Wed, 22 Jul 2026 05:03:39 -0700WeeblyMon, 06 Jul 2026 07:00:00 GMThttps://www.cityofwalcott.org/council-meeting-minutes/council-meeting-762026The Walcott City Council Meeting was held July 6th, 2026 at 7:30 pm at the Walcott Fire Hall.

In attendance were Mayor Vining and council members Brown and Janowicz. Absent was Anderson. Also in attendance was Shelly Swandal, Sully Lynch, Paul Huelsman, and Bob Heitkamp.

June minutes and financials were read and approved by Brown, 2nd by Janowicz. Carried.

Bob Heitkamp introduced himself as the ND Senate candidate. Discussion was held.

Sully Lynch, a local Eagle Scout, is wanting to build a new ‘Welcome to Walcott’ sign. Discussion was held and the council asked questions. Vining will work with him on permissions and location. Sully needs to provide a final design with the established year, along with a quote for materials. Council requested that he at least tries to fundraise, and the council would be willing to help cover part of the cost if not fully covered by fundraising.

Shelly inquired about getting a key for the City branch disposal area. Vining said no keys will be given out due to misuse of the area, and indicated that processes surrounding this space will be changing in the near future.

Vining was notified of a tree down in a boulevard, and is working to find someone who is willing to take the tree down and keep the wood.

Glacier Ent will be replacing the culvert near the ball diamond.

Vining continues to work with the rural water group spearheading the curb stop location project.

City Clean-up day did not go smoothly. Vining has been in contact with Waste Management to resolve the various issues encountered, including many items not being picked up, and the extensive list of items not allowed for clean-up, yet are allowed in other disposal situations. It was also noted that Waste Management missed a couple streets.

Vining was contact regarding the old Anderson lot, and given a cash offer. The offer was declined.

The City attorney is continuing to work on notifying owners of blighted properties in town, and outlining the expect action to be taken.

The second reading of the proposed City Ordinances will take place in August. Vining is waiting for the City attorney to finish the adjustments.

Discussion was held on possiblty adding on to the City shop, providing office and meeting space for both the City and Walcott Township, and maintainer space for the Township.

Election results were reviewed. There was a 3-way tie for the open council member position. Names were drawn from a hat and Skoog will contact each nominee to see if they are interested.

2027 budget was approved with a 3% increase over 2026 on a motion by Janowicz and second by Brown.

Water bills were discussed.

Next Meeting August 3, 2026.

Janowicz motioned to adjourn, seconded by Brown. Carried.
​
June Balance - $322,945.39
Jen S 778.47; Brian B. 369.40; City of Fargo 14; AE2S 90; NDDEQ 200.85; Waste Management 2255.65 & 13.59; OTPCO 136.15, 471.86, 429.93, 62.49; NDRWSA 275; SEWU 1126.46; Farmer’s Union Insurance 532; CHS 54.76; Lee V 200; Mike B 150; Andrea C 150; Derek R 150; Greg O 75; Cheryl A 75 75; Cheryl A 75
]]>Mon, 01 Jun 2026 07:00:00 GMThttps://www.cityofwalcott.org/council-meeting-minutes/council-meeting-612026The Walcott City Council Meeting was held June 1st, 2026 at 7:30 pm at the Walcott Fire Hall.

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

May minutes and financials were read and approved by Janowicz, 2nd by Anderson. Carried.

Curbside Clean-up Day is June 13th. See the City website for further details surrounding what can/cannot be included.

Vining was finally able to reach the City Attorney. She provided a draft of the new proposed Ordinances to the council members. Brittany Hatting joined via phone to discuss the process of adopting the new Ordinances. Hatting also discussed the possibility of absorbing the current park board and how the city can move forward with this. Council member Anderson offered the 1st Reading of the proposed City Ordinances.

City attorney is working on a letter to all blighted properties in town. The Fowler property was discussed, and it was noted that Marty does not have a North Dakota dealers license for all vehicles on his property being purchased or sold.

Water bills were discussed.

Next Meeting July 6, 2026.

