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 The Walcott City Council Meeting was held July 12th, 2021 at 7:30 pm at the Walcott Fire Hall.
In attendance were Mayor Vining and council members Brown, Rhodenbaugh and Oestreich. Also in attendance was Karen Olson with Ferguson Waterworks. June minutes were read and approved by Oestreich, 2nd by Rhodenbaugh. All approved, motion carried. Karen Olson with Ferguson Waterworks presented information regarding the transition to new water meters. She will provide quotes for both styles of meters. Letters have been sent out by the attorney to B. Nelson and Miller regarding clean-up of property. Attorney has been working to contact Anderson. Application for Payment in Liu of Taxes from Dan & RaeDell Braaten was reviewed by the council. No audience members were in attendance regarding the application. Oestreich motioned to approve the Braaten application, seconded by Rhodenbaugh. All approved, motion carried. Water bills were discussed. Next Meeting August 2nd, 2021. Brown motioned to adjourn, Oestreich 2nd. All Approved, motion carried. General Fund Balance 81,348.88 OTPCO 27.64 & 426.81; Jen S 554.10; Daily News 104.40 & 13.05; JDF 147.79; Lies, Bullis, Hatting 20 WSG Balance 81,309.40 OTPCO 245.06 & 64.61; Brian B. 369.40; SEWU 1390.87; City of Fargo 62; AE2S 70; WM 1713.16 & 11.25; CCE 11 The Walcott City Council Meeting was held June 7th, 2021 at 7:30 pm at the Walcott Fire Hall.
In attendance were Mayor Vining and council members Brown and Oestreich. Also in attendance was Andrea Janowicz. May minutes were read and approved by Oestreich, 2nd by Brown. All approved, motion carried. Mayor Vining reported that he has found a replacement for the open council position. Oestreich motioned to accept the appointment of Andrea Janowicz, seconded by Brown. All approved, motion carried. SEWU ‘ran out’ of water this past Friday evening, thus causing a City water outage. Water is currently back on, however volume is limited. To help avoid future issues, Council asks that residents limit their water usage to necessary usage only, avoiding outside water usage when possible. City Cleanup weekend was this past weekend. Dumpsters will be removed this coming week. Vining will work with TJM on repairing roads with additional gravel. Vining spoke with Paul on the Walcott township regarding the sharing of road maintenance on East and West township roads. Council discussed and Vining will coordinate the application of a dust treatment on main city roads. Vining is working with Lies, Bullis & Hatting on providing formal notice to B. Nelson, Miller, and Anderson regarding clean-up of property. Discussion was held regarding enforcement of city ordinances. Wiest property is now listed as abandoned. Residents have commented that the park equipment may need to be fixed or replaced. Vining will contact Kaelan to discuss further options at the July meeting. Vining presented the Payment in Lieu of Taxes application from Dan & RaeDell Braaten. A hearing regarding the application will be held at the next regular council meeting on July 5th, 2021 at 7:30pm. Skoog will provide an estimate at the July meeting to move the city accounting and utility billing to Banyon systems. Discussion was held regarding moving to a new meter reading system. Water bills were discussed. Next Meeting July 5th, 2021. Brown motioned to adjourn, Oestreich 2nd. All Approved, motion carried. General Fund Balance 81,348.88 OTPCO 27.64 & 426.81; Jen S 554.10; Daily News 104.40 & 13.05; JDF 147.79; Lies, Bullis, Hatting 20 WSG Balance 81,309.40 OTPCO 245.06 & 64.61; Brian B. 369.40; SEWU 1390.87; City of Fargo 62; AE2S 70; WM 1713.16 & 11.25; CCE 11 The Walcott City Council Meeting was held May 3rd, 2021 at 7:30 pm at the Walcott Fire Hall.
