Regular Council Meeting
December 7, 2020 – 6:00 P.M.
Community Media Center
Mayor Brian Wolken called the meeting to order. Council present: Dave Goedken, Brenda Hanken, Scott Brighton, Candy Langerman, Chris Lux and Tom Yeoman. Also present were City Clerk Sally Hinrichsen, Public Works Director Nick Kahler, Park & Rec Director Jacob Oswald and Police Chief Britt Smith. Library Director Michelle Turnis and City Engineer Patrick Schwickerath joined electronically. The public was invited to attend 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). The meeting did have public attendance via Zoom.
Yeoman moved to approve the agenda adding setting Public Hearing related to the CDGB grant funding for ambulance and fire departments and setting a work session to meet with Pat Callahan. Langerman seconded, roll call unanimous.
Goedken moved to approve the consent agenda, Yeoman seconded, roll call unanimous.
Hinrichsen reported Pat Callahan would like to meet with Council for an hour work session on December 21st related to the City Administrator search. Brighton moved to set a work session related to the City Administrator search after the December 21st Council meeting. Goedken seconded, roll call unanimous.
Goedken moved to approve Resolution #2020-144 Approving Joshua and Amanda Brenneman Tax Abatement Application related to Residential Improvements constructed at 958 Valley Drive, Monticello, Iowa. Yeoman seconded, roll call unanimous.
Goedken moved to approve Resolution #2020-146 Approving Jones Regional Medical Work Well Clinic as the designated clinic for employees who suffer work related injuries, Lux seconded, roll call unanimous.
Wolken advised that the P & Z Board reviewed and recommended the approval of the Plat of Survey to Parcel 2020-87, which is in the City limits near Jellystone Campground. Langerman moved to approve Resolution #2020-147 Approving Plat of Survey to Parcel 2020-87. Brighton seconded, roll call unanimous.
Wolken advised that the P & Z Board reviewed and recommended the approval of the Plat of Survey to Parcel 2020-88, which is just outside the City limits adjacent to the Maquoketa River. Yeoman moved to approve Resolution #2020-148 Approving Plat of Survey to Parcel 2020-88. Brighton seconded, roll call unanimous.
Wolken advised that the P & Z Board reviewed and recommended the approval of the Plat of Survey to Parcels 2020-99 and 2020-102, which is located in the City limits on East First Street. Goedken moved to approve Resolution #2020-149 Approving Plat of Survey to Parcels 2020-99 and 102 and further accepting Dedication of Parcel 2020-102 to the City of Monticello. Langerman seconded, roll call unanimous.
Wolken reviewed the proposed fee increases for dumpster collections with a per yard rate, to be applied to the January collections which will coincide with scheduled Republic increases. Our rates are equal to 130% of the rate charged by Republic. Langerman moved to approve Resolution #2020-150 Setting fees related to the Collection of Solid Waste pursuant to Chapter 106 of the Monticello Code of Ordinances. Goedken seconded, roll call unanimous except Hanken who voted nay, as she is opposed to rate increases at this time.
Kahler reported the septic tank at the Public Works building was inspected by the Jones County Sanitarian and the tank is okay to use, however the leach field needs improvements. White Hawk Plumbing will be doing a test of the leach field, to determine the size the leach field needs to be. Kahler stated there is not enough fall to put in a sewer line and would need to install a lift station to connect to City sewer. Goedken moved to approve Resolution #2020-151 to approve repairs to septic tank system at the Public Works Building. Brighton seconded, roll call unanimous.
Yeoman moved to approve Resolution #2020-152 to approve City Administrator Job Description, with correction as noted. Langerman seconded, roll call unanimous.
Langerman moved to approve Resolution #2020-153 Scheduling a Public Hearing related to the Status of Funded Activities for the 2020 CDBG OT Grant Award for December 21, 2020 at 6:00 pm. Lux seconded, roll call unanimous.
Yeoman moved to introduce and moved Ordinance #736 amending the Monticello Code of Ordinances, by amending Chapter 26 “Airport Board”, first reading in title only. Langerman seconded, roll call unanimous.
Yeoman moved Ordinance #735 amending the Code of Ordinances of the City of Monticello, Iowa by amending Section 17.06 of the Monticello Code “Compensation”, second reading in title only. Goedken seconded, roll call unanimous.
Hinrichsen reported that she is working on the budget for Council review and will have Department Heads review. Council wanted to have a more in-depth review of the budget. Hinrichsen will work on the Road Use, Water, Sewer, Sanitation and Yard Waste budget for the next meeting, as they are not affected by the tax valuation that the City will not get until January.
Hinrichsen reported the Eastern Iowa Regional Housing Authority Board has had an opening for several years. Yeoman agreed to serve on the Board. Hinrichsen will get more information related to the Board.
Kahler reported the footings for the garage are in for the property located at 224 North Chestnut and are hoping to get basement poured and structure enclosed this winter. They advised they were having a hard time getting supplies and have other projects they want to finish first. Council expressed concerns and felt they used this excuse for the last two years. Wolken stated if they would have followed the initial agreement the home would have been built before the COVID pandemic. Council also expressed concerns on the safety of leaving the hole dug with re-rod sticking up. Smith will contact Norm Zimmerman to address these concerns.
Kahler addressed concerns with the property located at 520 South Cedar and pending violations of the City Code, including the rock put down for parking in the front yard. Smith advised he would contact Steve Intlekofer to address the issues, like any other nuisance. If no action is taken then City could look at proceeding with a civil penalty.
Kahler reported Schwickerath had contacted Horsfield to address issues regarding the North Sycamore Project. Schwickerath stated City Administrator Doug Herman had sent a letter to Horsfield on November 17th regarding the issues to be addressed and he has reached out to them also. He suggested giving them until December 21st Council Meeting to respond, if no response City will pursue contacting their bonding company regarding their maintenance bond.
Schwickerath reported the USDA grant was submitted and they submitted the updated preliminary engineering report. USDA reached out asking for further details on the cost breakdown, which he is working to complete.
Oswald stated the Christmas lighting competition will be judged on December 16 & 17th, with winner being announced on December 18th. Entries can still be turned in and proceed will go towards the playground by the Aquatic Center. On December 19th, they will have an event in the Pocket Park for kids to meet Santa and make Christmas cards.
Kahler reported that Eric Jungling has turned in his resignation effective December 18th. He will be placing an ad to fill his position.
Brighton moved to adjourn at 7:30 P.M.
Brian Wolken, Mayor
Sally Hinrichsen, City Clerk