​The Walcott City Council Tax Equalization Meeting was held April 7th, 2022 at 7:30 pm at the Walcott Fire Hall.
In attendance were Mayor Vining, council members Brown, Bennes, Janowicz, and Rhodenbaugh. Also in attendance was Wendy Matejcek with the Assessor’s Office, and Clayton Rieger.
Wendy presented the Assessor’s Office Tax Equalization Hearing information, including sales ratios, credits, mobile home report, and city taxable valuation & mills.  Wendy then presented the 2022 Walcott Mass Residential & Commercial Appraisals. A number of properties increased, many due to updates to land valuations. Wendy and council proceeded to address any audience questions.
Rhodenbaugh motioned to accept and approve the presented 2022 Walcott Tax Equalization report, seconded by Janowicz. All approved, motion carried.
Meeting was adjourned.

​The Walcott City Council Meeting was held April 4th, 2022 at 7:30 pm at the Walcott Fire Hall.
In attendance were Mayor Vining and council members Brown, Rhodenbaugh, Janowicz, and Oestreich. Also in attendance was Eric Nygren.
March minutes were read and approved by Rhodenbaugh, 2nd by Brown. All approved, motion carried.
Eric Nygren introduced himself as a candidate for the city council elections in June.
Vining reported that the snowblower has been ordered, and is hoping to have it by Thanksgiving 2022.
City of Walcott Cleanup Days are May 21 & 22. Dumpsters will be in the usual location and information will be posted and mailed out to all residents.
Vining presented a building permit for 477 7th Ave. No objections to issuance of the building permit.
Discussion was held regarding the land now owned by Kara Medcaff.
Due to weather and mud, demolition of the Rick Anderson house has been delayed.
Vining will contact Sherven, Grad, & Miller regarding additional property cleaned up.
Next Meeting May 2nd, 2022.
Brown motioned to adjourn, Oestreich 2nd. All Approved, motion carried.
General Fund Balance 165,704.04
OTPCO 54.77 & 398.72; Jen S 554.10; JDF 147.79; Daily News 43.20; Elm River 111.85
WSG Balance 62,218.82
OTPCO 311.59 & 67.63; Brian B. 369.40; SEWU 1126.96; City of Fargo 14; AE2S 70; WM 1785.46 & 12.08

The Walcott City Council Meeting was held March 7th, 2022 at 7:30 pm at the Walcott Fire Hall.
In attendance were Mayor Vining and council members Brown, Rhodenbaugh, Janowicz, and Oestreich. Also in attendance was Jim Berg.
Vining recognized the audience. Jim inquired about adding water to his property, and where the meter and curbstop should be placed. Vining stated that the resident would be responsible for all plumbing installation and supplying the frost-free location. The city will provide the meter.
January & February minutes were read and approved by Rhodenbaugh, 2nd by Oestreich. All approved, motion carried.
The City Tax Equalization meeting will be held on April 7th @ 7:30 pm at the Walcott Fire Hall.
Elections will be held on Tuesday, June 14, 2022. All election paperwork is due to Auditor Skoog by 4pm on April 11th to be included on the ballot. Elections will include 3 council member positions and 1 park board position. Election information can be found on the city website.
Water bills were discussed. Cynthia Erickson has moved without a forwarding address. Skoog will work to locate her, or her son, to resolve the outstanding balance.
ARPA funds reporting is due April 30th. Skoog is working through this paperwork.
Regarding the new meters, all information has been submitted, and Ferguson will be sending out letters soon.
Vining reported that the snowblower has some issues with the chute and blowing snow onto houses. Vining proposed that the city purchase a new commercial-grade snowblower out of Québec for $15,050, as long as we order before June. This type of blower is highly used in the FM area for commercial use. A blower similar to what the city already has would be $8k, and will have many of the same issues as the current blower. Rhodenbaugh motioned to order the new snowblower, seconded by Janowicz. Motion carried.
Next Meeting April 4th, 2022.
Brown motioned to adjourn, Oestreich 2nd. All Approved, motion carried.
General Fund Balance 155,273.06
OTPCO 50.77 & 414.05; Jen S 554.10 & 160.18; JDF 147.79; WSI 250; CHS 936.17; RDO 941.74 & 18.68
WSG Balance 65,975.94
OTPCO 354.28 & 82.45; Brian B. 369.40; SEWU 1229.02; City of Fargo 14; AE2S 70; WM 1785.46 & 12.08; BND 1200.59 & 3801.76

​The Walcott City Council Meeting was held February 7th, 2022 at 7:30 pm at the Walcott Fire Hall.
In attendance were Mayor Vining and council members Brown, Janowicz, and Oestreich. Absent was council member Rhodenbaugh and Auditor Skoog.
January minutes and bills were not available and will be reviewed at the March meeting.
Vining reported that the City experienced a plugged sewer again. The blockage of heavy white shop towels or flushable wipes was at a man hole in front of the ball diamond. This narrowed the source to be West of the ball diamond. Vining will work with contractors to determine the household source of these items.
City was experiencing some issues with electricity at the water plant. These issues were caused by Ottertail Power, who has since corrected the problem.
Next Meeting March 7th, 2022.
Oestreich motioned to adjourn, Brown 2nd. All Approved, motion carried. 

