June 17, 2013
The semi-monthly meeting of the City Council of Walcott, Iowa, was held on Monday, the 17th day of June, 2013, at Walcott City Hall. Mayor John Kostichek called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m. Council members present were: Tim Koehler, Lisa Mengler, Jackie Puck and Jacob Puck. Absent: None. City employees present: John Brockmann, Lisa Rickertsen, and Tom Schirman.
Jackie Puck moved and Jacob Puck seconded to approve the agenda. Motion carried.
Consent Agenda. Mengler moved and Koehler seconded to approve the consent agenda including the invoices, Class C liquor license renewal for Weisrock, Inc. (Walcott Coliseum), cigarette permit renewals for Lampliter, Casey's, Weisrock, Inc., Pilot Travel Centers #043 & #268, and Iowa 80 Truckstop, and the May 2013 financial reports. Motion carried.
Audience. Wayne Latimer, Diane McKinley, Mark Reinders, and Larry Koberg.
Minutes from 06/03/13. Jacob Puck moved and Mengler seconded to approve the minutes from June 3, 2013. Motion carried. Koehler abstained due to absence at meeting.
MidAmerican Energy : Franchise Renewal. Mark Reinders and Larry Koberg were present to discuss the natural gas franchise agreement, between the City and MidAmerican Energy, which expires this summer. Reinders discussed the proposed ordinance to renew the 25-year franchise including a new option allowing the City to request a franchise fee. Following discussion, the Council requested the topic be on the July 1, 2013 meeting agenda.
Walcott Day.
- Fireworks Permit. Concerns arose on the insurance certificate provided from Jon Blackert, Crater Fireworks, for Walcott Day Fireworks on July 19, 2013. Mengler moved and Jacob Puck seconded to table the fireworks permit until the next meeting. Rickertsen will contact Blackert and the City's insurance agent for clarification.
- Parade. Mengler moved and Jacob Puck seconded to approve the Walcott Day Parade and closure of appropriate streets on July 20, 2013. Motion carried.
- 5K Race & Street Closure. Koehler moved and Jacob Puck seconded to approve the 5K race route and E. Bryant Street closure, between Main & Henry Streets. Motion carried. The street will be closed from approximately 5:00 a.m. : 9:00 a.m.
- Street Closures. Jacob Puck moved and Mengler seconded to approve closing E. Lincoln Street, between Downey and Century Streets on July 20, 2013, following the parade until approximately 8:00 p.m. Motion carried. Jacob Puck moved and Jackie Puck seconded to approve closing N. Henry Street, between James and Otis Streets, E. Otis Street, between Henry and Downey Streets, and N. Downey Street, between James and Lincoln Streets on July 20, 2013. Motion carried.
Prairie View Park Tree Donation. Rickertsen reported the Park Board recommended approval of the donation from Erin Warnecke of an Autumn Blaze Maple tree at Prairie View Park, instead of a Sugar Maple as stated in the landscape plan. Jackie Puck moved and Mengler seconded to approve the tree donation from Erin Warnecke as presented. Motion carried.
Iowa American Water Letter. Jacob Puck moved and Jackie Puck seconded to send a letter to Iowa American Water stating the City is not interested in meeting with them regarding privatization of our water and wastewater systems. Motion carried.
Council Vacancy. Due to the appointment of John Kostichek as Mayor, there is now a vacant council seat. Jackie Puck moved and Mengler seconded to proceed with filling the vacancy by appointment. Motion carried. The council will make the appointment during the Walcott City Council meeting on July 1, 2013, at 6:00 p.m. Applications for the vacancy are available at Walcott City Hall and online at www.cityofwalcott.com. Applications must be submitted to the City Clerk's office by 1:00 p.m. on June 28, 2013.
Approval of Watertower Park Lease. Mengler moved and Koehler seconded to approve renewing the Watertower Park lease with Marvin and Loretta Siebke for three years at a rental rate of $500/year. Motion carried.
Ordinance 463-13, Amending Certain Provisions Pertaining to Building Codes. Koehler moved and Jacob Puck seconded to approve the third and final reading of Ordinance 463-13. Roll call ayes: Koehler, Jacob Puck, Mengler, and Jackie Puck. Motion carried. This amends the International Property Maintenance Code to require carbon monoxide detectors for rental units.
Resolution 2013-19, Transfer of Funds. Rickertsen discussed the transfers included in the proposed resolution. Jackie Puck moved and Mengler seconded to approve Resolution 2013-19. Roll call ayes: Jackie Puck, Mengler, Koehler, and Jacob Puck. Motion carried.
FYE 2014 Wages. Resolution 2013-20, Setting Wages for FYE 2014. Following discussion, Mengler moved and Jackie Puck seconded to approve Resolution 2013-20. This resolution includes a 2% wage increase for full-time employees and certain part-time positions as listed. Roll call ayes: Mengler, Jackie Puck, Jacob Puck, and Koehler. Motion carried.
Public Works Department Report. Brockmann reported on changes needed at the compost area due to too many trees being disposed of at one time. He stated the area was designed for branches and not intended for complete tree removals. Brockmann will contact the City Engineer for updates on various projects. Larry Koberg thanked city staff for their work with the fastpitch tournaments.
City Clerk's Department Report. Rickertsen reported Scott County will be purchasing three bike racks for the parks through the Community Transformation Grant. The City will be responsible for installing the bike racks. She also reported on the building department activities for the month of May. Discussion was held on limiting the number of dogs per household. Council consensus was to research limitations.
Mayor's Report. Mayor Pro-Tem Appointment. Mayor Kostichek appointed Jacob Puck as Mayor Pro-Tem.
Questions/Concerns. Discussion was held on the next step for the property at 1113 N. Main Street. The item will be listed on the next agenda.
Jackie Puck moved and Mengler seconded to adjourn at 7:30 p.m. Motion carried. All votes on motions were unanimous, unless noted.