June 17, 2019 Minutes
The semi-monthly meeting of the City Council of Walcott, Iowa, was held on Monday, the 17th day of June 2019, at Walcott City Hall. Mayor John Kostichek called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m. Council members present were: John Brockmann, Tim Koehler, Lisa Mengler, Jacob Puck, and Larry Smith. Absent: None. City staff present: Jeff Blake, Lisa Rickertsen, Tom Schirman, and Paul Stagg.
Approval of Agenda. Mengler moved and Smith seconded to approve the agenda. Motion carried.
Introduction of Audience/Public Comments. There were no public comments at this time.
Consent Agenda. Puck moved and Koehler seconded to approve the consent agenda including the invoices, minutes from June 3, 2019, Scott County Humane Society Agreement renewal, May 2019 financial reports, Resolution 2019-26 – 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: Puck, Koehler, Mengler, Smith, and Brockmann. Motion carried.
Request for Dog Park. During the last council meeting, resident Joe Aubry inquired about having a dog park in Walcott. Aubry was present and discussion ensued on possible interest, locations, current problems with owners not cleaning up after pets, and that a dog park would create additional work load for city staff. Attorney Schirman stated there are many items and rules to consider for a dog park. Mengler questioned and Stagg responded that there are currently issues with dog waste not being picked up at Prairie View Park (recreational trail), Water Tower Park, and on the city lot adjacent to the railroad. Dogs are not allowed in City parks, with the exception of Prairie View Park, and pet owners are responsible by City Code to promptly clean up, remove and lawfully dispose of pet waste. Resident Larry Koberg stated the Hearts and Hands Foundation had looked into the topic in the past and urged Aubry to contact the committee. Mengler asked staff to gather information from other communities and bring the topic back at a future meeting.
Wescott Park Temporary Fencing. Larry Koberg stated there may be a men’s fastpitch tournament the weekend of July 27th at Wescott Park and requested to keep the temporary fencing up through the potential tournament. Koehler moved and Mengler seconded to allow the temporary fencing to remain up at Wescott Park, to be removed after the proposed tournament the weekend of July 27th. Motion carried.
Otis Street Improvements Project.
- Resolution 2019-27, Approving Change Order for the West Otis Street Improvements Project. Koehler moved and Puck seconded to approve the change order in the amount of $4,580.19, as recommended by Stagg and the City Engineer. Roll call ayes: Koehler, Puck, Brockmann, Mengler, and Smith. Motion carried.
- Approval of Payment #8 to Cornerstone Excavating, Inc. Koehler moved and Puck seconded to approve payment number eight to Cornerstone Excavating, Inc. for $56,773.89. Motion carried.
Public Sidewalks – Sidewalk Reimbursement Program. Stagg reported on four properties with sidewalk deficiencies to participate in the sidewalk reimbursement program. He also stated he would like to install sidewalks at Wescott and Victory Parks where gaps exist, prior to continuing residential sidewalk gaps. Mengler moved and Smith seconded to approve the proposed list for the Residential Sidewalk Repair Program and to have Stagg pursue bids on installing sidewalks at Wescott and Victory Parks. Motion carried.
Avenue of Flags Participation. Discussion was held on participating in the Walcott Legion’s Avenue of Flags program on city property along Main Street, Water Tower Park, and at the water plant. Smith moved and Puck seconded to approve participating in the Walcott Legion’s Avenue of Flags, up to eight flags. Motion carried.
Ordinance 505-19, Amending Chapter 167 Pertaining to Accessory Buildings. Mengler moved and Koehler seconded to approve the third reading of Ordinance 505-19, Pertaining to Accessory Buildings. Roll call ayes: Mengler, Koehler, Smith, Brockmann, and Puck. Motion carried. The separation distance requirement from primary structures will be five feet, for accessory buildings 288 square feet or less as recommended by the Planning and Zoning Commission.
Ordinance 506-19, Amending Chapter 106 Pertaining to Solid Waste Collection Fees. Puck moved and Smith seconded to approve the third reading of Ordinance 506-19, Amending Chapter 106 Pertaining to Solid Waste Collection Fees. Roll call ayes: Puck, Smith, Mengler, Koehler, and Brockmann. Motion carried. This ordinance increases the garbage rate 2%, from $12.87 to $13.12 beginning with the July 1st bills.
Public Works Department Report. Stagg reported on project updates and the community design workshop that will be at the Walcott Legion on Wednesday, June 19th from 6:00 – 8:00 p.m. Brockmann questioned the recent sewer main lining in the alley between E. James and E. Otis Streets and stated he doesn’t think the main is big enough. Stagg responded that tree roots were removed before it was lined and research concludes that the current 8”pipe is sufficient, which the City Engineer concurred with.
Council Member Comments. Brockmann had several questions, including the recent dust control application on the gravel roads before it was graded and rock applied. Stagg responded that the company hired did not know when they would be in the area and they failed to call Stagg, as requested, prior to applying the dust control. The product applied should still work its way up and another application will be applied later. Puck questioned Stagg about claims that were made by Brockmann at the last meeting that a manhole on W. Bryant Street was installed incorrectly and had to be replaced. Stagg, who was absent at the last meeting, responded that it was inaccurate that any of the newly installed manholes had to be reinstalled.
Following other comments, Smith moved and Puck seconded to adjourn at 6:43 p.m. Motion carried. All votes on motions were unanimous, unless noted.