​The Walcott City Council Meeting was held January 3rd, 2022 at 7:3 pm at the Walcott Lutheran Church, due to the inability to get into the Fire Hall.
In attendance were Mayor Vining and council members Brown, Rhodenbaugh, Janowicz, and Oestreich.
November & December minutes and bills were read and approved by Rhodenbaugh, 2nd by Janowicz. All approved, motion carried.
Vining is working on converting the hydraulics on the loader to a single hookup to reduce the oil mess left behind. Vining got a couple extra parts for the tractor and snow blower.
Rick Anderson property clean-up is currently on hold due to the cold weather.
Snow removal has been going well.
Water meters – Skoog is finishing up on collecting resident data and entering everything into the new system for Ferguson. Nordquist may be installed since hers sprung a leak.
Next Meeting February 7th, 2022.
Janowicz motioned to adjourn, Brown 2nd. All Approved, motion carried.
General Fund Balance 143,604.40
OTPCO 30.09 & 403.01; Jen S 554.10; JDF 147.79; RDO 150.96; USPS 116: Daily News 67.50; Richland County 2627.08; Carousel Checks 52.33; US Treasury 459; Elm River 150.13
WSG Balance 64,322.48
OTPCO 239.74 & 67.76; Brian B. 369.40; SEWU 1205.39; City of Fargo 14; AE2S 70; WM 1785.46 & 12.08; Jetway 500

​The Walcott City Council Meeting was held December 6th, 2021 at 7:30 pm at the Walcott Fire Hall.
In attendance were Mayor Vining and council members Brown, Rhodenbaugh, Janowicz, and Oestreich. Absent was Auditor Skoog.
November bills and minutes were not available for approval.
Brewzer’s liquor/beer license applications were reviewed by the council. Rhodenbaugh motioned to approve the liquor/beer license for January 1-December 31st 2022, 2nd by Janowicz. All approved, motion carried.
Discussion was held regarding the current city water billing chart and other local city billing charts. Price per gallon water rates will not change at this time. Rhodenbaugh motioned to switch from rounding to the nearest 500 gallons to rounding to the nearest 1000 gallons, starting when new water meters are installed and electronic billing beings for each household, seconded by Oestreich. Motion carried.
The City is currently charging residents less than what is being paid by the City for residential garbage. Discussion was held. Rhodenbaugh motioned to increase the garbage charge to $18.50 per household to offset what is being charged, starting when new water meters are installed and electronic billing beings for each household, seconded by Brown. Motion carried.
Janowicz motioned to allow the two CDs at Elm River to be reinvested when they mature on December 29th, 2021, seconded by Oestreich. Motion carried.
The City received the bill from Ferguson for the new water meters. Brown motioned to pay the bill from the existing Water Sewer Checking account, seconded by Rhodenbaugh. Motion carried.
The Rick Anderson property at 355 5th Ave was purchased by the City in November with back taxes owed. The house on the property should be demolished and removed by January 2022.
Next Meeting January 3rd, 2022.
Janowicz motioned to adjourn, Brown 2nd. All Approved, motion carried.
General Fund Balance 115,715.02
OTPCO 27.78 & 377.15; Jen S 554.10 & 19.95; JDF 147.79; RDO 834.18 & 764.50; Mike Brown 240; Kylie Vining 440; USPS 58: Daily News 178.20 & 108; Richland County 2729.69; Banyon 3785
WSG Balance 88,523.43
CCE 29; OTPCO 188.42 & 72.03; Brian B. 369.40; SEWU 1224.61; City of Fargo 14 & 62; AE2S 70; WM 1715.79 & 12.08; Glacier ENT 8650.50; Ferguson 334.52; Banyon 3785

