June 20, 2022 Minutes
City of Walcott
June 20, 2022
The semi-monthly meeting of the City Council of Walcott, Iowa, was held on Monday, the 20th day of June, 2022, 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. Staff present: Jeff Blake, Lisa Rickertsen, and Paul Stagg.
Approval of Agenda. Knutsen moved and Mengler seconded to approve the agenda. Motion carried.
Consent Agenda. Koberg moved and Knutsen seconded to approve the consent agenda, which includes the invoices and minutes from June 6, 2022. Motion carried.
Walcott Day Events.
- Parade Approval and Temporary Closure of Route Streets. Discussion was held on the proposed parade route, from the school on E. James Street, turning north on Main Street to E. Parkview Drive. Although the parade route will stop at E. Parkview Drive, in order to get back to the school, most of the floats will turn at E. Parkview Drive and then at N. Downey Street to return to the school. Following discussion, Puck moved and Bieri seconded to approve the Walcott Day Parade route, temporary closure of route streets, and to include no parking on the south side of E. Parkview Drive and west side of N. Downey Street on July 16, 2022. Motion carried.
- Street Closures. Mengler moved and Puck seconded to approve closing N. Henry Street, between James and Lincoln Streets; E. Otis Street, between Main and Downey Streets; N. Downey Street, between James and Otis Streets; and E. James Street, between Henry and Downey Streets on July 16, 2022. Motion carried.
- Fireworks Contribution. Knutsen moved and Koberg seconded to approve a contribution of $1,000 to the Walcott Day Committee for the fireworks display. Motion carried.
- 5K Race & Temporary Street Closures. Discussion was held on repairs to W. Otis Street, changing the route to exclude W. Otis Street and moving that portion of the route to W. James Street. Mengler moved and Knutsen seconded to approve the revised 5K race route on July 16, 2022 as discussed. Motion carried.
- Police Department Part-Time Wages. Due to the pay differences between officers paid by the City and those paid by the Walcott Day Committee, Mengler moved and Knutsen seconded to approve a special wage of $28.09/hour for part-time police officers working for the City during Walcott Day events on July 15th and 16th. Motion carried.
- Approval to Sell Food at Prairie View Park on Friday, July 15th. Koberg moved and Mengler seconded to allow the Walcott Lions Club to sell food at Prairie View Park on July 15th. Motion carried.
- Approval to Close Heritage Recreational Trail for Kids Run and Fireworks on July 15th.
Puck moved and Bieri seconded to close Heritage Recreational Trail at Prairie View Park for the kids run and fireworks on July 15th. Motion carried.
Resolution 2022-31, Transfer of Funds. Rickertsen reported this resolution includes budgeted year-end transfers and additional transfers to the E. Lincoln Street Project fund. Bieri moved and Knutsen seconded to approve Resolution 2022-31. Roll call ayes: Bieri, Knutsen, Koberg, Mengler, and Puck. Motion carried.
Resolution 2022-32, Approving Revised Site Plan at 140 E. Lincoln Street for Central Petroleum Company. The revised site plan excludes a sidewalk on the east side of the lot at 140 E. Lincoln Street. Mengler moved and Knutsen seconded to approve Resolution 2022-32. Roll call ayes: Mengler, Knutsen, Koberg, Bieri, and Puck. Motion carried.
Ordinance 526-22, Amending Chapter 92 Regarding Water Rates. Effective with the July 1st billing, each customer shall pay a minimum bill of $17.00 per month (increase of $1.25/month), which includes usage up to 1,400 gallons. All usage over 1,400 gallons shall be $5.82 per 1,000 gallons (4 % increase = $.22/1,000 gallons). The rate increase is needed to pay for improvements to the aging water system. Puck moved and Mengler seconded to approve the third reading of Ordinance 526-22. Roll call ayes: Puck, Mengler, Bieri, Knutsen, and Koberg. Motion carried.
Ordinance 527-22, Amending Chapter 99 Regarding Sewer Rates. Effective with the July 1st billing, the usage rate will increase 2% ($.13/1,000 gallons) to $6.46 per 1,000 gallons of water used per month for all usage over 1,400 gallons. The rate increase is needed to pay for improvements. Mengler moved and Bieri seconded to approve the third reading of Ordinance 527-22. Roll call ayes: Mengler, Bieri, Puck, Koberg, and Knutsen. Motion carried.
Ordinance 528-22, Amending Chapter 106 Pertaining to Solid Waste Collection Fees. Effective with the July 1st billing, the monthly garbage rate increases from $14.18 to $14.89. The City pays an increase each year per the contract with the hauler. Knutsen moved and Bieri seconded to approve the third reading of Ordinance 528-22. Roll call ayes: Roll call ayes: Knutsen, Bieri, Koberg, Mengler, and Puck. Motion carried.
Police Department Report. Chief Blake reported on changes to the Code of Iowa regarding ATVs and UTVs. He stated the City will need to amend the City Code since the City will no longer be able to charge registration fees for ATVs and UTVs but they must have a valid State of Iowa registration. Mengler questioned noise regulations regarding barking dogs. Chief Blake stated residents should call the Police Department for noise disturbances.
Public Works Department Report. Stagg presented an update on the E. Lincoln Street project. Mengler questioned his plan for the weeds in the rocks around the pond and Stagg responded they will spray them this week. Stagg will also check on a dying tree near or in the right-of-way on S. Main Street.
City Clerk Report. Rickertsen reported the gravel road (60th Avenue) south of W. Memorial Road will be closed to through traffic for a culvert replacement project. She stated the next regular council meeting will be on Tuesday, July 5th.
Mayor Report. Mayor Kostichek stated he appreciates the volunteer efforts from the Walcott Day Committee members.
Council Member Comments. Koberg reported a resident was told to move a structure that was recently built in an easement area and he questioned the easement regulations. Stagg stated the City Code states that structures are not allowed in city easements. Knutsen reported on defective sidewalk sections on the Main Street bridge. Stagg stated it is on a list, along with other areas, and he is still pursuing concrete bids. Knutsen also suggested additional police patrol at the four-way stop at the Main and James Streets intersection.
Knutsen moved and Bieri seconded to adjourn at 6:39 p.m. Motion carried. All votes on motions were unanimous, unless noted.