November 4, 2024 Minutes

The semi-monthly meeting of the City Council of Walcott, Iowa, was held on Monday, November 4, 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: Lisa Rickertsen and Paul Stagg.   

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

Introduction of Audience/Public Comments. Korry Kraft and Joe Hahn.  

Consent Agenda. Koberg moved and Knutsen seconded to approve the consent agenda including the invoices, minutes from October 21, 2024, and Resolution 2024-45, Obligating TIF Funds from the Consolidated Walcott Urban Renewal Area for FYE 2026. Roll call ayes: Koberg, Knutsen, Puck, Mengler, and Bieri. Motion carried.

Sidewalk Repair Program. Discussion was held on the current residential sidewalk repair program and whether or not to include non-residential properties in the program. Council consensus was to continue with the current residential sidewalk program, focusing on needed repairs and sidewalk gaps in residential areas, prioritizing proximity and routes to the school. The program will be reviewed again in the future.   

Resolution 2024-46, Adopting Public Records Request Policy. Koberg moved and Mengler seconded to approve Resolution 2024-46, Adopting Public Records Request Policy. Roll call ayes: Koberg, Mengler, Knutsen, Puck, and Bieri. Motion carried.

Resolution 2024-47, Approving Contract & Bonds for the North Grove Street Water Main Replacement Project. Mengler moved and Bieri seconded to approve Resolution 2024-47, Approving Contract &  Bonds for the North Grove Street Water Main Replacement Project. Roll call ayes: Mengler, Bier, Puck, Knutsen, and Koberg. Motion carried.  

Ordinance 553-24, Amending Provisions Pertaining to Dog Licensing – 2^nd Reading. This Ordinance amends Chapter 56, Dog and Cat Licenses, by changing the license and registration requirements for dogs and cats. Bieri moved and Koberg seconded to approve the second reading to adopt Ordinance 553-24. Roll call ayes: Bieri, Koberg, Mengler, Puck, and Knutsen. Motion carried.

Fire Department Report. Korry Kraft reported he would be stepping down as the Fire Chief at the end of the year. He also reported on a grant received for a new washer-extractor for department gear. Joe Hahn provided updates on the status of the new fire truck, which is scheduled to be completed by February 1^st. Kraft provided an update on new trainees and requested permission to include a flyer, to recruit new volunteers for the department, in a future City mailing. Council had no issues with including a department flyer in a future water bill mailing. Kraft was thanked for his service as the Fire Chief.

Public Works Department Report. Stagg reported the park restrooms are closed for the season.

City Clerk Report.

• Dog and Cat License Fees. Discussion was held on establishing registration and delinquency fees for the new 1, 2, and 3-year dog and cat licenses. Rickertsen will prepare a resolution for the next meeting to adopt dog and cat licensing fees as discussed. 
• City Attorney Position. Discussion was held on the city attorney position. Council consensus was to send an RFQ (request for qualifications) to some local firms.    
• 2025 Employee Health and Dental Insurance Benefits Renewal. Rickertsen reported the 2025 employee health insurance premium increase is 8.47% and no increase for the dental insurance. Puck moved and Mengler seconded to approve the 2025 employee health and dental insurance renewal. Motion carried.

Koberg moved and Knutsen seconded to adjourn at 7:00 p.m. Motion carried. All votes on motions were unanimous, unless noted.

November 4, 2024 Signed Minutes & Claims