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

The Walcott City Council Meeting was held June 3rd, 2024 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 John Kristianson, Brian Bergensten and Chase Julson with AE2S.

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

Chase and Brian presented information regarding current and required lagoon capacities, along with possible areas of expansion. Current land owned by the city will not be enough to ensure the city is in compliance. Alternate options were discussed.

Chase presented a draft letter that all city residents will be receiving regarding the lead pipe inventory required by the state.

Clean up days will be June 8 & 9. The gate will be open from 8am-4pm for City residents only. Further information is available via the letter mailed out last week.

Boyles will maintain the park mowing.

Due to the rain and load restrictions, potholes have been difficult to fix. Repairs will be made as soon as the weather allows it.

Vining presented the license permit to utilities city right of way to the council, allowing Rieger to build into the city right of way. A small change will be made with the notary page before signing.
An update was provided regarding current city legal matters. Discussion was held.

Vining will contact the city attorney to begin the legal process of cleaning up personal properties around town.

City attorney brought forth information to Vining regarding Home Rule Charter. This would allow the city to have more control over processes and enforcing rules at the city level.

A gaming permit from Horace Lions Club was presented. Oestreich motioned to approve the gaming permit as presented, seconded by Rhodenbough. All approved, motion carried.

Water bills were discussed.

Next Meeting July 8th, 2024
Oestreich motioned to adjourn, seconded by Janowicz. Carried.

General Fund Balance $184,822.54
OTPCO 40.94 & 450.88; Jen S 554.10, 42.09, 5.86; USPS 136; Column Software 50.40; Glacier Ent 437.50
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WSG Balance $137,545.27
Brian B. 369.40; WM 1921.66 & 13.47; OTPCO 102.98 & 347.28; Glacier Ent 2600.44; SEWU 1462.14; AE2S 90

The Walcott City Council Meeting was held May 6th, 2024 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 John Kristianson.

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

City Clean-up will be the weekend of June 8th. A letter will be sent out at the end of May with further information. City will provide 6 dumpsters, only residents who live in city limits may show their ID for use of the dumpsters. $837 will be credited to Prairie Scale’s account for use of the property.

John presented new playground equipment options. Vining will talk to the Horace Lions regarding a donation, and further discussion will be held at the next meeting. Vining will contact someone for park mowing.

The City attorney is working on agreements for Jon Rieger’s daycare building addition. Rieger will cover the construction of the city sidwalk. Discussion was held regarding repaving main street. Oestreich motioned to move forward with paving a 10 foot wide, half block section starting on the Northwest half of main street, using the Prairie Dog funds received from the state, seconded by Brown. Carried.

Roads will be graded again.

Only one gravel bid was received by the city, sent by TJM. Once restrictions are off, gravel projects will start.

Brown motioned to make Wahpeton Daily News the official city newspaper, seconded by  Oestreich. All approved, motion carried.

A gaming permit from Horace Lions Club was presented. Oestreich motioned to approve the gaming permit as presented, seconded by Brown. All approved, motion carried.

The City still has ARPA funds that need to be assigned to a project by December 31, 2024. The council continues to discuss the proposed lagoon expansion.

An update was provided regarding current city legal matters. Discussion was held. Vining will be reaching out to the attorney with next steps.

Skoog presented the Proposed 2025 Walcott City Budget. Oestreich motioned to approved as presented, seconded by Brown. All approved, motion carried.

Water bills were discussed.

Next Meeting June 3rd, 2023

Oestreich motioned to adjourn, seconded by Brown. Carried.

March Financials:
General Fund Balance $181,607.15
OTPCO 33.67 & 419.14; Jen S 554.10 & 371.15; CHS 18.70; Column Software 40.50
WSG Balance $128,403.06
Brian B. 369.40; WM 1839.51 & 13.47; OTPCO 83.44 & 290.71; ND Sewage Pump 625; SEWU 1391.51; City of Fargo 14; AE2S 90; GovCard 19.95
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April Financials:
General Fund Balance $181,160.27
OTPCO 33.77 & 426.83; Jen S 738.80; Cass Co Reporter 60; Lies Bullis Hatting 380 & 255.88; Richland Co 1084; Column Software 62.10; US Treasury 489.60
WSG Balance $134,730.75
Brian B. 369.40; WM 2530.98 & 13.47; OTPCO 292.95 & 83.85; SEWU 1254.51; City of Fargo 14 & 62; Jen Skoog 318; AE2S 90; GovCard 19.95

The Walcott City Council Meeting was held April 1st, 2024 at 7:30 pm at the Walcott Fire Hall.

