Regular Council Meeting
December 18, 2023 – 6:00 P.M.
Community Media Center
Mayor David Goedken called the meeting to order. Council present were: Candy Langerman, Wayne Peach, Scott Brighton, Chris Lux, Tom Yeoman and Brenda Hanken. Also present were City Administrator Russell Farnum, Deputy City Clerk Cheryl Clark, Public Works Director Nick Kahler, Library Director Faith Brehm, Ambulance Director Lori Lynch, Water/Wastewater Superintendent Jim Tjaden, Police Chief Britt Smith and City Engineer Patrick Schwickerath. 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.
Yeoman moved to approve the agenda, Hanken seconded, roll call was unanimous.
Josh Brenneman, 958 Valley Drive, stated that everyone involved with Holiday on 1st did an amazing job.
Yeoman moved to approve the consent agenda, Hanken seconded, roll call was unanimous.
Mayor opened the public hearing on the City of Monticello 2023/2024 Fiscal Year budget amendment #1. He stated that the amendment is needed to move forward with a property purchase and Farnum stated it’s also to account for the buyout of the Road Use tractor and balance accounts. He indicated that it is hard to foresee when planning for the budget. Goedken questioned the street lights budget doubling and Kahler stated that the expenses have gone up, due to people hitting the poles, but revenue will also increase when those funds are received from insurance companies. Mary Phelan, 1040 Riverview Court, citizen and future council member, urged the existing council to not approve the amendment. She stated that only three of the current members will suffer the consequences and felt that they should wait until at least six months into the year so they have actual numbers to review. She also stated that according to the MLA, three or more amendments per year raise a red flag and this is the second amendment already. Goedken stated revenues are short, because expenses were added and questioned if the $70,000 for the tractor we purchased is in the budget or if it will be in the next fiscal year budget. Farnum stated it would be in the next budget and the loader will be paid from the yard waste fund. Farnum stated that he’s trying to close the airport land purchase by the end of the year and doesn’t feel pushed, the notices have been printed. Phelan stated that she couldn’t figure out all the budget amendments with the newspaper publication. Mayor closed the public hearing on the City of Monticello 2023/2024 Fiscal Year budget amendment #1.
Yeoman motioned to approve Resolution #2023-183 Approving the City’s Proposed Amendment #1 to the Fiscal Year 2023-2024 Budget, Langerman seconded, roll call was unanimous, except for Hanken who voted nay as she didn’t feel there was adequate information to proceed.
Farnum reported that the USDA state review committee approved underwriting of additional financing and the contractor extended their bid by 30 days. At this time, the project has been submitted to USDA for federal review. Langerman moved to table this agenda item to January 3, 2024, at 6:00 o’clock p.m., at the Community Media Center, Monticello, Iowa, at which time and place the City Council will meet to further consider such proposals. Hanken seconded, roll call unanimous.
Farnum reported that he reached out to Alliant regarding their recent rate increase proposal and he has not heard back. He stated that individuals can go online to sign the Iowa Utilities Board petition to register their opinion. Hanken questioned how to proceed if the council wants to stand together. Farnum stated a resolution could be adopted opposing the proposed increase and sent to them. Peach and Hanken both felt that the City should proceed with the resolution. Yeoman stated that Decorah is trying to start their own public utility and Alliant is requesting approximately a 12% increase over the next two years. He stated that historically, the Iowa Utilities Board hasn’t approved the entire increase that is proposed. Motioned by Peach, seconded by Hanken to adopt Resolution #2023-184 Opposing Alliant Energy’s Electric Rate Increase but not join the Clean Energy Districts of Iowa (CEDI) and provide no financial support, roll call was unanimous.
