October 21, 2019
Briana
October 21, 2019
The semi-monthly meeting of the City Council of Walcott, Iowa, was held on Monday, the 21st day of October, 2019, at Walcott City Hall. Mayor John Kostichek called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m. Council members present were: Everett Bieri, John Brockmann, Lisa Mengler, Jacob Puck, and Larry Smith. Absent: None. City staff present: Adam Hill, Lisa Rickertsen, and Paul Stagg.
Approval of Agenda. Puck moved and Smith seconded to approve the agenda with the deletion of item 5, per request from Rita Stender. Motion carried.
Introduction of Audience/Public Comments. No comments at this time.
Consent Agenda. Mengler moved and Puck seconded to approve the consent agenda including the invoices, minutes from October 7, 2019, TIF rebate payment per agreement to Iowa 80 Truckstop, Inc. for Morton Building Project for $678.52, FYE 2019 Annual Financial Report, Resolution 2019-33 Transfer of Funds, and Resolution 2019-34 Obligating TIF Funds ($40,000) from the Consolidated Walcott Urban Renewal Area for FYE 2021. Roll call ayes: Smith, Mengler, Bieri, Puck, and Brockmann. Motion carried.
Request for 4-Way Stop at Downey & Otis Street Intersection. Joe Aubry reported a neighbor mentioned a request for a four-way stop at the intersection of Downey and Otis Streets. There are currently stop signs on Downey Street for the north and south bound traffic. Aubry stated he has observed the east and west bound traffic slow down to stop, causing confusion for other drivers, and inquired about installing signs that state that cross traffic doesn’t stop. Following further discussion, Mengler moved and Smith seconded to deny the request of a four-way stop at the intersection of Downey and Otis Streets. Motion carried.
Iowa Association of Municipal Utilities (IAMU) Safety & Health Management Services. Rickertsen reported that IAMU is looking for cities and utilities that would be interested in a new service to have a Safety Coordinator in our area to provide on-site-training and assist, create, and maintain OSHA compliance and safety culture. The City currently pays $1,800/year for participation in the current IAMU safety group and the estimated fee for a Safety Coordinator would be approximately $8,000/year. Services provided from a Safety Coordinator are still available to the City for a fee under the existing safety group services. Smith moved and Mengler seconded to deny proceeding with a Safety Coordinator. Motion carried.
City Parking Lot Improvements Project. Stagg reported on the two cost opinions of borings versus exploratory excavation on the lot for a proposed parking lot. Council consensus was to table until the next regular meeting, pending further details from the City Engineer.
Resolution 2019-35, Accepting Improvements and Authorizing Final Payment for the West Otis Street Improvements Project. Stagg reported on the recommendation for payment and project acceptance by the City Engineer. Stagg stated the contractor installed the inlet according to the plans and specifications and that the contractor has agreed to come back in the spring to weed and feed the area since it could not be done in the fall over new seed. Smith moved and Puck seconded to approve Resolution 2019-35, which includes a final payment to Cornerstone Excavating, Inc. for $27,763.56. Roll call ayes: Smith, Puck, Brockmann, Mengler, and Bieri. Motion carried.
Street Committee Recommendation – Tree Hazards. Smith reported on the findings by the Street Committee (Smith and Puck) regarding trees, particularly ash trees, on private property that pose a danger to adjoining property, passing motorists, or pedestrians. Resident Joe Hahn expressed his frustration that property owners are required to trim trees that overhang onto sidewalks and questioned when the City would enforce people to use the sidewalks instead of walking in the street. Following further discussion, Mengler moved and Puck seconded to have the Building/Code Enforcement Official send notices, with photos, to property owners regarding tree maintenance and extended deadline to seven weeks. Motion carried.
Council Member Comments. Brockmann stated that the graveled portion of W. Memorial Road has potholes. Stagg responded that he will look at it and spot rock if needed.
Puck moved and Smith seconded to adjourn at 6:40 p.m. Motion carried. All votes on motions were unanimous, unless noted.