May 2, 2022 Minutes
City of Walcott
May 2, 2022
The semi-monthly meeting of the City Council of Walcott, Iowa, was held on Monday, the 2nd day of May, 2022, at Walcott City Hall. Mayor John Kostichek called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m. Council members present: Everett Bieri, Harry Knutsen, Lisa Mengler, and Jacob Puck. Absent: Kirk Koberg. Staff present: Lisa Rickertsen and Paul Stagg. City Engineer, Jason Holdorf, was also present.
Approval of Agenda. Puck moved and Bieri seconded to approve the agenda, with moving the minutes from April 18th from the consent agenda and to be approved separately. Motion carried.
Public Hearing. Mayor Kostichek opened the public hearing on the proposed Code of Ordinances. Rickertsen reported the proposed Code of Ordinances includes changes discussed and approved by City Council at several meetings over the past year. No written or other comments were received. Mengler moved and Bieri seconded to close the public hearing and resume the regular meeting. Motion carried.
Consent Agenda. Puck moved and Knutsen seconded to approve the consent agenda, including the invoices, Resolution 2022-19 – Accepting Deed for Real Property, and Resolution 2022-20 – Approval of Official Zoning Map. Roll call ayes: Puck, Knutsen, Mengler, and Bieri. Motion carried.
Joe Quick, Walcott Unified Fund – Tournament Fencing. Joe Quick reported on two upcoming fastpitch tournaments, May 27th – 28th and June 24th – 26th. Quick requested approval to install temporary fencing at Wescott Park from May 26th – 29th and at both Wescott and Victory Parks June 22nd – 26th. Following discussion, Puck moved and Mengler seconded to allow temporary fences be installed at Wescott and Victory Parks for the two tournaments as discussed. Motion carried.
Lincoln Street Improvements Project.
- Resolution 2022-21, Approving Contract and Bonds for the E. Lincoln Street Improvements Project. Mengler moved and Bieri seconded to approve Resolution 2022-21. Roll call ayes: Mengler, Bieri, Puck, and Knutsen. Motion carried.
- IMEG Engineering Services for Construction Observation. Bieri moved and Puck seconded to approve the engineering services for construction observation with IMEG at a fee of $174,500. Motion carried. Mayor Kostichek requested Holdorf submit project progress reports to be included in council meeting packets.
Ordinance 525-22, Adopting the Code of Ordinances of the City of Walcott. Ordinance 525-22 was introduced and Mengler moved and Puck seconded to approve the first reading. Roll call ayes: Mengler, Puck Bieri, and Knutsen. Motion carried.
Fire Department Steak Fry. Mengler moved and Puck seconded to approve closing a portion of W. Durant Street (west side of bank ATM to the west side of Legion property) on May 14th for the Fire Department Steak Fry fundraiser. Motion carried. Chief Kraft was asked to join the meeting and stated he will contact the resident whose driveway will be inaccessible due to the street closure. Puck moved and Bieri seconded to approve the payment to Kalmes Catering in the amount of $10,000 for the Fire Department Steak Fry fundraiser. Motion carried.
Public Works Department Report. Stagg reported he completed the hydrant flushing and reminded council of Spring Clean Up Day on May 7th from 2:00 – 5:00 –p.m. The dumpsters will be located at the compost area on W. Cedar Lane Drive. The compost area will be closed from Friday afternoon on May 6th until the morning of May 9th, with the exception of during 2:00 – 5:00 p.m. on Saturday, May 7th to allow residents to drop off eligible items in the dumpsters or compost area materials
City Clerk’s Report. Rickertsen presented information on the projected balances in the water, sewer, and garbage funds. Council reviewed and discussed potential rate increases, needed to pay for water and sewer system improvements and garbage rate increases per the hauler contract. Council consensus was to proceed with a water base rate increase of $1.25/month plus a 4% ($.22/per 1,000 gallons) increase for water usage above 1,400 gallons; 2% ($.13/per 1,000 gallons) increase for sewer usage above 1,400 gallons; and a 5% ($.71//month) increase to the garbage rate. Rickertsen will prepare ordinances for the next meeting, with the proposed rate increase effective date to be on the July 1, 2022 billing.
Mengler moved and Knutsen seconded to adjourn at 6:30 p.m. Motion carried. All votes on motions were unanimous, unless noted.