Regular Council Meeting
February 7, 2022 – 5:00 P.M.
Community Media Center
Mayor Dave Goedken called the meeting to order. Council present were: Wayne Peach, Brenda Hanken, Candy Langerman, Chris Lux, Tom Yeoman, and Scott Brighton. Council member Tom Yeoman was absent. Also present were City Administrator Russell Farnum, City Clerk Sally Hinrichsen, Library Director Michelle Turnis, Police Chief Britt Smith, Park & Rec Director Jacob Oswald, Water/Wastewater Superintendent Jim Tjaden, and City Engineer A.J. Barry. Public Works Director Nick Kahler arrived during meeting. The public was invited to attend the meeting in person, with limited seating or to participate in 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, both in-person and via Zoom.
Langerman moved to approve the agenda, Peach seconded, roll call unanimous.
Langerman moved the consent agenda, Hanken seconded, roll call unanimous.
Lux moved to approve Resolution #2022-16 Approving Michael, A Tuel Jr Tax Abatement Application related to Residential Improvements constructed at 105 East Burroughs Street, Monticello, Iowa, Brighton seconded, roll call unanimous.
Brighton moved to approve Resolution #2022-17 Approving FY ’23 Senior Dining Funding request in the amount of $3,600, Hanken seconded, roll call unanimous. Farnum reported Senior Dining would be located in St. Matthew Church in Monticello, however they are hiring staff to fill positions.
Brighton moved to approve Resolution #2022-18 Scheduling Public Hearing for the Purpose of Considering the Maximum Tax Dollars to be collected by the City from Certain Levies for the City’s Proposed Fiscal Year 2022-2023 Budget for February 21, 2022 at 6:00 p.m., Langerman seconded, roll call unanimous.
Farnum reported P & Z Commission reviewed and recommends approval. Langerman moved to approve Resolution #2022-19 Approving Plat(s) of Survey to Parcels 2022-12 and 2022-13 for Property at 21464 River Road, Peach seconded, roll call unanimous.
Farnum reported P & Z Commission reviewed and recommends approval. Brighton moved to approve Resolution #2022-20 Approving Plat of Survey to Parcel 2022-14, Lux seconded, roll call unanimous.
Farnum reported the US Treasury final rulings changed requirements, and can now be used for lost revenue. City plans to apply for CDBG funds to help cover the cost of the Waste Water project. Langerman moved to approve Resolution #2022-21 Rescinding Resolution #2021-90 Designating American Rescue Plan funding for use on the Waste Water Treatment Facility expansion and related Water and Sewer projects, Brighton seconded, roll call unanimous.
Barry reviewed the proposed change order for the East 7th Street Utility Improvements Project. Barry reported the change order includes realigning the water main to reduce a number of fittings and replacing sanitary sewer main with water main grade to eliminate casing pipe on water main; to delete manhole lining; and add manhole replacement at four locations to extend the manhole service life. Langerman moved to approve Resolution #2022-22 Approving Change Order #1 in the amount of $16,576.00 submitted by Pirc-TobinConstruction, Inc. related to the 2021 East 7th Street Utility Improvements Project, Lux seconded, roll call unanimous.
Barry stated Pirc-Tobin is ready to start the East 7th Street Utility Improvements Project, as soon as weather allows and work is to be completed by May 31st.
Farnum reported the Airport Engineer HDR is under review for the airport runway project. The DBE policy is under review and posted.
Farnum advised the City utility bills were mailed on January 31st; however, many were not timely delivered, due to issues at the Post Office.
Smith reported the Iowa Senate has proposed legislation looking to allow UTVs and ATVs on some State Highways. He would like permission to send a letter of support for the proposed legislation signing and using his position. Consensus of the Council was to allow Smith to write the letter of support.
Oswald reported he and Farnum are working with three University of Iowa Students looking at ways to improve the wetlands area, and improve drainage at Riverside Gardens.
Oswald reported Shannon Poe has resigned and her last day is February 8th. Applications to fill her position are due February 18th.
Kahler reported taking down trees for the 7th Street Project and if weather cooperates will continue to work on more trees.
Goedken reported the recent League of Cities magazine had an article on open meeting laws and all committee meetings are to be open to the public, with agendas posted and minutes taken.
Council took a break and would reconvene at 6:00 p.m. for the Public Hearing as published.
The Mayor opened the Public Information Meeting related to review of an application for a State Revolving Fund (SRF) loan and the contents of an environmental information document and the City’s project plans. Farnum stated the public notice was published on December 29, 2021. Reports were available at City Hall and the Library. Utility rate increases in user charges were estimates about a year ago and increases were put in place. City is seeking grant and/or loan funds to help cover project costs. The purpose of this project is to make improvements to the wastewater treatment facilities to meet the effluent limits and nutrient reduction requirements outlined by the Iowa Department of Natural Resources National Pollution Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) Permit and to enhance their reliability, increase capacity and to replace obsolete system to safely and reliably operate the City of Monticello’s wastewater system for the next 20 years. The project includes replacing the existing trickling filter activated sludge treatment plant with an extended aerated activated sludge treatment system, replacing existing sludge processing equipment with new sludge dewatering belt filter press and sludge hold building. New activated sludge extended aeration WWTP including: aero-mod tanks, sludge storage, blower’s building, UV building, various underground piping, and the removal of several existing tanks. The proposed project may also include bringing city water into the site. Currently, the City water main ends just east of Riverview Court. If it is brought to the site it would be installed within the ROW and down the WWTP access road. The proposed project will disturb an estimated 6.0 acres of the total 36.40 acres land in the proposed project area. City Engineer Nick Eisenbacker stated the Environmental Information document determined that there was no significant impact to the environment and the positive environmental effects would be improved treatment of the wastewater from the City’s plant and would improve the quality in the receiving stream. There were no oral or written comments, Mayor closed the public information meeting.
Peach moved to adjourn the meeting at 6:05 p.m.
Dave Goedken, Mayor
Sally Hinrichsen, City Clerk