Regular Council Meeting
August 19, 2024, 6:00 P.M.
Community Media Center
Mayor Wayne Peach called the meeting to order. Council present were: Josh Brenneman, Dave Goedken, Candy Langerman, Mary Phelan, Jake Ellwood and Scott Brighton. Also present were City Administrator Russell Farnum, City Clerk Sally Hinrichsen, Library Director Faith Brehm, Park & Rec Director Jacob Oswald, Public Works Director Nick Kahler, Water/Wastewater Superintendent Jim Tjaden, and Police Chief Britt Smith. 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.
Ellwood moved to approve the agenda; Brenneman seconded, roll call was unanimous.
Ellwood moved to remove Whiskey River Pub & Grub alcohol license from the consent agenda for separate consideration, Brenneman seconded. Roll call was unanimous.
Goedken moved to approve the consent agenda, as amended; Ellwood seconded. Roll call was unanimous.
Smith advised that he contacted Alcoholic Beverages Division (ABD) and discussed his concerns with Whiskey River Pub & Grub. ABD investigator will contact the owner of Whiskey River Pub & Grub to discuss the issues. Smith advised the ABD investigator recommended Council approve the license renewal and let ABD investigate then the sanctions would be at ABD discretion. Smith recommends Council approve renewal. Brighton moved to approve Whiskey River Pub & Grub alcohol license renewal, Goedken seconded. Roll call was unanimous.
Goedken moved to approve Marvin Kelchen’s building permit application to install a fence on his property located at 293 North Pine Street, Brenneman seconded. Roll call was unanimous.
Great Jones County Fair Manager, Lucas Gobeli was not able to attend this meeting and requested the presentation on the proposed new ticket office building and main entrance at the Fairgrounds be moved to September 3rd Council meeting.
Langerman moved to approve Resolution #2024-122 Approving the hiring of a Monticello Ambulance Full-Time EMT and setting wage, Brighton seconded. Roll call was unanimous.
Goedken moved to approve Resolution #2024-123 Finally Accept South Water Tower Repainting and Maintenance Project, and Releasing Retainage in the amount of $15,216.49, Brighton seconded. Roll call was unanimous.
Phelan moved to approve Resolution #2024-124 Adopting the City of Monticello Cash Management and Internal Control policy, Goedken seconded. Roll call was unanimous.
Brighton moved to approve Resolution #2024-125 Approving Final Report generated as a result of City of Monticello Goal Setting meeting held on July 15, 2024, Langerman seconded. Roll call was unanimous.
Brenneman moved to approve Resolution #2024-126 Awarding the Aquatic Center Basin and Wading Pool Resurfacing Project to Claussen Painting in the amount of $29,950, Ellwood seconded. Roll call was unanimous.
Langerman introduced and moved Ordinance #744 amending the Code of Ordinances of the City of Monticello, Iowa, by amending provisions pertaining to Adding New Subsections to Chapter 69, Parking Regulations, Section 08 “No Parking Zones on portions of East Grand Street and East Washington Street”, first reading in title only. Brighton seconded, roll call unanimous. Goedken moved that the statutory rule requiring said ordinance be considered and voted on for passage at two prior Council meetings prior to the meeting at which it is to be finally passed be suspended with respect to Ordinance #744 amending provisions pertaining to Adding New Subsections to Chapter 69, Parking Regulations, Section 08 “No Parking Zones on portions of East Grand Street and East Washington Street”, and it be regarded as having been considered and voted on at two prior council meetings. Phelan seconded, roll call unanimous. Ellwood moved Ordinance #744 amending provisions pertaining to Adding New Subsections to Chapter 69, Parking Regulations, Section 08 “No Parking Zones on portions of East Grand Street and East Washington Street”, third and final reading in title only. Langerman seconded, roll call unanimous.
Goedken introduced and moved Ordinance #775 amending the Code of Ordinances of the City of Monticello, Iowa, by Adding a New Chapter “Establishing an Emergency Medical Services Department”. Brenneman seconded, roll call unanimous. Goedken moved that the statutory rule requiring said ordinance be considered and voted on for passage at two prior Council meetings prior to the meeting at which it is to be finally passed be suspended with respect to Ordinance #775 Adding a New Chapter “Establishing an Emergency Medical Services Department”, and it be regarded as having been considered and voted on at two prior council meetings. Brenneman seconded, roll call unanimous. Brenneman moved Ordinance #775 amending the Code of Ordinances of the City of Monticello, Iowa, by Adding a New Chapter “Establishing an Emergency Medical Services Department”, third and final reading in title only. Ellwood seconded, roll call unanimous
Farnum reported reaching out to several property owners along the Sixth Street Ditch Project regarding easements and will work to contact the remaining owners. Farnum reported the contractor for the North Chestnut Street Project is working to complete the final punch list.
Peach advised he has had some interesting calls from an individual of the community, he is planning to come to a future Council meeting.
Farnum reported that Monti Days was a huge success and weather was great. Monti In Motion car show will be on September 15, 2024 from 8 AM to 2 PM.
Farnum advised of new Federal Regulations regarding exempt staff and overtime. He is looking into the ruling and will keep Council updated.
Farnum advised a recent Iowa Supreme Court case shifts liability of defective sidewalks to the City, in certain situations. Staff is looking into current sidewalk inspections and the process moving forward.
Farnum advised the Clock Tower is currently not working. Tjaden advised there are limited number who repair these clocks. The repairman is scheduled to be here on Thursday.
Brehm gave a report on upcoming activities at the Library, including the 1st cooking class on August 31st. You must be registered to attend, if interested contact the Library.
Kahler reported cleaning sidewalks on North Chestnut Street Project. The street sweeper is out cleaning streets. The compost grinder is at the compost site, so there is mulch available for anyone needing it.
Kahler reported for Fire Chief Joe Bayne that the concrete at the station should be completed by early next week. The Fire Department is holding the Don McCarthy 9-hole golf tournament on September 14th, as a fundraiser. They will also be having a street dance by City Hall that evening, with a free will donation.
Tjaden reported the water inspection went well.
Oswald reported the pool season is wrapping up. With school starting, this weekend until September 1st, the pool will be open on weekends only.
Oswald reported the Friends of the Park will be providing recreation programming funding for families in need. Applications will be available soon.
During the work session on Republic Waste Services contract, Matt Pivit, with Republic reviewed his proposal to extend the commercial and residential pickup until December 31, 2029. No action was taken.
During the work session on the Goal report, the Council reviewed the top 10 goals from the goal setting session and came up with additional objectives. Farnum will compile the list for the next meeting. No action was taken.
Brenneman moved to adjourn the meeting at 8:03 P.M.
Wayne Peach, Mayor
Sally Hinrichsen, City Clerk/Treasurer