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

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

October minutes were read and approved by Rhodenbough, 2nd by Brown. All approved, carried. Financials were not available.

The new Waste Management contract was reviewed.

Discussion was held regarding the property offer with Rydell, along with other possible options in moving forward.

The main sewer main was plugged and cleanout by Jetway. Camera found an alteration in the line. Glacier Ent will dig and see if the line was heaved.

Vining is also having Glaicer Ent finish some grading, and check sewers before everything freezes up.

Board reviewed the results of the Park Board review performed by Skoog. Discussion was held. Vining is looking into option on further action.

Water bills were discussed

Next Meeting December 4th, 2023
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Oestreich motioned to adjourn, seconded by Rhodenbough. All Approved, motion carried. 

The Walcott City Council Meeting was held October 2nd, 2023 at 7:30 pm at the Walcott Fire Hall.
In attendance were Mayor Vining and council members Brown, Janowicz, Rhodenbough, and Oestreich. Absent was Auditor Skoog.

Meeting minutes and financials were not available due to Auditor Skoog being absent.

Discussion was held regarding the lagoon expansion and purchasing additional land from Rydell. The current asking price is $9,200 per acre plus the City would absorb all fees. The council agreed this price is too high. All options need to be researched.

Garbage contracts bids from Waste Management, Fatman Trash, and T&G Sanitation were reviewed. T&G doesn’t currently offer recycling. Waste Management is offering the best price and options. Oestreich motioned to accept the bid from Waste Management, pending some changes to the original offer, seconded by Brown. Carried. Waste Management representative will be attending the November meeting.

Next Meeting November 6th, 2023
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Oestreich motioned to adjourn, seconded by Rhodenbough. All Approved, motion carried. 

The Walcott City Council Meeting was held September 11th, 2023 at 7:30 pm at the Walcott Fire Hall.

In attendance were Mayor Vining and council members Brown and Oestreich. Absent was Janowicz and Rhodenbough. Also in attendance was Jon Kristiansen, Richard Mower with Waste Management, and Debbie Erickson & Randy Jawaski with Fat Man Trash.

August minutes and financials were read and approved by Oestreich, 2nd by Brown. All approved, carried.

Richard with Waste Management presented his garbage/recycling proposal which would start in 2024. Discussion was held.

Debbie & Randy with Fat Man Trash presented their garbage/recycling proposal, which would start in 2024. Discussion was held.

Vining read through the emailed proposal from T&G Sanitation for their garbage proposal, which would start in 2024. T&G does not offer recycling at this time. Discussion was held

Vining continues to work with a local land owner and the city attorney regarding the lagoon expansion. Discussion was held. Council agreed to have the attorney move forward with a proposed purchase agreement.

Vining reported that the lift station is currently having some issues with the air conditioning/heating unit. Action has been taken to work on a resolution.

Vining is working with the realtor to list the old Anderson property.

Action is starting to be taken on the various properties around town that need major clean-up.
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Notification was received that Southeast Water Users is increasing their rates effective 1/1/2024. Further discussion will be held regarding a city-wide rate increase at the October meeting.

Jon provided an update on upgrading the playground equipment at the park.

Next Meeting October 2nd, 2023

Brown motioned to adjourn, seconded by Oestreich. All Approved, motion carried.

General Fund Balance $240,633.14
OTPCO 366.62 & 38.18; Jen S 554.10; TJM 226.80; Glacier Dust 6147.90; Banyon 787.50; Glacier Ent 1125; FCCU 85.29
WSG Balance $89,280.03
Brian B. 369.40, 273.79, 100.95; FCCU 96.75; WM 1840.14 & 13.47; City of Fargo 14 & 48; OTPCO 104.39 & 225.24; SEWU 1520.75; USPS 255; AE2S 90; Banyon 787.50, BND 26,715

The Walcott City Council Meeting was held August 7th, 2023 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 Jon Kristiansen.
July minutes and financials were read and approved by Rhodenbouh, 2nd by Brown. All approved, carried.
Roads are graveled and dust control applied in town. Roads are good, maybe a couple spots before winter.
Once a year the city is required to submit a water test that requires the test to be driven to Bismarck.
Vining will be contacting the realtor this week to list the old Anderson property now that clean-up is about complete.
There are a number of resident properties that need cleaning. Vining reviewed the list of properties.
Brian with Advanced Engineering spoke to the state regarding our lagoon, confirming that our current process regarding size will work for the short term, but any further expansion in town will require more lagoon space. Vining continues to discuss options with a local land owner. Discussion was held and Vining will continue to look into options and work with the city attorney.
Park Board audit is still in progress.
Kristansen will be collecting pricing on different options for playground equipment.
Discussion held regarding general mailbox situation.
Next Meeting September 11th, 2023
Janowicz motioned to adjourn, seconded by Oestreich. All Approved, motion carried.
General Fund Balance $245,906.90
OTPCO 440.96 & 34.81; Jen S 554.10; US Treasury 459; TJM 6237; ND League of Cities 483; Column 39.60; CHS 9.02
WSG Balance $111,310.32
Brian B. 369.40; FCCU 74.56; WM 1840.14 & 13.47; City of Fargo 14; OTPCO 116.73 & 265.29; SEWU 1377.47; AE2S 90