Rhodenbough motioned to adjourn, seconded by Brown. Carried.
​
May Balance - $317,885.18
Jen S 778.47; Brian B. 369.40 & 297.25; City of Fargo 74; AE2S 90; NDDEQ 66.95; Waste Management 2234.94 & 13.59; OTPCO 68.22, 119.38, 345.82, 466.30; SEWU 1216.38; Bell Bank 5 & 411.12; All American Plumbing 764.35; Riteway 228.61; Column Software 70.55; Farmer’s Union Insurance 1902]]>Thu, 14 May 2026 07:00:00 GMThttps://www.cityofwalcott.org/council-meeting-minutes/council-meeting-5142026May Walcott City Council meeting was held May 14th 8pm at the Walcott Firehall
 
In attendance Mayor Vining, Council members Brown, Anderson and Janowicz. City Auditor Skoog and Council member Rhodenbaugh were absent
 
April minutes and financials were read and approved on a motion by Anderson, second by Janowicz.
 
Dave Thompson with Northern Prairie Performing Arts attended. Requested approval of yearly gaming permit for charitable gaming at Brewzers. Approved on a motion by Brown and second by Anderson.
 
Luara and Jim Boyer attended to ask what the City is doing to clean up blighted properties. They want to sell their home, but feel these properties could negatively affect the selling price. The Council is working to update ordinances to address these issues. Current issue is with our City Attorney. We will be working to address the Attorney issue, and then move forward with updating  our ordinances.
 
Jeremy Alm attended to update the Council on the former J&J Calibration building and to thank the City for the support over the years.
 
Mayor Vining reported there has been issues with getting City Attorney Brittany Hatting to make progress on City requests. Council agreed we need to ask her if she has the time to address our issues, or do we need to look for a new Attorney. Mayor Vining will talk with her.
 
Council member Anderson updated the Council on the Veterans Memorial at the Cemetery.
 
On a motion by Brown and second by Anderson the May meeting was adjourned.
 
Meeting minutes submitted by Lee Vining
 
April Balance - $302,654.92
Jen S 778.47; Brian B. 369.40; City of Fargo 14; AE2S 90; Waste Management 2148.89 & 13.59; OTPCO 102.74, 294.32, 413.90, 60.84; SEWU 1261.61; US Treasury 567; Richland County 1235; Lies, Bullis, Hatting 60]]>Mon, 06 Apr 2026 07:00:00 GMThttps://www.cityofwalcott.org/council-meeting-minutes/tax-equalization-462025The Walcott City Council Tax Equalization Meeting was held April 6th, 2026 at 7:30 pm at the Walcott Fire Hall.

In attendance were Mayor Vining and council members Brown, Rhodenbough, Anderson, and Janowicz. Also present was Clayton Rieger and Wendy Matejcek with 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 2026 Walcott Mass Residential & Commercial Appraisals. Discussion was held.

Brown motioned to accept and approve the presented 2026 Walcott Tax Equalization report, seconded by Anderson. All approved, carried.
​
Meeting was adjourned.
]]>Mon, 06 Apr 2026 07:00:00 GMThttps://www.cityofwalcott.org/council-meeting-minutes/council-meeting-462026The Walcott City Council Meeting was held April 6, 2026 following the Tax Equalization meeting at the Walcott Fire Hall.

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

March minutes and financials were read and approved by Janowicz, seconded by Rhodenbough. Carried.

Vining has not yet received a set of new Ordinances from the attorney, and will continue to attempt to contact her.

City Elections are June 9th. Paperwork was filed received for 2 of the 3 open council positions.

Skoog presented the possibility of absorbing the Park Board into the City. Vining will contact the attorney and see if this is possible.

The City still has not yet received the requested signed sidewalk contract from Brewzers. Multiple attempts have been made.

Brown brought forth questions regrading his front yard and the ditch in front of his house, inquiring if the city would possibility pay for some of the needed grading. Vining recommended contacting Glacier Ent to ‘shoot’ the ditch and see what it takes to fix it.

Water bills were discussed.

Next Meeting May 4, 2026.

Brown motioned to adjourn, seconded by Rhodenbough. Carried.
​
March Balance - $292,924.58
OTPCO 429.84, 393.80, 96.30, 60.21; Jen S 778.47; Brian B. 369.40 & 297.25; Waste Management 13.59 & 2148.89; SEWU 1714.69; Lies, Bullis & Hatting 60; City of Fargo 14; AE2S 90 & 200.86; BND 3920; ND Sewage Pump 550
]]>Mon, 02 Mar 2026 08:00:00 GMThttps://www.cityofwalcott.org/council-meeting-minutes/council-meeting-322026The Walcott City Council Meeting was held March 2, 2026 at 7:30 pm at the Walcott Fire Hall.

