May 6, 2024 Minutes
twright@cityofwalcott.com
May 10, 2024
The semi-monthly meeting of the City Council of Walcott, Iowa, was held on Monday, May 6, 2024, at Walcott City Hall. Mayor John Kostichek called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m. Council members present: Everett Bieri, Lisa Mengler, and Jacob Puck. Absent: Harry Knutsen and Kirk Koberg. Staff present: Lisa Rickertsen and Paul Stagg.
Approval of Agenda. Puck moved and Bieri seconded to approve the agenda. Motion carried.
Introduction of Audience/Public Comments. Lesa Puck,Korry Kraft (Fire Chief), and Brent Puck.
Public Hearing on Budget Amendment for Fiscal Year Ending (FYE) June 30, 2024. Mayor Kostichek opened the public hearing on the budget amendment for fiscal year ending June 30, 2024 (FYE 2024). Rickertsen reported the amendment was needed due to some potential upcoming expenditures which may cause the total expenditures in specific programs to be higher than the original budgeted amounts. No written or other comments were received. Mengler moved and Puck seconded to close the public hearing and resume the regular meeting. Motion carried.
Consent Agenda. Bieri moved and Puck seconded to approve the consent agenda including the invoices, minutes from April 15, 2024, April 2024 financial reports, Class C retail alcohol & outdoor service renewal for Lampliter Inn, Resolution 2024-22 – Acknowledging New Investments, Resolution 2024-23 – Transfer of Funds, and Resolution 2024-24 – Approving Hourly Wage Increase (Grade 1 Water Treatment Operator License) for James Poggenpohl. Roll call ayes: Bieri, Puck, and Mengler. Motion carried.
Resolution 2024-25, Approving the Adoption of the Budget Amendment for FYE 2024. Mengler moved and Bieri seconded to approve Resolution 2024-25, Approving the Adoption of the Budget Amendment for FYE 2024. Roll call ayes: Mengler, Bieri, and Puck. Motion carried.
Walcott Women – Street Closure Request for Summer Fest. Lesa Puck reported on the request from Walcott Women to close a portion of W. Otis Street, between Parker and Rowe on June 9th for their annual summer celebration for the kids. Mengler moved and Bieri seconded to approve the closure of W. Otis Street, between Parker and Rowe, on June 9th from 3:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. Motion carried.
Fire Department Report.
- Approval of Street Closure for Steak Fry Celebration. Puckmoved and Bieri seconded to approve closing a portion of W. Durant Street, west side of bank ATM to the west side of Legion property, on May 11th for the Fire Department Steak Fry fundraiser. Motion carried.
- Payment Approval to Kalmes Catering. Mengler moved and Puck seconded to approve the payment to Kalmes Catering in the amount of $11,000 for the Fire Department Steak Fry fundraiser. Motion carried.
- Purchase Approval of Gas Detector. This will beplaced on the May 20th agenda.
- Approval of Grant Submission for Washer-Extractor. Mengler moved and Puck seconded to approve the grant submission for a washer-extractor through DIAL (Department of Inspections and Appeals). Motion carried.
Mengler stated to Chief Kraft that she hopes for improved communication within the Fire Department.
Recreational Trail Phase 2 Extension – Community Meeting. The community meeting, hosted by the Recreational Trail Advisory Committee, will be Wednesday, May 15th at 6:30 p.m. at the Walcott American Legion. The purpose of the meeting is for the Committee to provide information and obtain feedback from the public regarding extending the recreational trail from Prairie View Park to W. Otis Street. Stagg was asked to attend the meeting to represent the City. Council requested a representative from the Recreational Trail Advisory Committee to attend the May 20th Council meeting to discuss the results of the community meeting and the Committee’s proposed survey.
Review of Rental Housing Fee Schedule. Discussion was held oninformation from the Building Official regarding the rental housing fee schedule. The current base rental housing fee does not cover staff costs associated with the inspections.A resolution will be prepared for the next meeting to increase the base fee for rental housing inspections.
Public Works Department Report. Concrete Pad at Water Tower Park – Old Tower Site. Stagg presented a project worksheet to pour concrete on existing footings at the old water tower site. This 6” reinforced concrete pad could be utilized for picnic tables and future playground equipment. Mengler moved and Puck seconded to approve the bid from All American Concrete at a cost of $3,755. Motion carried. Stagg inquired about marking the property line for the City-owned property, located south and east of the creeks, adjacent to the Westbrook Subdivisions in order to aid with mowing and maintenance of the City’s property. Stagg was directed to mark the City’s property line as discussed.
City Clerk’s Report. Budgeted Rate Increases for Water, Sewer, and Garbage for FYE 2025. Rickertsen reported the budgeted rate increases for FYE 2025 are as follows: 5% for water, 1% sewer, and 4% for garbage. Puck moved and Mengler seconded to proceed with preparation of ordinances to amend the water, sewer, and garbage rates as discussed. Motion carried. Rickertsen also reported on an invitation from our sister city, Bredenbek, Germany, inviting Walcott residents to Bredenbek on September 7th & 8th to celebrate their village festival.
Mayor’s Report. Mayor Kostichek expressed thanks to Bredenbek for the invitation to their weekend festival.
Council Member Comments. Puck questioned the status of the batting cage improvements and stated he was impressed with the work/clean-up from A.R.B. Roofing at the parks. Stagg responded the batting cage improvements are completed. Bieri stated this week is Municipal Clerks Week and he expressed thanks and appreciation to Rickertsen and Deputy City Clerk, Tabetha Wright.
Possible Closed Session per Iowa Code 21.5(1)(J). Mengler moved and Puck seconded to go into a closed session at 6:27 p.m. under Iowa Code Chapter 21.5(1 )(J) to discuss purchase of particular real estate. Roll call ayes: Mengler, Puck, and Bieri. Motion carried. Rickertsen and Stagg were allowed to stay and all others left the council chamber. Mengler moved and Bieri seconded to close the closed session and resume the regular meeting at 6:32 p.m. Roll call ayes: Mengler, Bieri, and Puck. Motion carried.
Possible Action per Closed Session. Puck moved and Bieri seconded to instruct Stagg to communicate with the property owner as discussed during the closed session. Motion carried.
Mengler moved and Bieri seconded to adjourn at 6:33 p.m. Motion carried. All votes on motions were unanimous, unless noted.