Regular Council Meeting
August 15, 2022 – 6:00 P.M.
Community Media Center
Mayor Dave Goedken called the meeting to order. Council present were: Wayne Peach, Brenda Hanken, Scott Brighton, Candy Langerman and Chris Lux. Also present were City Administrator Russell Farnum, City Clerk Sally Hinrichsen, Library Director Michelle Turnis, Water/Wastewater Superintendent Jim Tjaden, Park & Rec Director Jacob Oswald, Public Works Director Nick Kahler and Police Chief Britt Smith. 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 agenda, Peach seconded, roll call unanimous.
Lisa Folken, 202 South Cedar St, Staci Fritz, 22573 Campfire Rd, and Quinn Behrends, 203 West First Street, representing the Monticello Main Street Committee announced that Monticello was designated a Main Street Community. They were proud of the designation and thanked Council for their support.
Bob Gertsen, 4237 10th Avenue, Oxford Junction introduced himself to the Council and advised he was running for County Supervisor.
Dave Lumpa, 410 South Linden, voiced his concerns regarding his neighbors’ properties; including the sidewalk, weeds and lot not being mowed at 402 South Linden and sidewalk and drainage issues at 416 South Linden. Smith advised notices were sent to the property owner of 402 South Linden regarding the sidewalk and mowing. Smith also advised 416 South Linden sidewalk will be addressed next year, and the drainage issue is a dispute between neighbors. He suggested Lumpa contact an attorney for advice.
Bud Coyle, 515 North Sycamore, reported contacting Jay Iben to get an estimate to place the rock in the middle of the Sixth Street ditch near his barn, to prevent the erosion of the wall and Jay Iben’s quote was $545.00. Coyle also mentioned the ruts on 7th Street where the recent construction was done. Kahler stated he would look at fill in the ruts.
Brighton moved to approve the consent agenda, Hanken seconded, roll call unanimous.
Oswald stated the Park Board felt it was appropriate to name the park area after Bud and Georgia Johnson, as they were instrumental in the redevelopment of the area both financially and their time. Langerman moved to approve Resolution #2022-99 Approving naming Park area including Kleinow Field, Jaycee Field and the Pickle Ball Court near Riverside Gardens, “Bud and Georgia Johnson Park”, Peach seconded, roll call unanimous.
Kahler stated Council approved the chassis purchase at the last meeting; however, the amount was incorrect and this resolution includes the correct amount. He talked with Henderson’s sales representative who suggested placing the order now so they can get the parts needed and be added to the list, so when the chassis is ready, they will have the parts on hand to build the snow equipment. Langerman moved to approve Resolution #2022-100 To approve purchase of Combination Dump/Spreader Body for City Plow Truck from Henderson Truck Equipment and Freightliner Chassis from Truck Country, Brighton seconded, roll call unanimous.
Farnum reported the stop light control box at First and Main streets was struck by lighting. General Traffic Controls loaned the City a controller for the Great Jones County Fair, which needs to be returned to them. The VideoTrak card would cost approximately $4,000 to repair or $8,500 to replace. The options to completely upgrade the controller to a video unit would range between $23,247 to $27,647. Farnum stated the traffic controllers at First and Cedar streets and Main and Oak streets could be upgraded but not required. Jared Lasley, with REM Electric, the city electrician for the stop lights,. He reviewed the controller equipment and issues with the equipment for all three controllers. Smith stated there is a traffic concern with the programing of the Oak and Main streets stop light. It is programmed to flash yellow on Oak Street and red on Main Street, instead of red all directions. Lasley stated the price from General Traffic Controls does not include his time, if needed. Peach moved to approve Resolution #2022-101 to approve the purchase of Traffic Control devices and equipment from General Traffic Controls, Inc for the First Street and Main Street intersection with a not to exceed amount of $27,647, Langerman seconded, roll call unanimous. Langerman moved to to approve the purchase of Traffic Control devices and equipment from General Traffic Controls, Inc for the First Street and Cedar Street intersection, which died due to a lack of a second. Council members wanted to look at the First and Cedar intersection and Main and Oak intersection at budget time.
Farnum stated the IDOT owns the Park and Ride area, but gave the City the requirement of maintenance and to regulate the area. City is not looking to rename the Park and Ride area, but to designate the area as a city park to allow the enforcement of the City Code regulations. The Rotary built a pavilion on this lot and there are picnic tables and a wetland. Smith stated lighting is an issue. Kahler stated a light was placed near the bridge but would be nice to have more light by the pavilion. Council directed Kahler to look into lighting options and bring back to Council. Lux moved to approve Resolution #2022-102 Designating the “Park and Ride” area along County Road X44, also known as Amber Road, a City park, Peach seconded, roll call unanimous.
Goedken stated he had inquiries about what the City was doing with the Canyon pickup, as they were interested and wanted to bid on it. Brighton motioned to direct staff place an ad to take bids on the pickup, as is, Hanken seconded, roll call unanimous.
Goedken stated he took the Sixth Street ditch plans to Scott Chally to discuss the City’s proposed plans. Goedken stated there are immense issues with the ditch not being maintained and recommended having a work session regarding the ditch. He stated Bill Meyer paid around $5,000 to fix his section of the ditch and now it is filling in with dirt deposits. Goedken wondered if the City could serve nuisance notices if there are trees growing in the ditch. Lux stated the City has spent a lot of money over the years for the engineer to draw up the plans for the ditch. Council recommended setting up a work session and inviting the public to attend.
Farnum congratulated the Main Street Committee on the designation as a Main Street Community and thanked them for all their work.
Farnum reported the Airport taxiway extension project contract is about ready to sign as he has received the paperwork he was waiting for.
Farnum has the airport AWOS repairs lined up and is working with the farmer to do the work once the crop is harvested.
Farnum is waiting for a response from Rod Horsfield regarding Sycamore Street and continues to reach out to him.
Farnum is working with Kim Johnson on contract to purchase the City lot on North Sycamore Street and abstracts are being updated.
Farnum stated the Jones County Economic Development Fall Gala is on October 17, 2022 and asked Council if they wanted to move October second regular meeting to the 24th instead of the 17th. Consensus of Council was to move the meeting to the 24th.
Farnum advised for Monti Days, Creative Adventure Lab will open this Saturday, Airport is having a Fly-In Breakfast and Flea Market is at the Berndes Center.
Kahler is picking up yard waste and will take down trees as time allows. He worked with Brian at airport to remove trees in grass runway.
Smith was invited to a round table with the USDA director to discuss EMS funding issues. He is accepting Officer applications until August 19th and currently has seven applicants, with one being certified for sure. He asked Council how they wanted to be recognized for the playground equipment at the pool, with a logo or text? Consensus of Council was to use the logo.
Tjaden reported they are getting ready to do the copper and lead test required by their permit and are contacting residents on list to see if they are willing to do it again.
Oswald reported intern Deering is done for season. He reviewed upcoming fall activities. The Holiday on First is set for December 10, 2022 from 4 to 7 PM.
Turnis stated they will have the bubble guy at the Disc Golf for Monti Days. The school will have an early out every Wednesday this year and they are working on activities for the kids. They are also making plans for Holiday on First event.
Peach moved to adjourn the meeting at 7:29 p.m.
David Goedken, Mayor
Sally Hinrichsen, City Clerk/Treasurer