October 16, 2023 Minutes
City of Walcott
October 16, 2023
The semi-monthly meeting of the City Council of Walcott, Iowa, was held on Monday, October 16, 2023, at Walcott City Hall. Mayor John Kostichek called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m. Council members present: Everett Bieri, Harry Knutsen, Lisa Mengler, and Jacob Puck. Absent: Kirk Koberg. Staff present: Jeff Blake, Lisa Rickertsen, and Paul Stagg.
Introduction of Audience/Public Comments. None.
Approval of Agenda. Knutsen moved and Mengler seconded to approve the agenda. Motion carried.
Consent Agenda. Puck moved and Bieri seconded to approve the consent agenda including the invoices, minutes from October 2, 2023, September 2023 financial reports, Resolution 2023-41 – Transfer of Funds, Resolution 2023-42 – Obligating TIF Funds from the Consolidated Walcott Urban Renewal Area, Resolution 2023-43, Approval of FYE 2023 Annual Urban Renewal Report, and Resolution 2023-44, Acknowledging New Investments. Roll call ayes: Puck, Bieri, Mengler, and Knutsen. Motion carried.
Letter to MidAmerican Energy Requesting Increase of Gas Load Capacity. City staff reported concerns were brought forth, following the recent commercial growth near the Interstate 80 interchange area, regarding the need for natural gas infrastructure improvements to provide for future commercial growth in that area. Staff prepared a letter addressing the concerns and requested MidAmerican’s intentions to expand and provide a projected timeline. Puck moved and Mengler seconded to send the letter to MidAmerican Energy. Motion carried.
Permission for use of Barbed Wire Top on Fence. Stagg reported MidAmerican Energy has requested to use a barbed wire top on a new fence at their facility located south of the railroad tracks and east of Blue Grass Road. This facility is considered a critical facility and the request meets the minimum safety standard requirements but the City Code requires permission from the City Council to use barbed wire. Mengler moved and Bieri seconded to approve the request from MidAmerican Energy to use barbed wire on their fence. Motion carried.
Residential Development. Discussion was held on additional areas for possible future residential development.
Clerk’s Report. 2024 Employee Health and Dental Insurance Benefits Renewal. Rickertsen reported the 2024 employee health and dental insurance will increase a combined 3.58%. Mengler moved and Puck seconded to approve the 2024 employee health and dental insurance renewal. Motion carried. Rickertsen noted the recent minutes from the Park Board and Recreational Trail Advisory Committee meetings are included in the meeting packet.
Council Member Comments. Mengler expressed thanks to the volunteers on the Recreational Trail Advisory Committee.
Knutsen moved and Mengler seconded to adjourn at 6:19 p.m. Motion carried. All votes on motions were unanimous, unless noted.