Regular Council Meeting
February 20, 2017
Community Media Center
6:00 P.M.
Mayor Dena Himes called the meeting to order. Council present: Dave Goedken, Brian Wolken, Rob Paulson, Johnny Russ and Chris Lux. Also present were City Administrator Doug Herman, City Clerk Sally Hinrichsen, Public Works Director Brant LaGrange, City Engineers Patrick Schwickerath and Casey Zwolinski and Police Chief Britt Smith. Council member Tom Yeoman was absent.
Goedken moved to approve the agenda, adding appointment of Nick Miller and Sophia Schemmel to the Park & Rec Board to the consent agenda, Russ seconded, roll call unanimous.
Wolken moved to approve the consent agenda, Paulson seconded, roll call unanimous.
Council discussed whether or not the tower repainting project should include a “Monticello” logo. Russ moved to approve Resolution #17-19 finally approve the proposed plans, specifications with addendum one, form of contract and estimate of cost for the North Water Tower Repainting Maintenance Project, the acceptance of bids, and awarding the project to the apparent lowest responsive, responsible bidder, Utility Services Co., Inc, with one logo on the south side of the tower, Lux seconded, Roll call vote: Russ, Lux, Wolken and Paulson voted aye and Goedken voted nay. Motion carried.
Herman reported the County Sheriff is proposing a 3% increase for the Communication Services Agreement. Russ moved to approve Resolution #17-20 Approving Agreement for Communications Services between the Jones County, Jones County Sheriff and City of Monticello, Wolken seconded, roll call unanimous.
Lux moved to approve Resolution #17-21 To approve funding /investment in Jones County JETS Transportation System in the amount of $1,500.00, Russ seconded, roll call unanimous.
Herman reported that Robert and Susan Pillard agreed to the severance of their property which lies near Business 151 and the Maquoketa River. Russ moved to approve Resolution #17-22 Approving severance of Pillard property from the City of Monticello and authorizing Mayor to execute Severance Agreement, Wolken seconded, roll call unanimous.
Council considered Dave Schoon request to parcel off a house and accessory building from other buildings on one existing parcel. If the parcel was permitted the remaining parcel, including a number of commercial buildings, would not meet required setbacks. Herman reported that the Board of Adjustments did not recommend approval of the proposed parcel, indicating that the remaining commercial buildings should be removed prior to the creation of the new parcel so that all remaining buildings would meet legal setbacks. Consensus of Council was supportive of Board of Adjustments recommendation. Council took no action.
Zwolinski reported that the proposed Ten-T Hangar was planned for construction next to the newly constructed taxiway. Goedken moved to approve Resolution #17-23 Approving the Professional Services Agreement between Snyder & Associates and the City of Monticello related to the Monticello Airport Ten-T-Hangar project, Wolken seconded, roll call vote unanimous. Wolken left the meeting at 6:20 PM.
Herman reported that he received information associated with Pitbull dog varieties from Kaylee Pingel with the Animal Welfare Foundation Board after the agenda went out and indicated that he would e-mail that information to the Council. Annie Locher, Animal Welfare Foundation Board Member, addressed the Council asking them to have an open-mind when reviewing the information on Pit Bulls. No action was taken.
Herman advised that he received a letter for KIJI President Stephen Intlekofer suggesting the City consider the application of a $5 or $10 fee to utility bills, with the resulting funds to be used to cover high water bills that property owners encounter from time to time, an “insurance” fund of sorts. The Council was not supportive of the proposal and no action was taken.
LaGrange reported that ITC would be installing new utility poles in the area of Business 151 West to golf course to substation by 11th Street.
Herman reviewed potential options to improve or replace the City Fountain by the Aquatic Center. Herman reported that the fountain, when in use, is constantly being filled due to numerous leaks that past remedial efforts have failed to cure.
Russ moved to adjourn the Council meeting at 7:02 P.M., roll call vote unanimous.
Dena Himes, Mayor
Sally Hinrichsen, City Clerk