Regular Council Meeting
April 17, 2023 – 6:00 P.M.
Community Media Center
Mayor David Goedken called the meeting to order. Council present were: Chris Lux, Candy Langerman, Wayne Peach, Brenda Hanken, Scott Brighton and Tom Yeoman. Also present were City Administrator Russell Farnum, City Clerk Sally Hinrichsen, Library Director Faith Brehm, Water /Wastewater Superintendent Jim Tjaden, Park and Rec Director Jacob Oswald, Police Chief Britt Smith and Public Works Director Nick Kahler. 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.
Yeoman moved to approve the agenda, Peach seconded, roll call was unanimous.
Open Forum: Bud Coyle, 515 North Sycamore thanked Nick Kahler and his department for removing the rocks in the Sixth Street ditch near his barn. Coyle also questioned the grass burning along the river and if it was on City property. Oswald stated it was a controled burn that they have done the past several years and it encroaches on the Golf Course property, but hard to stop it. Goedken questioned if they should be burning as it kills the trees in the area also.
Goedken wanted to thank the Fire Department, who helped to clear the streets after the storm a few weeks ago.
Hanken questioned the cost of microwaves purchased for the Berndes Center and what they are used for. Oswald stated they were purchased locally and will be used to heat frozen items, like pretzels. Hanken also questioned the bill for the Austin Smith playground. Oswald stated it was for a light pole. Smith advised the Austin Smith Foundation will be reimbursing the City of the cost. Langerman moved to approve the consent agenda; Brighton seconded, roll call was unanimous.
Goedken advised his reasoning for vetoing the budget resolution from the April 3rd Council meeting. Council discussed the proposed budget and possible options to cut the budget, and equipment budgeted to be purchased that could be delayed until next year. Peach stated if Council changes the budget, the mayor has 14 days to veto that resolution and Council may not have enough time to approve prior to the budget filing deadline. After a lengthy discussion, Langerman moved to override the Mayor’s veto of Resolution#2023-48 Adoption of Budget and Certification of City Taxes for Fiscal Year July 1, 2023 through June 30, 2024, with the tax levy rate of 15.80145, Peach seconded, roll call unanimous, except Hanken who voted nay as the budget was not lowered.
Hanken moved to approve Resolution #2023-55 reporting all employees’ wages for calendar year ending December 31, 2022, Lux seconded, roll call was unanimous.
Peach moved to approve Resolution #2023-56 Authorizing the City Clerk to make the Appropriate Transfers of not to Exceed Sums and Record the Same in the Appropriate Manner for FY 2024 for the City of Monticello. Brighton seconded, roll call was unanimous, except Hanken who voted nay.
Yeoman moved to approve Resolution #2023-57 Designating City Depositories, Brighton seconded, roll call unanimous.
Langerman moved to approve Resolution #2023-58 Scheduling Public Hearing on the City of Monticello FY 2022/2023 Budget Amendments for May 15, 2023. Lux seconded, roll call was unanimous.
Oswald stated the MYBSA program is being turned back over to the City and the 28E Agreement is now between the City and School. Yeoman moved to approve Resolution #2023-59 To approve 28E Agreement between the Monticello Community School and the City, related to the Monticello Youth Baseball and Softball Programs. Peach seconded, roll call was unanimous.
Oswald reported Bud Johnson agreed to sell the groomer and trailer to the City over a three-year period, for a total of $12,000. Brighton moved to approve Resolution #2023-60 To approve purchase of a baseball/softball field groomer and trailer from MinnTex. Peach seconded, roll call was unanimous.
Yeoman moved to approve Ordinance #761 Amending the Code of Ordinances of the City of Monticello, Iowa, by amending provisions pertaining to “Zoning Regulations”, second reading in title only. Peach seconded. Roll call was unanimous.
Mayor advised the next four ordinances are to amend the City Code after the results of the special election held on March 7, 2023. Peach moved to approve Ordinance #762 Amending the Code of Ordinances of the City of Monticello, Iowa, by amending provisions pertaining to Chapter 3 “Ward and Precinct Boundaries”, second reading in title only, Langerman seconded. Roll call was unanimous.
Hanken moved to approve Ordinance #763 Amending the Code of Ordinances of the City of Monticello, Iowa, by amending provisions pertaining to Chapter 2 “Charter”, second reading in title only, Langerman seconded. Roll call was unanimous.
Brighton moved to approve Ordinance #764 Amending the Code of Ordinances of the City of Monticello, Iowa, by amending provisions pertaining to Chapter 15 “Mayor”, Section 15.05 Voting, second reading in title only, Hanken seconded. Roll call was unanimous.
Hanken moved to approve Ordinance #765 Amending the Code of Ordinances of the City of Monticello, Iowa, by amending provisions pertaining to Chapter 17 “City Council”, Section 17.01 Number and Term of Council, second reading in title only, Langerman seconded. Roll call was unanimous.
Staff advised Iowa Code 384.84 requires utility rates to be set by ordinance and State Auditor has asked that the rates be set by ordinance and not resolution. There is no change to the rates from what was previously approved by the Council. Langerman moved to approve Ordinance #766 Amending the Code of Ordinances of the City of Monticello, Iowa, by amending provisions pertaining to Chapter 106 “Collection of Solid Waste”, Section 106.08 Collection Fees, second reading in title only, Brighton seconded. Roll call was unanimous.
Goedken stated another employee left and he feels there are some issues that need to be addressed. Council needs to look at what needs to be done to make City a better place to work.
Farnum reported on Thursday April 13, 2023, he was notified that the USDA officially authorized the City to go to bid on the Waterwater Treatment Facility. This will be on the May 1st agenda to begin the process to bid the project.
Hinrichsen reported Jellystone Monticello General manager reached out to request a permit for fireworks. Paperwork has not been received, so will be on next agenda.
Tjaden reported Josh Willms started today.
Brehm reported the two public computers at the Library quit working and were replaced. Library received a STEM cell grant and 6 to 7 kits for preschool to kindergarten kids were purchased. She also thanked everyone that donated during their giving day.
Peach moved to adjourn at 7:01 P.M.
David Goedken, Mayor
Sally Hinrichsen, City Clerk/Treasurer