The semi-monthly meeting of the City Council of Walcott, Iowa, was held on Monday, the 20th day of November, 2017, at Walcott City Hall. Mayor John Kostichek called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m. Council members present were: Virgil Wayne Latimer, Tim Koehler, Lisa Mengler, and Jacob Puck. Absent: Jackie Puck. City staff present: Jeff Blake, Lisa Rickertsen, Tom Schirman, and Paul Stagg.
Consent Agenda. Rickertsen reported on the details of Resolution 2017-41. Mengler moved and Koehler seconded to approve the consent agenda including the invoices, minutes from November 6, 2017, October 2017 financial reports, Resolution 2017-41 – Establishing Splash Pad Project Fund & Authorizing Transfer of Funds, and the 2017-2018 Winter Maintenance Proposal with Scott County. Roll call ayes: Mengler, Jacob Puck, Latimer, and Koehler. Motion carried.
Hazard Mitigation Plan Update. Rickertsen reported on a possible update to Walcott’s hazard priorities and mitigation actions listed in the Scott County Hazard Mitigation Plan. Mengler moved and Koehler seconded to approve adding to investigate the feasibility of developing a regional storm water detention area south of the Interstate 80 interchange area to the plan. Motion carried.
Utility GIS Mapping. Stagg reported on the need to develop a comprehensive GIS mapping program for use in maintaining and managing the City’s utility infrastructure. This was discussed during budget preparations and is included in the current budget. John Brockmann questioned if all employees would have access to the maps. Stagg stated this will be a web based interactive map program and the company will provide printed maps to be utilized by the entire department. Following further discussion, Koehler moved and Mengler seconded to proceed with purchasing the GIS mapping for water and sewer utilities from Midland GIS Solutions. Motion carried. The cost is $20,610 plus an annual web GIS hosting fee of $1,800.
Dump Trailer Purchase. Stagg stated the current practice of cycling old dump trucks to the wastewater plant for sludge handling is very costly. A dump trailer will provide the same service at lower costs and easier mode of operation. Mengler moved and Jacob Puck seconded to approve the purchase of a dump trailer as presented. Motion carried. The trailer price is $7,500.
Stagg reported on updated costs for the asbestos and demolition removal of the city-owned property adjacent to City Hall. Discussion was held on placing salvageable items out for bid. The Fire Department will be utilizing the house for training purposes and demolition is not expected until next spring.
Electronic Community Sign. Austin Burt presented a letter and project budget for the proposed electronic community organization sign. He reported on the fundraising progress and requested $2,000 from the City’s Community Beautification/Vision Fund towards the project. Koehler moved and Latimer seconded to approve the request from Hearts & Hands Foundation of $2,000 towards the electronic sign. Motion carried.
Future Budget Requests. Austin Burt requested the City Council consider future budgeting to the Community Beautification/Vision Fund for future projects.
City Clerk Report. Rickertsen reported on a voluntary, employee paid vision insurance program available through Wellmark. Jacob Puck moved and Mengler seconded to allow employees to participate in the vision insurance program with all costs paid by the employee through payroll. Motion carried. Rickertsen stated the State Auditor’s Office released the FYE 2017 Examination report and no exceptions were noted in the report.
Mengler moved and Koehler seconded to adjourn at 6:30 p.m. Motion carried. All votes on motions were unanimous, unless noted.