Regular Council Meeting
February 17, 2025, 6:00 P.M.
Community Media Center
Mayor Wayne Peach called the meeting to order. Council present were: Josh Brenneman, Scott Brighton, Dave Goedken, Candy Langerman, Mary Phelan and Jake Ellwood. Also present were City Administrator Russell Farnum, City Clerk Sally Hinrichsen, Park & Rec Director Jacob Oswald, Water/Wastewater Supt. Jim Tjaden, Library Director Faith Brehm and Police Chief Britt Smith. 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.
Brenneman moved to approve the agenda. Brighton seconded, roll call was unanimous.
Mary Melchert, 1 Spring Farm Lane, stated she is a co-founder, along with Keith Stamp, of the Jones County Migrant Inclusion Group. This group started a healthcare clinic in the Monticello Community Building on February 13, 2024. She stated many people have helped in various ways to get the Migrant Inclusion Group Center open and providing assistance and information.
Langerman moved to approve the consent agenda; Brighton seconded. Roll call was unanimous.
Mayor opened Public Hearing on proposed Development Agreement with Kwik Trip, Inc. No public comments were received. Mayor closed the hearing. Brighton moved to approve Resolution #2025-18 Approving Development Agreement between City of Monticello and Kwik Trip, Inc. Related to the Development of Kwik Star Convenience Store, Gas Station and Truck Stop. Brenneman seconded. Goedken stated he was not in favor of the land grants and would not vote to approve resolution . Phelan advised that she understood the other properties in the area were given the land grants with their agreements and Farnum advised that they did. Roll call was unanimous, except Goedken who voted nay.
Mayor opened Public Hearing on proposed designation of Amended Monticello Urban Renewal Plan, to include Kwik Trip, Inc. Project. No public comments were received. Mayor closed the hearing. Goedken moved to approve Resolution #2025-19 Approving Amendment to Urban Renewal Plan to include Development Agreement and Economic Incentives to Kwik Trip, Inc. Brenneman seconded. Roll call was unanimous.
Langerman moved to approve Resolution #2025-20 Approving Plat of Re-subdivision of Lot 1 of Welter’s First Addition in the City of Monticello, Ellwood seconded, roll call was unanimous.
Langerman moved to approve Resolution #2025-21 Approving Kwik Star Site Plan. Phelan seconded, roll call was unanimous. Ellwood advised that the Council will be looking into the traffic flow in the area. The Council will be holding a work session to look into options. Farnum advised that he contacted City Engineer to see when available to come to a work session to discuss the options. Farnum also stated that Kwik Star has agreed to paint the lane striping along their property, as the street striping was never painted.
Goedken moved to approve Resolution #2025-22 Approving the Sign Plan for Kwik Star’s site located at the south east corner of South Main Street and Welter Drive. Ellwood seconded, roll call was unanimous.
Brighton moved to approve Resolution #2025-23 Setting Time and Place for a Public Hearing for the Purpose of Considering the Consolidated General Fund Tax Levy for the City’s Fiscal Year 2025-2026 Budget. Phelan seconded, roll call was unanimous. Hearing will be held on April 7, 2025 at 5:30 PM.
Phelan moved to approve Resolution #2025-24 Approving Pay Request #9 to Bill Bruce Builders, Inc., Re: Wastewater Treatment Plant Improvement Project in the amount of $245,549.44. Brenneman seconded, roll call was unanimous.
Langerman moved to approve Resolution #2025-25 Scheduling a public hearing for March 3, 2025, at 6:00 PM on the Plans, Specifications, Form of Contract and Estimate of Cost for the Airport Pavement Maintenance Project. Goedken seconded, roll call was unanimous.
Goedken would like to stop giving land grants to future developers and increase the rebate amounts given to the developer. Their rebates are based on the taxes they pay, not someone else in the TIF area. Brighton questioned if removing the option of land grant would hinder future developments. Farnum stated there is usually a dollar amount. If it comes from land grants or rebates, would be a City policy. Brighton felt the grants are a great tool but would like to push to use rebates first. Brighton also felt if this is the City’s new policy, then the land owners need to be educated. Ellwood moved to end using land grants as automatic but to leave as a tool. Motion died due to a lack of a second. Brighton moved to table action on the proposed resolution, to have it re-drafted with the proposed wording, Phelan seconded, roll call was unanimous.
Brenneman moved to approve Ordinance #776 amending the Monticello Code of Ordinances, by amending Chapter 165 “ZONING REGULATIONS” and amending the Official Zoning Map, second reading in title only. Goedken seconded. Roll call was unanimous. Brighton moved that the statutory rule requiring said ordinance be considered and voted on for passage at two prior Council meetings prior to the meeting at which it is to be finally passed be suspended with respect to Ordinance amending the Monticello Code of Ordinances, by amending Chapter 165 “ZONING REGULATIONS” and amending the Official Zoning Map, be regarded as having been considered and voted on at two prior council meetings; moved said Ordinance, third and final reading in title only. Ellwood seconded, roll call unanimous.
Farnum updated Council on several upcoming meetings and projects.
Oswald stated staff is working on scheduling programs and looking into fee schedule updates.
Brehm reported on several activities happening at the Library for the rest of this month.
Work session on Fiscal Year 2025-2026 budget was held. The consensus of the Council was to adjust a few line items, which will be done prior to the next budget work session. No action was taken
Goedken moved to adjourn the meeting at 6:58 P.M.
Wayne Peach, Mayor
Sally Hinrichsen, City Clerk/Treasurer