September 18, 2023 Minutes
City of Walcott
September 18, 2023
The semi-monthly meeting of the City Council of Walcott, Iowa, was held on Monday, September 18, 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, and Jacob Puck. Staff present: Jeff Blake, Lisa Rickertsen, and Paul Stagg. Council members Kirk Koberg and Lisa Mengler arrived at 6:03.
Introduction of Audience/Public Comments. No comments at this time.
Approval of Agenda. Knutsen moved and Bieri seconded to approve the agenda. Motion carried.
Consent Agenda. Bieri moved and Knutsen seconded to approve the consent agenda including the invoices and the August 2023 financial reports. Motion carried.
Minutes from September 5, 2023. Puck moved and Bieri seconded to approve the minutes from September 5, 2023. Motion carried.
Approval of Fire Department Member. Chief Kraft introduced Brett Schneckloth. Puck moved and Bieri seconded to approve the appointment of Brett Schneckloth to the Fire Department. Mayor Kostichek thanked Schneckloth for volunteering to be on the department.
Approval of Door Replacement. A project worksheet was presented to replace the exterior door in the fire department meeting room. Puck moved and Bieri seconded to approve the low bid from American Industrial Door Company, at a cost of $3,732.61. Motion carried. Mengler arrived, followed by Koberg.
Water Tower Park Playground – Concrete Pad and Walkway for Ten Spin. Stagg presented a bid for the 20’x20’ concrete pad for the new playground equipment and a 17’ walkway to it from the sidewalk. A poured rubber surface will be installed on top of the pad. Following discussion, Mengler moved and Puck seconded to accept the concrete bid from Aero Concrete, at a cost of $12,343.75. Motion carried.
Residential Development. Stagg presented estimated costs to extend sewer to two potential residential development areas, which will require utility easements through private property. Discussion was held on potential development areas, land availability, infrastructure costs, and floodplain areas. Mengler and Puck will reach out to a local property owner and inquire about their potential interest in selling ground for residential development.
Resolution 2023-38, Accepting Improvements and Authorizing Final Payment for the 2019 Water Main Improvements Project. Knutsen moved and Mengler seconded to approve Resolution 2023-38, accepting improvements for the 2019 water main project and authorizing final payment to BWC Excavating in the amount of $7,055.31. Roll call ayes: Knutsen, Mengler, Puck, Bieri, and Koberg. Motion carried.
Police Department Report. Chief Blake reported he intends to submit a grant for LED radar speed signs, which display the vehicle speed. Council consensus was to proceed with the grant application as discussed.
Public Works Department Report. Stagg requested permission to dispose of the 2012 GMC 1500 truck through GovDeals. Puck moved and Koberg seconded to list the 2012 GMC 1500 truck on GovDeals. Motion carried. Stagg reported W. Otis Street, from Parker Street to the west, is now open and the splash pad will be dismantled this week. Questions arose on the hanging flower baskets. Prior council direction was to remove the flower baskets by the 1st day of fall so the hanging baskets will be taken down on Friday, September 22nd.
Mayor’s Report. Mayor Kostichek thanked the Public Works Department for their assistance on projects this summer and expressed thanks to residents for their cooperation during recent construction projects.
Council Member Comments. Concerns were expressed that spectators attending football games at the school should not be parking on private commercial property. Chief Blake will contact the school about the concerns.
Koberg moved and Mengler seconded to adjourn at 6:42 p.m.