November 21, 2011

The semi-monthly meeting of the City Council of Walcott, Iowa, was held on Monday, the 21^st day of November, 2011 at WalcottCity Hall. Mayor Couper called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m. Council members present were: Larry Koberg, Tim Koehler, Jackie Puck, and Jacob Puck. Absent: John Kostichek. City employees present: J. Brockmann, L. Rickertsen, and J. Blake.

Jackie Puck moved and Jacob Puck seconded to approve the agenda. Motion carried.

Mayor Couper opened the Public Hearing on the Plans, Specifications, Cost Estimate, and Form of Contract for the North Lift Station Improvements Project. Rickertsen stated the construction cost estimate with contingency is $418,777. No other oral or written comments were received. Koberg moved and Jackie Puck seconded to close the public hearing and resume the regular meeting. Motion carried.

Consent Agenda. Koehler moved and Jackie Puck seconded to approve the consent agenda including the invoices, minutes from 11/07/2011, minutes from 11/16/2011, October 2011 Financial Reports, Resolution 2011-59, Transfer of Funds. Roll call ayes: Koehler, Jackie Puck, Koberg, and Jake Puck. Motion carried.

Audience. Brent Puck, Lisa Mengler, Janice Dawson, Wayne and Beth Latimer, Howard Johnson, Nicole Dunkel, and Dick Hagen.

Alliant Energy. Alliant Energy representative, Nicole Dunkel, was present to discuss Alliant Energy's community involvement and investments in Walcott including infrastructure investments, energy-saving services, and tree planting program. Customer forms and information can be found online at their website at www.alliantenergy.com.

Resolution 2011-60, Obligating Funds from the Consolidated Walcott Urban Renewal Area. Koehler moved and Jacob Puck seconded to approve Resolution 2011-60. Roll call ayes: Koehler, Jackie Puck, Jacob Puck, and Koberg. Motion carried. This resolution obligates $96,556 from the Consolidated Walcott Urban Renewal Tax Revenue Fund with respect to the City's Development Agreements with Iowa 80 Truckstop Inc., T&C Storage, and Ossian Inc. for the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2012.

Resolution 2011-61, Obligating Funds from the Walcott Urban Renewal Area #2. Koberg moved and Jackie Puck seconded to approve Resolution 2011-61. Roll call ayes: Koberg, Jackie Puck, Jacob Puck, and Koehler. Motion carried. This resolution obligates $63,000 from the Walcott Urban Renewal Area No. 2 Revenue Fund with respect to the City's Development Agreement with Petersen Health Care for the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2012.

North Lift Station Improvements Project. Brockmann and Project Engineer Howard Johnson presenting their differing opinions on the proposed amendment in the amount of $4,800 to the Engineering Agreement with Shive-Hattery and the City for the North Lift Station Improvements Project. Following discussion, Koehler moved and Jackie Puck seconded to approve an amendment to the agreement in the amount of $3,100. Motion carried. Koberg moved and Jackie Puck seconded to approve Resolution 2011-62, Approving Plans & Specifications. Roll call ayes: Koberg, Koehler, Jackie Puck, and Jacob Puck. Motion carried. Koberg moved and Jackie Puck seconded to approve a payment to Shive-Hattery in the amount of $2,100.78. Motion carried.

Recreational Trail Project. Brockmann present a project worksheet and recommended installing a permanent fence around the pond. He stated he felt the pond is a hazard during the winter. Brent Puck reported that the Trail Committee members were unanimous in their opposition to a permanent fence. They understand the safety concern during winter months but felt that clearing snow on the trail will assist in defining the area and tall grasses will eventually create a natural border. Brent Puck suggested stakes and rope around the pond as it would help define the area during the winter months. Following discussion, Jackie Puck moved and Koehler seconded to install a temporary snow fence for this year. Motion carried. The council will revisit the issue after one more season of growth. Rickertsen reported the project engineer has been working on final grant documents and scheduled a project meeting with the Iowa Department of Transportation in early December. Discussion was held on the project amenities and the final project punch list.

Police Department Report. Blake presented a proposed snow emergency policy which includes utilizing the odd-even parking system during snow emergencies. The change will be incorporated in the re-codification process.

Public Work's Report. Brockmann presented his report including obtaining a cost estimate for installing a new watermain on James Street to improve the system and reported on a change order for the N. Downey Street Improvements Project for additional rock at cul-de-sac. The change order will be on the next agenda.

City Clerk's Report. Rickertsen presented her report including the following:

• Reminder that minutes are a record of council action and topic of discussion.
• Ribbon Cutting Ceremony at WalcottSchool on Friday December 2, 2011, at noon.
• Ossian Inc. has been notified of recent complaints and a new tarp is scheduled to be installed November 28^th.
• Mediacom is increasing rates on or about December 15, 2011.
• City offices will be closed November 24^th & 25^th.
• Attorney Schirman is waiting on updated abstracts for the property at 106 W. Lincoln Street and the Wulf property.

Concerns/New Business. Mayor Couper stated he was approached about moving the election voting location to the building at 1113 N. Main Street. Discussion was held on the dim lights on the flags at WelcomePark. Brockmann stated Walcott Day Committee is paying to upgrade the electrical at the park. Brockmann stated the property at 1113 N. Main Street has been winterized and they will start disconnecting utilities upon ownership of the building at 106 W. Lincoln Street. Mayor Couper questioned the specifics regarding the proposed public meeting facilitated by the Vision Committee. Brent Puck reported it will be a community forum to gather ideas and obtain input from citizens on alternatives and scenarios for city buildings/properties. The Vision Committee will then bring information back to council as the committee has no ability to make decisions on behalf of the City. Discussion was held on the formation of the committee, members, & terms. The topic will be on the next regular agenda.

Jackie Puck moved and Koehler seconded to adjourn at 8:05 p.m. Motion carried. All votes on motions were unanimous, unless noted.