March 6, 2023 Minutes
City of Walcott
March 6, 2023
The semi-monthly meeting of the City Council of Walcott, Iowa, was held on Monday, the 6th day of March, 2023 at Walcott City Hall. Mayor John Kostichek called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m. Council members present: Everett Bieri, Kirk Koberg, Harry Knutsen, Lisa Mengler, and Jacob Puck. Staff present: Jeff Blake, Lisa Rickertsen, and Paul Stagg. Attorney Jeff McDaniel was also present.
Approval of Agenda. Puck moved and Knutsen seconded to approve the agenda. Motion carried.
Introduction of Audience/Public Comments. Kendall Mattson, Korry Kraft, Crystal Bolser, and Vinh Phan were present. Kendall Mattson presented photos of areas of concern on W. Otis Street that he felt were not identified on the map from IMEG (presented to City Council on 2/13/23), as sections they intend to replace, and Mattson wanted to be sure the City was aware of the areas. Mayor Kostichek thanked Mattson for the information.
Consent Agenda. Mengler moved and Bieri seconded to approve the consent agenda including the invoices, February 2023 financial reports, and Resolution 2023-10, Transfer of Funds. Roll call ayes: Mengler, Bieri, Puck, Koberg, and Knutsen. Motion carried.
Approval of Minutes from February 20, 2023. Knutsen moved and Puck seconded to approve the minutes from February 20, 2023. Motion carried with Koberg abstaining due to absence at meeting.
Approval of Fire Department Members. Chief Korry Kraft introduced residents Crystal Bolser and Vinh Phan and stated they both completed the required training and the department members voted to approve their membership, pending council approval. Mengler moved and Bieri seconded to appoint Crystal Bolser and Vinh Phan to the Walcott Volunteer Fire Department. Motion carried. Mayor Kostichek and Council members expressed their appreciation to Bolser and Phan and thanked them for volunteering to join the Fire Department.
All audience members left the meeting.
Kaitlynn Capper & Nic Butcher – Sewer Backup at 133 N. Downey Street. Neither Capper or Butcher were in attendance so the matter will be brought up again at the end of the meeting.
Ordinance 533-23, Amending Chapter 162 Pertaining to Requirements for Rental Property. The proposed change references the City’s Rental Housing Guide, which will exclude single family homes occupied by children or parents of the owner from rental housing inspections. Puck moved and Bieri seconded to approve the third reading of Ordinance 533-23. Roll call ayes: Puck, Bieri, Mengler, Koberg, and Knutsen. Motion carried.
Public Works Department Report.
- Replace Gas Monitoring System at WWTP (Wastewater Treatment Plant). Stagg presented a project worksheet to replace the gas monitoring system at the WWTP. Mengler moved and Bieri seconded to approve the purchase of the gas monitoring system as presented, in the amount of $9,485. Motion carried.
- Set Public Hearing Date on Amending Chapter 160, Building Codes. Stagg reported the Building Official, Scott Bengfort, is recommending to adopt the State of Iowa Plumbing, Electrical, and Mechanical codes. Scott County and other communities in the County are also adopting these same codes. Bieri moved and Knutsen seconded to set the public hearing date for March 20, 2023, at 6:00 p.m.
Stagg also reported on equipment recently ordered for the UV system at the WWTP. Mengler and Koberg had questions and concerns on the E. Lincoln Street project. Stagg also reported he intends to obtain quotes on a sewer lining project.
City Clerk Report. Rickertsen presented information on the proposed FYE 2024 budget, including changes to the taxable valuations due to recent legislation, lower property tax revenue, General Fund revenue account details, and levy rate history. Questions arose on the fine revenue and discussion ensued on why traffic violations were written on state codes instead of local codes since the revenue from the local code violations would come to the City instead of the state. Chief Blake will research and provide information at a future meeting. Rickertsen reported on her communication with the City Attorney that local organizations should not be using the City’s address as that of its registered agent when registering and submitting reports with the Iowa Secretary of State.
Kaitlynn Capper & Nic Butcher – Sewer Backup at 133 N. Downey Street. Rickertsen reported Capper had requested to be placed on the agenda, which was verified via email on 3/3/23. Since both Capper and Butcher failed to attend the meeting the matter is closed.
Koberg moved and Mengler seconded to adjourn at 6:52 p.m. Motion carried. All votes on motions were unanimous, unless noted.