Regular Council Meeting
April 1, 2024, 6:00 P.M.
Community Media Center
Mayor Wayne Peach called the meeting to order. Council present were: Josh Brenneman, Jake Ellwood, Dave Goedken, Candy Langerman, Scott Brighton and Mary Phelan. Also present were City Administrator Russell Farnum, City Clerk Sally Hinrichsen, Public Works Director Nick Kahler, Library Director Faith Brehm, Water/Wastewater Superintendent Jim Tjaden, Park Director Jacob Oswald and City Engineer Colton Ingels. Police Chief Britt Smith arrived later during the meeting. The public was invited to attend the meeting in person, or to participate in the meeting electronically via “Zoom Meetings” or “Facebook” and were encouraged to communicate from the chat or message.
Brenneman moved to approve the agenda, Langerman seconded, roll call was unanimous.
Steve Hanken, 823 South Main Street, addressed the Council on his concerns with the trash at the Disc Golf Course. Brenda Hanken, 291 N Pine Street, addressed Council regarding percentage County wages and Social Security increased.
Brighton moved to approve the consent agenda; Ellwood seconded. Roll call was unanimous.
Farnum reviewed the North Chestnut Street Project bids and bid alternates with the Council. When asked how many period lighting fixtures were in the project, Ingels advised there was six. Langerman stated the period lighting fixtures are owed by the City and the other poles City pays Alliant rent for the poles. Goedken questioned paying an additional $50,000 for a brick street versus a concrete street. Ellwood and Brenneman stated at the public hearing several property owners wanted to keep the bricks. Goedken stated with bricks there would be long term maintenance. Erich Eggers, 215 North Chestnut Street disagreed about the maintenance of brick streets. Eggers wanted to keep the brick streets, with no period lighting. Ingles stated the brick street was designed to last, but no guarantee on how long. When asked, Farnum stated he called or emailed the residents about the neighborhood meeting and City held a public hearing on the plans and specifications. Goedken moved to approve Resolution #2024-61 Awarding contract for the 2024 N. Chestnut Street Reconstruction Project, with base bid of $507,984.60. The base bid is for a concrete street, with no bricks or period lighting. Ellwood seconded, roll call was unanimous.
Goedken moved to approve Resolution #2024-62 Approving American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) Allocation, motion died due to lack of a second. Brenneman and Brighton stated the Pickleball Courts upgrades were paid with donations. Hinrichsen advised the Pickleball Courts could be removed adding that amount to the tree removal project instead. Brenneman moved to approve Resolution #2024-62 Approving American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) Allocation, removing the Pickleball Courts and adding that amount to the tree removal project instead. Brighton seconded, roll call was unanimous.
Langerman moved to approve Resolution #2024-63 Approving hiring a Monticello Ambulance Part-Time AEMT and setting wage, Goedken seconded, roll call was unanimous.
Brighton moved to approve Resolution #2024-64 Scheduling Public Hearing on the City of Monticello 2024/2025 Fiscal Year budget for April 22, 2024 at 6:00 p.m., Phelan seconded, roll call was unanimous.
Julie Renkert, General Manager for Jellystone Monticello stated they were looking at the following dates for the fireworks displays: May 26th, July 5th and September 1st. If they decide to do more dates they will need to come back to council for approval. Langerman moved to approve Four Points RV Resort of IA d/b/a Jellystone Monticello fireworks display permit. Ellwood seconded. Roll call was unanimous
Brighton moved to set April 15 as a budget work session only meeting and to move the regularly scheduled April 15, 2024 Council meeting to April 22, 2024, seconded by Phelan, roll call was unanimous.
Farnum advised that he and Tjaden are looking into options for a loader for the Wastewater Treatment Facility. The closest dealer that will work on the loader bid is over an hour drive away. They are trying to determine if they would come on site to service the loader or other options that may be available. Consensus of the Council was to continue to look into options and report back on the findings. No action was taken.
Brenneman moved Ordinance #773 Amending the Code of Ordinances of the City of Monticello, Iowa, by adding a new paragraph pertaining to “Street Grades”, third and final reading in title only. Goedken seconded. Roll call was unanimous.
Ingles advised the pre-construction meeting is scheduled for April 3rd for the South water tower repainting project. They are also hoping the tower could be drained by then, so they can begin working on the project.
Ingles reported the contractor started grading an area for the Wastewater Treatment Facility Project and uncovered debris that included: bricks, concrete, wires, tires and more. They are waiting to see what will need to be removed.
Ingles reported they are working on the preliminary plans for the Sixth Street Ditch Project and once completed will review with city staff before coming to Council.
Peach stated he had asked the Council to think about what they want to see for Monticello at the prior meeting. Peach stated he would like to see Monticello not turn into Cedar Rapids or Dubuque. He would like to see an increase in the mid-to-moderate level housing, non-working recreation for all ages to attract people to town, mid-to-moderate income need for childcare facilities. He felt there is a need to do a better job of letting the people outside of Monticello know what is happening in the community.
Farnum reported Main Street Market Data meeting is April 29th at 6 PM. The Main Street Market Analysis Strategy Development Open House is Wednesday, May 22, 2024 12pm – 3pm. The Monticello Chamber Banquet is April 15th at 7 PM.
Farnum advised he continues to work on CDB ordinance on various regulations, like spacing.
Oswald stated construction has begun at the Austin Strong Playground and benches will be installed soon.
Brehm reported a new story walk would be done this week and updated council on upcoming events at the library.
Kahler stated yard waste pickup will start this Thursday.
Smith reported working with Grid Smart to get the bugs worked out with the stop lights.
Phelan moved to adjourn the meeting at 7:13 P.M.
Wayne Peach, Mayor
Sally Hinrichsen, City Clerk/Treasurer