The Walcott City Council Meeting was held February 3, 2025 at 7:30 pm at the Walcott Fire Hall.

In attendance were Mayor Vining, and council members Brown, Janowicz, and Oestreich. Absent was Rhodenbough. Also in attendance was Nina Stone, Allen Stone, and Cheryl Anderson.

January minutes and financials were read and approved by Rhodenbough, 2nd by Brown. All approved, motion carried.

Nina inquired about an update regarding the possibility of natural gas coming into town. Vining has no further update beyond what was reported at the last meeting.

Cheryl Anderson asked if there was any possible way the city would re-consider acquiring the church building. Discussion was held. Vining will ask Glacier Ent for a demolition quote.

Skoog brought forth information regarding the TextMyGov application for possible implementation. Discussion was held. Tabled for March meeting.

Vining reported that a state legislator is working on a program for sewer improvements and approached him to have the city help with a letter of support. Discussion was held.

Discussion was held regarding past due accounts. Action will be taken on delinquent accounts.

Next Meeting March 3rd, 2025.

Brown motioned to adjourn, seconded by Oestreich. Carried

General Fund Balance $140,648.05
OTPCO 413.59 & 55.67; Jen S 738.80 & 186.68; RDO 36.22; Richland Co 2630.79; Lies Bullis Hatting 80 & 111.94; TJM 850; Duininck 14261.54; FCCU10.74; US Treasury 550.80; WSI 250
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WSG Balance $152,246.87
Brian B. 369.40; WM 2033.67 & 13.47; OTPCO 256.70 & 72.50; SEWU 1158.55; City of Fargo 14; AE2S 90 & 90; Ferguson 1020.54

The Walcott City Council Meeting was held January 13, 2025 at 7:30 pm at the Walcott Fire Hall.

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

December minutes and financials were read and approved by Rhodenbough, 2nd by Brown. All approved, motion carried.

Mayor Vining researched pay for the City Auditor position. Walcott is in line with other cities of comparable size. On a motion by Oestreich and second by Janowicz, all agreed to give a cost of living increase each year until job duties change. Current COLA rate for 2025 is 2.5%. Will address at January meeting each year.

Mayor Vining talked with MDU concerning the possibility of natural gas coming into Walcott. MDU representatives will be contacting us this spring to conduct a study of the feasibility.

Walcott Lutheran Church has asked if the City would be interested in purchasing the Church and property when the church dissolves. Due to the yearly up keep and remodeling costs the City would not be interested in purchasing.

Federal covid money has been ear marked for Main Street and ditching improvements.

Next Meeting February 3rd, 2025.

Brown motioned to adjourn, seconded by Oestreich. Carried

General Fund Balance $152,666.15
OTPCO 43.18 & 433.77; Jen S 738.80; FCCU 43.87; Meyer Midwest 908.59; Custom Truck Accessories 184.84; RDO 1407.04
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WSG Balance $145,027.78
Brian B. 369.40; WM 1928.16 & 13.47; OTPCO 72.47 & 216.16; SEWU 1409.29; City of Fargo 14; Banyon 1575

The Walcott City Council Meeting was held December 2nd, 2024 at 7:30 pm at the Walcott Fire Hall.

In attendance were Mayor Vining, and council members Brown, Rhodenbough, Janowicz, and Oestreich. Also in attendance was Jon Rieger.

November minutes and financials were read and approved by Rhodenbough, 2nd by Janowicz. All approved, motion carried.

The $50,000 from the Horace Lions has been received and John Kristianson is working on getting quotes and further information to be presented to the city council.

Discussion was held regarding past and future projects where the Prairie Dog and ARPA funds will be used.

3 CDs at the current city approved bank mature on 12/30. Janowicz motioned to have Jen renew the CDs with the best interest rate available, staying under 12 months, seconded by Oestreich. Carried.

Discussion was held regarding the church’s inquiry on if the City would be interested in acquiring the church building and property.

Jon presented plans for the future fire hall, and brought forth discussions surrounding possible rent to be paid by city for an office and use of the meeting room.

The Auditor salary was brought forth for discussion. The council will investigate on current employment rates and decide at the January meeting.

Water bills were discussed.

Next Meeting January 6th, 2024.

