Regular Council Meeting
December 5, 2022 – 6:00 P.M.
Community Media Center
Mayor Dave Goedken called the meeting to order. Council present were: Brenda Hanken, Scott Brighton, Candy Langerman, Chris Lux, Wayne Peach and Tom Yeoman. Also present were City Administrator Russell Farnum, City Clerk Sally Hinrichsen, Police Chief Britt Smith and Park & Rec Director Jacob Oswald. The public was invited to attend the meeting in person, with limited seating or to participate in the meeting electronically via “Zoom Meetings” and were encouraged to communicate from Zoom Meeting via chat, due to the heightened public health risks of the Coronavirus Pandemic (COVID-19).
Yeoman moved to approve the agenda, Peach seconded, roll call was unanimous.
Lux moved to approve the consent agenda; Hanken seconded, roll call was unanimous.
Mayor Goedken opened the public hearing on the proposed amendments to Chapter 50, Nuisance Abatement Procedure and Chapter 165 of Municipal Code, Zoning Regulations, pertaining to setback requirements on corner lots, adding and amending yard definitions and other amendments. Staff received no oral or written comments. Mayor Goedken closed the hearing on the proposed amendments to Chapter 50, Nuisance Abatement Procedure and Chapter 165 of Municipal Code, Zoning Regulations, pertaining to setback requirements on corner lots, adding and amending yard definitions and other amendments. Yeoman moved Ordinance #757 Amending the Code of Ordinances of the City of Monticello, Iowa, by Amending Provisions Pertaining to Zoning Regulations, first reading in title only. Peach seconded. Roll call was unanimous.
Lux moved Ordinance #758 amending the Code of Ordinances of the City of Monticello, Iowa, by Amending Provisions Pertaining to “Nuisance Abatement Procedure”, first reading in title only. Hanken seconded. Roll call was unanimous.
Langerman moved to approve Resolution #2022-151 Resolution to fix a date for a public hearing on proposal to enter into a Sewer Revenue Loan Agreement and to borrow money thereunder in a principal amount not to exceed $21,000,000 Yeoman seconded, roll call was unanimous. Hearing is set for December 19, 2022 at 6:00 PM, which will cover the interim financing and the USDA financing for the Wastewater Treatment Plant Project.
Farnum is working with City Engineer Snyder & Associates and their environmental planner to schedule a walk-through of the Sixth Street ditch. After the walk-through, they will have a better feel what plans needed to be updates, timeline and the permit requirements moving forward. Once this information is updated, City will meet with the property owners to go over the plans and timeline.
Farnum reported the Airport Board is working on their 5-year plan for the Airport, as required by the FAA. The Airport Board bid out the farm ground leasing, which came in higher than the current lease amount.
Farnum is working on preliminary budget with Hinrichsen and will provide a time schedule soon. He is working with the Capital Plans related to the budget.
Farnum reported the water/ wastewater employee started last week and is grasping the job very quickly.
Farnum reported the Library Board completed the Library Director interviews and the candidate has accepted the offer, and she will start January 3, 2023 and will be at the next Council meeting.
Farnum reported that Public Works Director was not able to attend and they are continuing to clean up trees and trimming the trees in the alleys. They worked with Main Street Board to put up Christmas decorations. Lights are installed at the Park and Ride, however waiting for Alliant to connect the electricity.
Hinrichsen reported working on updating SAMS numbers which are required for City to receive federal funding, such as grants. The special election resolution was filed with the Jones County Auditor, who will send a sample ballot once it is prepared for review.
Hinrichsen filed the TIF Certification with the Jones County Auditor’s Office and completed the TIF rebate calculations.
Oswald updated the basketball and soccer schedules that are going on now. Oswald reported Holiday on 1st is this Saturday from 4 PM to 7 PM, with Santa stopping by from 5 PM to 7 PM.
Yeoman moved to go into closed session to discuss strategy with counsel in matters that are presently in litigation or where litigation is imminent where its disclosure would be likely to prejudice or disadvantage the position of the governmental body in that litigation pursuant to Iowa Code Section 21.5(1)(c), Peach seconded. Roll call unanimous.
Peach moved to return to open session, Yeoman seconded. Roll call unanimous. Yeoman moved to direct City Administrator to proceed as discussed during closed session, Peach seconded. Roll call vote unanimous.
Peach moved to adjourn the meeting at 6:55 P.M.
David Goedken, Mayor
Sally Hinrichsen, City Clerk/Treasurer