​The Walcott City Council Meeting was held November 1st, 2021 at 7:30 pm at the Walcott Fire Hall.
In attendance were Mayor Vining and council members Brown, Rhodenbaugh, Janowicz, and Oestreich.
October minutes were read and approved by Rhodenbaugh, 2nd by Brown. All approved, motion carried.
Glaicer and Jetway were out and cleaned all the city manholes and sewer lines. One of the sewer lines was clogged again with shop towels and flushable wipes. All residents are receiving a letter emphasizing the importance of flushing only toilet paper.
Release of Easement paperwork has been received from the attorney and needs signatures from Skoog, Vining, and Koenig. Skoog will work to collect all necessary signatures.
Vining will continue to work with the County on the diversion funds process.
Vining reported back that he attended the county redistricting meeting.
Vining is working with the attorney on correcting the property ownership of the lift station and the Walcott Church. An error was made in the closing process.
Discussion was held regarding the properties with delinquent taxes.
There is a light out at the corner of 6th Street and 9th Ave. Vining will contact Ottertail Power to fix.
Water bills were discussed.
Next Meeting December 6th, 2021.
Brown motioned to adjourn, Oestreich 2nd. All Approved, motion carried.
General Fund Balance 122,617.87
OTPCO 29.80 & 406.20; Jen S 554.10; JDF 147.79; Lies, Bullis, Hatting 145; Glacier ENT 1875; US Treasury 459
WSG Balance 93,238.42
CCE 29; OTPCO 215.58 & 79.71; Brian B. 369.40; SEWU 2071.40; City of Fargo 14; AE2S 70; WM 1713.16 & 12.08; Daily News 8.10; Glacier ENT 2875

​The Walcott City Council Meeting was held October 4th, 2021 at 7:30 pm at the Walcott Fire Hall.
In attendance were Mayor Vining and council members Brown, Rhodenbaugh, Janowicz, and Oestreich.
September minutes were read and approved by Rhodenbaugh, 2nd by Brown. All approved, motion carried
Second Reading of the revised Ordinance 2021-2 was read, regulating move of structures or buildings and amending zoning ordinance governing mobile homes. Oestreich motioned to accept the second reading, 2nd by Rhodenbaugh. All approved, motion carried.
Rhodenbaugh motioned to accept Resolution 2021-2 that establishes a $500 fee for moving structures and buildings, seconded by Oestreich. All approved, motion carried.
The $500,000 grant request submitted to the county Diversion funds for a new Lagoon was submitted and Vining received notification today that it was rejected.
The County Auditor requests that the City appoints a representative to attend the County Redistricting Board meeting on October 28th. Rhodenbaugh motioned to appoint Vining as the representative, Oestreich 2nd. All approved, motion carried.
A hydraulic leak was discovered on the big tractor. Vining will be making those repairs.
City was notified of three properties in town currently delinquent on taxes. Council agreed that these properties will be sold at minimum prices as set by the county.
City laptop used by the auditor is old and extremely slow. With the new meter program coming out, council has agreed to allow Auditor Skoog to purchase a new laptop.
Vining and Skoog have been working to gather resident information. Over half the town is complete and Skoog will work on obtaining the rest.
Regarding property clean-up, no further information is available on the Anderson property. Vining spoke with Miller regarding the additional items in the yard. They are continuing to cleanup the items.
The county requests a listing of all special assessments prior to November 1st. Charges for mowing Wiest property will be the same as last year.
Concerns were brough forth to the council regarding daily loud music, excessive traffic, and property trespassing from a residence running a cross-fit business on 5th Ave. Council suggested that the county sheriff office be called.
Water bills were discussed.
Next Meeting November 1st, 2021.
Brown motioned to adjourn, Oestreich 2nd. All Approved, motion carried.
General Fund Balance 123,286.15
OTPCO 31.60 & 378.60; Jen S 554.10; JDF 147.79; Lies, Bullis, Hatting 120; Daily News 86.40; Farmer’s Union 320
WSG Balance 91,306.23
OTPCO 226.34 & 85.46; Brian B. 369.40, 89.09, 15.58; SEWU 1672.69; City of Fargo 14; AE2S 70; WM 1713.16 & 12.08; CPS 36.76; Shortprinter 38.82; NDDQ 450.18

