The 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
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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

Walcott 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.
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Meeting Minutes submitted by Lee Vining

The 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
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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

The 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.

cThe 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
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WSG Balance $164,482.70
Brian B. 369.40; AE2S 90; OTPCO 107.36 & 181.78; SEWU 1365.08; City of Fargo 14

The Walcott City Council Meeting was held October 6, 2025 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 Shelly Swandal and Cheryl Anderson.

September minutes and August & September financials were read and approved by Rhodenbough, 2nd by Brown. Carried.

Shelly inquired on where the city is with reviewing and adopting new ordinances. Vining reported that he just received the draft from the attorney and the council should be diving into it next month. This is a very time-consuming process and will take some time to execute. Discussion was held on the possible appointment of a committee to review the draft and recommend a final copy to the city council. Vining will discuss with the attorney on next steps.

Cheryl inquired about the possibility of vacating the road between them and Boyer’s. Vining explained that the legal process requires the vacated land be split evenly between the two adjacent properties. At that time, the two properties can opt to purchase the land from the other, if they so wish.

Vining has been having Glacier look at culverts and ditches around town, determining which ones need repairs.
Curb stop to house behind the bar needs to be replaced as it was hit prior.

Vining received a quote from Prairie Scale Systems for the remaining sidewalk along Main Street and the handicap ramp to Brewzers. Discussion was held regarding the possibility of special assessing the properties benefiting from the improvement. Discussion was also held regarding the city covering part of the project and the business owners covering the other portion. Vining will discuss with the business owners and offer a special assessment option, if needed.

Chase with AE2S submitted a CWSRF questionnaire for review and approval for submission. This is done each year and allows the city to keep future projects available for funding.

Water bills were discussed.

Next Meeting November 3, 2025.
Oestreich motioned to adjourn, seconded by Janowicz. Carried

General Fund Balance $290,203.07
OTPCO 384.97 7 36.04; Jen S 757.27; Banyon Data Systems 1625; TJM Trucking 8079.75; FCCU 126.81
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WSG Balance $163,273.17
Brian B. 369.40; WM 2033.67 & 13.59; AE2S 90 & 90; OTPCO 187.21 & 100.46; SEWU 1316.57; City of Fargo 14 & 60

Walcott Council meeting was held September 8th, 2025 at 7:30 pm, at the Walcott Fire Hall.

In attendance was Mayor Vining, council members Oestreich, Rhodenbaugh, and Brown. Park board member John Kristianson. Walcott resident Stuart Swandal. Absent was Auditor Skoog.

August minutes were read and approved on a motion by Rhodenbaugh and 2nd by Brown.

Chase Julson, Rachel Schultz and Christine Lindenberg from AE2S attended to fulfill requirements. For LCRR compliance, Category B Technical Assistance Closeout Meeting initial reporting has been completed. All information will be forwarded to Lee and Jen. Jen will post the required documents on the City website. AE2S explained the testing requirements until all service lines can be proven. Sampling starts in 2028. All residents must be notified yearly until service lines are proven. Notifications are due by November 1st. AE2S will notify us of any changes in LCRR and deadlines.

Stuart Swandal asked about the timeline for updating City ordinances and addressing blighted properties around town. The City is currently working with our attorney to update the ordinances.

Walcott City budget for 2026 was approved with a 3% increase over 2025 on a motion by Rhodenbaugh and 2nd by Oestreich.

Council member Janowicz contacted Brewzer’s owner Kayla about filling out a permit for her planned Walcott Days. She will be using the City park and Main street. Events like this will require informing the Council ahead of time and acquiring needed permits. Will talk more about this at November meeting when liquor license is voted on.

City streets have been graveled. Will be working with Jeff Fuchs about finishing concrete on the North side of Main Street before winter.
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Meeting adjourned. Minutes submitted by Lee Vining.

The Walcott City Council Meeting was held August 4, 2025 at 7:30 pm at the Walcott Fire Hall.

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

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

Bill presented from Kenny’s Tree Care for stump removal in the park. Discussion was held on repairing the basketball court.

Gravel maps have been provided and gravel should be laid in the near future. Potholes are currently being fixed in town.

Once ditches dry up, Glacier will be working on some ditching.

AE2S will be attending the next council meeting on September 8.

