May 19, 2014

The semi-monthly meeting of the City Council of Walcott, Iowa, was held on Monday, the 19^th day of May, 2014, at Walcott City Hall. Mayor John Kostichek called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m. Council members present were: Tim Koehler, Virgil Wayne Latimer, Lisa Mengler, Jackie Puck, and Jacob Puck. Absent: None. City employees present: Jeff Blake, John Brockmann, Lisa Rickertsen, and Tom Schirman.

Mengler moved and Jacob Puck seconded to approve the agenda. Motion carried.

Public Hearing. Mayor Kostichek opened the public hearing on the budget amendment for FYE 2014. Rickertsen reported the expenditure increases were due to the Wescott Park playground equipment, land purchase, and demolition costs. No oral or written comments were received. Jackie Puck moved and Mengler seconded to close the public hearing and resume the regular meeting. Motion carried.

Consent Agenda. Koehler moved and Latimer seconded to approve the consent agenda including the invoices, minutes from May 6, 2014, and the April 2014 financial reports. Motion carried.

Audience. Denise Bulat, Tammy Owens, William Belz, and Gabrielle Belz.

Approval of Minutes from May 05, 2014. Jackie Puck moved and Latimer seconded to approve the minutes from May 5, 2014. Motion carried. Mengler abstained due to absence from meeting.

Approval of Minutes from May 14, 2014. Mengler moved and Jackie Puck seconded to approve the minutes from May 14, 2014. Motion carried. Jacob Puck abstained due to absence from meeting.

Bi-State Regional Commission. Denise Bulat was present to inform the council of the services provided by the Bi-State Regional Commission. Bi-State serves as a forum for intergovernmental cooperation and delivery of regional programs and assists local organizations in planning and project development. Walcott is currently a participating member with Bi-State.

William Belz : Request Permission to Allow Pit Bull at Residence. William Belz was present and stated he was not aware that pit bulls were prohibited within city limits until after he purchased a house in Walcott. He distributed information, including a petition with 16 signatures (which include many non-residents), and requested the City Council consider changing the City Code to allow his pit bull to reside at his residence. Non-resident, Tammy Owens, was present and stated that she did not know Belz but she previously worked at a veterinary clinic and urged the council to consider changing the code to prohibit just vicious animals instead of being breed specific. Attorney Schirman stated the current ordinance is appropriate and was enacted to protect the citizens of Walcott. Following further discussion, Belz was told he is not allowed to have the pit bull at his residence, but if he wants the City Council to consider a City Code change he would need to provide more relevant and local information, including documentation from a veterinarian regarding temperament evaluations.

Approval of 2^nd Half TIF Rebate Payments. Mengler moved and Jacob Puck seconded to approve the TIF rebate payments in the amount of $50,556.76 to the following: Iowa 80 Truckstop Inc. ($12,061.43), Ossian Walcott Investments LC ($15,680.00), JDW Holdings LLC ($3,901.61), T&C Storage ($1,860.18) and Petersen Health Systems Inc. ($17,053.54). Motion carried.

Purchase Approval of New Mower. Brockmann presented a project worksheet to purchase a new John Deere Max-997, Frame Z-Trak with 72" deck. He stated this is a zero turn radius mower which will be used at the parks, including the recreational trail area. Jackie Puck moved and Mengler seconded to purchase a new John Deere mower from River Valley Turf Inc. at a cost of $15,416.10. Motion carried.

Resolution 2014-19, Approving Budget Amendment for FYE 2014. Koehler moved and Jacob Puck seconded to approve Resolution 2014-19. Roll call ayes: Koehler, Jacob Puck, Jackie Puck, Latimer, and Mengler. Motion carried.

Resolution 2014-20, Approving Contract & Bonds for West Bryant Street Improvements Project. Mengler moved and Latimer seconded to approve Resolution 2014-20. Roll call ayes: Mengler, Latimer, Koehler, Jacob Puck, and Jackie Puck. Motion carried. Brockmann stated the contractor plans on starting the project around June 1^st and they intend to work on the side streets and storm sewer first.

Ordinance 471-14, Amending Chapter 99 Regarding Sewer Rates. Jacob Puck moved and Mengler seconded to approve the third and final reading of Ordinance 471-14. Roll call ayes: Jacob Puck, Mengler, Jackie Puck, Latimer, and Koehler. Motion carried. The sewer rates will increase $.25 per 1,000 gallons of water usage, beginning with the July 1^st bill.

Ordinance 472-14, Providing for the Division of Taxes Levied on Taxable Property in the 2014 Addition to the Consolidated Walcott Urban Renewal Area, Pursuant to Section 403.19 of the Code of Iowa. Koehler moved and Jacob Puck seconded to approve the second reading of Ordinance 472-14. Roll call ayes: Koehler, Jacob Puck, Jackie Puck, Latimer, and Mengler. Motion carried.

Building at 1113 N. Main Street. Brockmann reported that the air conditioners are now working and he had previously received interest in purchasing the small restaurant hood. Brockmann was asked to contact a plumber to check the status of the water heater, contact interested parties regarding the small hood, and de-energize and remove the large hood. Brockmann stated there will be costs to de-energize the hood and also roofing expenses following removal of the hoods. Discussion was held on a monthly lease amount and other lease conditions. The council expressed their intent to sell the property, therefore at this time the lease would only be for a one year period. Attorney Schirman will contact the potential tenant and report the lease details as discussed.

Policy & Administration Committee Recommendations. The Policy and Administration Committee, Jacob Puck and Mengler recommended wage increases of 1.5% for employees for FYE 2015. They also recommended twenty hours of paid time off for Building Official, Linda Rivers, starting July 1, 2014. Rickertsen will prepare Resolutions for the next regular meeting with the changes as recommended by the committee.

Police Department Report. Chief Blake reported Titan (K9) was recently recertified for another year.

Public Work's Report. Brockmann reported on the status of the inflow and infiltration project. He also reported he received a permit from the IDNR regarding the James Street water main repairs.

Mayor's Report. Again, Mayor Kostichek extended another invitation to citizens that have concerns to attend council meetings.

Jacob Puck moved and Mengler seconded to adjourn at 7:57 p.m. Motion carried. All votes on motions were unanimous, unless noted.