Regular Council Meeting
February 17, 2020 – 6:00 P.M.
Community Media Center
Mayor Brian Wolken called the meeting to order. Council present: Dave Goedken, Brenda Hanken, Gary Feldmann, Candy Langerman, Chris Lux and Tom Yeoman. Also present were City Administrator Doug Herman, City Clerk Sally Hinrichsen, Public Works Director Nick Kahler, Park & Rec Director Jacob Oswald, Police Chief Britt Smith and City Engineer A. J. Barry.
Yeoman moved to approve the agenda, adding appointment of Wayne Peach to the P & Z to consent agenda, Langerman seconded, roll call unanimous.
Langerman moved to approve the consent agenda as amended, Feldmann seconded, roll call unanimous.
Mayor Wolken opened the public hearing on the proposed Resolution of Necessity related to the 2020 E 7th Street Reconstruction. Staff received no written comments. Herman reported Mark Stoneking inquired about widening the street and Hinrichsen reported John Monk questioned what he was being assessed for and why. Dave Schoon, 17151 Co Rd D62, inquired what work was being done on the 2020 E 7th Street Reconstruction. Kevin Kurth, 204 E 7th Street, inquired about location of property pins in sidewalk, lighting changes and correcting the drainage issues. John Monk, property owner of 101 W 7th Street questioned what he was being assessed for and if issues with water and sewer would be corrected. Staff addressed these issues with them. Mayor Wolken closed the hearing on the Resolution of Necessity related to the 2020 E 7th Street Reconstruction. Yeoman moved to approve Resolution #2020-22 Approving Resolution of Necessity Re: 2020 E 7th Street Reconstruction Project, Lux seconded, roll call unanimous.
Herman received a request from Jones County Safe and Healthy Youth Coalition for $3,000.00, the same as last year. Coalition Coordinator Jennifer Husmann reviewed some of their activities and accomplishments over the last year. Husmann reported that vaping and suicide attempts have increased in Jones County in the last year. Husmann reported that they have been accepted to a pilot program called Lemonade for Life. Lux moved to approve Resolution #2020-23 Approving investment in Jones County Safe & Healthy Youth Coalition in the amount of $3,000.00, Goedken seconded, roll call unanimous.
Yeoman moved to approve Resolution #2020-24 scheduling Public Hearing on proposed Plans, Specifications, form of contract and estimate of costs for the 2020 E. 7th Street Reconstruction Project, approving the Form of Notice, and taking of bids thereof, Lux seconded, roll call unanimous. Public hearing was set for March 16th at 6:00 PM.
Herman reported that the Airport Board and Wanda Elmegreen negotiated the purchase of two hangars owned by Monticello Aviation. The Airport Board recommended that the City purchase the two hangars for $75,000.00. The hangars are currently full and rent would be paid to the City effective March 1st. Herman reported that the rent proceeds will largely cover the purchase costs in approximately five years. Goedken moved to approve Resolution #2020-25 to approve of the proposed Bill of Sale and Security Agreement between the City of Monticello and Monticello Aviation, Inc., Langerman seconded, roll call unanimous.
Herman reported that the City previously hired Engineer Dieter Muhlack to draw up plans and specs for the Berndes Center HVAC system upgrades. Muhlack reviewed several issues, including noncompliance with various codes, with the current HVAC system at the Berndes Center. Muhlack reviewed two possible options to reduce the project costs, recommending against one of them. The deduct related to the recommended project modification was $2,700.00. Austin Cahill, with the low bidder, Crawford Company, explained that he intended to work around events at the Berndes Center, and would be taking down one system at a time connecting the new system. Cahill stated the work is to be finished by May 31st. Goedken moved to approve Resolution 2020-26 to approve contract between the City of Monticello and Crawford Company Re: Berndes Center HVAC project, including Option 2 for a deduction of $2,700.00, Yeoman seconded, Roll call unanimous. Crawford contract including the Option 2 deduction will total $158,384.00.
Mayor Wolken and Smith left to attend a township meeting and Mayor Pro Tem Goedken presided over the remainder of the meeting.
Herman reported emailing detailed budget worksheets and handing out budget summaries to the Council. Herman stated it would be the 7th year in a row that the tax rate is proposed to remain at $13.87. Goedken moved to approve Resolution 2020-27 Scheduling Public Hearing on the City of Monticello 2020/2021 Fiscal Year budget for March 16, 2020 at 6:00 p.m., Feldmann seconded, roll call unanimous.
Oswald explained the Department’s desire to proceed with planning and fundraising for an Inclusive Playground located near the pavilion outside the aquatic center which is supported by the Park Board. They would like to apply for grants and fundraise for this project and request that the Council approve of the proposed site and authorize them to proceed with grants and fundraising. Yeoman moved to approve Resolution #2020-28 to approve location of proposed “Inclusive Playground” and authorization to pursue grants and fundraising for said purpose, Lux seconded, roll call unanimous.
Herman reported that the USDA grant he filed requesting $100,000.00 towards the cost of a new ambulance was approved in the reduced amount of $73,000.00, with requirement City investment is $112,000.00 and with the MEMT investing $25,000.00. Langerman moved to approve Resolution #2020-29 Acknowledging and approving Letter of Conditions and authorizing Mayor to execute Request for Obligation of Funds and Letter of Intent to Meet Conditions related to the USDA Grant, in an amount not to exceed $73,000 to assist with the cost of purchasing a new ambulance, Lux seconded, roll call unanimous.
Herman reviewed the two bids received for a Bobcat Toolcat, with the low bidder being Bobcat of Cedar Rapids at $55,900.00. If the purchase was approved the City could purchase outright or lease the equipment for five years, purchasing it at the conclusion of the lease for one dollar. This topic will be on the next agenda for potential action.
Herman reported that Royal Flush would like to lease lot space to a company to display and sell new trailers between Royal Flush and Kardes 151. Consensus of the Council was that the trailers could be displayed on gravel and that signage should be located on the trailers.
Herman reported that the City received an invitation to submit a full Catalyst Grant for $100,000.00. Herman is working with Jones County Economic Development Executive Director, Derek Lumsden on the State of Iowa Catalyst Grant and the DNR Derelict Grant related to the proposed renovation of the City owned building located at 103 West First Street.
Herman reported he sent the Code Book updates to Alice at Iowa Codification who is working on the Code update.
Yeoman advised that the Mayor asked him to share that the City of Monticello received the Monticello Area Chamber of Commerce Community Pride Award for Construction Projects & Community Revitalization, in appreciation of outstanding contributions to the Monticello Community related to the Willow Park Trail, Fountain Park Project and North Sycamore Street Rehabilitation and Reconstruction.
Feldmann moved to adjourn at 7:47 P.M.
Brian Wolken, Mayor
Sally Hinrichsen, City Clerk