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

March minutes and February financials were read and approved by Oestreich, 2nd by Rhodenbough. All approved, carried. March financials will be reviewed at the May meeting.

Kalen asked about the letter from city attorney. Vining requested that he contact the city attorney directly with any questions.
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Vining presented plans from Jon Rieger, outlining where the new daycare expansion will land, protruding about 7’6” onto city owned property. Vining will continue discussion with the city attorney to ensure all proper steps are taken.

2024 Elections are June 11th, 2024. A polling place is not available in Walcott; however, residents can vote at any polling place in Richland County. To see where the nearest polling place is, visit www.co.richland.nd.us.

Vining will contact WM to setup a date in June for City Clean-up.

Tax Equalization meeting will be on April 11th at 7:30pm at the Walcott Fire Hall.

The road grader will start working on roads once they are dry.

Boyle’s brought forth the question of the alleyway to the North of their house and the possibility of purchasing the property. Vining will contact the attorney to see if this is possible.

Gravel bids will be reviewed at the May meeting.

Water bills were discussed.

Next Meeting May 6th, 2023
Oestreich motioned to adjourn, seconded by Brown. Carried.

General Fund Balance $182,651.63
OTPCO 38.28 & 462.31; Jen S 554.10 & 13.43; Glacier Ent 2201; WSI 250
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WSG Balance $123,101.95
Brian B. 369.40; Jen S 71.89; AE2S 90; WM 1713.48 & 13.47; OTPCO 92.59 & 357.52; SEWU 1106.62; City of Fargo 14; Glacier Ent 1630; AE2S 90; BND 4470

The Walcott City Council Meeting was held March 4th, 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.

February minutes were read and approved by Brown, 2nd by Janowicz. All approved, carried. February financials will be reviewed at the April meeting.

Jon presented a preliminary building proposal for an expansion to the existing daycare building and the possibility of the building being outside of property line and on city property. Discussion was held. Vining will contact the city attorney to gather further information.

2024 Elections are June 11th, 2024. All information relating to the open positions and required paperwork can be found on our website. www.cityofwalcott.org

Tax Equalization meeting will be on April 11th at 7:30pm at the Walcott Fire Hall.

Water bills were discussed.

Next Meeting April 1st, 2023
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Brown motioned to adjourn, seconded by Janowicz. Carried.

The Walcott City Council Meeting was held February 5th, 2024 at 7:30 pm at the Walcott Fire Hall.

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

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

Rhodenbough motioned to have Jennifer Skoog & Lee Vining as the only individuals authorized to have access and signing capabilities on the City and Park Board bank accounts with First Community Credit Union, seconded by Janowicz. Carried.

Discussion was held regarding moving excess bank funds into a CD. Rhodenbough motioned to move $100,000 from the General account into a 7-month CD, seconded by Brown. Carried.
2024 Elections are June 11th, 2024. All information relating to the open positions and required paperwork can be found on our website. www.cityofwalcott.org

Oestreich motioned to increase Jen’s employment rate to $800/month effective March 1st, 2024, seconded by Rhodenbough. Carried.

Water bills were discussed.

Next Meeting March 4th, 2023

Brown motioned to adjourn, seconded by Janowicz. Carried.
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General Fund Balance $250,485.90
OTPCO 36.87 & 357.32; Jen S 554.10; Lies Bullis Hatting 100; RDO 1565.90; Column Software 182.70; US Treasury 459; Glacier Ent 643.50; State Auditor 245; CHS 1213.62; Richland County 2627.08
WSG Balance $111,597.36
Brian B. 369.40; WM 1683.57 & 13.47; OTPCO 290.97 & 78.58; SEWU 1016.89; City of Fargo 14; FCCU 350

The Walcott City Council Meeting was held January 8th, 2024 at 7:30 pm at the Walcott Fire Hall.