Janowicz motioned to adjourn, seconded by Brown. Carried

General Fund Balance $152,563.14
OTPCO 37.04 & 445.63; Jen S 738.80; Lies Bullis Hatting 96; Glacier Ent 19580.54; Wyatt Vining 870

WSG Balance $132,059.59
Brian B. 369.40; WM 1928.16 & 13.47; OTPCO 94.44 & 226.25; SEWU 1487.54; AE2S 90; City of Fargo 62

The Walcott City Council Meeting was held November 4th, 2024 at 7:30 pm at the Walcott Fire Hall.

In attendance were Mayor Vining, and council members Brown, Rhodenbough, Janowicz, Oestreich. Also in attendance were John Kristanson, Kayla Jinadasa with Brewzers.

October minutes and financials were read and approved by Rhodenbough, 2nd by Janowicz. All approved, motion carried.

John Kristanson reported that the park board will be receiving a check from Horace Lions Club for $50,000. If we add their name to a new park sign, they will give an additional $2,000 for the new sign.

Vining discussed the need to continue having Main Street repaired, including the sidewalk in front of Brewzer’s. Kayla with Brewzer’s requested more information and estimates before making a decision. Vining also requested that Brewzer’s clean up items on their lot, including the small school bus. Kayla presented an application for 2025 beer and liquor licenses for Brewzer’s. Oestreich motioned to approve the application, seconded by Rhodenbough. Carried.

Oestreich reported that Andersons are not in favor of selling land for a lagoon expansion. Further discussion was held regarding the other possible options.

Mowing bills were received for a couple resident properties, lift station, ball diamond, and park.

Water bills were discussed.

Next Meeting December 2nd, 2024.

Janowicz motioned to adjourn, seconded by Brown. Carried

General Fund Balance $169,142.51
OTPCO 35.85 & 419.21; Jen S 738.80; Lies Bullis Hatting 560; State Auditor 290; Farmer’s Union 365; Column Software 752.40; US Treasury 550.80
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WSG Balance $132,265.12
Brian B. 369.40; WM 3391.43 & 1928.16 & 13.47; OTPCO 209.48 & 110.70; SEWU 1458.38; AE2S 90; City of Fargo 14; Ferguson 1260; FCCU 343.76 & 4

The Walcott City Council Meeting was held October 7th, 2024 at 7:30 pm at the Walcott Fire Hall.

In attendance were Mayor Vining and council members Brown, Janowicz. Absent was Oestreich & Rhodenbough. Also in attendance were John Kristanson, Shelly Swandal, Stu Swandal, Cheryl Anderson.

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

Stu Swandal inquired about the city having enough land for another lagoon cell. Vining stated that we have enough for another cell, however not enough for expansion and to ensure the city is up to State standards.

Cheryl Anderson inquired about the possibility of getting other ditches ‘shot’ throughout town to see how we can get things to drain better. She also brought up how ‘rough’ town is looking with all the personal items skewed around yards and along roads.

Vining provided an update regarding the Ron Rydell property. The asking price is too high for the city to consider, and the city needs to look into different options. Vining reviewed multiple options for the city to move forward. Option 1 will allow for a 7-acre expansion at $2.3M and allows for city expansion. Option 2 would be to remain at the current capacity and refuse all future building permits. Option 3 would be to add the one small cell, which would allow the city to be up to state code, however all building permits would still need to be refused going forward. To be eligible for SRF funding, all lagoon expansion would need to follow state requirements. Emanate domain was also discussed as an option.

The natural gas line company hit the lagoon discharge line during construction. A bill will be sent to them for repairs needed.

No further work will be done on Main street this year. Discussion was held about continuing to replace the sidewalk further down.

Brewzer’s will be requested to attend the November meeting with a completed liquor license application.

John Kristanson reported that he is working on obtaining funding for some new park equipment.

Water bills were discussed.

Next Meeting November 4th, 2024.

Janowicz motioned to adjourn, seconded by Brown. Carried.

August Financials
General Fund Balance $178,526.36
OTPCO 446.83 & 34.57; Jen S 738.80
WSG Balance $123,807.61
Brian B. 369.40; WM 1928.16 & 13.47; OTPCO 127.02 & 213.44; SEWU 1388.57; AE2S 90; City of Fargo 14; Riteway 208.50; BND 26445
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September Financials
General Fund Balance $169,096.69
OTPCO 413.61 & 34.61; Jen S 738.80 & 14.75; Glacier 474.75; TJM Trucking 8930.25; Lies Bullis Hatting 943.69; State Auditor 580; Richland Co 652.78
WSG Balance $129,584.42
Brian B. 369.40; WM 1928.16 & 13.47; OTPCO 112.51 & 208.75; SEWU 1507.51; USPS 448; AE2S 90; City of Fargo 62; CHS 152.95; NDDEQ 183.52

The Walcott City Council Meeting was held September 9th, 2024 at 7:30 pm at the Walcott Fire Hall.

