The Walcott City Council Meeting was held March 6th, 2023 at 7:30 pm at the Walcott Fire Hall.

In attendance were Mayor Vining and council members Brown, Janowicz, and Rhodenbough. Absent was council member Oestreich and auditor Skoog. Also in attendance was Jon Rieger, and Randy Jawaski and Debbie Erickson with Fat Man Trash.

February minutes and financials were read and approved by Brown, 2nd by Janowicz. All approved, motion carried.

Randy Jawaski and Debbie Erickson presented what services Fat Man Trash could provide for the city. Offerings included weekly trash and monthly recycling curbside pickup, along with clean-up day services.

Jon Rieger presented the Tax Exemption status for Little Miracles LLC day care. State Century Code allow for day cares to request exemption status on the structure only. Exemption only applies to the business name and owner. If anything were to change, the exemption status would no longer apply. Rhodenbough motioned to approve the tax exemption status for Little Miracles LLC day care, owned by Jon Rieger, seconded by Brown. All approved, motion carried.

Vining presented the Emergency Snow and Flood Declarations for 2023. City will begin flood prevention measures of cleaning snow from ditches as soon as weather allows. This declaration allows the city to rent equipment and hire contractors for prevention measures as needed. Janowicz motioned to approve the Emergency Snow and Flood Declarations for 2023, seconded by Brown. All approved, motion carried.

Next Meeting April 3rd, 2023
Janowicz motioned to adjourn, seconded by Brown. All Approved, motion carried.
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General Fund Balance 246,059.74
OTPCO 399.36 & 85.30; Jen S 554.10 & 297.23; Daily News 62.10; CHS 118.42; Twin Valley Tire 565
WSG Balance 85,391.59
Brian B. 369.40; WM 1840.14 & 13.47; City of Fargo 14; OTPCO 357.12 & 73.17; SEWU 1185.43; AE2S 90; Fergusons 14,033.25; Ryan Bros 761.23; Riteway 203.01; Bank of ND 4740; USPS 19.20 & 76.80

​The Walcott City Council Meeting was held February 6th, 2023 at 7:30 pm at the Walcott Fire Hall.
In attendance were Mayor Vining and council members Brown, Janowicz, Rhodenbough and Oestreich. Also in attendance was Jon Rieger and Casey with T&G Sanitation.
January minutes and financials were read and approved by Rhodenbough, 2nd by Brown. All approved, motion carried.
Casey with T&G discussed the possibility of bringing garbage service into town. Cans would be increased to a 96 gallon can for less than what is being paid to Waste Management. Recycling would not be an option at this time, but anticipate this as an option within 18 months. They would also be able to service roll-offs, dumpsters, and curbside pickup for clean-up week.
Jon Rieger has a grant for a new daycare in the area. Other options didn’t pan out and is in the process of purchasing Randy’s Cabinets building and remodeling it into a childcare facility this year with the intention of expanding the building in the future. Jon asked if there is anything further the city needs and inquired if we would consider a property exemption or allow the PILOT program. Vining will discuss these options with the county to get more information.
Garbage rates from Waste Management have increased again in January.
New WSG postcards have been received and will be used starting with the February bills.
Meters with issues are now fixed and those that needed meters now have them.
Some past due bills are being taken care of.
Attorney confirmed that sales of city property over $2,500 or more has to be done by auction/bids. Council decided to list the old snow blower for less than $2,500.
John Kristanson will be taking care of all Park Board paperwork beginning March 1st.
Next Meeting March 6th, 2023
Rhodenbough motioned to adjourn, Oestreich 2nd. All Approved, motion carried.
General Fund Balance 167,852.13
OTPCO 382.88 & 36.39; Jen S 554.10 & 28.29; RDO 2587; Daily News 121.50; Richland Co 2627.08; US Treasury 459; CHS 1274.24; WSI 250;
WSG Balance 98,817.44
Brian B. 369.40; WM 1859.86 & 13.47; City of Fargo 14; OTPCO 326.43 & 69.41; SEWU 886.16; AE2S 90 & 90