Three CDs at FCCU matured as of 8/2/25. Council discussed moving bank accounts and CDs to Bell Bank. Janowicz motioned to move all bank accounts, credit card, and CDs to Bell Bank with Jennifer Skoog and Lee Vining as signers on all accounts, seconded by Brown. Carried.

Discussion was held on the upcoming Walcott Days being privately held by Brewzer’s Bar. The city has not yet been contacted regarding closing of the street, use of public property for vendors, or a special liquor license to have alcohol served outside of the approved building. Janowicz will contact Kayla at Brewzer’s to discuss future steps to ensure proper compliance.

Water bills were discussed.

Next Meeting September 8, 2025.

Brown motioned to adjourn, seconded by Janowicz. Carried

General Fund Balance $217,799.27
OTPCO 39.60 & 432.43; Jen S 757.27 & 19.94; ND League of Cities 505; TJM Trucking 519.75; Glacier Ent 1050; US Treasury 556.92; FCCU 234.86; RDO 80.52; Farmer’s Union 2436
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WSG Balance $172,412.44
Brian B. 369.40 & 287; WM 2033.67 & 13.59; AE2S 90 & 90; OTPCO 326.10 & 130.06; SEWU 1458.22; City of Fargo 74; Jen Skoog 280

The Walcott City Council Meeting was held July 7, 2025 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 Jon Rieger.

June minutes and financials were read and approved by Rhodenbough, 2nd by Oestreich. Carried.

Jon commented on how great the new playground looks. Some of the overgrown trees will be cleaned up soon. Vining will work on getting a landscape company to come out and build up soil & sod around the parameter.

Glacier Enterprise replaced a curb stop that wouldn’t shut off, and will be working on cleaning up a few ditches in town. Glacier will also be working on more replacement of Main Street.

Jon provided an update on the Walcott Colfax Fire District and the new building.

Curbside pickup was a success with no incident.

No update on the potential natural gas line coming to Walcott.

Water bills were discussed.

Next Meeting August 4th, 2025.

Oestreich motioned to adjourn, seconded by Rhodenbough. Carried

General Fund Balance $220,500.09
OTPCO 436.74 & 38.14; Jen S 757.27; Lee V 200; Greg O 150; Andrea C 150; Derek R 150; Mike Brown 150;Column 9; Harland Clark 38.65
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WSG Balance $172,412.44
Brian B. 369.40; WM 2033.67 & 13.59; OTPCO 117.74 & 368.88; SEWU 1154.26; City of Fargo 14; ND Rural Water 270

The Walcott City Council Meeting was held June 2, 2025 at 7:00 pm at the Walcott Fire Hall.

In attendance were Mayor Vining and council members Brown, Janowicz, Rhodenbough and Oestreich. Absent was Auditor Jen Skoog. Also in attendance was Stuart Swandal and John Kristianson with the Walcott Park Board.
April and May minutes and bills were read and approved on a motion by Janowicz and Brown.

2026 budget was approved with a 5% increase over 2025 on a motion by Oestriech and second by Rhodenbaugh.

Stuart Swandal asked what the Council’s plan is to clean up the blighted properties around town. Council is working with the City attorney to update our ordinances covering up keep and junk collecting within the City limits. Once ordinances and enforcement policies are updated the Council will start to address the issues.

Playground has been torn down. Jeff Fuchs will level and build up a pad for the new playground to be built on.

Meeting was adjourned on a motion by Oestreich and second by Brown.
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Meeting Minutes submitted by Mayor Vining

April Financials
General Fund Balance $214,265.27
OTPCO 416.98 & 51.31; Jen S 757.27 & 260.42; Lies, Bullis, Hatting 60; USPS 146; US Treasury 556.92; Richland Co 1070

WSG Balance $158,461.35
Brian B. 369.40; WM 2033.67 & 13.59; OTPCO 80.94 & 392.86; SEWU 1083.07; AE2S 967.25

May Financials
General Fund Balance $215,404.08
OTPCO 65.78 & 484.67; Jen S 757.27; CHS 5.04; USPS 219; Glacier Ent 525; FCCU 169.71
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WSG Balance $165,232.52
Brian B. 369.40; WM 2033.67 & 13.59; OTPCO 475.69 & 107.24; City of Fargo 88; SEWU 1137.90; AE2S 90; Evolv 19.95