In attendance were Mayor Vining, and council members Rhodenbough, Oestreich, Brown. Absent was Janowicz and Skoog. Also in attendance were John Kristanson, Eric Nygren.

No minutes or financials due to Skoog’s absence.

Paul Moyer has questions regarding his water bill. Auditor Skoog will contact him to discuss any questions he has.

Chase with AE2S presented plans for building new lagoons on land currently owned by Steve Anderson. This project would work on this piece of land, however water drain will need to be assessed for this property. Oestreich will discuss a land purchase option with Anderson.

Ron Rydell has requested $15,300 per acre to purchase 7.5 acres adjoining the current lagoon. Walcott would also be responsible for all legal costs and buying out the current CRP contract. This would bring the cost close to $19,000 per acre. Discussion was held. Overall, the council feels this price is too high and the city needs to consider all options.

A CD has come due with a value of $102,000. Oestreich motioned to have this rolled into a new 7 month CD at 5-5.5%, seconded by Brown. Carried.

Park Board members will begin looking into bids for new playground equipment. Horace Lions Club has grant money available, and they will work on the application.

Water bills were discussed.

Next Meeting October 7th, 2024.
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Brown motioned to adjourn, seconded by Rhodenbough. Carried. Meeting minutes kept by Mayor Vining.

A special meeting of the Walcott City Council was held August 27th 2024 at 7:30 pm at the Walcott Fire Hall.

In attendance were Mayor Vining and council members Brown, Oestreich, Janowicz, and Rhodenbough.
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Vining provided information regarding communication Chase at AE2S has had with Ron Rydell regarding land acquisition for the necessary lagoon expansion. Discussion was held. Further discussions with Ron Rydell will be handled through the city attorney. Rhodenbough motioned to approve up to $10,000 per acre to purchase the land from Rydell, seconded by Oestreich. Carried.

The Walcott Home Rule Charter Committee public hearing was held August 5th, 2024 at 7:00pm at the Walcott Fire Hall.

In attendance were committee members Brian Boyle, Nina Stone, Keith Anderson, Beth Oestreich, and Jon Rieger. Also in attendance were Attorney Brittany Hatting, Mayor Vining, City Council members Brown, Oestreich Rhodenbough, and Janowicz. Audience attendees were John Kristianson, Jill Berg, Charles Hunt, Kathy Hunt, Shannon Brown, Eric Brown, Allen Stone, Sheila Davis, Ron Davis, Stuart Swandal, Shelly Swandal, Lydell Brandon, Diane Brandon, Linda Nelson, Christine Walz, Don Walz, Mark Olson, AubreAnna Colvin, Rose Wise, Paul Moyer, and Wes Fornshell.

Rieger called the meeting to order at 7:00pm. He turned the meeting over to Brittany Hatting.

Brittany introduced herself and provided a brief overview of Home Rule Charter and what this means for Walcott. Brittany reviewed examples of items the city can and cannot do under Home Rule Charter.

Questions were presented by public and discussion was held.

Beth Oestreich motioned to close the public input of the meeting, seconded by Keith Anderson. Carried.

Keith Anderson motioned to submit the draft of the Home Rule Charter to the city council for review, seconded by Beth Oestreich. Carried.

Hatting confirmed that the function of the home rule charter committee has been completed and thanked everyone for their service.

Janowicz motioned to approve the draft Home Rule Charter and to move forward with placing the measure on the November 2024 ballot, seconded by Rhodenbough. Carried.

Hatting provided the council with a draft measure for the November ballot. Oestreich motioned to approve the measure language, seconded by Janowicz. Carried.

Discussion was held regarding doing a publication of the charter or the option of delivering door-to-door. Council agreed to publish in the Daily News. A note will also be included on the water bill, and another letter will be sent out to all residents.
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Meeting was concluded at 8:00pm.

The Walcott City Council Meeting was held August 5th, 2024 at 8:00 pm at the Walcott Fire Hall.
In attendance were Mayor Vining and council members Brown, Oestreich Janowicz, and Rhodenbough. Also in attendance was Brittany Hatting and John Kristianson.

July minutes & financials were read and approved by Rhodenbough, 2nd by Brown. All approved, motion carried.

Attorney has confirmed that a letter has been sent regarding the park board legal matter and the matter is considered closed.