​The Walcott City Council Meeting was held January 9th, 2023 at 7:30 pm at the Walcott Fire Hall.
In attendance were Mayor Vining and council members Brown, Janowicz, Rhodenbough and Oestreich. Also in attendance was John Kristanson.
December minutes and November & December financials were read and approved by Rhodenbough, 2nd by Janowicz. All approved, motion carried.
The new snowblower has arrived and has been paid for. The old snowblower will be sold. Vining will research the value and decide with the attorney if we can sell outright or sell via bids.
Old Anderson property has been surveyed and staked out. Vining will contact the realtor for next steps.
Vining will follow up with the new plumber on the few homes in town with meter issues.
The Planker chicken agreement was presented to the council. Rhodenbough motioned to approve the agreement, seconded by Brown. All approved, motion carried.
Skoog presented information on the GovCard system. The city will offer this payment option, however, residents are responsible for the additional costs.
Skoog is ordering new WSG postcards for future bills.
Multiple shutoff notices were sent with this month’s bills.
Next Meeting February 6th, 2023.
Rhodenbough motioned to adjourn, Oestreich 2nd. All Approved, motion carried.
November Financials:
General Fund Balance 178,963.41
OTPCO 384.39 & 28.83; Jen S 554.10; TJM Trucking 550.50; RDO 148.44 & 1014.86; Wyatt V 665;Daily News 48.60
WSG Balance 86,334.52
Brian B. 369.40; AE2S 90; Ferguson 1050; City of Fargo 62; FCCU 3; Harland Clark 57.88; OTPCO 254.04, 96.27, 80.88, 220.68
December Financials:
General Fund Balance 170,364.55
OTPCO 429.52 & 24.33; Jen S 554.10 & 33.90; Ackerman Survey 934; RDO 15,055
WSG Balance 90,778.27
Brian B. 369.40; USPS 240; WM 1788.20, 13.47, 1788.20, 13.47; City of Fargo 14; Jen Skoog 16.06; OTPCO 168.66 & 60.72; SEWU 1107.13 & 1060.28

The Walcott City Council Meeting was held December 5th, 2022 at 7:30 pm at the Walcott Fire Hall.

In attendance were Mayor Vining and council members Brown, Oestreich, and Rhodenbough. Absent was Janowicz.

November minutes and October financials were read and approved by Rhodenbough, 2nd by Brown. All approved, motion carried. No November financials this month due to bank transferring issues.

Vining contacted Ackerman Survey to survey out the old Anderson property.

Herb Berg told Vining that he doesn’t want the new water meter installed until Spring 2023. Vining contacted a new plumbing company to work with on finishing the installation of a few meters in town.

The Snowblower that was expected to be in by Thanksgiving still has not yet arrived.

Effective January 1, 2023 all rental properties in the city will be billed using the same method. Skoog reviewed other past due accounts.

Due to changes in a third party provider for emailing out bills, that is no longer an option for the city. Skoog will look into the option of transitioning to postcard bills.

Oestreich motioned to approve the 2023 Beer/Liquor licenses for Brewzers, pending the receipt of the full applications and all past due water bills being paid in full by December 9th, 2022 at 5pm, seconded by Rhodenbough. All approved, motion carried.

Next Meeting January 9th, 2023.

Brown motioned to adjourn, Rhodenbough 2nd. All Approved, motion carried.
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October Financials:
General Fund Balance 179,831.33
OTPCO 425.46 & 31.54; Jen S 554.10; US Treasury 459; AE2S 255; FCCU 350.46; Farmer’s Union 350; Glacier ENT 8100; Wyatt V 600; Daily News 59.40
WSG Balance 75,653.95
Brian B. 369.40; SEWU 1571.98; Jen S 31.13 & 26.55; WM 1788.20 & 13.47; AE2S 490; NDQE 198.60; Ferguson 1227.98; City of Fargo 14; Glacier ENT 3890

The Walcott City Council Meeting was held November 7, 2022 at 7:30 pm at the Walcott Fire Hall.
In attendance were Mayor Vining and council members Brown, Oestreich, Janowicz, and Rhodenbough. Also in attendance was John Kristanson.

October minutes and September financials were read and approved by Rhodenbough, 2nd by Oestreich. All approved, motion carried. No October financials this month due to bank transferring issues.

Council discussed options to sell Anderson lot. Bob Helbling quoted 7% of selling costs plus closing fees plus $700-800 of advertising if auctioned off. Realtor, Sebrina Knutson, quoted 6% of selling costs plus $500-800 in closing fees. Lee discussed land surveying options with Sebrina. Council needs to decide if we are going to do sealed bids, auction off, or list with a realtor. General council consensus is to move forward with listing with a realtor. Lee will contact Knutson.

As of the meeting, the City has not been contacted about putting a water meter into the new Berg building.

Skoog provided an update on meters and water bills. Most are paying correct amounts and on-time. Skoog will contact Banyon about possible upgrade to emailing option.

Due to an increase in costs from Waste Management, effective January 1, 2023, garbage rates will be increasing to $19 per metered account.

