October 5, 2011 – Special Meeting
City of Walcott
October 5, 2011
A special meeting of the City Council of the City of Walcott, Iowa was held on Wednesday, October 5, 2011, with Mayor Couper calling the meeting to order at 6:33 p.m. Council members present were: Koehler, Koberg, Kostichek, Jackie Puck, and Jacob Puck. City employees present were: L. Rickertsen and J. Brockmann. Several citizens were in attendance.
Koehler moved and Jacob Puck seconded to approve the agenda. Ayes: All. Motion carried.
The meeting was held to discuss purchasing property, particularly the petition received during the October 3rd meeting regarding the request for the City to attend the auction at 1113 N. Main Street on October 13th to purchase the building and renovate it for City Hall. Koberg reported on issues at the state level regarding a proposal to lower the commercial property taxes, which will affect the City's property tax revenue. He stated he felt there were three options: purchase the property and renovate later, do not purchase any property, or delay future projects in order to purchase property at 1113 N. Main Street and renovate it now. Discussion ensued involving various audience and council members in regards to possible options and renovation costs for the property. Questions also arose on the City's intent to purchase two properties near City Hall on Lincoln Street. Koberg stated the property at 106 W. Lincoln Street is in disrepair and viewed demolition as an enhancement to the community. Jacob Puck also responded that the original idea was to purchase the property at 106 W. Lincoln Street when the adjacent property became available. The intention was to create parking and/or green space and not to build a new City Hall at this time.
Brent Puck, representing the Vision Committee, stated during the May 2008 Visioning Event, a new City Hall was on both the short and long term lists of wants. He stated it needs to be discussed and the City needs a long term plan, involving all departments, as to what the City wants their future to be. Puck stated the petition only had two options but there are further possibilities and this is a seed to start discussion. Other audience members commented they felt it was a good investment to purchase the property at 1113 N. Main Street but future meetings should also be held to discuss options.
Jackie Puck moved and Kostichek seconded to go into a closed session under Iowa Code Chapter 21.5 (1) (J) to discuss the purchase of particular real estate. Roll call ayes: Jackie Puck, Kostichek, Koberg, Koehler, and Jacob Puck. Motion carried. All audience members left the council chambers and the following employees were authorized to remain: L. Rickertsen and J. Brockmann. Koehler moved and Jacob Puck seconded to close the closed session and resume the special meeting at 7:50 p.m. Roll call ayes: Koehler, Jacob Puck, Jackie Puck, Kostichek, and Koberg.
Jackie Puck moved and Jacob Puck seconded to authorize John Brockmann to attend the real estate auction at 1113 N. Main Street on October 13, 2011, and bid on the property as discussed during the closed meeting. Motion carried.
Jackie Puck moved and Koberg seconded to adjourn at 7:55 p.m. Ayes: All. Motion carried.