June 15, 2020 minutes
Briana
June 15, 2020
The semi-monthly meeting of the City Council of Walcott, Iowa, was held on Monday, the 15th day of June, 2020, at Walcott City Hall. Mayor Pro Tem Jacob Puck called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m. Other council members present were: Lisa Mengler, with Everett Bieri, John Brockmann, and Larry Smith participating remotely by phone. Absent: Mayor Kostichek. City staff present were Jeff Blake and Lisa Rickertsen with Paul Stagg participating remotely by phone. Due to COVID-19, this meeting was held electronically via a conference call, permitted under the Iowa Code, Chapter 21.8, which allows an electronic meeting where members may participate remotely when an in-person meeting is impossible or impractical. Call-in information was provided to the public on the meeting agenda notice.
Approval of Agenda. Mengler moved and Bieri seconded to approve the agenda. Motion carried.
Introduction of Audience/Public Comments. No comments.
Consent Agenda. Mengler moved and Smith seconded to approve the consent agenda including the invoices, minutes from June 1, 2020, May 2020 financial reports, Resolution 2020-19, Approving Transfer of Funds (year-end transfers) and annual cigarette permit renewals for Casey’s, Dolgencorp (Dollar General), Iowa 80 Truckstop, and Pilot Travel Centers #043 and #268. Roll call ayes: Mengler, Smith, Bieri, Brockmann, and Puck. Motion carried.
Electronic Council Meetings. Rickertsen questioned if the council wanted to continue with the electronic council meetings. She reported on the current Governor’s proclamation which allows holding the meeting by electronic means and restricting public attendance from an in-person meeting location. Council consensus was to wait and see if the governor issues a new proclamation regarding remote meetings past June 25th.
Ordinance 513-20, Amending Chapter 106 Pertaining to Solid Waste Collection Fees. Mengler moved and Puck seconded to approve the third reading of Ordinance 513-20. Roll call ayes: Mengler, Puck, Bieri, Smith, and Brockmann. Effective with the July 1st billing, the monthly garbage rate increases from $13.12 to $13.64, which is the 4% increase the City pays to the collector.
Public Works Department Report. Stagg reported that the splash pad is now open daily from 10:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m. Stagg presented a project worksheet for purchase of a 2020 John Deere Skid Steer. Brockmann questioned the use of it and stated he felt the purchase wasn’t needed. Stagg responded that it is a versatile piece of equipment which can be utilized year round. Following discussion, Mengler moved and Bieri seconded to approve the purchase of a 2020 John Deere Skid Steer from Sinclair Tractor at a price of $57,278.06. Motion carried with Brockmann opposing.
Council Member Comments. Comments included compliments received on the flags and hanging baskets on N. Main Street, reinstalling a dead end sign on Michelle Lane, speed limit concerns on Cedar Lane Drive, concrete project at Wescott Park scheduled to start this fall, two discolored water complaints, report of a truck on private property which hasn’t moved for five years, mowing of right-of-ways (specifically along W. Walcott Road), and the letter to Iowa Interstate Railroad regarding cleanup of the drainage area located on their property. Smith questioned why his comments from the last meeting, including that a resident complimented on the nice tar and chip project was not included in the last meeting minutes. Rickertsen stated that the minutes are to include council action and not all comments are included but Council can always request specific comments be included in the minutes.
Bieri moved and Mengler seconded to adjourn at 6:24 p.m. Motion carried. All votes on motions were unanimous, unless noted.