Mowing bill for Rick Anderson property was submitted. Council approved moving forward with paying $15 each mowing instance.

Now, therefore, be it resolved, that the City of Walcott adopts the Richland County Multi-Hazard Mitigation Plan as approved by the Federal Emergency Management Agency. Rhodenbough motioned to approve the Multi-Hazard Mitigation Plan resolution, seconded by Janowicz. All approved, motion carried.

Next Meeting December 5th, 2022.
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Janowicz motioned to adjourn, Rhodenbough 2nd. All Approved, motion carried.

September Financials:
General Fund Balance 190,355.92
OTPCO 359.53 & 22.63; Jen S 554.10; USPS 180; Richland Co 25.92 & 335.08; Banyon 787.50
WSG Balance 65,313.12
OTPCO 68.12 & 166.97; Brian B. 369.40; SEWU 1273.51; Jen Skoog 70.38; WM 1788.20 & 13.47; AE2S 255; NDQE 251.58; Ferguson 3319.71; City of Fargo 14; Banyon 787.50

​The Walcott City Council Meeting was held October 3, 2022 at 7:30 pm at the Walcott Fire Hall.
In attendance were Mayor Vining and council members Brown, Oestreich, and Janowicz. Also in attendance was John Kristanson. Absent was Rhodenbough.
September minutes were read and approved by Oestreich, 2nd by Brown. All approved, motion carried. No financials this month due to bank transferring.
Herb Berg has water hooked up to his new property. No one has contacted Lee to get a meter installed.
Lee received his new credit card.
Skoog provided an update on water bills and meter issues.
Property upkeep was done to the Sherven residence this summer. Janowicz motioned to pay $75 per mowing instance and to charge it back as special assessment on taxes, seconded by Brown. Carried.
Lee is working with the city attorney on ensuring residents keep trailers/extra vehicles off the street for the upcoming winter snow removal.
John will be working with Kaelen on park board budget and status.
Discussion regarding cleanup and purchase of Rick Anderson property. Vining will research options for selling property and bring to Nov meeting.
Next Meeting November 7th, 2022.
Oestreich motioned to adjourn, Janowicz 2nd. All Approved, motion carried.

​The Walcott City Council Meeting was held September 12, 2022 at 7:30 pm at the Walcott Fire Hall.
In attendance were Mayor Vining and council members Brown, Oestreich, Rhodenbaugh and Janowicz. Also in attendance was Hannah Schwartz, Clayton Reiger, John Kristanson, and Jim Berg.
August minutes and bills were read and approved by Oestreich, 2nd by Rhodenbough. All approved, motion carried.
Discussion was held regarding the 2023 tax levy. Janowicz motioned to approve the final 2023 budget, 2nd by Brown. All approved, motion carried.
Jim Berg inquired about the current water situation by his new shop. There is currently a huge mess of curb stops and piping near the site. Lee is working on getting Jim a new meter (1”) – the city will have their plumber install the meter. A fire hydrant has been installed on the property. Jim confirmed that it will be hooked up through their meter. Locates have been ordered and then Glacier Ent will work on the water lines.
John Kristanson won the election write-in for Walcott park board. Kaelan and John are asked to attend the October meeting to discuss items for the park board.
Vining and Skoog provided and update on the water meter replacement process.
Skoog brought up possible specials added to properties with non-payment. Any added specials need to be reported by the October meeting.
Vining reported that letters from the attorney will be going out to properties that need personal property cleanup in their yards.
Next Meeting October 3rd, 2022.
Oestreich motioned to adjourn, Rhodenbough 2nd. All Approved, motion carried.
General Fund Balance 188,967.00
OTPCO 367.06 & 29.32; Jen S 554.10; Sundale Steel 690; Lies Bullis Hatting 141.95; Daily News 37.80
WSG Balance 73,180.56
OTPCO 95.12 & 213.29; Brian B. 369.40; SEWU 1658.15; WM 1788.20 & 13.47; Ferguson 198.72 & 969.82; City of Fargo 56; ND Sewage Pump 625; Bank of ND 25,036.76 & 1175.59