The Walcott City Council Meeting was held July 10th, 2023 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 Jon Kristiansen.

June minutes and financials were read and approved by Oestreich, 2nd by Brown. All approved, carried.

Clean up days went well with minimal clean-up. Some people were reminded that they must be City of Walcott residents to dump. Legal paperwork was required to use the Anderson property.

Lee met with the new rep from Waste Management, who will be submitting their bid, along with the two other businesses, by the September meeting.

Contact was made with a local land owner regarding the lagoon expansion. Discussion was held regarding a couple options of how the city can proceed.

Skoog reported that the Park Board audit continues.

Next Meeting August 7th, 2023

Janowicz motioned to adjourn, seconded by Oestreich. All Approved, motion carried.

General Fund Balance $250,538.27
OTPCO 402.50 & 33; Jen S 554.10; Lee V 200; Mike B 150; Derek R 150; Greg O 150; Andrea C 150; USPS 144; Glacier 600 & 1800; Column 24.30 & 65.70; RDO 82.57; CHS 149.38; Farmer’s Union Insurance 435; Harland Clark 73.13; VanDiest 842.63
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WSG Balance $107,189.96
Brian B. 369.40; WM 1840.14 & 13.47; City of Fargo 14; OTPCO 334.83 & 111.02; SEWU 1022.83; AE2S 90 & 1549.43; NDRWSA 260; Harland Clark 73.13

​The Walcott City Council Meeting was held June 5th, 2023 at 7:30 pm at the Walcott Fire Hall.
In attendance were Mayor Vining and council members Brown, Oestreich, Rhodenbough and Janowicz. Also in attendance was Kayla Jinadasa with Brewzers, Laura Boyer, Brian Berganstein and Chase Julson with AE2S.

May minutes and financials were read and approved by Oestreich, 2nd by Janowicz. All approved, motion carried.

Kayla approached the board requesting the annual renewal of the gaming license for Brewzer’s. Oestreich motioned to approve the request, seconded by Brown. Carried.

Laura inquired about the city removing some trees next to the culvert on their property in town. Lee stated that the city hasn’t handled tree removal for residents before, however he will take a look at the trees and keep in touch with Laura.

Brian and Chase went through the current city wastewater statistics and noted that the current waste water setup does not currently meet the state criteria for gallons per capita. Discussion was held on the current land available and city expansion. Discussions will be held with nearby land owners to discuss city lagoon expansion. Chase discussed a few different financing options, however there are very few options for wastewater infrastructure.

Discussion held regarding gravel bids. Brown motioned to approve the bid from TJM, seconded by Rhodenbough. Carried.

City Clean-up days will be June 10-11. Dumpsters will be within the fenced area in the south end of town. Certain hours will be posted and everyone must present proof of residency. In return for using his property, Prairie Scale will receive free water bills for remainder of the year.

Discussion was held regarding the park board bank account. An audit of the park board accounts will be done in the next couple months.

Next Meeting July 10th, 2023

Oestreich motioned to adjourn, seconded by Brown. All Approved, motion carried.

General Fund Balance $251,025.43
OTPCO 413.98 & 59.63; Jen S 554.10; Column 70.20 RDO 168.15; CHS 601.55; Swanston Equip 1612.50; Lee V 2055; Farmers Union 1905
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WSG Balance $92,392.64
Brian B. 369.40; WM 1840.14 & 13.47; City of Fargo 14 & 48; OTPCO 401.20 & 85.82; SEWU 1098.05; AE2S 90; Ryan Bros 547.47

The Walcott City Council Meeting was held May 1st, 2023 at 7:30 pm at the Walcott Fire Hall.
In attendance were Mayor Vining and council members Brown and Oestreich. Absent were council members Rhodenbough and Janowicz. Also in attendance was John Kristanson, Sue Farsdale, and Kaelan Akvik.

April minutes and financials were read and approved by Oestreich, 2nd by Brown. All approved, motion carried.

