Regular Council Meeting – Official
February 18, 2019 – 6:00 P.M.
Community Media Center
Mayor Brian Wolken called the meeting to order. Council present: Dave Goedken, Brenda Hanken, Rob Paulson, Chris Lux and Tom Yeoman. Also present were City Administrator Doug Herman, City Clerk Sally Hinrichsen, Police Chief Britt Smith and City Engineer Casey Zwolinski. Council member Johnny Russ was absent.
Yeoman moved to approve the agenda, Goedken seconded, roll call unanimous.
During Open Forum, Stu Gerdes, 615 N Sycamore, expressed his displeasure with the removal of trees as part of the N Sycamore Street Reconstruction Project. He questioned if they would be allowed to plant trees in the terrace at the conclusion of the project. Council expressed that they have talked about tree removal a number of times and are following the recommendation of the Engineer. They believe leaving compromised trees would not be a good decision. Gerdes stated that he understood why the Council was doing it but wished there was a way to save the trees.
Goedken moved to approve the consent agenda, Lux seconded, roll call unanimous.
Mayor Wolken opened the public hearing on proposal to enter into a General Obligation Corporate Purpose Loan Agreement and to borrow money thereunder in a principal amount not to exceed $2,700,000. Herman reviewed proposed plan to use funds to reconstruct the North Sycamore Street project. No public comments were received, and City Staff reported that they had not received any oral or written comments. Mayor Wolken closed the public hearing. Goedken moved to approve Resolution #19-19 taking additional action on proposal to enter into a General Obligation Corporate Purpose Loan Agreement and providing for the levy of taxes to pay the same, Lux seconded, roll call unanimous except Hanken who vote nay.
Herman reported that the City has been a member of the Maquoketa River Watershed Management Authority since approval of a 28E Agreement in November 2016. The 28E Agreement provides that any contributions are voluntary. The Authority is requesting a one dollar per capita assessment per year or $3,796 to help fund administrative costs of the WMA. Herman explained that efforts were currently underway to put together the Watershed Plan and that this request was a one year commitment. Yeoman moved to approve Resolution #19-20 Approving Investment in Maquoketa River Watershed Management Authority in the amount of $3,796, Goedken seconded, roll call unanimous.
Goedken moved to approve Resolution #19-21 to approve Standard Tax Abatement on Commercial Real Estate located at 901 N. Cedar Street, Monticello, Iowa, Yeoman seconded, roll call unanimous.
Herman explained that the Parks to People Pilot initiative, including Jones, Jackson and Dubuque counties, grew into the Keep Iowa Beautiful /Hometown Pride Partnership Agreement. Goedken moved to approve Resolution #19-22 to approve payment of 3rd Year Local match to Keep Iowa Beautiful /Hometown Pride program, Lux seconded, roll call unanimous.
Herman reported that the Planning and Zoning Board reviewed the Plat of Survey to Parcels 2019-09 and 2019-10 and recommended their approval. Goedken moved to approve Resolution #19-23 Approving Plat of Survey to Parcels 2019-09 and 2019-10, Lux seconded, roll call unanimous.
Goedken moved to approve Resolution #19-24 To Acknowledge Monticello Library Director and Staff wages for FY ’20, Hanken seconded, roll call unanimous.
Herman explained that the existing pole sign at Monticello Family Dentistry must be considered for approval by the City Council according to the City Code as the Code has a preference for Monument Signage. The Planning & Zoning Board recommended that the pole sign be permitted with the applicants required to obtain a right of way permit from the City. Hanken moved to approve Resolution #19-25 to approve Pole Sign Request of Monticello Family Dentistry, seconded by Goedken, roll call unanimous.
Hinrichsen updated the Council on her role in the 2020 Census, which includes updating the Census maps and address lists.
Zwolinski reviewed the proposed timeline for the 2019 N Sycamore Street Reconstruction Project. Bid opening is set for March 12th at 11:00 AM with an award to be considered after a public hearing on March 18th, with construction commencing as early as April 1st.
Herman reported that he has the easements needed for the 6th Street Ditch Project and would like to setup a committee to discuss next steps. Lux, Goedken and Yeoman agreed to serve on the committee.
Herman reported that he has two applicants for the Public Works Director position and would like to schedule interviews. Herman would like to work with a committee that would include two council members, the Mayor, and potentially one employee. Lux, Goedken and Yeoman agreed to serve on the committee.
Herman reported there was no need to go into closed session regarding the pending litigation with Al Hughes. Hughes reached out to Cheryl Dirks at HCH Realty and signed the deed and paid $500 in damages to the City with the agreement that the City dismiss the lawsuit that was filed against Hughes. Consensus of the Council was to dismiss the action in light of Hughes’ signature and damage payment.
The Council reviewed City accomplishments over the last approximately five years, discussed potential Capital projects and Equipment purchases, significant Initiatives or Programs, and Issues and Concerns. Herman will prepare a final report to include a listing of all items identified by the City Council for review and approval at the next Council Meeting.
Lux moved to adjourn at 8:46 P.M.
Brian Wolken, Mayor
Sally Hinrichsen, City Clerk