November 18, 2024 Minutes
twright@cityofwalcott.com
November 18, 2024
The semi-monthly meeting of the City Council of Walcott, Iowa, was held on Monday, November 18, 2024, at Walcott City Hall. Mayor John Kostichek called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m. Council members present: Everett Bieri, Harry Knutsen, Kirk Koberg, Lisa Mengler, and Jacob Puck. 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, Jordan Orcutt, and Andrea Newcomb. Lucht stated he found damage/new cracks in his kitchen which he believes was caused by the construction (water main project) in front of his residence on N. Grove Street. Lucht was asked to provide photos and documentation regarding his complaint, which will be listed on the December 2nd agenda.
Consent Agenda. Puck moved and Knutsen seconded to approve the consent agenda including the invoices, minutes from November 4, 2024, October financial reports, Resolution 2024-48 -Transfer of Funds, Resolution 2024-49 – Approving Application for Residential Tax Abatement within the 2017 Walcott Urban Revitalization Area, Resolution 2024-50 – Approving Change Order for the North Grove Street Water Main Replacement Project, and Resolution 2024-51 – Establishing Policy Using Low-and-Moderate Income Funds Towards Lead Service Pipe Replacement. Roll call ayes: Puck, Knutsen, Koberg, Mengler, and Bieri. Motion carried.
Hearing on Assessment of Costs related to Emergency Repair of Private Water Service Line.
Rickertsen stated the notice regarding the hearing on the proposed assessment of costs incurred by the City in undertaking emergency repairs to the private water service line situated in the right-of-way adjacent to and serving the residential property located at 215 W Durant Street had been mailed according to law and as directed by the Council. The hearing is to receive oral or written objections from the property owner. Property owner, Jordan Orcutt, stated he did not feel it was handled properly and stated he could’ve hired a plumber at a lesser cost. Stagg stated the water leak was between the main and curb stop with no way to disconnect and it needed to be excavated to determine if the leak was from the main or service line. The uncontrolled water loss, which necessitates the need for emergency repairs, was found to be from a deteriorated lead/galvanized service line pipe. There were many obstacles and factors involved including the gas main location, realigning new pipe to curb stop (to avoid tree), re-tap the water main, and removal and replacement of concrete street panel. Mayor Kostichek announced the hearing closed.
Resolution 2024-52, Adopting Final Assessment Schedule Covering Emergency Repairs to Private Water Service Line. Rickertsen reported on the final assessment schedule covering the emergency repairs. Mengler moved and Koberg seconded to approve Resolution 2024-52, Adopting Final Assessment Schedule Covering Emergency Repairs to Private Water Service Line. Roll call ayes: Mengler, Koberg, Knutsen, Bieri, and Puck. Motion carried.
Ordinance 553-24, Amending Provisions Pertaining to Dog and Cat Licensing – 3rd Reading. This Ordinance amends Chapter 56, Dog and Cat Licenses, by changing the license and registration requirements for dogs and cats. Mengler moved and Koberg seconded to approve the third and final reading to adopt Ordinance 553-24. Roll call ayes: Mengler, Koberg, Knutsen, Bieri, and Puck. Motion carried.
Resolution 2024-53, Establishing Dog and Cat License and Delinquency Fees. Koberg moved and Bieri seconded to approve Resolution 2024-53, Establishing Dog and Cat License and Delinquency Fees. Roll call ayes: Koberg, Bieri, Knutsen, Mengler, and Puck. Motion carried.
City Clerk Report. Rickertsen stated the amendment to the agreement with HUB International (assists with the City’s employee benefits needs) is regarding the HIPAA Privacy Rules. Puck moved and Bieri seconded to approve the amendment to the HUB Business Associate Agreement. Motion carried.
Mengler moved and Knutsen seconded to adjourn at 6:21 p.m. Motion carried. All votes on motions were unanimous, unless noted.