Regular Council Meeting – Official
August 20, 2018 – 6:00 P.M.
Community Media Center
Mayor Brian Wolken called the meeting to order. Council present: Dave Goedken, Gary “Butch” Pratt, Johnny Russ and Chris Lux. Also present were City Clerk Sally Hinrichsen, Public Works Director Brant LaGrange and Police Chief Britt Smith. Council members absent were Rob Paulson and Tom Yeoman.
Russ moved to approve the agenda, Pratt seconded, roll call unanimous.
During Open Forum Jan Cratsenburg, 211 E Washington, Steve Clemmons, 122 W Grand and Bob Furino, Anamosa were present to thank the Council of the use of the Community Building for their acting class this past summer. They would like to explore the use of the facility for their future acting classes, Children’s Theater, writing classes, future shows and dinner theaters, as well as other Community events. Furino stated that being back in the building was very nostalgic for him, as that was where Starlighters began. They suggest that improvements be made to the curtains, lighting, and that window treatments be considered for the West windows. Furino indicated that Starlighters kept the old lights when they updated the current theater and may look at bringing them here. Furino suggested that he could possibly write a grant to help cover costs of improvements. They would like setup a committee including Starlighters’ members, community members and Council. Goedken expressed his opinion that such a use would be a great use of the facility and that the stage was a key part of the building’s history, explaining that there have been building renovation discussions that involved removing the stage and enlarging the kitchen; Goedken offered to serve on the committee.
Pratt moved to approve the consent agenda, Russ seconded, roll call unanimous.
Russ moved to approve Resolution #18-97 Approving Pay Request submitted by MAC Concrete Construction in the amount of $57,447.70, related to 2018 Street Repairs, Goedken seconded, roll call unanimous.
LaGrange reported meeting with Dennis Dirks, Monticello School’s Maintenance Director who showed him where a pipe broke and leaked into a tunnel with no water entering a floor drain or the sewer system. Goedken moved to approve Resolution #18-98 Approving $850.66 credit against Carpenter School, MCSD, utility account, Russ seconded, roll call unanimous. Consensus was that the School District would remain eligible for credits if similar situations arose in the future.
Goedken moved to approve Resolution #18-99 Approving and Adopting the Annual City Street Financial Report for fiscal year 2017/2018, Russ seconded, roll call unanimous.
Wolken reported that a hearing was held before Pratt, Goedken, Russ and himself related to the notice by Police Chief Smith to Erin Devilbiss to remove a pit bull variety owned by Devilbiss from the Community consistent with the City Code of Ordinances. City Administrator Doug Herman and Police Chief Smith were also present. Council discussed options including the removal of the animal, allowing the dog to remain until DNA testing is completed, allowing the dog to remain based upon the dog being an emotional support animal, establishing restrictions related to fencing, muzzling, walking, etc. Harold and Erin Devilbiss reported they found two insurance companies that would provide insurance coverage in Iowa for their dog, as their wording is for vicious dogs and not breed specific. They don’t understand how a vicious dog can bite twice before being asked to be removed from the City but they can’t keep their dog. Council requested that a review of the vicious dog ordinance be place on the next agenda. Smith suggested that since an insurance company was found to insure the dog that they proceed with DNA testing to ascertain whether or not the dog was part pit bull variety. Smith explained that the City would cover the upfront cost of the DNA testing with reimbursement from Devilbiss if the dog is determined to be part pit bull variety. Devilbiss consented to this approach. After much discussion, Russ moved to table Resolution to approve maintenance of Pit Bull within City limits by residents as an Emotional Support Animal, until the DNA testing results are back, Goedken seconded, roll call unanimous.
Pratt moved Ordinance #719 amending Chapter 68, “One-Way Traffic”, third and final reading and in title only, Goedken seconded, roll call unanimous.
LaGrange explained that after additional discussions with City Engineer that it may be possible to extend sanitary sewer main from Madalyn Court to the rear yard of three homes along N. Cedar Street.
LaGrange indicated that the City Engineer is working on S. Cedar Street ditch wall repairs for Council consideration.
Cliff Payne, owner of 211 & 213 E. First Street, addressed the Council in regard to the invoice he was sent related to the repair of a leaking water service line that entered his building. He explained that the leak was tied to an abandoned service line that nobody was aware of and he didn’t believe that he should be responsible for the entire invoice. No action was taken.
Council discussed the progress Red Hughes was making on Hughes Garage Compliance regarding the removal of junk vehicles and components from the property. Consensus of the Council was to continue to work with him so long as there continued to be progress.
Wolken stated he received an application for RAGBRAI for 2019. There is no guarantee that Monticello would be selected for the route, which would be held the week after the Jones County Fair. This would bring a lot of people to town and some will come back. Lux, Goedken and Pratt were not in favor of submitting an application at this time.
Pratt moved to adjourn at 6:57 P.M.
Brian Wolken, Mayor
Sally Hinrichsen, City Clerk