Due to not meeting quorum, the City of Walcott meeting scheduled for May 5, 2025 was not held. Next regular council meeting is scheduled for June 2, 2025.

The Walcott City Council Tax Equalization Meeting was held April 10th, 2025 at 7:30 pm at the Walcott Fire Hall.

In attendance were Mayor Vining, council members Brown, Oestreich, and Rhodenbaugh. Absent was council member Janowicz. Also in attendance was Wendy Matejcek with the 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 2025 Walcott Mass Residential & Commercial Appraisals. Discussion was held.

Rhodenbaugh motioned to accept and approve the presented 2025 Walcott Tax Equalization report, seconded by Brown. All approved, carried.
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Meeting was adjourned.

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

In attendance were Mayor Vining and council members Brown, Janowicz, Rhodenbough and Oestreich. Also in attendance was Chase Julson, Rachel Schultz, and Chase Forthun with AE2S, and Christine Lidenberg and Heather Syverson with AE2S via Teams, and John Kristianson.

Rachel Schultz introduced each team member and gave an overview of the Lead & Copper Inventory process. Current focus will be identifying 33 lines on the customer side. Vining and Skoog will work on contacting the current list of customers, resolve what we can before door-to-door later in April.

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

New playground equipment will be delivered this week. It will be stored indoors until installation this summer.

Vining talked to the attorney on the proposed ordinances. Fairmount should have theirs done by May. This will help provide a starting point for Walcott’s new ordinances.

Dave Nelson inquired about a street dance for his daughter’s wedding. Discussion was held. It was recommended that he work with the Brewzer’s.

One gravel bid has been received from TJM trucking. Bid will be held until May meeting to see if anyone else submits a bid.

Clean-up week was discussed. Vining will start working on dates and contact Waste Management.

Discussion was held regarding the new Walcott Fire Hall and if the city would be willing to help pay for a tornado shelter within the building.

An additional $44k for the Municipal Infrastructure fund was received in March.

Water bills were discussed.

Next Meeting May 5th, 2025.

Rhodenbough motioned to adjourn, seconded by Brown. Carried

General Fund Balance $209,774.54
OTPCO 413.42 & 51.13; Jen S 757.27 & 33.90; CHS 302.40; Lies, Bullis, Hatting 60; Minnkota 2030; TextMyGov 1500

​WSG Balance $152,898.76
Brian B. 369.40; WM 2033.67 & 13.59; OTPCO 322.03 & 71.50; SEWU 1472.42; City of Fargo 14; AE2S 90; Harland Checks 31.11; ND Sewage Pump 550; Glacier ENT 8787.50

A special meeting of the Walcott City Council was held March 17, 2025 at 7:30 pm at the Walcott Fire Hall.

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

Kayla with Brewzer’s provided paperwork requesting two gaming licenses for Northern Prairie Performing Arts to hold gaming at Brewzer’s Bar, 465 Main Ave, Walcott. One license is for April 1, 2025 – June 30th, 2025 and the second license is for July 1, 2025 – June 30th, 2025. Oestrich motioned to approve both license applications as presented, seconded by Rhodenbough. Carried.
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Rhodenbough motioned to adjourn, seconded by Brown. Carried

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

In attendance were Mayor Vining, and council members Brown, Janowicz, Rhodenbough and Oestreich. Also in attendance was John Kristianson and Cheryl Anderson.

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

Cheryl Anderson inquired if the city has heard anything from Glacier Ent. Vining reported that he has not yet heard back. Cheryl also informed Council that she has placed an inquiry with a Hutterite group about tearing it down.

Vining presented a letter informing the Council that the current city siren needs some updating. The City qualifies for grant reimbursement to pay for a portion of it. Oestrich motioned to proceed with purchasing the new siren upgrade, and apply for the state reimbursement, seconded by Janowicz. Carried.

AE2S sent a statement stating their current rates and has asked for a signed copy confirming the rates have been received. This is not a contract. Council had no issues with Vining signing the statement.

Underground electric line broke for the wastewater system, causing a temporary line to be installed until further investigation can happen this summer. This will be handled by the electric company.

John Kristianson with the Walcott Park Board presented two different equipment options for a park upgrade. Discussion was held. Janowicz motioned to approve option #1 at $53,638 plus any additional costs to have it unloaded, site prepped, and removal of debris seconded by Oestreich. Carried.

Water bills were reviewed and discussion was held on a number of outstanding accounts. Vining will have Glacier Ent find necessary curb stops and beginning suspending water services.

The City attorney provided a starting point on new ordinances, of which needs to be reviewed and updates need to be made. Discussion was held. Vining will have the attorney start reviewing what we have and what needs to be revamped.

The TextMyGov option was discussed further. Rhodenbough motioned to move forward with the TextMyGov option for the 3-year contract, seconded by Janowicz. Carried.

Next Meeting April 7th, 2025.

Oestreich motioned to adjourn, seconded by Brown. Carried

General Fund Balance $161,183.00
OTPCO 479.36 & 58.90; Jen S 757.27
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WSG Balance $154,252.63
Brian B. 369.40; WM 2033.67 & 13.59; OTPCO 82.46 & 341.12; SEWU 1277.44; City of Fargo 14; AE2S 180; BND 4200

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