Regular Council Meeting
January 16, 2024, 6:00 P.M.
Community Media Center
Mayor Wayne Peach called the meeting to order. Council present were: Josh Brenneman, Jake Ellwood, Dave Goedken, Candy Langerman and Mary Phelan. Also present were City Administrator Russell Farnum, City Clerk Sally Hinrichsen, Public Works Director Nick Kahler, Library Director Faith Brehm, Ambulance Director Lori Lynch, Water/Wastewater Superintendent Jim Tjaden, Police Chief Britt Smith, Park & Rec Director Jacob Oswald and City Engineer Patrick Schwickerath. Council member Scott Brighton was absent. The public was invited to attend the meeting in person, or to participate in the meeting electronically via “Zoom Meetings” or “Facebook” and were encouraged to communicate from the chat or message.
Brenneman moved to approve the agenda, Langerman seconded, roll call was unanimous.
Ellwood moved to approve the consent agenda; Phelan seconded. Ellwood questioned where the loader was paid. Kahler stated being it will be used at the Yard Waste site a portion was paid out of sanitation. Ellwood questioned what the $4,815.80 for holiday lights was. Oswald stated Monticello Main Street reimbursed the City for the lights. Roll call was unanimous.
Mayor Peach proclaimed January as Human Trafficking Prevention and Awareness month .
Goedken moved to approve Resolution #2024-13 Approving Kevin and Alison Bergman Tax Abatement Application related to Residential Improvements constructed at 1000 Northridge Drive, Monticello, Iowa, Brenneman seconded, roll call was unanimous.
Tjaden advised the Council that water tower control malfunctioned and they had to run the well pumps manually until they could find a temporary controller. Tjaden received two quotes for the controller and recommended Electric Pump bid in the amount of $142,010.00. Langerman moved to approve Resolution #2024-14 Approving Purchase of a Water Treatment Plant Control Upgrade from Electric Pump from Des Moines, Iowa, Goedken seconded. Roll call was unanimous.
Farnum stated the USDA has approved the increased funding for the Waste Water Treatment Facility project and authorized the City to accept the bid of $23,448,000.00 from Bill Bruce Builders for the project and issue the contract. Farnum reviewed the various funding sources, costs and reserves listed on the USDA amendment to Letter of Conditions. Farnum stated the USDA grant would be used after the loan funds are used. The local banks were contacted and agreed to interim financing the project until the USDA loans begin. The City can pay off the USDA loan early if funds are available. Langerman moved to approve Resolution #2024-15 awarding contract for the Wastewater Treatment Facility Improvements Project, Brenneman seconded, roll call was unanimous.
Phelan stated she read the bid document for the water tower painting project and questioned the tank being out of service during the project and how that would affect the City. Schwickerath stated the north water tower will be full and should have no huge impact. Goedken questioned if the amount of corrosion was normal for the age of the tower. Schwickerath advised yes that it is a very corrosive environment. Farnum stated that was why they looked at it now. Langerman moved to approve Resolution #2024-16 to provide for a notice of hearing on proposed plans, specifications, form of contract and estimate of cost for the Monticello South Water Tower Repainting Maintenance Project, and the taking of bids therefor. Brenneman seconded, roll call was unanimous. Public hearing will be on February 5, 2024 at 6 P.M.
Schwickerath advised that he prepared the plans and specifications for the North Chestnut Street Reconstruction Project and the Preliminary Special Assessment Schedule as directed by the Council. He and Farnum will be meeting with property owners on Thursday to review the plans. Schwickerath advised the bid calls for a concrete street with bid alternative to put brick pavers back between 2nd and 3rd Streets and the other bid alternative is for the decorative lighting. Schwickerath reviewed how assessment projects were done in past years. Langerman moved to approve Resolution #2024-17 Preliminary resolution pursuant to Section 384.42 of the Iowa Code covering the 2024 N. Chestnut Street Reconstruction Project, Ellwood seconded, roll call was unanimous. Public hearing will be on February 5, 2024 at 6 P.M.
Goedken moved to approve Resolution #2024-18 to Adopt the Preliminary Assessment Plat and Schedule and Estimate of Project Costs and Scheduling a Public Hearing on the Proposed Resolution of Necessity, Brenneman seconded, roll call was unanimous. Public hearing will be on February 5, 2024 at 6 P.M.
Goedken moved Ordinance #772 Amending the Code of Ordinances of the City of Monticello, Iowa, by Adding a New Section Authorizing Use of the State Income Setoff Program”, second reading in title only. Ellwood seconded. Roll call was unanimous.
Kahler stated the snow was piled in various area after the snow storm, due to the tractor and snow blower breaking down at the same time. They are continuing to clean up the piles and plow the streets. Kahler is working to get the streetlight on First Street working.
Oswald advised youth basketball started this week and soccer clinic started tonight. Chamber Director asked him to invite everyone to the Chamber after hours at the Innovation Lab on Thursday. He reported the bounce house has been a huge hit and there are 5 more days scheduled thru March.
Brehm gave some library facts from the State Library. She reported the Master Crafter series and trivia night will be starting and the food pantry will be here on January 29th.
Council held work sessions on budget amendments, cash policy, grant policy, use of ARPA money and budget work sessions and schedule. No action was taken.
Phelan moved to adjourn the meeting at 8:11 P.M.
Wayne Peach, Mayor
Sally Hinrichsen, City Clerk/Treasurer