March 3, 2025 Minutes

The semi-monthly meeting of the City Council of Walcott, Iowa, was held on Monday, March 3, 2025, at Walcott City Hall. Mayor Pro Tem Jacob Puck called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m. Other council members present: Everett Bieri, Harry Knutsen, Kirk Koberg, and Lisa Mengler. Absent: Mayor John Kostichek. Staff present: Lisa Rickertsen, Paul Stagg, and Joe Hahn.  

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

Introduction of Audience/Public Comments. John Brockmann, Jim Hart, and Brian Mengler. No public comments at this time. Linnea Shaw, Civil Engineer with IMEG was also present.     

Public Hearing on Plans, Specifications, Form of Contract and Cost Estimate for the N. Century Street Watermain Replacement Project. Mayor Pro Tem Jacob Puck opened the public hearing. The project, including final surface restoration, is to be completed by July 11^th. No written comments were received. Mengler moved and Koberg seconded to close the public hearing and resume the regular meeting. Motion carried

Consent Agenda. Knutsen moved and Bieri seconded to approve the consent agenda including the invoices and Resolution 2025-14, Approving Hourly Wage Increase for James Poggenpohl (for wastewater license). Roll call ayes: Knutsen, Bieri, Mengler, Koberg, and Puck. Motion carried.   

Minutes from February 17, 2025. Mengler moved and Bieri seconded to approve the minutes from February 17, 2025. Motion carried with Knutsen and Koberg abstaining due to absence from meeting.

Resolution 2025-15, Approving Contract and Bonds for the 2025 Plainview Road and Sterling Drive PCC Panel Replacement Project. Mengler moved and Bieri seconded to approve Resolution 2025-15. Roll call ayes: Mengler, Bieri, Knutsen, Koberg, and Puck. Motion carried.

N. Century Street Watermain Replacement Project.

• Sidewalks – The sidewalks on the west side of the street will need to be replaced as part of the N. Century Street Watermain Replacement Project, which is between James and Lincoln Streets. This sidewalk is currently adjacent to the curb andStagg reported the City Code states that residential sidewalks are to be located 1’ from the property line, unless the Council establishes a different distance due to special circumstances. A pre-construction meeting with the residents will be held once a construction contract has been awarded. Following discussion, Koberg moved and Mengler seconded to approve a variance for the sidewalk placement on N. Century Street (between James & Lincoln Streets). Motion carried. The variance allows for the sidewalk placement to be approximately 5’ from property line, which will allow for a 3’ boulevard. 
• Resolution 2025-16, Approving Plans, Specifications, Form of Contract, and Cost Estimate for the N. Century St. Watermain Replacement Project. Kobergmoved and Knutsen seconded to approve Resolution 2025-16. Roll call ayes: Koberg, Knutsen, Bieri, Mengler, and Puck. Motion carried. 

Walcott American Legion – Request to Construct a Door Overhang that Encroaches into City Right-of-Way (ROW). On behalf of the Walcott American Legion,Brian Mengler requested approval to add a gable roof overhang above their south entrance door, which will encroach into the City ROW but will protect individuals entering the building. Mengler presented a drawing and noted the gable will divert snow and ice away from the entrance and sidewalk. Koberg moved and Knutsen seconded to allow the Legion to add a gable roof overhang above their south door, allowing it to encroach into the City ROW but not over the public sidewalk. Motion carried.

Fire Dept Report. Chief Hahn reported on a grant submission for battery operated tools for the new truck, reinstatement of two members and new trainees as approved by the department membership, and an update on the new truck which is expected to be ready by the end of April.

• Grant Submission for Tools. Mengler moved and Knutsen seconded to approve allowing the Fire Department to submit a grant to Leary Firefighter’s Foundation for battery operated tools. Motion carried.
• Reinstatement of Fire Department Members, Jim and Christy Kirkley. Kobergmoved and seconded to approve the reinstatement of Jim and Christy Kirkley to the Fire Department. Motion carried.

Ordinance 554-25, Amending Chapter 92 Pertaining to Water Rates. Discussion was held on Ordinance 554-25 which increases the water minimum (base rate) $5.00/month and 3% usage rate.  Each customer shall pay a minimum bill of $23.53 per month, which includes usage up to 1,400 gallons and all usage over 1,400 gallons shall be $.00654 for each gallon. Knutsen moved and Mengler seconded to approve the first reading to adopt Ordinance 554-25, Amending Chapter 92 Pertaining to Water Rates, effective with the May 1, 2025 billing. Roll call ayes: Knutsen, Mengler, Bieri, Koberg, and Puck. Motion carried. 

Ordinance 555-25, Amending Chapter 99 Pertaining to Sewer Rates. Discussion was held onOrdinance 555-25 which increases the sewer base and usage rate 3%. Each customer shall pay a minimum bill of $20.02 per month and all usage over 1,400 gallons of water used per month shall be $.00671 for each gallon. Bieri moved and Mengler seconded to approve the first reading to adopt Ordinance 555-25, Amending Chapter 99 Pertaining to Sewer Rates, effective with the June 1, 2025 billing. Roll call ayes: Bieri, Knutsen, Koberg, Mengler, and Puck. Motion carried. 

Ordinance 556-25, Amending Chapter 106 Pertaining to Solid Waste Collection Fees (Garbage Rate). Ordinance 556-25 increases the garbage rate to $19.95, effective with the July 1, 2025 billing, which is the amount the City will pay to the contracted collector for garbage and recycling. Koberg moved and Bieri seconded to approve the first reading to adopt Ordinance 556-25, Amending Chapter 106 Pertaining to Solid Waste Collection Fees. Roll call ayes: Koberg, Bieri, Knutsen, Mengler, and Puck. Motion carried.

Discussion and Review of Potential Residential Development Areas and Utility Services. Discussion was held on potential residential development areas.

City Clerk Report. Rickertsen reported a resident requested street lights in front of the school for safety reasons after observing children running across the street following evening activities at the school.  Council requested the topic be placed on the next agenda for discussion.  

Knutsen moved and Koberg seconded to adjourn at 6:57 p.m. Motion carried. All votes on motions were unanimous, unless noted.