Regular Council Meeting
December 4, 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, City Clerk Sally Hinrichsen, Public Works Director Nick Kahler, Library Director Faith Brehm, Water/Wastewater Superintendent Jim Tjaden, Police Chief Britt Smith and Park & Rec Director Jacob Oswald. 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, Peach seconded, roll call was unanimous.
Langerman moved to approve the consent agenda, Hanken seconded, roll call was unanimous.
Hinrichsen administered the Oath of Office to the newly elected Mayor and Council members and re-elected Council members who will take office on January 2, 2024.
Mayor opened the public hearing on proposed Lease Agreement and Shared Well Agreement pertaining to property at 14432 190th Street. Farnum stated the City is purchasing this property and neighbor will provide the water, in exchange for the use of the 2-stall detached garage. No comments were received, so Mayor closed the public hearing on proposed Lease Agreement and Shared Well Agreement pertaining to property at 14432 190th Street. Hanken moved to approve Resolution #2023-175 approving Lease Agreement and Shared Well Agreement pertaining to property at 14432 190th Street, Peach seconded, roll call was unanimous.
Mayor stated the City is waiting to hear from the USDA regarding funding and authorization to proceed with the Wastewater Treatment Facility Improvements Project bids. Brighton moved to table this agenda item to December 18, 2023, 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. Peach seconded, roll call unanimous.
Yeoman moved to approve Resolution #2023-176 Designating City Depositories, Hanken seconded, roll call was unanimous.
Farnum advised he applied for a grant for backup generators for the Fire Department and the water tower, when he started. The water tower backup generator was awarded with this year’s funding. Jones County Emergency Management Coordinator Brenda Leonard offered to assist the City in applying for the Mitigation Project Grant for a backup generator for the Fire Department. Hanken moved to approve Resolution #2023-177 Authorizing City Administrator Russell Farnum and Fire Chief Joe Bayne to work with Jones County Emergency Management Coordinator Brenda Leonard to apply for the Mitigation Project Grant and to provide funding for the Backup Generator for the Fire Department. Langerman seconded, roll call was unanimous.
Peach moved to approved Resolution #2023-178 Authorizing the Police Department to purchase a police vehicle, Brighton seconded, roll call was unanimous.
Langerman moved to approve Resolution #2023-179 Approving Plat of Survey to Parcel 2023-109 for Property located at intersection of Hardscrabble Road and Timber Road, Brighton seconded, roll call unanimous.
Langerman moved to approve Resolution #2023-180 Approving Revised Plats of Survey for Parcel 2023-89, 2023-90 and 2023-91 on the west side of State Highway 151 and just south of Highway 38. Hanken seconded, roll call was unanimous.
Brighton moved to approve Resolution #2023-181 Approving Plats of Survey to Parcel 2023-100, 2023-101, 2023-102 and 2023-103, for Property located on County Highway D62 west of 185th Ave, Lux seconded, roll call was unanimous.
Farnum advised City received a letter from the Clean Energy Districts of Iowa (CEDI) inviting City to join their Coalition to oppose the magnitude of Alliant Energy’s proposed increase in electric rates, that is to be phased in over two years starting in October 2024. The CEDI provided a model resolution for Council to adopt and submit to the Iowa Utilities Board. They also asked the City to join the CEDI Coalition by signing the Memorandum of Agreement and to consider making an optional financial contribution to support CEDI’s intervention effort at the Iowa Utilities Board. After much discussion, Peach moved to table further discussion to the December 18th meeting to allow Alliant time to provide their information, Langerman seconded, roll call unanimous.
Brighton moved to approve Resolution #2023-182 Approving hiring a Monticello Ambulance Part-Time Paramedic and setting wage, Langerman seconded, roll call was unanimous.
Council reviewed the city lawn mowing and maintenance services quotes that were received. Brighton moved to approved the lawn mowing and maintenance services quotes from Steve Monk Construction and Lawn Care, Peach seconded, roll call unanimous.
Farnum advised the engineer is looking for direction on the City’s logo prior to going to bid the water tower painting, that is scheduled to be completed in 2024. Council discussed using “Monticello”, the “M” with the clock tower and the current logo. After much discussion, Yeoman moved to use the current logo, and making the “M” as large as possible. Hanken seconded, roll call was unanimous.
Farnum stated Danelle and Juneau Johnson inquired about possibly buying some City property behind their home. This area is the old railroad right of way and is currently used as an alley. Before having the land surveyed and investing a lot of time and money in their request, wanted to bring it to council to see if they would be willing to sell that land. Johnson’s own the home at 230 South Cedar Street and would like to add onto the garage. City has an easement for the concrete storm pipe and would want to retain enough to keep the alleyway open. Farnum recommended that they contact the other neighbors to see if they would also be interested in purchasing a section of the City’s property. Danelle Johnson stated the neighbor to the south was not interested in purchasing and the property to the north is currently for sale. Council discussed concerns on building over the concrete storm pipe and selling portions of the alleyway. When asked if there was enough of a setback to build, Kahler advised without a survey or locating the pins, he was not sure as it appears a portion of their garage may be on City property now. Peach made the motion to continue to look further into selling the property, Brighton seconded. Peach moved to amend his prior motion to continue investigation on where storm pipe was located and if able to build on the lot, if purchased and bring back more information. Brighton seconded the amendment, roll call vote was unanimous. The amended motion reads: motion to continue investigation on where storm pipe was located and if able to build on the lot, if purchased and bring back more information for further consideration of selling the property. Roll call vote to approve the motion as amended was unanimous.
Farnum advised he has been busy with budget season.
Oswald stated soccer and basketball clinics were held. Holiday on 1st will be this weekend, with 21 stops on the light tour. The Library will have activities in Council Chambers and in the Library. They will also be serving a meal in the Vets Hall and several businesses will be open. The event will take place Saturday, December 9th from 4 to 7 PM., with the Community Tree lighting to take place at 7 PM on the corner of First Street and Main Street.
Brehm advised the Library will be closed Saturday morning and will be open from 4 to 7 PM, with the Holiday on 1st event activities. The Library will be closed on December 26th, however the food truck will be at the Berndes Center from 3:30 to 7:30 PM.
Kahler stated Alliant clipped the line on North Main Street for the streetlights. He is making arrangements to get line repaired.
Yeoman moved; Hanken seconded to go into closed session pursuant to Iowa Code 21.5 (1)(j) to discuss the purchase of real estate where the premature disclosure could be reasonably expected to increase the price the City would have to pay for said property. Roll call unanimous.
Lux moved; Langerman seconded to return to open session. Roll call unanimous., except Hanken who voted nay.
Brighton moved, Hanken seconded directing City Administrator to purchase the Real Estate as discussed and directed during closed session. Roll call vote unanimous.
Peach moved to adjourn the meeting at 7:37 P.M.
David Goedken, Mayor
Sally Hinrichsen, City Clerk/Treasurer