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

February minutes and January and February financials were read and approved by Janowicz, 2nd by Brown. Carried.

February brought a number of water and sewer issues within the City. Discussion was held on the need to remap curb stop locations throughout the City.

Vining contacted the City attorney regarding the new Ordinances. The attorney will have a new set of Ordinances at the April meeting for council review.

Vining will reach out to some gravel companies for bids.

City election is coming up June 9th. To be included on the ballot, all required paperwork is due by 4pm April 6. Further information can be found on the City website.

Discussion was held on putting excess funds into another CD. Janowicz motioned to move $200,000 from the checking into a CD, seconded by Brown. Carried.

Water bills were discussed.

Next Meeting April 6, 2026.

Brown motioned to adjourn, seconded by Anderson. Carried.

January Balance - $502,813.84
OTPCO 371.85, 92.65, 36.90, 274.30; Jen S 757.27; Brian B. 369.40; Waste Management 112.21; SEWU 1165.57; Lies, Bullis & Hatting 40; Accel Mechanical 107.50; RDO 498.84 & 498.84; Richland Co 1313.54; US Treasury 559.98; City of Fargo 14 ; WSI 250; AE2S 90 & 4088.60
​
February Balance - $480,061.48
Jen S 778.47; Brian B. 369.40; City of Fargo 14; AE2S 90 & 494; Waste Management 2148.89 & 13.59; OTPCO 470.30, 50.79, 103.84, 447.01; SEWU 1419.73; Text My Gov 1500; Prairie Scale 57351.54
]]>Mon, 02 Feb 2026 08:00:00 GMThttps://www.cityofwalcott.org/council-meeting-minutes/council-meeting-2226Walcott City Council met 7:30 pm February 2nd 2026 at the Walcott FireHall

In Attendance was Mayor Vining, Council members Janowicz, Rhodenbaugh, and Brown. Auditor Skoog was absent.

January minutes were read and approved on a motion by Brown, and second by Janowicz.

No financials were available at the time of the meeting.

Mayor Vining talked to Cheryl Anderson about filling the open seat on the Council until June 2027. Position is open due to Greg Oestreich resigning. Cheryl would like the chance to fill the position. Derek Rhodenbaugh made a motion to appoint Cheryl Anderson to the open council position, Andera Janowicz seconded, and all voted in favor.

A few water problems reported due to sub zero temps.

Software was updated at lift station by AE2S to repair issues with remote alerts.

Meeting was adjourned on a motion by Rhodenbaugh and second by Brown.
​
Meeting Minutes submitted by Lee Vining
]]>Mon, 05 Jan 2026 08:00:00 GMThttps://www.cityofwalcott.org/council-meeting-minutes/council-meeting-152026The Walcott City Council Meeting was held January 5, 2026 at 7:30 pm at the Walcott Fire Hall.

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

December minutes and November and December financials were read and approved by Rhodenbough, 2nd by Brown. Carried.

Council members are still working to fulfill the open council position.

Discussion was held regarding current garbage service and some missed services during storm days.

Vining will continue to work on the current water meter situation at the church.

Vining had a discussion with a potential buyer for the lots for sale on the South end of town regarding potential city utilities and building permit.

Starting in January, Vining will be working with the attorney on the new city ordinances.

Council discussed a 2.8% increase for Auditor payroll to align with the 2026 COLA rate. Brown motioned to increase Auditor salary by 2.8% effective February 1, seconded by Rhodenbough. Carried.

Vining will continue to work with J&J Calibration on payment for the sidewalk work completed.

Discussion was held regarding water testing outside a resident’s home verses inside the home, determining that mentioned inconsistencies are due to issues within the home and not the City water lines.

Residents need to ensure vehicles/items are regularly moved from the street to allow for proper snow removal.

Water bills were discussed.

Next Meeting February 2, 2026.
Rhodenbough motioned to adjourn, seconded by Brown. Carried.

