Regular Council Meeting
January 16, 2023 – 6:00 P.M.
Community Media Center
Mayor David Goedken called the meeting to order. Council present were: Chris Lux, Candy Langerman, Wayne Peach, Tom Yeoman, Brenda Hanken and Scott Brighton present. Also present were City Administrator Russell Farnum, City Clerk Sally Hinrichsen, Police Chief Britt Smith, Park & Rec Director Jacob Oswald, Public Works Director Nick Kahler, Water/Wastewater Superintendent Jim Tjaden and Library Director Faith Brehm. 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.
Yeoman moved to approve the agenda, Hanken seconded, roll call was unanimous.
Yeoman moved to approve the consent agenda; Hanken seconded, roll call was unanimous.
Iowa State University Extension’s Youth Program Specialist Jacki Luckstead gave a brief presentation on last year’s program and attendance, and announced this year’s program will be “Science Lab”. This program would be for two full days, instead of four half days, and they will bring their own lunch. Brighton moved to approve Resolution #2023-5 Approving Jones County Extension Programming investment and agreement for FY ’24 in the amount of $500.00. Hanken seconded. Roll call was unanimous.
Jones County Economic Development Director, Derek Lumsden reviewed projects that were completed and projects he is working on. Yeoman moved to approve Resolution #2023-6 Approving Jones County Economic Development (JECD) Investment and agreement for FY ’24 in the amount of $15,000.00. Hanken seconded, roll call was unanimous.
Lux moved to approve Resolution #2023-7 Approving Jones County JETS Transportation System investment and agreement for FY ‘24 in the amount of $1,500.00. Langerman seconded, roll call was unanimous.
Langerman moved to approve Resolution #2023-8 Approving Jones County Safe & Healthy Youth Coalition Investment and agreement for FY ’24 in the amount of $3,000.00. Hanken seconded, roll call was unanimous.
Lux moved to approve Resolution #2023-9 Approving Monticello Firefighter’s Organization investment and agreement for the Independence Day Fireworks festivities to be held on July 4, 2023, in the amount of $2,600.00. Langerman seconded, roll call was unanimous.
Langerman moved to approve Resolution #2023-10 Approving Jones County Senior Dining Funding Investment and agreement for FY ‘24 in the amount of $4,329.00. Peach seconded, roll call was unanimous.
Jones County Tourism President Becky DirksHaugsted gave an update on their activities in the last year. Yeoman stated Monticello was not mentioned or listed on their website. DirksHaugsted stated they use the Monticello Express guide on their website and she would look into why Monticello was not on their website. Council discussed funding requested and not giving the full amount requested. Hanken moved to approve Resolution #2023-11 Approving Jones County Tourism investment and agreement for FY ‘24 in the amount of $1,000.00. Lux seconded, roll call was all ayes except Yeoman who voted nay. Carried.
Farnum gave update on projects and activities the Maquoketa River Watershed Management Authority completed and continues to work on, such as water testing and conservation awareness. Langerman moved to approve Resolution #2023-12 Approving Maquoketa River Watershed Management Authority Investment and Agreement for FY ‘24 in the amount of $6,060.00. Brighton seconded, roll call was unanimous.
Peach moved to approve Resolution #2023-13 Appropriating funds necessary to meet the City’s Obligation to Monticello Main Street Iowa Program Agreement in the amount of $40,000.00. Hanken seconded, roll call was unanimous.
Brighton moved to approve Resolution #2023-14 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 2023-2024 Budget for February 20, 2023 at 6:00 p.m. Hanken seconded, roll call was unanimous. Council set a special Council meeting for January 23, 2023 at 6 PM for budget work session.
Lux moved to approve Resolution #2023-15 to approve the hiring of a Monticello Ambulance Full-Time Paramedic and setting wage. Hanken seconded, roll call was unanimous.
Lux moved to approve Resolution #2023-16 Approving Lease Agreement between the City of Monticello and Jeff Nagel with regard to the “farm” ground at the Monticello Airport. Peach seconded, roll call was unanimous.
Farnum advised Main Street Open House is Thursday January 19, 2023.
Farnum reported on the Small Town Dreams fundraiser challenge and match to create a Community Development Fund for Monticello.
Farnum reviewed the sewer credit policy and inquired if Council would like to consider adjusting the amount. Consensus of Council, with the recent rate increase, was that they should review the amount allowed. This will be on the next agenda.
Hinrichsen reported the Alcoholic Beverages Division has made classification changes to the alcohol licensing process reducing the number of license classifications. With these changes, they will allow class “E” retail alcohol licensees to automatically renew without approval by the local authority or ABD upon payment of the renewal fee. City Code states Council is to approve alcohol licenses, so that would need to be updated; however, City can un-enroll from automatic renewal program. Several cities were going to un-enroll from the automatic renewal program to keep control as stated in the City Code. Consensus was for City to un-enroll in the automatic renewal program instead of changing the City Code to allow it.
Kahler reported the closure on the handicapped door of the Renaissance Center needs to be replaced and will cost $2,800 plus installation.
Tjaden stated there was a water main break on Southhaven last week, which is a 4” feeder line for 5 to 6 houses and runs in the back yards and next to the foundation of one home. He would like to replace this line in the future and place it in the terrace.
Tjaden reported Royal Flush had pretreatment agreement violations the end of December. Consensus of the Council was to begin process of filing liens for the delinquent violation fines.
Oswald reported summer sport activities sign up has started.
Brehm reported the library is having Music & Melody and invited all to attend.
Mayor advised there would be no closed session due to waiting on a few items to be completed. Also, there would be no budget work session, as waiting on compensation committee to make their proposal.
Peach motioned to adjourn the meeting at 6:52 P.M.
David Goedken, Mayor
Sally Hinrichsen, City Clerk/Treasurer