Hatting did a preliminary review of the AE2S contract and it looks to be good, however, she would like to review it in further detail before we agree and sign. Not all engineering companies require this, and Hatting advised that the city isn’t required to sign, and is able to refuse to sign. Council agreed to halt the attorney review and avoid spending more money on the process.

Chase with AE2S has been in contact with a local land owner regarding purchase of land needed for a lagoon expansion. The price of the land has increased since last discussions. Discussion was held about actual value and other options to move forward. Vining will work with AE2S on getting an appraisal of the land.

Once the daycare project is complete, Glacier will start working on fixing main street. Jeff is going to ‘shoot’ the ditches to the East of main since more water will start to run that way once main is fixed.

Gravel for town is ordered and will be spread soon.

Eric Nygren has agreed to be on the park board. A couple other write-ins were contacted, however, Vining is still waiting to hear on who accepts a position.

The Horace Lions Club has asked that the park board go online and fill out the application for funding. No definition has been made on how much the park board would be eligible for.

Discussion was held regarding the pipeline and the possibility of it coming to Walcott. No further information has been received from the pipeline company and they have not yet contacted Walcott about further exploring the possibility.

Skoog provided a summary of the lead inventory meeting held on earlier in the day August 5th.

Water bills were discussed.

Next Meeting September 9th, 2024

Janowicz motioned to adjourn, seconded by Rhodenbough. Carried.
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General Fund Balance $175,325.97
OTPCO 44.33 & 434.06; Jen S 738.80 & 10.72; VanDiest 1817.75; Column Software 8.10 & 32.40; Lies Bullis Hatting 420.24 & 800; ND League of Cities 497; Glacier Ent 900 & 525; RDO 493.61; Jon Rieger Seed 4473; TJM 567; CHS 123.71; Farmers Union 532 & 1905; US Treasury 550.80; USPS 146; FCCU 751.51
WSG Balance $144,648.55
Brian B. 369.40 & 278.72; WM 1928.16 & 13.47; OTPCO 191.62 & 292.67; SEWU 1465.48; AE2S 90 & 90; Glacier Ent 3425 & 2750; City of Fargo 14 & 62; Ferguson 11.83

The Walcott City Council Meeting was held July 8th, 2024 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 Brian Boyle, Nina Stone, Keith Anderson, Beth Oestreich, Jon Rieger, and Brittany Hatting via phone.

June minutes & financials were read and approved by Oestreich, 2nd by Brown. All approved, motion carried.
Vining highlighted some details surrounding Home Rule Charter and how this would allow the city to have more control over city processes, and enforcing rules at the city level. Brittany Hatting joined via phone and provided further information regarding Home Rule and the proposed Charter.

Brown motioned to adjourn the meeting until after the Home Rule Charter Commission has met and adjourned, seconded by Oestreich. Carried.

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Rieger called the Home Rule Charter Commission meeting to order.

In attendance were Brian Boyle, Nina Stone, Keith Anderson, Beth Oestreich, Jon Rieger, and Brittany Hatting via phone. Also in attendance were Mayor Vining and council members Brown and Oestreich, and auditor Jen Skoog.

Jon Rieger was appointed by other commission members as Chairperson of the Home Rule Charter Commission.

Stone motioned to set the Home Rule Charter public hearing to be set for August 5th @ 7pm at the Walcott Fire Hall, seconded by Anderson. Carried.

Anderson motioned to adjourn the meeting, seconded by Boyle. Carried.

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Vining called the Walcott City Council Meeting to order.

Jon Rieger informed the council that the fire dept is moving forward with the new fire hall, with a large meeting room and an office for the city and township staff. He requested that the council determine how much they would be able to pay for rent for use of the facility.

Council reviewed the election results.

Discussion was held regarding excessive personal property littering many yards around town. Dumpsters during cleanup days were filled quickly, however a lot still remains around town. Vining will continue to work with the city attorney to clean up these properties.

Water bills were discussed.

Next Meeting August 5th, 2024

Oestreich motioned to adjourn, seconded by Brown. Carried.

General Fund Balance $188,325.97
OTPCO 31.88 & 478.02; Jen S 738.80; Lee Vining 200; Mike Brown 150; Greg Oestreich 150; Andrea Christanson 150; Derek Rhoenbough 150; Column Software 78.30; Lies Bullis Hatting 171.60
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WSG Balance $136,576.44
Brian B. 369.40; WM 1928.16 & 13.47; OTPCO 261.30 & 107.27; SEWU 1275.85; ND Rural Water Assoc 265