Farnum reported that Kahler located the storm sewer at 230 South Cedar Street, the Danelle and Juneau Johnson residence. The center of the storm pipe is about 13’ from the south corner of the garage. Farnum stated that Johnsons would like to purchase enough of the City property so their garage is conforming, with the City keeping an easement for the storm sewer or, as Goedken suggested, giving Johnsons an easement for the garage, with some provisions. Langerman felt the item should be tabled so the Johnsons can think about their options. Danelle Johnson was present and stated that she would like to discuss the options with her husband. Farnum questioned how the council would like to proceed and Yeoman felt that the City granting an easement would be the easiest option. Brighton also felt that it would be quickest. Peach stated that he thought abandoned railroads had to go to the adjacent property owners and Farnum stated the City has the west half, likely because of the alleyway, while the east half did go to the adjoining property owners. Langerman motioned to table sale of property behind 230 South Cedar Street (Danelle & Juneau Johnson), seconded by Brighton, roll call unanimous.
Jacki Luckstead and Amanda Groleau were present on behalf of Jones County Extension. Luckstead stated that they are requesting a $500.00 donation for Discovery Camp, an amount that hasn’t increased in 18 years. The theme this year is Growing the Garden and they will also have some robotics. Brighton moved to approve Resolution #2023-185 Approving Jones County Extension Programming investment and agreement for FY ’25 in the amount of $500.00, Hanken seconded, roll call was unanimous.
Farnum reported that he would like to add Ambulance Director Lori Lynch to the credit card resolution. Goedken questioned if everyone that can have a City credit card has one and Farnum stated he was approved, but he doesn’t have one nor does he want one. Yeoman questioned the oversight process of the cards. Farnum stated each credit card holder has to turn in initialed and coded receipts for every purchase they make. He reviews those, as well as the credit card statements, prior to being given to Clark for payment. Brighton moved to approve Resolution #2023-186 to approve the acquisition of Credit Cards for various departments, Langerman seconded, roll call unanimous.
Goedken questioned if the job description used for the Recreation Director is the same that has been used previously and if the new hire will have to be a Certified Pool Operator (CPO). Farnum stated he felt the job description was the same and Goedken questioned if two full-time people are needed. He also questioned if she would have to assist with yard waste collection and Farnum wasn’t sure. Goedken felt that the Park and Recreation staff should prioritize the recreation side, not maintenance. Brighton moved to approve Resolution #2023-187 Approving the hiring of Grace Dupuy as Monticello Park and Recreation Superintendent of Parks and Facilities, Langerman seconded, roll call was unanimous.
Goedken reported that someone is needed to monitor open gym at the Berndes Center, because there are issues with behavior. He stated that there has been no luck with obtaining volunteers and questioned if a camera system was in place. Brighton stated there are cameras, but they are not good quality. Yeoman questioned what time of day supervision is needed and Goedken stated during open gym, which is 4:00 pm – 7:00 pm on Tuesday and Thursday. Brighton suggested collecting a fee from the participants and Yeoman questioned what they do during open gym. Brighton stated mainly shooting baskets, but sometimes they play soccer. Goedken felt that better cameras should be installed and those that cause issues could be banned. Yeoman questioned why they don’t pay a fee now, as tennis and pickle ball players have to pay $2.00 per hour. Brighton stated that there is a pickle ball punch card, but wasn’t sure how it worked if they were there late or on weekends. Hanken questioned how old the kids are that attend open gym and Josh Brenneman felt they are middle school aged, normally no parents are present to supervise. Goedken felt they should be charged $2.00 and Yeoman agreed, stating they shouldn’t be treated differently than others that utilize the gym. Peach questioned how to fund the position(s) and Brighton stated that if no one shows up, the person could go home. Goedken felt that more of a plan was needed prior to hiring and questioned the maintaining cleanliness portion of the position, if that would be taking away from the current janitor. Brighton stated they would just be making sure the facility was picked up after open gym, not cleaning the restrooms and performing other janitorial duties. Goedken stated they should close for a few weeks and then maybe someone would volunteer. Farnum stated that they could let the issue die or approve. Peach motioned to table Resolution Approving the hiring of Park and Recreation facility supervisor staff and setting wage to the next meeting, motion died due to lack of a second. Goedken felt that a better plan needs to be submitted.
Yeoman moved, Brighton seconded to approve Resolution #2023-188 Approving Mowing Contract with Stephen and Lisa Monk, roll call unanimous.
