Regular Council Meeting
September 7, 2021 – 6:00 P.M.
Community Media Center
Mayor Brian Wolken called the meeting to order. Council present were: Dave Goedken, Brenda Hanken, Candy Langerman, Chris Lux, Tom Yeoman and Scott Brighton. Also present were City Administrator Russell Farnum, City Clerk Sally Hinrichsen, Public Works Director Nick Kahler, Park & Rec Director Jacob Oswald, and Library Director Michelle Turnis. Police Chief Britt Smith arrived during meeting. The public was invited to attend the meeting in person, with limited seating or to participate in the meeting electronically via “Zoom Meetings” and were encouraged to communicate from Zoom Meeting via chat, due to the heightened public health risks of the Coronavirus Pandemic (COVID-19). The meeting did have public attendance, both in-person and via Zoom.
Lux moved to approve the agenda, Langerman seconded, roll call unanimous.
Erich Eggers, 215 North Chestnut voiced his concern on lack of progress on the Norm Zimmerman property on North Chestnut Street. He showed several pictures of the work site, including the re-rod sticking up which he feels is unsafe and the dead weeds that were sprayed, but not mowed. Wolken reported that he directed the Police Chief Smith to look into any code and nuisance violations. Wolken stated that Zimmerman was advised that his building permit has expired, so he will need to reapply for the building permit.
Yeoman moved to approve the consent agenda, Hanken seconded, roll call unanimous.
Jess Wiedenhoff announced that she was appointed as Jones County Public Health Coordinator and gave a brief presentation on the 5-2-1-0 Healthy Choice Count! program that she is working to implement in Jones County. She also reported on Jones County Public Health Workgroup areas of focus.
Brandon Gish with Enterprise Rental gave a presentation on fleet management and rental and his recommendation for the city to start with the rental program. Consensus was to place on a future agenda for further discussion.
Goedken moved to approve Resolution #2021-99 approving the final plat of Northridge Estates Third Addition, City of Monticello, Jones County, Iowa, a subdivision of Lot 11 in Industrial Park Third Addition, except for the North 145 feet and Parcel 97-31, all in the City of Monticello, Jones County, Iowa. Langerman seconded. Roll call unanimous.
Yeoman moved to approve Resolution #2021-100 approving the final plat of Northridge Estates Third Addition, City of Monticello, Jones County, Iowa, a subdivision of Outlot “A” in Northridge Estates, Second Addition, all in the City of Monticello, Jones County, Iowa. Brighton seconded. Roll call unanimous.
Farnum advised the payment to Creative Adventure Lab in the amount of $20,000 related to the Rural Innovation Grant for façade and entryway improvements at 101 E. 1st Street; is pass thru funds. The City received the funds for the work completed and paid by Creative Adventure Lab. Hanken moved to approve Resolution #2021-101 to approve payment to Creative Adventure Lab in the amount of $20,000 related to the Rural Innovation Grant for façade and entryway improvements at 101 E. 1st Street. Lux seconded. Roll call unanimous.
Farnum advised the dilapidated structure was involved with several nuisance violations that the Police Chief has worked on. The owner is willing to sell the property for $15,000.00 and has signed the purchase agreement. Yeoman moved to approve Resolution #2021-102 to approve Deed, Declaration of Value, Groundwater Hazard Statement and Closing Statement associated with 449 North Sycamore Street sale and authorize City Administrator to close the Real Estate transaction. Langerman seconded. Roll call unanimous.
Council discussed the ordinance that was adopted in 2019 that limited the time for tax abatement to five years of the completion of the improvements. Lux moved to approve Resolution #2021-103 Approving Natasha & Grant Terry Tax Abatement Application related to Residential Improvements constructed at 216 S Maple Street, Monticello, Iowa. Langerman seconded. Roll call unanimous.
Yeoman moved to approve Resolution #2021-104 Approving Gary Anciaux Tax Abatement Application related to Residential Improvements constructed at 312 Faust Circle, Monticello, Iowa. Goedken seconded. Roll call: Ayes none. Nays: Yeoman, Goedken, Hanken, Brighton, Langerman and Lux. Motion failed.
Hinrichsen advised the credit card company is now requiring a business authorization resolution that authorizes changes to the credit card like adding names or amounts. She recommended City Administrator, City Clerk and Deputy City Clerk be authorized. Goedken moved to approve Resolution #2021-105 entitled Business Authorization Resolution as related to City Credit cards. Brighton seconded. Roll call unanimous.
Yeoman moved to schedule Trick or Treat Night in Monticello for Sunday October 31, 2021 from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM. Langerman seconded. Roll call unanimous.
Goedken moved to accept bid on the 2004 Ford F250 from Brian Crowley in the amount of $500.00, Langerman seconded. Roll call unanimous except Yeoman who felt Enterprise Rental should be involved.
Langerman moved to approve Ordinance #749 amending the Code of Ordinances of the City of Monticello, Iowa, by amending Chapter 10 Urban Revitalization, “Section 10.10 Exemption”, second reading in title only. Brighton seconded, roll call unanimous. Hanken moved that the statutory rule requiring said ordinance be considered and voted on for passage at two Council meetings prior to the meeting at which it is to be finally passed be suspended and that said Ordinance be regarded as having been considered and voted on at two prior Council meetings. Brighton seconded, roll call unanimous. Lux moved Ordinance #749 amending the Code of Ordinances of the City of Monticello, Iowa, by amending Chapter 10 Urban Revitalization, “Section 10.10 Exemption”, third and final reading in title only. Langerman seconded, roll call unanimous.
Farnum reported the first installment of ARPA funds were received and City would be getting a total of $578,211.82, which Council decided to use towards the Wastewater Treatment Facility Improvements.
Farnum reported the Airport Board has started the procurement process for a new consultant for the airport project as required. Board is also reviewing farm and hangar lease rates and documents. More will be coming to the Council in the next council months
Farnum stated that he appreciated the city water crew staying late last Friday to fix the water leaks on North Cedar Street. Goedken stated it was not a nice day, as it rained all day.
Farnum reported that Jones County Economic Development is looking for nominations for the board, if interested contact him.
Oswald reported the Iowa Health State Walk will be held on October 6th at 5:00 PM starting at Willow shelter, down the trail and where the future trail is proposed.
Wolken advised at the last Council meeting there was a tied vote on the 202 North Main Hazard Mitigation. Wolken advised that Farnum has been working on this shortly after he started and initially, they were looking at buying out the garages only. FEMA has very strict rules and stated the property qualifies but want the entire property. Wolken advised the City share of loss property taxes was $3,235 and the total taxes is only $5,330 not the $8,000 amount stated at the last meeting. Council questioned what the elevation is compared to the Dollar Fresh lot. Wolken stated the lot has been listed several times with various realtors and rental properties are not covered with flood insurance. Yeoman questioned if this is a better location for a trail head. Farnum stated that is what they were looking at. Brighton moved to rescind action on Resolution #2021-98 for the Hazard Mitigation Assistance Program for Flood Plain Buy-out of 2020 North Main Street. Yeoman seconded. Roll call unanimous except Goedken and Hanken who voted nay.
Wolken reported Marion Medco Economic Development is acquiring dilapidated homes and getting property back on the tax rolls. Emily Russ is on the committee but there is someone that could come explain the process at a future meeting. Consensus of the Council was to contact them to present the program to the City.
Brighton moved to adjourn at 7:50 PM.
Brian Wolken, Mayor
Sally Hinrichsen, City Clerk