Sue asked for an update on a garbage provider, when city cleanup will be, how to handle the 4 wheelers coming through town, and if the city is going to put gravel down. She also brought forth concerns from another resident regarding resident mailboxes, and excess personal property in residents yards. Council advised to call the sheriff regarding 4-wheelers, gravel will be put down in town soon, Vining is looking into putting in better mailbox posts for community mailboxes, and work with the city attorney is ongoing regarding unsightly personal property.

Kaelan brought forth the question of how alleyways are used by residents. Discussion was held.

Final clean-up will be done on the old Anderson property and it will be listed for sale.

Glacier will be contacted to work on cleaning sewers and fix a man hole hit by the plow.

Ditches are being examined for cleaning and a new culvert may be put in next to Fowler’s alleyway.

Vining received a bid from Waste Management and will be contacting the other two companies for official bids before making a final decision. The city is in contract with Waste Management through the end of 2023.

Waste Management will be contacted for a clean-up day in June. Vining is checking into the possible use of the fenced in area in town to help curb issues with clean-up week.

The City attorney is attempting to contact Sherven about cleaning up his property.

Oestreich motioned to designate the Wahpeton Daily News as the city’s official newspaper, 2nd by Brown. Carried.

The city has ARPA and Prairie Dog funds to be used towards specific approved projects. Vining will contact the engineering firm to start looking into a lagoon expansion.

Next Meeting June 5th, 2023

Oestreich motioned to adjourn, seconded by Brown. All Approved, motion carried.

General Fund Balance 254,025.29
OTPCO 391.47 & 68.89; Jen S 554.10 & 214.99; Daily News 124.20; FCCU 91.43; RDO 256.08 & 307.51; CHS 592.50; US Treasury 459; Richland Co 852
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WSG Balance 95,155.61
Brian B. 369.40; WM 1840.14 & 13.47; City of Fargo 14; OTPCO 376.26 & 77.44; SEWU 825; USPS 112.92; FCCU 120.25 & 4; Glacier 975; AE2S 180

The Walcott City Council Tax Equalization Meeting was held April 13th, 2023 at 7:30 pm at the Walcott Fire Hall.

In attendance were Mayor Vining, council members Brown, Oestreich, and Rhodenbaugh. Absent was council member Janowicz. Also in attendance was Clayton Rieger, Linda Nelson, and Wendy Matejcek with the Richland County Assessor’s Office.

Wendy presented the Assessor’s Office Tax Equalization Hearing information, including sales ratios, credits & exemptions, mobile home report, and city taxable valuation & mills.  Wendy then presented the 2023 Walcott Mass Residential & Commercial Appraisals. Wendy and council proceeded to address any audience questions.

Rhodenbaugh motioned to accept and approve the presented 2023 Walcott Tax Equalization report, seconded by Brown. All approved, motion carried.
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Meeting was adjourned.

​The Walcott City Council Meeting was held April 3rd, 2023 at 7:30 pm at the Walcott Fire Hall.
In attendance were Mayor Vining and council members Oestreich and Rhodenbough. Absent were council members Brown and Janowicz. Also in attendance was Jon Rieger.
March minutes and financials were read and approved by Rhodenbough, 2nd by Oestreich. All approved, motion carried.
Jon Rieger informed the board that due to some issues with the state, the new daycare business name is now Little Miracles Learning Center LLC. 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 Learning Center LLC, owned by Jon Rieger, seconded by Oestreich. All approved, motion carried.
Our contract with Waste Management is up for renewal at the end of 2023. City attorney will be reviewing the contract and other garbage options are being explored. A letter was sent with the April water bill requesting that resident provide their feedback on if they want recycling or not.
The City received funds from the Prairie Dog fund. There are specific items this money can be spent on, including but not limited to water/sewer infrastructure and road infrastructure. Discussion was held on projects the funds can help cover.
Equipment has been rented and progress is being made on cleaning out ditches. Many of the ditches are so compacted that it is difficult to get them cleaned out. Council is asking that residents help find and clear culverts to allow for water to start flowing, preventing flooding in town.
Skoog presented the Proposed 2024 Walcott City Budget. Rhodenbough motioned to approved as presented, seconded by Oestreich. All approved, motion carried.
Next Meeting May 1st, 2023
Oestreich motioned to adjourn, seconded by Rhodenbough. All Approved, motion carried.
General Fund Balance 253,987.51
OTPCO 402.86 & 62.69; Jen S 554.10; Daily News 64.80; FCCU 49.41; RDO 34.43
WSG Balance 90,356.25
Brian B. 369.40; WM 1840.14 & 13.47; City of Fargo 14; OTPCO 330.40 & 72.14; SEWU 1247.02; Jen S 59.28; Ryan Bros 943.40; Evolv 199; Kahler 98

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