May 5, 2025 Minutes

The semi-monthly meeting of the City Council of Walcott, Iowa, was held on Monday, May 5, 2025, at Walcott City Hall. Mayor John Kostichek called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m. Council members present: Everett Bieri, Kirk Koberg, Lisa Mengler, and Jacob Puck. Absent: Harry Knutsen. Staff present: Jeff Blake, Lisa Rickertsen, and Paul Stagg.  

Approval of Agenda. Mengler moved and Puck seconded to approve the agenda. Motion carried.

Introduction of Audience/Public Comments. Gary Lucht and Lesa Puck.  

Consent Agenda. Koberg moved and Mengler seconded to approve the consent agenda including the invoices, minutes from April 21, 2025, April 2025 financial reports, and Class C retail alcohol and outdoor service area license for the Lampliter Inn. Motion carried.  

Review and Potential Vote on Street Closure Requests.

• Walcott Women Street Closure Request for Summer Fest on 06/22/2025 – W. Otis Street between Parker & Rowe Streets from 2:00 – 6:30 p.m. Lesa Puck reported on the street closure request from Walcott Women. Mengler moved and Beri seconded to approve the street closure request for Walcott Women on June 22, 2025, closing a portion of W. Otis Street between Parker & Rowe Streets from 2:00 – 6:30 p.m. Motion carried. Lesa Puck

• CBI Bank & Trust Street Closure Request for Open House on 06/18/2025 (rain date 06/25/25) W. Bryant Street between Main Street & west side of bank parking lot from 11 am – 3 p.m. Puck moved and Bieri seconded to approve the street closure request from CBI Bank & Trust on June 18, 2025, with rain date of June 25, 2025, closing a portion of W. Bryant Street between Main Street and the west side of the bank parking lot (approximately 100’) from 11:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. Motion carried.

Gary Lucht – Concerns Regarding N. Grove Street Water Main Replacement Project (Curb Stop). Lucht reported on concerns that his curb stop was higher than the ground level. Stagg stated it was a little higher after the project contractor finished grading and hydroseeded. Stagg placed dirt and grass seed around the curb stop and it is now flush with the ground.   

Resolution 2025-26, Establishing  Hourly Wage and Vacation Leave for the Deputy City Clerk for the City of Walcott. Menglermoved and Bieri seconded to approve Resolution 2025-26, Establishing Hourly Wage and Vacation Leave for the Deputy City Clerk for the City of Walcott. Roll call ayes: Mengler, Bieri, Puck, and Koberg. Motion carried.

2^nd Reading of Ordinance 559-25, Amending Chapter 167 Pertaining to Definitions, Uses Permitted in Business and Commercial Districts, and Special Uses Permitted in Interstate Highway Commercial District. Bieri moved and Koberg seconded to adopt the second reading of Ordinance 559-25, Amending Chapter 167 Pertaining to Definitions, Uses Permitted in Business and Commercial Districts, and Special Uses Permitted in Interstate Highway Commercial District. Roll call ayes: Bieri, Koberg, Mengler, and Puck. Motion carried.

Police Department Report. Chief Blake reported he is obtaining a quote on a new squad and he hopes to have a project worksheet for the next regular meeting.

Public Works Department Report. Questions arose on the gravel portion of Memorial Road, bump on approach to railroad tracks, new sidewalk placement on N. Century Street, and the status on the Recreational Trail Phase 2 Extension Project. Stagg reported the new gravel on Memorial Road was hauled and spread by Muscatine County; he will contact Iowa Interstate Railroad regarding the railroad track approach; and the new sidewalk placement on N.Century Street is located within the City right-of-way. City Code states residential sidewalks shall be located one foot from the property line, unless the Council establishes a different distance due to special circumstances. The City Council approved a variance (March 3^rd meeting) allowing the sidewalk placement to be approximately 5’ from the property line. Rickertsen was asked to contact the Recreational Trail Committee chairperson.   

Puck moved and Bieri seconded to adjourn at 6:25 p.m. Motion carried. All votes on motions were unanimous, unless noted.