​The Walcott City Council Meeting was held September 13th, 2021 at 7:30 pm at the Walcott Fire Hall.
In attendance were Mayor Vining and council members Brown, Rhodenbaugh, Janowicz, Oestreich. Also in attendance was Sue Farsdale and Jeremy Fischer with MDU.
August minutes were read and approved by Rhodenbaugh, 2nd by Brown. All approved, motion carried
Jeremy Fischer with MDU discussed details regarding the possible implementation of Natural Gas in Walcott. MDU is scheduling resident meetings in 2022, with planning in 2023 and installation and implementation in late 2024. MDU requires 40% of customers to sign up before the project can more forward. Once the lines are installed, residents have the option to hook up later, however MDU encourages residents to sign up right away to ensure the project can move forward. Residents could expect a savings of up to half their propane bill. The path of the final line has not yet been determined and depends greatly on easements with landowners.
Sue had some questions regarding the new water meters, dirt or gravel to fill a spot dug for water, and the current status of the cleanup of Miller property.
Regarding property clean-up, there has been no response from Anderson. Taxes on the property are due October 1st. B. Nelson’s abandoned home has been torn down and is being cleaned up. Properties that will be contacted and are needing clean-up are Duray and C. Anderson.
Steve Koenig purchased the South Well from the city for $1,000. Vining is working with the attorney on proper paperwork. Cass county electric bill is for this well.
Water break at residence on Southside of ball diamond has been discovered and fixed.
Glacier and Jetway will be working on manholes that need cleaning this week.
Manhole that was previously thought to be plugged with flushable wipes is plugged up again, however Glacier thinks it may be white shop towels instead. Residents are asked to please NOT flush these items.
Herb Berg is trying to get water dug into his new shop without a water meter. Glacier has informed him that if he needs water hooked up, he is required to have a water meter.
With assistance from AE2S, City submitted a $500,000 grant request to the county Diversion funds for a new Lagoon.
Due to various revisions, the First Reading of the revised Ordinance 2021-2 was read, regulating move of structures or buildings and amending zoning ordinance governing mobile homes. Janowicz motioned to accept the first reading, including the revisions, 2nd by Oestreich. All approved, motion carried. Second reading will occur at the October meeting.
Skoog brought forth the proposed bid from Banyon Data for $7,570. Rhodenbaugh motioned to accept the bid, 2nd by Janowicz. All approved, motion carried.
Starting this week, Vining and Skoog will be visiting each residence to deliver an information sheet on the new meters and obtain resident information for the city records.
Water bills were discussed.
Next Meeting October 4th, 2021.
Brown motioned to adjourn, Oestreich 2nd. All Approved, motion carried.
General Fund Balance 121,983.68
OTPCO 30.15 & 382.67; Jen S 554.10; JDF 147.79; Daily News 40.50 & 86.40; NDLC 451; Glacier Ent 5442.76; TJM 3813
WSG Balance 85,847.67
OTPCO 211.92 & 85.77; Brian B. 369.40; SEWU 1965.15; City of Fargo 62; AE2S 70; WM 1713.16 & 12.08; CCE 29 & 29; Ferguson 152.81; BND 1126.21 & 24703.64

​The Walcott City Council Meeting was held August 10th, 2021 at 7:30 pm at the Walcott Fire Hall.
In attendance were Mayor Vining and council members Brown, Rhodenbaugh, Janowicz and Oestreich.
July minutes were read and approved by Rhodenbaugh, 2nd by Brown. All approved, motion carried.
Roads have been graveled. Dust treatment should be done this week.
Miller and B. Nelson have received property cleanup notices and are making progress towards cleanup. Anderson has not yet been located by the attorney.
2020 water report has been completed. Vining will finish up paperwork and the report will be published on the city website and on the community board.
Glacier Enterprises is pulling all manholes and contacting Jetway if any need to be cleaned. One fire hydrant will be fixed near 4th street. Glacier Enterprises quoted $1,875 to clean the ditch North of the church so the water drains. Rhodenbaugh motioned to accept the bid, 2nd by Oestreich. All approved, motion carried.
Kindred is getting natural gas in 2024 and the line will be running just East of Walcott. MDU will do a study of Walcott to see if they would dig into town for free or if it will cost a fee. MDU should be attending the September meeting.
Larry Moe is interested in buying water from the old well located on Koenig’s property, pending if he is able to get a line across Koenig’s property. Tabled for future discussion.
First Reading of Ordinance 2021-2 was read, regulating move of structures or buildings and amending zoning ordinance governing mobile homes. Council reviewed and made a few revisions to be discussed with the attorney. Oestreich motioned to accept the first reading, including the revisions, 2nd by Janowicz. All approved, motion carried.
Vining presented the two bids put together by Ferguson Waterworks for each style of meters. Discussion was held. Rhodenbaugh motioned to accept the $50,452 bid for MACH 10 Ultrasonic Meters and to move forward with the installation process through Ferguson Waterworks, 2nd by Janowicz. All approved, motion carried.
Discussion was held regarding having asphalt laid in front of the city shop. Council agreed to hold off until Main Street is redone.
2022 Walcott Budget Hearing Date is September 13th, 2021.
Water bills were discussed.
Next Meeting September 13th, 2021.
Brown motioned to adjourn, Oestreich 2nd. All Approved, motion carried.
General Fund Balance 130,213.88
OTPCO 27.37 & 418.13; Jen S 554.10; WM 3285.18; JDF 147.79; Lies, Bullis, Hatting 442.64; US Treasury 459
WSG Balance 105,850.12
OTPCO 197.07 & 70.58; Brian B. 369.40; SEWU 1492.73; City of Fargo 14; AE2S 70; WM 1713.16 & 12.08; CCE 9; Elm River 596.95