June 16, 2025 Minutes

The semi-monthly meeting of the City Council of Walcott, Iowa, was held on Monday, June 16, 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, Lisa Rickertsen, and Paul Stagg.  

Approval of Agenda. Knutsen moved and Mengler seconded to approve the agenda. Motion carried.

Introduction of Audience/Public Comments. None.

Consent Agenda. Mengler moved and Bieri seconded to approve the consent agenda including the invoices, minutes from June 2, 2025, May 2025 financial reports, annual tobacco permit renewals for Dolgencorp LLC and Iowa 80 Truckstop (2 locations),and Resolution 2025-34 Transfer of Funds. Roll call ayes: Mengler, Bieri, Puck, Knutsen, and Koberg. Motion carried. 

Joe Quick – Walcott Unified Fund – Temporary fences at Wescott & Victory Parks for tournament. Quick reporteed the men’s fastpitch tournament is scheduled for June 27^th – 29^th  and he requested approval of temporary fencing at both parks. Koberg moved and Puck seconded to approve the request allowing temporary fences to be installed at Wescott and Victory parks from June 27^th to July 1^st for the fastpitch tournament. Motion carried

Board Vacancy Appointments.

• Zoning Board of Adjustment. Two applications were received for the vacant position on the Zoning Board of Adjustment (ZBA). Mengler stated that Jackie Huston has more qualifications and knowledge of the City Code and zoning regulations. Koberg stated he wants to give new residents the opportunity to serve on the board. Mengler moved and Bieri seconded to appoint Jackie Huston to the Zoning Board of Adjustment with a term ending 12/31/2029, and ask Skylar Moore if he would like to be appointed to the Park Board. Ayes: Mengler and Bieri. Nays: Koberg, Knutsen, and Puck. Motion failed due to lack of majority. Koberg moved and Puck seconded to appoint Skylar Moore to the Zoning Board of Adjustment with a term ending 12/31/2029. Ayes: Koberg, Knutsen, and Puck. Nays: Mengler and Bieri. Motion carried. 

• Park Board. There were no applications submitted for the Park Board vacancy. 

Pay Request #1 for the 2025 Plainview Road and Sterling Drive PCC Panel Replacement Project. Mengler moved and Puck seconded to approve pay request #1 to Heuer Construction in the amount of  $56,026.63. Motion carried.

N. Century Street Watermain Replacement Project. Resolution 2025-35, Approving Change Order for the North Century Street Watermain Replacement Project. Koberg expressed several concerns about the value of the $11,200 change order and overall project. IMEG will be requested to attend the next meeting to address his questions. Following discussion, Puck moved and Bieri seconded to approve Resolution 2025-35. Roll call ayes: Puck, Bieri, Mengler, and Knutsen. Nays: Koberg. Motion carried.

Resolution 2025-36, Street Light Additions on E. James Street. Mengler moved and Bieri seconded to approve Resolution 2025-36, adding three 100-wattage lights to the poles on the north side of E. James Street across from the school. Roll call ayes: Mengler, Bieri, Puck, Knutsen, and Koberg. Motion carried.

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

City Clerk Report. A special meeting will be held on June 30^th to discuss and conduct interviews for the police chief position.

Council Comments. Knutsen stated the signs at the parks only prohibit smoking. The City Code prohibits smoking and vaping (use of any electronic smoking device) at all city parks. Staff will order new signs.   

Bieri moved and Mengler seconded to adjourn at 6:56 p.m. Motion carried. All votes on motions were unanimous, unless noted.

June 16, 2025 Signed Minutes and Claims