Regular Council Meeting
December 16, 2019 – 6:00 P.M.
Community Media Center
Mayor Brian Wolken called the meeting to order. Council present: Dave Goedken, Brenda Hanken, Rob Paulson, Candy Langerman, Chris Lux and Tom Yeoman. Also present were City Administrator Doug Herman, City Clerk Sally Hinrichsen, Public Works Director Nick Kahler and Police Chief Britt Smith.
Yeoman moved to approve the agenda, Langerman seconded, roll call unanimous.
Open Forum: President of Friends of Mon-Maq Dam, Tom Osborne, 630 South Sycamore felt the City should clarify their position regarding the Mon-Maq Dam removal prior to the environmental study being completed. In 2012, City Council passed a resolution expressing interest in the dam removal. He reviewed the changes to the proposed project and impacts to Monticello.
Stu Gerdes, 615 North Sycamore, questioned the status of lighting on Sycamore Street. Herman stated he contacted Alliant on November 25th and was told they would install the lighting the following week, weather permitting. Goedken stated the City changed the project to remove poles that did not have lights on them, which caused some delay. Herman stated he would contact Alliant again to see where the project stands.
Gaylen Kray, 634 N Sycamore, questioned if Alliant is obligated to put the lights back in a project like this. Herman stated yes but not the underground wiring.
Hanken moved to remove the bill list from the consent agenda and to be voted on separately, Goedken seconded, roll call unanimous.
Yeoman moved to approve the consent agenda, Goedken seconded, roll call unanimous.
Hanken questioned payments to a few vendors on the bill list and staff explained what the payments were for. Lux moved to approve the bill list, Goedken seconded, roll call unanimous.
Herman reviewed the Five-Year Airport Capital Improvement Plan that is required to be updated yearly by the FAA to remain eligible for FAA funding. Goedken questioned the status of land acquisition, as a new home was built there. Herman stated FAA agreed to fund the acquisition, if the property owner voluntarily agreed to sell the land. The property owner was advised of FAA position, however, did not want to wait 3 to 4 months for the appraisal and other requirements of the FAA process. Yeoman moved to approve Resolution #19-178 approving submission of the Five-Year Airport Capital Improvement Plan, Lux seconded, roll call unanimous.
Herman reported the plat of survey creates two parcels, both to be transferred to Tom and Alice Brighton consistent with previously approved purchase agreement. P & Z Board has reviewed and recommends approval. Langerman moved to approve Resolution #19-179 approving Plat of Survey to Parcels 2019-75 and 2019-76, Lux seconded; roll call unanimous.
Goedken moved to approve Resolution #19-180 approving Closing Statement between the City of Monticello and Tom and Alice Brighton, and authorizing transfer of property as previously approved, Yeoman seconded, roll call unanimous.
Herman reported the Fire Truck Committee and Fire Chief Don McCarthy traveled to Toyne’s plant to inspect the progress and to consider any changes in the design or setup of the Fire Truck. The Fire Truck Committee and Fire Chief Don McCarthy recommends the 23 proposed changes, in the additional amount of $2,007.00. Goedken moved to approve Resolution #19-181 to approve Contract Change Order #1 related to Fire Truck purchase from Toyne, Inc in the amount of $2,007.00, Langerman seconded, roll call unanimous.
Goedken moved to approve Resolution #19-182 Scheduling Public Hearing on City of Monticello 2019/2020 Fiscal Year budget amendments for January 6, 2020 at 6:00 p.m., Yeoman seconded, roll call unanimous.
Goedken questioned if the lighting situation on North Sycamore is connected with Horsfield Construction. Herman stated no, because the City contracted directly with Alliant to do the work.
Kahler reported LED lights were installed in the City Barns, there were major truck repairs to the sander truck and a water main break at the intersection of Sixth Street and North Gill, between two of the new valves were installed this past summer.
Herman reviewed possible options for the Monticello digital sign along Hwy 151 from Nesper Signs, who advised the sign is outdated and should be replaced.
Herman reviewed the MYBSA Profit/Loss statement in the amount of $1,096.18 from Brian Gogel. There were several tournaments cancelled due to the weather resulting in refunds for entry fees.
Herman shared information on Iowa League of Cities endorsement of the National League of Cities (NLC) Service Line Warranty Program which is not cost the League members. The NLC educates homeowners about their service line responsibilities and offers affordable protection from unanticipated service line costs. Homeowners in participating cities are eligible to purchase low-cost repair service plans for broken or leaking outside water and sewer lines.
Herman reviewed letter from State Farm regarding 602 N Cedar Street that had substantial fire damage. Iowa law requires fire and casualty companies to hold a demolition cost reserve of $10,000.00 or 10% of the payment, to cover demolition costs under certain circumstances.
Wolken thanked Rob Paulson for his service on the City Council.
Langerman move to adjourn at 6:43 P.M. Council took a short recess before starting the work session regarding the City Code Book which lasted till 9:04 P.M.
Brian Wolken, Mayor
Sally Hinrichsen, City Clerk