November 20, 2023 Minutes
twright@cityofwalcott.com
November 27, 2023
The semi-monthly meeting of the City Council of Walcott, Iowa, was held on Monday, November 20, 2023, at Walcott City Hall. Mayor John Kostichek called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m. Council members present: Everett Bieri, Kirk Koberg, Harry Knutsen, Lisa Mengler, and Jacob Puck. Staff present: Jeff Blake, Lisa Rickertsen, and Paul Stagg.
Approval of Agenda. Knutsen moved and Puck seconded to approve the agenda. Motion carried.
Introduction of Audience/ Public Comments. Korry Kraft and Ben McKibbin were present on behalf of the Fire Department. Kraft stated the building lost power on November 8th and they feel it caused surges which may have damaged the power invertor in Unit #3, as well as the compressor. Surge protectors will be purchased and Stagg will research for a permanent solution.
Consent Agenda. Knutsen moved and Mengler seconded to approve the consent agenda including the invoices, minutes from November 6, 2023, Resolution 2023-47, Transfer of Funds, and Resolution 2023-48, Approving Applications for the City of Walcott Low-and-Moderate Income Furnace Replacement Program. Roll call ayes: Knutsen, Mengler, Puck, Bieri, and Koberg. Motion carried.
Park Board Recommendations.
- Naming of Field at Victory Park. Menglernoted that Victory Park was named in honor of those serving with the armed forces. Puck moved and Bieri seconded to approve the Park Board’s recommendation to name the field at Victory Park, Armed Forces Field. Motion carried.
- Acceptance of Scoreboard/Sign Donation from Walcott American Legion. Puck moved and Bieri seconded to approve the scoreboard/sign donation from Walcott American Legion. Motion carried. Mengler stated the Walcott Community Club was also donating funds towards the new scoreboard.
Review of Chapter 75, All-Terrain and Off-Road Utility Vehicles. Koberg requested changes to the ATV/UTV chapter, to be consistent with state code. Chief Blake did not have any concerns with making changes to the chapter. Following discussion, council consensus was to amend the City Code regarding ATV’s to be consistent with state code. Rickertsen will prepare an ordinance amendment for the next regular meeting.
Development Letter/Survey to Agricultural Property Owners. Discussion was held on mailing a survey letter to agricultural property owners regarding potential future development.
Public Works Department Report. Stagg reported on recent communication with MidAmerican Energy regarding the letter the City sent pertaining to future gas infrastructure improvements. Improvements are installed as needed, when development occurs.
Mayor’s Report. Mayor Kostichek expressed thanks and appreciation to the Walcott Day Committee volunteers for installing the holiday lights.
Mengler moved and Bieri seconded to adjourn at 6:46 p.m. Motion carried. All votes on motions were unanimous, unless noted.