In attendance were Mayor Vining and council members Bennes, Brown, Oestreich, and Rhodenbaugh. Also in attendance was Jolene Harty. Mayor Vining recognized the audience. Jolene Harty requested an increase in their flock size from 6 chickens to a maximum of 12 chickens. Rhodenbaugh motioned to accept the request, 2nd by Oestreich. All approved, motion carried. April minutes were read and approved by Rhodenbaugh, 2nd by Bennes. All approved, motion carried. Discussion was held regarding possession of fowl by resident Fornshell. Vining discussed the issues with Fornshell and made clear the necessary actions required to keep fowl in city limits. Vining will continue to monitor. Discussion was held regarding Courtney Miller’s excessive personal property outside her home, going against city ordinance. The city authority will be contacted regarding further action to ensure the property is cleaned up. Conversation was also held regarding other properties in town needing clean-up. Water on Rick Anderson’s property was discovered to be turned back on, after Vining turned it off due to non-payment, and the water has been leaking for quite some time. Vining turned the water back off and will also contact an authority about further necessary action. City Clean-up Day will be held the weekend of June 4th. Dumpsters will be located at the same location as in past years. County Road 2 will be redone from Hwy 81 to West of Walcott. The City will sign off on the project before bidding takes place later this week. Discussion was held regarding gravel on city and township shared roads. Vining suggested we continue to cover the graveling as it has been done in the past. Council reviewed the gravel bids received. Bennes motioned to accept TJM trucking for the 2021 gravel supply, Rhodenbaugh 2nd. All approved, motion carried. Rhodenbaugh motioned to designate the Wahpeton Daily News as Walcott’s official newspaper, 2nd by Oestreich. All approved, motion carried. The 2022 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. Bennes informed the Council that he will be moving out of town effective June 1st. The City Council will have 1 open position to be appointed until the next election. All interested applicants should contact Mayor Vining. Water bills were discussed. Next Meeting June 7th, 2021. Oestreich motioned to adjourn, Bennes 2nd. All Approved, motion carried. General Fund Balance 81,021.92 OTPCO 26.97 & 364.49; Jen S 554.10; US Treasury 459; Daily News 67.86; JDF 147.79; Richland Co Assessor 848 WSG Balance 85,246.75 OTPCO 329.31 & 66.12; Brian B. 369.40; SEWU 1368.81; City of Fargo 14; AE2S 70; Jetway 820; WM 1713.16 & 11.25; Dakota Hills 1077.10 The Walcott City Council Tax Equalization Meeting was held April 8th, 2021 at 7:30 pm at the Walcott Fire Hall.
In attendance were Mayor Vining, council members Brown, Bennes, and Rhodenbaugh. Also in attendance was Wendy Matejcek and Rod Romereim with the Assessor’s Office, Linda Nelson, Clayton Rieger, and Darrin Nelson. Wendy presented the Assessor’s Office Tax Equalization Hearing information, including sales ratios, credits, mobile home report, and city taxable valuation & mills. Wend then presented the 2021 Walcott Mass Residential & Commercial Appraisals. A number of properties drastically increased, some due to updates to the property information and many due to a county-wide increase based on sales ratios. Wendy and council proceeded to address any audience questions. Rhodenbaugh motioned to accept and approve the presented 2021 Walcott Tax Equalization report, pending possible revisions made by Wendy after working with some city resident, seconded by Bennes. All approved, motion carried. Meeting was adjourned. The Walcott City Council Meeting was held April 5th, 2021 at 7:30 pm at the Walcott Fire Hall.
In attendance were Mayor Vining and council members Bennes, Brown, and Rhodenbaugh. Also in attendance were Clayton Rieger, Al Farsdale, Jim Berg, and Kaelan Akvik. Mayor Vining recognized the audience. Clayton Rieger was present to discuss the sewer issues affecting his property and express satisfaction with the fixes that were made. Al Farsdale brought forth concerns regarding possession of fowl by neighbor Fornshell. The council discussed this concern and will contact Fornshell. Jim Berg requested a building permit for a 40x60 steel building on his current property. Vining will supply a permit to Berg. March Minutes were read. Auditor Skoog noted that the Resolution should have read ‘Resolution 2021-1’, not ‘Resolution 2019-2’. Rhodenbaugh motioned to approve the minutes with the correction of ‘Resolution 2021-1’, 2nd by Bennes. All approved, motion carried. Kaelan with the Walcott Park Board brought forth concerns regarding ATVs driving through the park. Kaelan also requested candidates to fill an open position on the park board, ensuring they continue to receive necessary funding. Heather vonRuden was contacted and agreed to fill that position. Bennes motioned to accept Heather vonRuden’s nomination to fill the vacant Park Board position, 2nd by Rhodenbaguh. All approved, motion carried. City wide clean-up day will take place. Vining will work to schedule this for the beginning of May. Gravel bids will be considered during May regular meeting. A manhole cover was knocked off and manhole was filled with gravel. This issues has since been fixed. Further discussion was held regarding the WSG rates for the Walcott Church. These rates will continue to be kept at $40/month until further notice. Auditor Skoog continues to work on the updating of Walcott Ordinances. The 2022 Walcott City Budget will be prepped and reviewed at the May meeting. Walcott City Equalization Meeting will be held Thursday April 8th at 7:30pm. Water bills were discussed. Next Meeting May 3rd, 2021. Oestreich motioned to adjourn, Bennes 2nd. All Approved, motion carried. General Fund Balance 76,394.28 OTPCO 26.12 & 350.46; Jen S 554.10; USPS 110; Daily News 67.86; JDF 147.79; Glacier ENT 2700.25; Lies & Bullis 40 WSG Balance 81,036.24 OTPCO 327.57 & 60.96; Brian B. 369.40; CCE 25; SEWU 1415.77; Glacier ENT 1855.50; City of Fargo 14; AE2S 70; Jetway 3615; WM 1713.16 & 11.25 |
City Council
Regular Monthly Meetings 1st Monday @ 7:30pm Walcott Fire Hall Mayor Lee Vining Council Members Greg Oestreich Mike Brown Derek Rhodenbaugh Andrea Janowicz Auditor Jen Skoog Park Board
John Kristianson Kaelan Akvik Archives
March 2024
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