a local business inquired whether the City Council would consider the sale of the former lumberyard lot (SE corner of Lincoln and Main Streets). Council consensus was to place the matter on a future agenda for discussion, tentatively scheduled for July 6, 2026.
Mayor’s Report. Mayor Puck extended thanks to the Walcott Legion for conducting the Memorial Day service at the cemetery.
Council Comments. Council expressed thanks to Lacher for the property improvements and noted the community’s excitement for the new business. Bieri thanked the Police Department for hosting the Bike Rodeo. Martinez inquired about the possibility of a fence around the splash pad; this will be placed on the July 6th Park Board agenda.
Koberg moved and Mengler seconded to adjourn at 6:23 p.m. Motion carried. All votes on motions were unanimous, unless noted.