March 4, 2019 Minutes
City of Walcott
March 4, 2019
The semi-monthly meeting of the City Council of Walcott, Iowa, was held on Monday, the 4th day of March 2019, at Walcott City Hall. Mayor John Kostichek called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m. Council members present were: John Brockmann, Lisa Mengler, Jacob Puck, Larry Smith, and Tim Koehler. Absent: None. City staff present: Jeff Blake, Paul Stagg, Lisa Rickertsen, and Tom Schirman.
Approval of Agenda. Puck moved and Mengler seconded to approve the agenda. Motion carried.
Introduction of Audience/Public Comments. None.
Public Hearing on Fiscal Year Ending (FYE) 2020 Budget. The public hearing was opened on the FYE 2020 Budget. Rickertsen stated the tax levy will be at $10.08265 per $1,000 taxable valuation on regular property. She stated the total taxable property valuation increased so there is a slight increase (2%) in property tax revenue even with keeping the levy rate the same. The budget includes utility rate increases to cover costs associated with the operation, maintenance, and future improvements to the water and sewer systems and a garbage rate increase for the annual increase from the garbage contractor. No written or oral comments were received. Koehler moved and Smith seconded to close the public hearing and resume the regular meeting. Motion carried.
Consent Agenda. Mengler moved and Puck seconded to approve the consent agenda including the invoices, Spring Clean-Up Day on May 4, 2019 from 2:00 p.m.– 5:00 p.m., and Resolution 2019-14 – Approving the Adoption of the FYE 2020 Budget. Roll call ayes: Mengler, Puck, Brockmann, Smith, and Koehler. Motion carried.
Minutes from February 18, 2019. Mengler moved and Smith seconded to approve the minutes from February 18, 2019. Motion carried with Koehler abstaining due to absence. Motion carried.
Community Visioning Program Update. Stagg reported on the recent Community Visioning meeting, including that there were ninety-seven residents that participated in the event. He presented the results from the meeting and highlighted some ideas that were presented during the meeting. The next step is for the Community Visioning Steering Committee to meet and review the information. Walcott was selected to participate in the Iowa Roadways Community Visioning Program following Stagg’s application with support from the City Council.
2019 Water Main Improvements Project. Mengler moved and Koehler seconded to approve Resolution 2019-15, Approving Contract and Bonds for the 2019 Water Main Improvements Project. Roll call ayes: Mengler, Koehler, Smith, Brockmann, and Puck. Motion carried.
2019 Sanitary Sewer Repairs/Improvements Project. Koehler moved and Puck seconded to approve Resolution 2019-16, Approving Contract and Bonds for the 2019 Sanitary Sewer Repairs/Improvements Project. Roll call ayes: Koehler, Puck, Brockmann, Mengler, and Smith. Motion carried.
2019 Countywide Digital Orthophotography Project. Rickertsen reported on the effort to assemble a partnership of local governments and agencies within Scott County to acquire countywide digital orthophotography (aerial imagery) in the spring of 2019. Updating aerial imagery is on a recurring schedule every 4-5 years and the cost share for Walcott this year would be $2,000, compared to $4,022 paid for the last flight in 2014. These aerial images are a valuable resource for local governments. Puck moved and Mengler seconded to confirm Walcott’s support and participate in the 2019 digital orthophotography project. Motion carried.
Public Works Department Report. Stagg presented a supplemental agreement from Stanley Consultants, Inc. to provide additional services for the pretreatment assistance project. Discussion was held on the scope of services which includes re-assessing aluminum and cadmium sources and assisting the City with development of local treatment agreements. Following further discussion,
Mengler moved and Smith seconded to approve the supplemental agreement with Stanley Consultants, Inc. for the first four of six services listed in the agreement. Motion carried. The total approved agreement services is $23,999 with $5,320 (item 4) being the cost of a new treatment agreement, if needed, pending results of the previous services.
City Clerk’s Report. Rickertsen presented a project worksheet to purchase a fireproof storage safe for the permanent records. Puck moved and Smith seconded to approve the purchase of a Phoenix 509 storage safe from Triplett Office Essentials for $3,623. Motion carried.
City Attorney Report. Discussion was held on proposed changes to Chapter 155 (Above Ground Storage Tanks) to add provisions concerning LP tanks. Attorney Schirman will prepare an amendment for a future meeting.
Council Comments. Brockmann questioned the following:
- Proposed new emergency radio system for Scott County.
- Farm lease with Rod Dietz. Stagg stated the lease needed amendments and a new one will be presented at the next meeting.
- Street sign at E. James Street and Blue Grass Road and snow plow wing damage. Stagg stated the sign was knocked down during snow removal and the wing damage was from years ago.
Smith moved and Puck seconded to adjourn at 6:50 p.m. Motion carried. All votes on motions were unanimous, unless noted.