November Balance - $581,074.00
OTPCO 40.54, 430.21, 202.65, 107.38; Jen S 757.27; Brian B. 369.40; Waste Management 13.59, 2033.67, 13.59, 2036.68; SEWU 1161.12
​
December Balance - $496,411.92
Jen S 757.27 & 688; Brian B. 369.40; City of Fargo 88; AE2S 90 & 10,133.90 & 3827.42; NDDEQ 401.82; Curts Lock & Key 141.61; Lies Bullis Hatting 640; Richland County 7.38; Bell Bank 92.48; RDO 1911.11 & 30.80; Ferguson 1365; Wyatt V 285; Waste Management 2036.68 & 13.59 & 2036.68 & 13.59; OTPCO 36.73 & 402.26 & 227.07 & 95.04; SEWU 1300.57
]]>Tue, 02 Dec 2025 02:07:49 GMThttps://www.cityofwalcott.org/council-meeting-minutes/council-meeting-1212025The Walcott City Council Meeting was held December 1, 2025 at 7:30 pm at the Walcott Fire Hall.

In attendance were Mayor Vining and council members Brown, and Rhodenbough. Absent was Oestreich & Janowicz. Also in attendance was Rose Wise on behalf of Brewzers.

November minutes were read and approved by Rhodenbough, 2nd by Brown. Carried. November financials will be presented at the January meeting.

Rose Wise presented Brewzer’s 2026 Beer & Liquor license applications. Rhodenbough motioned to approve the applications, seconded by Brown. Carried. Further discussion was held regarding the timeliness of the application, and future changes to the city ordinances regarding issuance of beer & liquor licenses and revoking due to certain circumstances.

Greg submitted his resignation from the council due to health issues. Council discussed the need to appoint an individual for the remainder of his term.

Received a letter from Houston Engineering regarding a new requirement to update City ordinances regarding floodplain management. Deadline for this update is June 2026.

Discussion was held regarding the multiple contacts made to Vining and Skoog regarding the government mandated letter regarding unknown water lines in town. These referenced water lines are the city owned lines between the main line and the curb stop. The City is following the mandated notification process outlined by the state.

Residents need to ensure vehicles are regularly moved from the street to allow for proper snow removal.

Water bills were discussed.

Next Meeting January 5, 2025.

Rhodenbough motioned to adjourn, seconded by Brown. Carried.
]]>Mon, 03 Nov 2025 08:00:00 GMThttps://www.cityofwalcott.org/council-meeting-minutes/council-meeting-11320259672378cThe Walcott City Council Meeting was held November 3, 2025 at 7:30 pm at the Walcott Fire Hall.

In attendance were Mayor Vining and council members Brown, Rhodenbough, and Janowicz. Absent was Oestreich. Also in attendance was Brian Boyle, Chase Julson with AE2S.

October minutes and financials were read and approved by Rhodenbough, 2nd by Janowicz. Carried.

Vining explained that a couple weeks ago the water plant shut down. Chase Julson supplied information regarding the pump computer that is no longer working. There are possible fixes, however finding reliable parts are extremely difficult and will most likely be short-term. A longer term, more reliable option is available for $17,000, and would be a quick install. Council inquired the possibility of replacing the float since it has caused some recent issues. Chase will get a price to Lee for this. Rhodenbough motioned to spend up to $18,000 to fix the computer system, seconded by Brown. Carried.

Sidewalk is now completed. J&J will pay for their portion up front. Brewzers will be billed through special assessments.

Water leak on 4th street near Anderson’s. Discovered there was not a valve to shut down that portion of town. Vining expressed the need to add valves through town to avoid this issue in the future.

Vining talked to the city attorney regarding the proposed Ordinances. It was recommended to not have an appointed committee, but rather allow volunteers to review the ordinances and provide suggestions.

City failed a copper test at one of the testing locations. The state has provided what needs to be done and the city will follow these processes.

Garbage rates will increase with the January bill to account for the increase in costs from Waste Management.
Water bills were discussed.

Next Meeting December 1, 2025.

Brown motioned to adjourn, seconded by Rhodenbough. Carried

General Fund Balance $325,901.15
OTPCO 401.73 & 37.97; Jen S 757.27; Farmer’s Union 335; Lies, Bullis, Hatting 80; TJM Trucking 519.75; Wyatt Vining 825; US Treasury 563.04 FCCU 55.60
​
WSG Balance $164,482.70
Brian B. 369.40; AE2S 90; OTPCO 107.36 & 181.78; SEWU 1365.08; City of Fargo 14
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