March 2, 2026 Minutes
lrickertsen@cityofwalcott.com
March 17, 2026
The semi-monthly meeting of the City Council of Walcott, Iowa, was held on Monday, March 2, 2026, at Walcott City Hall. Mayor Jacob Puck called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m. Council members present: Everett Bieri, Kirk Koberg, Bobbie Martinez, and Lisa Mengler. Absent: Joe Quick. Staff present: Adam Hill, Lisa Rickertsen, and Paul Stagg and City Engineer, Jason Holdorf.
Approval of Agenda. Koberg moved and Mengler seconded to approve the agenda. Motion carried.
Introduction of Audience/Public Comments. Attendees included residents Lynnette Tarchinski, Joe Aubry, John Brockmann, and Jordan Orcutt; Bryan Schmid and Nithin Kalakuntla from the Bi-State Regional Commission; Austin Bowman and Bailey Bowman with Midwest Iron Addicts; and reporter Noah Glasgow.
Consent Agenda. Mengler moved and Bieri seconded to approve the consent agenda consisting of the invoices, minutes from February 16, 2026, the annual renewal of the City’s insurance coverage with EMC Insurance, and Resolution 2026-11, Appointing City Attorney (Brent Hinders) and Approving New Firm Affiliation (Hinders, Updegraff, and Franklin, P.L.C.). Roll call ayes: Mengler, Bieri, Martinez, and Koberg. Nays: None. Motion carried.
Bi-State Regional Commission – Review of Member Services. Bryan Schmid and Nithin Kalaluntla, representing Bi-State Regional Commission, were present to introduce themselves and review the member services available to the City.
Midwest Iron Addicts – May 23, 2026 5K Race and Post-Race Event. Austin Bowman reported on the previously approved 5K race which is scheduled to begin at 7:00 p.m. on May 23rd. He requested permission to close a portion of E. Bryant Street from 6:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. to accommodate the race start and a post-race event, which will include live music from 7:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. Mengler moved and Koberg seconded to approve closing a portion of E. Bryant Street, between Main Street and Henry Street, on May 23, 2026, from 6:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m. Motion carried.
Review of Bids for the Well #6 Installation Project. City Engineer,Jason Holdorf, reported five bids were received for the Well #6 Installation Project. He recommended accepting the base bid from the low bidder, KE Flatwork.
- Resolution 2026-12, Awarding Contract for the Well #6 Installation Project. Bieri moved and Mengler seconded to approve Resolution 2026-12. Roll call ayes: Bieri, Mengler, Martinez, and Koberg. Nays: None. Motion carried. The project is awarded to KE Flatwork in the amount of $1,198,258.97.
Request to Allow Temporary Advertisement Banners on Outfield Fences at Wescott and Victory Parks. Rickertsen reported the Park Board recommended approving the request from the youth ball organization to display sponsor advertisement banners on the outfield fences at Wescott and Victory Parks for the youth ball season. Koberg expressed concerns regarding the value of the banners versus the potential for fences to look visually unappealing. Koberg moved and Bieri seconded to table the request until the next meeting for more information. Motion carried.
Wescott Park Building Improvements. Stagg presented a project worksheet forrepairs to the framing of the overhang and for the installation of new siding, soffit, and fascia on the restroom and concession stand buildings at Wescott Park. Mengler moved and Martinez seconded to accept the low bid from Tri County Builders for $11,240 for the Wescott Park building improvements. Motion carried.
Slide Replacement at Victory Park. Stagg reported the bottom section of one of the slides at Victory Park is damaged and parts are no longer available. Koberg moved and Martinez seconded to approve purchasing a replacement slide at a cost of $4,009. Motion carried.
City Sponsored Summer Youth/Community Event(s). Rickertsen reported information has not yet been received from the YMCA/Camp Abe Lincoln regarding their proposed summer youth program. Information was presented regarding hosting a Touch-A-Truck community event at Wescott Park this summer. Koberg moved and Mengler seconded to proceed with the City sponsored Touch-A-Truck event as presented. Motion carried.
Police Department Report. Chief Hill stated he would like to apply for grants to help supplement the purchase of new body cameras. Council consensus was to allow Chief Hill to pursue grant opportunities for new body cameras.
City Clerk Report. Rickertsen reported on a new financial transparency dashboard on the Iowa Department of Management’s website and provided explanations to the council regarding the City’s information. A link to the dashboard has been added to the City’s website.
- Proposed Maximum Levy Rate for FY 2027. Bieri moved and Martinez seconded to set the maximum levy rate at $10.29158. Motion carried. The proposed tax levy rate is higher than the current year but the total property tax collections would decrease by $20,564.
- Water, Sewer, and Garbage Rates. Rickertsen will prepare an ordinance increasing the garbage rate by 4%, effective July 1, 2026, to reflect the contract rate increase. Water and sewer rate increases will be reviewed at a future meeting.
Mayor’s Report. Mayor Puck stated the Superintendent of the Davenport Community School District is scheduled to attend the Council meeting on April 20th and a representative from the Scott County Library is expected to attend a Council meeting in May.
Koberg moved and Bieri seconded to adjourn at 6:36 p.m. Motion carried. All votes on motions were unanimous, unless noted.