Brighton moved to approve Resolution #2023-189 to fix a date for a public hearing for January 3, 2024 on proposal to enter into a Sewer Revenue Loan Agreement and to borrow money thereunder. Hanken seconded, roll call was unanimous.
Glenda Hall, 833 North Sycamore Street, was present to address a broken pipe under her home, that led to a utility billing in the amount of $5,770.35. She stated that she had a broken pipe and wasn’t aware until Water Department personnel took a photo of the pipe to show her. The water was shut off on a Monday and that Thursday, a plumber came to repair the broken pipe, which did not enter the City sewer system. Goedken questioned why there is a $1,500 minimum, feeling she shouldn’t have to pay any of the sewer cost. Farnum stated that the $1,500 cap was approved earlier this year by Resolution #2023-22 and since it was by resolution, it could be changed at the next meeting. Yeoman questioned if Hall noticed any water pressure changes and she stated she did not. He also questioned the foundation and Hall stated it is concrete and the leak didn’t even come out of the louvers. She stated the access point is a piece of plywood and she still has insulation that needs to be replaced, as the water pulled it all down. Tjaden stated it was a copper pipe that broke and agreed that none of it entered the sewer system. Peach felt the resolution could be wrote as an “emergency situation”. Hanken moved to table until the next meeting to have the resolution drafted without the cap. Langerman seconded, roll call was unanimous.
Peach stated that he would like to get the ball rolling for budget and part of that is forming a compensation committee for the salaried staff. He stated he will have a work session after the first council meeting of the year and would like a few people start salaried staff review, deciding if there should be a flat percentage fee or if each employee should be reviewed. Yeoman stated that the committee could not be more than three council members and the mayor; Peach disagreed saying it couldn’t be more than two council members and the mayor, because the mayor can vote to break a tie. Goedken suggested not forming a committee until after the next meeting and Peach stated that the committee just does the legwork, the council makes the final decision. Hanken felt that some of the incoming council members should be included, because it’s not fair to them to not take their opinion into consideration. Peach stated he could appoint whomever he wants, but he would wait until the next meeting. Hanken left the meeting.
Schwickerath gave a progress report on the North Chestnut Street Reconstruction, 6th Street Ditch, East 1st Street and the South Water Tower Repainting, stating it will be bid with a single “M” and bid alternate for the second “M”.
Farnum thanked the outgoing council members for their service and welcomed the new members. He reported that City offices will be closed on December 25, 26, January 1 and 2 for the Christmas and New Years holidays. The next meeting will be on January 3, 2024 and the meeting after that should be on January 15th, but that is also caucus night, so he wondered if it should be re-scheduled. Yeoman questioned which space is used for caucus night and stated the last time, the council room was used. Goedken felt the second meeting should be rescheduled and stated that previously, budget work sessions were held on Saturday mornings. Langerman stated not since she has been on the council and Lux stated that previous mayors did. Farnum reported that Holiday on 1st was a big success and stated the committee did a great job. Goedken stated that Main Street also helped out with it.
Langerman questioned if the ash trees are all down and Kahler stated they are done for this year. He stated that the stumps will be discussed during budget and that there are 96 trees left that need to come down. Yeoman stated there are two homes out in his neighborhood that have leaves at the curb and Kahler stated the residents could take them to the Yard Waste Site. There are some they’re going to remove as they’re close to the storm sewer and they want to get them picked up before they freeze.
Brehm reported that they kept a count of people that came through their doors for Holiday on 1st and they had 600 people, as opposed to 450 last year. They started a winter reading challenge and have 79 people signed up so far, the yarning group meets tomorrow and holiday trivia is Wednesday this week. Though City offices are closed on December 26th, the Mobile Food Pantry will be in town.
Lynch reported that they had 53 total calls in November. They participated in Holiday on 1st “touch a truck” and Kirkwood Demo Day.
Peach moved to adjourn the meeting at 7:34 P.M.
David Goedken, Mayor
Cheryl Clark, Deputy City Clerk