​The Walcott City Council Meeting was held August 8, 2022 at 7:30 pm at the Walcott Fire Hall.
In attendance were Mayor Vining and council members Brown and Oestreich. Absent were Rhodenbaugh and Janowicz.
July minutes and bills were read and approved by Brown, 2nd by Oestreich. All approved, motion carried.
After tomorrow, there should only be a few meters left to be installed in town. Lee is working through these and they will be manually updated as they are resolved.
Richland County provided the foreclosure list of two properties in town. If taxes are not paid, they will go up for public sale.
City of Walcott Tax Levy Hearing will be September 12th at 7:30pm at Walcott Fire Hall.
Next Meeting September 12th, 2022.
Brown motioned to adjourn, Oestreich 2nd. All Approved, motion carried.
General Fund Balance 187,757.22
OTPCO 410.35 & 27.57; Jen S 554.10; Farmer’s Union 2268; WM 3513.97; Elm River 308.98; Lee V 810; US Treasury 459; Lies Bullis Hatting 70; ND League of Cities 465
WSG Balance 94,781.53
OTPCO 191.42 & 110.84; Brian B. 369.40 & 65.08; SEWU 1507.41; AE2S 70; WM 1789.02 & 12.08; ND Rural Water 260; Elm River 30; USPS 49.28; Ferguson 540.65; City of Fargo 108; Glacier ENT 2142.50

​The Walcott City Council Meeting was held July 11, 2022 at 7:30 pm at the Walcott Fire Hall.
In attendance were Mayor Vining and council members Brown, Rhodenbaugh, Janowicz, and Oestreich.
June minutes were read and approved by Brown, 2nd by Oestreich. All approved, motion carried.
Vining reported that our payments for the John Deere tractor are now complete.
Vining presented the Release of Easement paperwork from the attorney on Koenig land purchase. We also received the paperwork for the Anderson property. Auditor Skoog will sign and file both sets of papework.
The Anderson property has mostly been cleaned up. Due to the personal items left on the property, the city will be incurring additional disposal fees for hazardous waste.
The Sherven property is being upkept by the city. It was discovered a leak has been dripping from the house and sogging the yard. It was also discovered that the curbstop was damaged, thus forcing the city to replace the curbstop today. Vining will be contacting the City attorney to proceed with paperwork regarding the property.
Regarding the 4th street drainage issues, a bid from Glacier was received, totaling $1500 to clean the ditch, and adding $800 to that total if we need to reset any culverts. Any dirt hauled out of the ditch will be put into the Anderson property to fill in the yard. Council agreed to move forward.
Ferguson should have most meters installed by the end of this week. Residents with uninstalled meters will be contacted. Auditor Skoog will continue to work with Ferguson on getting the new meter system setup.
Council agreed that they will continue with the one-time 10% late fee only on the month that payment is late.
Next Meeting August 8th, 2022.
Brown motioned to adjourn, Rhodenbaugh 2nd. All Approved, motion carried.
General Fund Balance 170,300.19
OTPCO 30.49 & 369.05; Jen S 554.10; JDF 148.43; Lee V 200; Mike B 150; Derek R 150; Greg O 150; Andrea C 150; KNDPA Roads 315
WSG Balance 91,972.73
OTPCO 292.72 & 123.14; Brian B. 369.40; SEWU 1231.43; AE2S 70; WM 1785.46 & 12.08

​The Walcott City Council Meeting was held June 6, 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 Kayla Jinadasa with Brewzers.
May minutes were read and approved by Brown, 2nd by Rhodenbaugh. All approved, motion carried.
Kayla from Brewzer’s brought forth an application to change the gaming organization in the bar to the Lions Club. Brown motioned to approve the application, seconded Oestreich.
The 2021 Annual Drinking Water Report is complete. Copies of the report can be found on the website and posted on the community board.
Vining reported that after clean-up day, there was a massive mess left by residents surrounding the dumpsters. Vining spent 3 hours cleaning up the debris left behind. Due to the large mess, the city will no longer have a clean-up day going forward.
Wyatt Vining will mowing the ball diamond, Anderson’s old property, the lift station, and the city land next to the post office. Vining purchased a new weed trimmer, and it will be stored in the city shed.
There have been some water drainage issues along 4th Street. Glacier will be looking into what needs to be done to resolve issues with the ditch.
Glacier also reported that they are hoping to have the dumpsters for the Anderson property yet this week.
Vining will be evaluating various properties around town to start a property clean-up process with the city attorney.
The 2023 City Budget was presented to the board and discussion was held. Motion by Oestreich to accept the proposed budget, 2nd by Brown. All approved, motion carried.
Next Meeting July 13, 2022.
Oestreich motioned to adjourn, Brown 2nd. All Approved, motion carried.
General Fund Balance 169,435.41
OTPCO 35.76 & 400.06; Jen S 554.10; JDF 147.79; Job Service 25
WSG Balance 84,439.21
OTPCO 297.82 & 76.49; Brian B. 369.40; SEWU 1191.97; City of Fargo 76; AE2S 70; WM 1785.46 & 12.08; Glacier ENT 1350