Regular Council Meeting
August 5, 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 and Jake Ellwood. 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, Police Chief Britt Smith, Ambulance Director Lori Lynch and City Engineer Patrick Schwickerath. Council member Scott Brighton was absent. 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.
Brenneman moved to approve the agenda; Ellwood seconded, roll call was unanimous.
Bud Coyle, 515 N Sycamore, questioned why he was advised he could not drive in the Park/Fairgrounds. Smith stated he talked to Coyle about this and the issue was that he drove across the grass. He talked to someone on a golf cart earlier that day and advised them also that they need to stay on the roads and not drive across the grass.
Phelan moved to approve the consent agenda; Brenneman seconded. Roll call was unanimous.
Mayor opened Public Hearing on proposed Development Agreement with Highland Corp. No public comments were received. Mayor closed the hearing. Farnum advised the agreement is being reviewed, but has not yet been fully vetted by the City Attorney, Bond Counsel, or the developer; and will bring agreement back to Council for final approval.
Mayor opened the public hearing on designation of Amended Monticello Urban Renewal Plan, to include Highland Corp Project. No public comments were received. Mayor closed the hearing. Brenneman moved to approve Resolution #2024-111 To Approve Amendment to Urban Renewal Plan to include Development Agreement and Economic Incentives to Highland Corp, Langerman seconded. Roll call was unanimous.
Goedken moved to approve Resolution #2024-112 Approving Kristofer & Monica Lyons Tax Abatement Application related to Residential Improvements constructed at 308 North Gill Street, Monticello, Iowa, Ellwood seconded. Roll call was unanimous.
Goedken moved to approve Resolution #2024-113 Approving Dennis & Kay Fear Tax Abatement Application related to Residential Improvements constructed at 676 North Chestnut Street, Monticello, Iowa, Langerman seconded. Roll call was unanimous.
Goedken moved to approve Resolution #2024-114 Approving Plat of Survey to Parcel 2024-39 and Parcel 2024-40, Brenneman seconded. Roll call was unanimous.
Goedken moved to approve Resolution #2024-115 Approving the Preliminary and Final Plat of Brad Stephen’s Fourth Addition, Jones County, Iowa, a subdivision of Lot 1 of Fourth Addition, all in Jones County, Iowa, Brenneman seconded. Roll call was unanimous.
Goedken moved to approved Resolution #2024-116 Approving Robert F. and Jan M. Hinz Voluntary Pre-Annexation Agreement, Ellwood seconded. Roll call was unanimous.
Langerman moved to approve Resolution #2024-117 Approving Change Order #5 in the increased amount of $1,008.00, submitted by Boomerang related to the Monticello Airport Taxiway Connector Project, Phelan seconded. Roll call was unanimous.
Ellwood moved to approved Resolution #2024-118 Approving Pay Request #7 related to the Monticello Airport Taxiway Connector project, to Boomerang, which includes the retainage, in the amount of $48.676.11, Brenneman seconded. Roll call was unanimous.
Brenneman moved to approve Resolution #2024-119 Acknowledging the completion and Acceptance of Monticello Airport Apron/Taxiway Improvements project, Langerman seconded. Roll call was unanimous.
Goedken moved to approve Resolution #2024-120 Approving Change Order #2, in the increased amount of $513.50 submitted by Eastern Iowa Excavating & Concrete, LLC related to the N. Chestnut Street Reconstruction Project, Ellwood seconded. Roll call was unanimous.
Ellwood moved to approve Resolution #2024-121 Approving Pay Request #3 to Eastern Iowa Excavating & Concrete, LLC, Re: N. Chestnut Street Reconstruction Project in the amount of $196,690.66, Phelan seconded. Roll call was unanimous.
Schwickerath gave an update on the North Chestnut Street Project and advised it was near completion.
Farnum advised he would be attending the Downtown Conference in Cedar Rapids the next two days.
Tjaden advised the Lead Survey report due to the DNR by October 16th, was completed and submitted. He stated that the water inspection would be done tomorrow.
Oswald gave update on tree removal in parks. He requested bids for the pool painting and will have on next agenda. He stated Monti Days is this weekend. Black Hills Energy is giving away trees, but need to pre-register for them.
Brehm gave an update on the Summer Reading Program and the Foam Blaster event to close to program.
Brehm and Smith invited everyone to come to the Library for National Night Out for Beat the Officers. They will be playing Mario Cart with a fun twist with the aid of Alcohol Impairment Goggles.
Lynch reported the good weather during the fair aided in an uneventful week.
Hinrichsen gave update on fiscal year end reports completed.
Kahler advised they are working on tree removal. Summer help will be leaving soon and Public Works will be helping with weed whipping and mowing at the cemetery. Kahler advised someone reported a grapefruit size hole in the street by City Hall. While investigating the hole, it was determined the hole to be much larger. Cascade Communications’ contractor, Central Cable, bore through the City storm sewer, which caused the ground to erode under the street.
Smith reported receiving $3,000 grant from the Dubuque Racing Assn. for police safety equipment and the Theisen’s grant for speed signage. He also reported that they received 13 applications for the police officer position.
Council held a work session on the 6th Street Ditch Project. Schwickerath gave a PowerPoint presentation on the proposed project. Several property owners were in attendance and asking questions on who would be responsible for the maintenance of ditch, easements required, and culvert under Hwy 38. Schwickerath reviewed the proposed timeline and permits that would be needed. No action was taken.
Council held a work session on the Goal Setting session and the Follow Up Report. Derek Lumsden, who facilitated the goal setting session in July. presented the report. Council requested the report be placed on the next agenda for approval with another work session on follow-up of the goal setting report. No action was taken.
Council held a work session on the Cash Management and Internal Control Policy. No action was taken.
Phelan moved to adjourn the meeting at 7:32 P.M.
Wayne Peach, Mayor
Sally Hinrichsen, City Clerk/Treasurer