Regular Council Meeting
January 16, 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, Deputy City Clerk Cheryl Clark, Public Works Director Brant LaGrange, City Engineer Patrick Schwickerath and Police Chief Britt Smith. Council member Tom Yeoman was absent.
Herman explained that the Consent Agenda item to appoint a Park and Recreation Board member should include the name Kim McQuillen. He also suggested, due to icy road conditions, that agenda items involving presenters that were travelling be moved up in the agenda. Russ moved to approve the agenda as proposed, Lux seconded, roll call unanimous.
No one appeared during Open Forum.
Wolken moved to approve the consent agenda, Paulson seconded, roll call unanimous.
Schwickerath stated that the Water Tower Repainting Project start date had been moved from April 17, 2017 to May 1, 2017, as requested by Sprint, a tenant on the water tower. Lux moved to approve Resolution #17-02 to provide for a notice of hearing on proposed plans, specifications, form of contract and estimate of cost for the North Water Tower Repainting Maintenance Project and the taking of bids therefor for February 6, 2017 at 6:00 P.M., Goedken seconded, roll call unanimous.
Herman reported that the City is required to hire an Engineer and a Planning Consultant through a competitive Request for Qualifications (RFQ) process to maintain eligibility for Federal Airport Improvement Programming funding. The Airport Board recommended that Snyder & Associates be appointed for Airfield Development Projects and Jerry Searle with HDR, in concert with Snyder, for Airport Planning and Environmental Projects. Moved by Goedken, seconded by Wolken to approve Resolution #17-03 to approve appointment of Snyder & Associates as Monticello Airport Engineer, for Airfield Development Projects, and Jerald Searle, with the HDR/Snyder & Associates team, for Airport Planning and Environmental Services, roll call unanimous. Schwickerath left the meeting.
Kendy Bohlken, acting commissioner for MYBSA, provided a report summarizing the activities and financials of the MYBSA for 2016.
Dusty Embree, Executive Director for Jones County Economic Development, presented on past and upcoming events and requested that the City continue to invest in JCED. Paulson moved to approve Resolution #17-04 approving JCEDC Investment for FY ’18 in the amount of $7,592, Goedken seconded, roll call unanimous.
Library Director Michelle Turnis provided an overview of Library usage for 2016 explaining that the Library experienced an 18% increase in foot traffic. They are requesting an increase in the general fund appropriation of $10,000 from $115,000 to $125,000. Herman explained that he would provide more detail at the next Council meeting.
Herman reported on recent legal happenings regarding Moonshine Real Estate LLC, Whiskey River Liquor Pub & Grub license holder Milena Galliano and former license holder Ryan Husmann. Galliano was present and addressed the Council regarding what she has been doing to improve the bar and answered questions regarding the day-to-day oversight. After discussion, Russ motioned to deny approving the renewal of Moonshine Real Estate LLC, Whiskey River Liquor Pub & Grub, Liquor License, Goedken seconded, roll call unanimous.
Moved by Goedken, seconded by Russ to approve Resolution #17-05 Approving contribution to Jones County Extension Programming in the amount of $500, roll call unanimous.
Moved by Goedken, seconded by Paulson to approve Resolution #17-06 Approving funding/investment in Jones County Tourism in the amount of $1,139 for FY 2018, roll call unanimous.
Moved by Goedken, seconded by Russ to approve Resolution #17-07 Approving FY ’18 Senior Dining Funding request in the amount of $3,900, roll call unanimous.
Moved by Wolken, seconded by Paulson to approve Resolution #17-08 Designating the Monticello Express as the official publication newspaper for City of Monticello, roll call unanimous.
Moved by Goedken, seconded by Lux to approve Resolution #17-09 Approving the Written Investment Policy applicable to all Funds of the City of Monticello, Iowa, as required by Chapters 12B and 12C of the Code of Iowa, roll call unanimous.
Moved by Goedken, seconded by Russ to approve Resolution #17-10 Approving Nick & Shannon Simonson Tax Abatement Application related to Residential Improvements constructed at 745 Breckenridge Drive, Monticello, Iowa, roll call unanimous.
Moved by Wolken, seconded by Goedken to approve Resolution #17-11 Approving Chris & Myrna Sasina Tax Abatement Application related to Residential Improvements constructed at 708 Park Drive, Monticello, Iowa, roll call unanimous.
The Plat of Survey to Parcel 2017-16 was presented for review and approval. The P & Z has recommended that same be approved. The survey was created to clear up a boundary line between two parcels. Charlie Becker plans to transfer the parcel to neighboring property owners, Gary & Marcia Schwandt. Moved by Wolken, seconded by Paulson to approve Resolution #17-12 Approving Plat of Survey to Parcel 2017-16, roll call unanimous.
Herman explained the Park & Recreation Department hiring process. He explained that the committee recommended that Jacob Oswald be hired as the Park & Recreation Director. Moved by Goedken, seconded by Wolken to approve Resolution #17-13 to approve the hiring of Jacob Oswald as Monticello Park and Recreation Director, Wolken seconded, roll call unanimous. Herman explained that current Park and Recreation employee Tami Bartram turned down the opportunity to continue her employment with the City as the Superintendent of Parks and Facilities at her current rate of pay, benefits, and seniority, and based thereon interviews for that position were underway.
Moved by Goedken, seconded by Russ to approve Ordinance #694 amending Chapter 69, Parking Regulations, Monticello Code, by amending Provisions pertaining to “No Parking Zones”, third and final reading and in title only, roll call unanimous. This Ordinance contains no parking provisions on Gill Street between 4th and 5th Streets.
Herman reported that Scott & Joyce Hornstein made a donation to the Pocket Park fund in the amount of $2,600 to purchase a table and umbrella.
Samantha Clemon of 226 East Grand Street, Monticello, requested that the City Council reconsider the existing “pit bull” ban in the community. Lux and Russ indicated willingness to revisit the issue. Smith stated that he would reach out to the local animal shelter to see if they had any information in regard to pit bulls and Herman stated that he would look into the matter as well and provide the Council with additional information.
Herman commented on pending annexations and property severances and also updated the Council on upcoming Planning and Zoning and Board of Adjustment issues. He reported that the PW Director was working to set up a meeting date with Jerry Behrends and Jerry McElmeel to discuss the ditch closure project on the Behrends property. Herman commented on board openings and handed out a summary of proposed General Fund Revenues for FY ‘18.
Wolken moved to adjourn the Council meeting at 8:07 P.M., roll call vote unanimous.
Dena Himes, Mayor
Cheryl Clark, Deputy City Clerk