Regular Council Meeting
April 4, 2022 – 6:00 P.M.
Community Media Center
Mayor Dave Goedken called the meeting to order. Council present were: Wayne Peach, Candy Langerman, Chris Lux, Brenda Hanken and Tom Yeoman. Also present were City Administrator Russell Farnum, City Clerk Sally Hinrichsen, Water/Wastewater Superintendent Jim Tjaden, Police Chief Britt Smith, Park & Rec Director Jacob Oswald, Public Works Director Nick Kahler, and Library Director Michelle Turnis. Council member Scott Brighton was absent. 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.
Yeoman moved to approve agenda, Peach seconded, roll call unanimous.
Langerman moved to approve the consent agenda, Hanken seconded, roll call unanimous.
Mayor Goedken opened the public hearing on Proposed sale/transfer of City owned Property located at 449 North Sycamore lot. No written or oral comments were received. Farnum reviewed the two proposals received. Kim Johnson’s proposal included a purchase price of $15,000.00 and would be used for expansion of adjacent home, garage and additional yard space for that property to the south. Dean Stevens Construction’s proposal included a purchase price of $14,000.00 and would construct a new single family spec home, 1200 to 1500 sq. ft. with 2 car garage. Council felt both proposals were good but looking long term what the valuation of new home versus an addition could be and considered the need for housing in the community. Yeoman moved to approve Resolution #2022-42 to provide direction with regard to sale/transfer of City owned Property located at 449 North Sycamore Street and directing City Administrator to work with Dean Stevens Construction to finalize details and agreement. Langerman seconded. Roll call unanimous, except Peach who voted nay. Carried.
Tjaden reviewed the Pirc-Tobin Construction Inc quote to replace 3 fire hydrants that are currently not working. He was able to locate 3 – two-hole hydrants, which are hard to find, so they purchased them. Yeoman moved to approve Pirc-Tobin Construction Inc., quote #2 in the amount of $6,249.99 to remove and replace 3 fire hydrants, supplied by the City; Langerman seconded, roll call unanimous.
Hinrichsen reported the proposed transfers for FY 2023 were all included in the budget that was approved and filed with the State. Peach moved to approve Resolution #2022-43 Authorizing the City Clerk to make the Appropriate Transfers of Sums and Record the Same in the Appropriate Manner for FY 2023 for the City of Monticello, Langerman seconded, roll call unanimous.
Langerman moved to approve Resolution #2022-44 To Acknowledge Monticello Library Director and Library Staff wages for FY ’23. Peach seconded, roll call unanimous.
Hanken moved to approve Resolution #2022-45 Approving wages for non-bargaining staff for FY ’23, Langerman seconded, roll call unanimous.
Yeoman moved to approve Resolution #2022-46 Scheduling Public Hearing on City of Monticello 2021/2022 Fiscal Year budget amendments for May 16, 2022 at 6:00 p.m. Lux seconded, roll call unanimous.
Farnum reviewed the plats for BR3 Subdivision where Dollar Fresh is located that they are subdividing. P & Z Board has reviewed the plats and recommend approval. Langerman moved to approve Resolution #2022-47 Approving Preliminary Plat of BR3 Subdivision to Monticello, Iowa, Hanken seconded, roll call unanimous.
Langerman moved to approve Resolution #2022-48 Approving Final Plat of BR3 Subdivision, seconded by Peach, roll call unanimous.
Farnum reviewed the plat of surveys pertaining to property at or near 702 West Seventh Street. The owner agreed to transfer a portion of his property to his neighbor at 456 West Seventh. P & Z Board has reviewed the plat of surveys for the two parcels and recommend approval. Langerman moved to approve Resolution #2022-49 Approving Plat of Survey to Parcel 2022-19, Hanken seconded, roll call unanimous.
Langerman moved to approve Resolution #2022-50 Approving Plat of Survey to Parcel 2022-20, Lux seconded, roll call unanimous.
Farnum reported the Federal Government is recommending smaller cities that received the American Rescue Act funding, also referred as SLFRF funding to use the Standard Revenue Loss Allowance, which would simplify the annual filing requirements. These funds will still need to be obligated to a project by December 31, 2024 and spent by December 31, 2026. Peach moved to approve Resolution #2022-51 Approving the Designation of SLFRF funds for the City of Monticello, Langerman seconded, roll call unanimous.
Smith reported he was not ready to move forward with the hiring of a paramedic and requested it be tabled. Langerman moved to table the approval of hiring a paramedic and setting wage until the April 18th Council meeting, Hanken seconded, roll call unanimous.
Smith reported Theisen’s has requested to place temporary yard signs for their Lawn and Garden Center, as they did last year. Yeoman moved to approve Resolution #2022-52 Approving the temporary use of yard signs for Theisen’s Lawn and Garden Center, Peach seconded, roll call unanimous.
Farnum and Barry reviewed the Pay Request and change orders from Pirc-Tobin Construction, Inc related to the East 7th Street Utility Project. Barry stated they reviewed and recommended approval. Change order #3 includes water main addition to Oak Street to complete the distribution system loop and Change order #4 includes unforeseen water main changes at 100 West 7th Street. Yeoman moved to approve Resolution #2022-53 Approving Change Order #3 in the amount of $73,764.00, submitted by Pirc-Tobin Construction, Inc. related to the 2021 East 7th Street Utility Improvements Project, seconded by Peach, roll call unanimous.
Langerman moved to approve Resolution #2022-54 Approving Change Order #4 in the amount of $32,003.00, submitted by Pirc-Tobin Construction, Inc. related to the 2021 East 7th Street Utility Improvements Project, seconded by Lux, roll call unanimous.
Langerman moved to approve Resolution #2022-55 Approving Pay Request #1 from Pirc-Tobin Construction, Inc. related to the 2021 East 7th Street Utility Improvements Project in the amount of $67,833.89, seconded by Lux, roll call unanimous.
Barry reported that Pirc-Tobin is making good progress and work completion date is May 1st. Detour is expected to last 10 working days.
Goedken reported the downspout that is shared with Theisens building is plugged. Kahler stated he would look into options to improve the drainage.
Goedken questioned the status of the Employee Handbook. Farnum advised he called Doug Herman today and advised he could come to the May 2nd Council meeting to review it with the Council.
Farnum reported Matt Pivit, with Republic wants to give an update report to the Council. Hanken questioned if residents could get two containers for garbage. Staff advised no and reviewed the process.
Farnum stated the Main Street Committee will be making a proposal to the Council and they are making progress on the application.
Farnum stated staff is working on financing options and possible grants for the Wastewater Treatment Facility Improvements.
Farnum stated the Airport Project bids are due Thursday at 5:30 PM.
Smith reported the Inclusive Playground equipment was delivered and inquired if the City would write the check, with the Austin Strong Foundation reimbursing the City for the cost, which would save having to pay sales tax. Farnum stated similar situations have been done in the past related to the ball diamonds. This will be on the next agenda.
Oswald advised City received the Keep Iowa Beautiful grant for 5 gallons of paint for the Community Building.
Oswald stated May 13th is Pickup Iowa Day and looking for volunteers to work with the students for the schools to clean-up many areas in town.
Oswald reported the Aquatic Center registration is open and they still have several positions available at the Aquatic Center.
Tjaden reported they discovered a chunk of concrete in the main near West Buckeye Street and Roto-Roter will come to see if they can remove it.
Tjaden stated they are looking to switch from gas to liquid chlorine for the water system, as it is much safer to use.
Peach moved to adjourn the meeting at 7:15 p.m.
Dave Goedken, Mayor
Sally Hinrichsen, City Clerk/Treasurer