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

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

Sewer line repair was done on the westside of town. All manholes covers were pulled and inspected, everything looked good.

Vining reported that the tractor is ready for winter.

Discussions have been held with the city attorney regarding the park board review. Further information will be provided to the attorney to determine future action.

Garbage cans will be replaced by Waste Management in the upcoming weeks, with the goal to have them all replaced by February 1st. All residents will have new garbage and recycling cans. Please see the letter sent with the January water bill.

Vining will review the list of buildings currently covered by insurance to determine if there are any changes needed.

Water bills were discussed

Next Meeting February 5th, 2023
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Brown motioned to adjourn, seconded by Janowicz. Carried.

General Fund Balance $254,010.36
OTPCO 396.49 & 31.11; Jen S 554.10 & 200; Lies Bullis Hatting 220; RDO 939.90 & 30.62; Wyatt Vining 350; Column Software 104.40
WSG Balance $110,211.33
Brian B. 369.40; WM 1840.14 & 13.47; OTPCO 66.42 & 170.40; SEWU 1125.92; Glacier 3607.25; AE2S 180 & 90, All American Plumbing 337; City of Fargo 62 & 14; FCCU 350

The Walcott City Council Meeting was held December 4th, 2023 at 7:30 pm at the Walcott Fire Hall.

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

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

The city mowers were serviced and are ready for spring. Vining will get the tractor switched over for snow removal in the next week.

The new Lead and Copper Rule Revision is requiring a lead pipe survey of all residential, commercial, industrial, public, or agricultural services lines. Rhodenbough motioned to move forward with completing the financial paperwork to hire AE2S to complete the survey and all necessary paperwork, seconded by Oestreich. Carried.

A bill for the Park Board review was presented to the council. Janowicz motioned to have the city pay half and the park board pay half, seconded by Rhodenbough. Carried.

Resolution 2023-1 was presented to the council, increasing the water rate by $.25/1000 gallons effective with the January 2024 billing. Rhodenbough motioned to approve the resolution, seconded by Janowicz. Carried.

Resolution 2023-2 was presented to the council, increasing the garbage rates in accordance with the new Waste Management contract effective with the January 2024 billing. Janowicz motioned to approve the resolution, seconded by Oestreich. Carried.

A letter will be sent with the January billing explaining the new rates and information regarding the new garbage cans.

Oestreich motioned to allow the 3 CDs currently held at FCCU to renew in accordance with the renewal term, seconded by Rhodenbough. Carried.

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 20th, seconded by Rhodenbough. Carried.

Water bills were discussed.

Next Meeting January 8th, 2023
Oestreich motioned to adjourn, seconded by Rhodenbough. Carried.
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September 2023
General Fund Balance $240,633.14
OTPCO 32.34 & 351.92; Jen S 554.10; Farmer’s Union Insurance 320; Walcott Park Board 35.72
WSG Balance $89,280.03
Brian B. 369.40; WM 1840.14 & 13.47; City of Fargo 14; OTPCO 74.66 & 161.87; SEWU 1472.84; AE2S 90; Ferguson 1260 & 365.89; Ryan Bros 330; NDDEQ 166.83
October 2023
General Fund Balance $242,978.38
OTPCO 35.72 & 351.42; Jen S 554.10; Lies Bullis Hatting 624; US Treasury 459; TJM Trucking 453.60; Wyatt Vining 525; RDO 12.40
WSG Balance $85,503.09
Brian B. 369.40; WM 1840.14 & 13.47; City of Fargo 14; OTPCO 75.81 & 171.94; SEWU 1397.42; AE2S 465.25; All American Plumbing 2486.80
November  2023
General Fund Balance $243,577.95
OTPCO 36.95 & 344.89; Jen S 554.10; Lies Bullis Hatting 120; USPS 147.60
WSG Balance $98,611.56
Brian B. 369.40; WM 1840.14 & 13.47; OTPCO 79.41 & 180.51; SEWU 1222.51