October 2, 2023 Minutes
City of Walcott
October 2, 2023
The semi-monthly meeting of the City Council of Walcott, Iowa, was held on Monday, October 2, 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, Paul Stagg, and Fire Chief, Korry Kraft.
Introduction of Audience/Public Comments. None.
Approval of Agenda. Koberg moved and Knutsen seconded to approve the agenda. Motion carried.
Consent Agenda. Mengler moved and Puck seconded to approve the consent agenda including the invoices, minutes from September 18, 2023, Tax Increment Financing (TIF) rebate payments per agreements – Iowa 80 Truckstop, Inc. – Main Building Expansion, ½ of 4th year rebate = $9,578.92 and Atlantic Bottling Company –Distribution Building, ½ of 3rd year rebate = $29,875.07, and Resolution 2023-39, Transfer of Funds and Fund Closure ($36,119.12 from Road Use Tax Fund to Lincoln Street Project Fund). Roll call ayes: Mengler, Puck, Bieri, Koberg, and Knutsen. Motion carried.
Disposal of 1949 Fire Truck. Kraft reported the 1949 fire truck has been parked outside for the past few years. He stated the department previously reached out to a local business and organization about storing and/or refurbishing the truck but nothing materialized. Kraft reported the department members recently voted to place the truck up for sale. Following discussion, Koberg moved and Puck seconded to list the 1949 fire truck for sale on GovDeals. Motion carried.
Heritage Recreational Trail Extension (Phase 2). Discussion washeld on the location of phase 2 of the recreational trail. Following discussion, including past direction/intent of the trail extension, property ownership, bridge costs and ongoing maintenance, engineering, and potential landscape screening, Mengler moved and Puck seconded to direct the Recreational Trail Advisory Committee to continue with the trail on the south side of the creek, adjacent to the north and west sides of the Westbrook subdivisions. Motion carried. This will connect to the current trail north of Bridge Lane and follow the creek to W. Otis Street.
- Resolution 2023-40, Establishing Project Fund and Authorizing Transfer. Puck moved and Bieri seconded to approve Resolution 2023-40. Roll call ayes: Puck, Bieri, Mengler, Koberg, and Knutsen. Motion carried. This resolution creates a fund for phase 2 of the Heritage Recreational Trail and authorizes a transfer of $25,000 from the General Fund to the Recreational Trail Reserve Fund. Motion carried.
City Logo/Slogan. Rickertsen reported that questions arose from the website vendor regarding the City’s logo/slogan. Following discussion Mengler moved and Bieri seconded to keep the current slogan. Motion carried.
Public Works Department Report. Stagg reported the final online bid for the 2012 GMC 1500 truck was $9,169, which he felt was low. Following discussion, Koberg moved and Bieri seconded to sell the 2012 GMC 1500 truck to the high bidder for $9,169. Motion carried. Stagg reported he recently completed hydrant flushing and that Visu-Sewer started cleaning and televising sewer lines, in preparation for the sewer lining project which was approved earlier this year. Discussion was held on the construction signs lying in right-of-way. If the signs are not picked up by the contractor by the end of the week staff will collect them.
Clerk Clerk’s. Rickertsen reported the FYE 2023 (July 1, 2022 – June 30, 2023) annual examination was completed by the State of Iowa Auditor’s office and no exceptions were noted, which indicates another clean financial exam.
Mayor’s Report. Mayor Kostichek expressed thanks and appreciation to the Clerk’s Department for another clean financial exam.
Council Member Comments. Knutsen questioned the usage of the tennis courts and the possibility of pickleball courts. Staff responded that the Park Board has been discussing upgrading one of the courts for pickleball, although lines for a pickleball court were painted a few years ago. Mengler stated a local property owner she spoke to is not interested in selling ground for residential development. Koberg reported he spoke to a property owner that is interested. Residential development will be listed on the next agenda.
Koberg moved and Puck seconded to adjourn at 6:40 p.m. Motion carried. All votes on motions were unanimous, unless noted.