Regular Council Meeting
January 17, 2022 – 6:00 P.M.
Community Media Center
Mayor Dave Goedken called the meeting to order. Council present were: Wayne Peach, Brenda Hanken, Candy Langerman, Chris Lux, and Tom Yeoman, in person and Scott Brighton joined with Zoom. Also present were City Administrator Russell Farnum, City Clerk Sally Hinrichsen, Library Director Michelle Turnis, Police Chief Britt Smith, Park & Rec Director Jacob Oswald, Public Works Director Nick Kahler and Water/Wastewater Superintendent Jim Tjaden. 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.
Yeoman moved to approve the agenda, Lux seconded, roll call unanimous.
Hanken moved the consent agenda, Langerman seconded, roll call unanimous.
Mayor Goedken opened the public hearing on the proposed sale/transfer of City owned property located at 449 North Sycamore Street. Staff received no written comments and there were no oral comments. Farnum reported advertising for proposals and received one proposal from Mike and Emily Kraus to purchase the property for $20,000 with plans to build a 1,600 square foot, 3-bedroom ranch home with an unfinished basement, within calendar year 2022. Farnum spoke to Kraus about the details and terms, which can be outlined in a Purchase Agreement, once proposal is approved by the Council. Mayor Goedken closed the hearing on the proposed sale/transfer of City owned property located at 449 North Sycamore Street. Peach moved to approve Resolution #2022-7 to provide direction with regard to sale/transfer of City Owned Property located at 449 North Sycamore Street, Hanken seconded, roll call unanimous
Jones County Extension Youth Program Specialist Jacki Luckstead reviewed the plans for the Summer Discovery Program, which is open for youth, Kindergarten to 5th grade. The Program will have physical activity, promote healthy lifestyles and create snacks to feed their mind and body. It is held in several towns in Jones County. Luckstead asked Council for $500.00 to help fund the program. Langerman moved to approve Resolution #2022-8 Approving contribution to Jones County Extension Programming in the amount of $500.00, Hanken seconded, roll call unanimous.
Jones County Tourism Board Member Derek Lumsden reviewed ways they help promote tourism in Jones County. Jones County Tourism requested $.30 per person and 4% of the Monticello Hotel/Motel Tax. Hanken moved to approve Resolution #2022-9 Approving funding/investment in Jones County Tourism in the amount of $1,212.00 plus 4% of Hotel/Motel tax received in FY 2022, for FY 2023, Peach seconded, roll call unanimous.
Jones County Economic Development (JCED) Executive Director Derek Lumsden reviewed several projects that he worked on for Monticello including the Catalyst Grant for the Compadres building, the Rural Innovation Grant for the former Dollar General Store, where the Creative Adventure Lab will be located, and business tours of local businesses with 7th through 10th graders. He is working on various grants to help fund the wastewater treatment plant and Main Street application. JCED are requesting $15,000 to help continue their activities and assist moving Monticello and Jones County forward. Langerman moved to approve Resolution #2022-10 Approving JCED Investment for FY ’23 in the amount of $15,000, Lux seconded, roll call unanimous.
Jones County Safe & Healthy Youth Coalition Project Coordinator Jennifer Husmann reviewed several activities and surveys that were done last year and plans for activities such as the TIPS training. Husmann requested $3,000.00 to continue their work with the county’s youth through their youth advisory committee, BEASTS (Being Excellent and Staying Totally Safe). Peach moved to approve Resolution #2022-11 approving investment in Jones County Safe & Healthy Youth Coalition in the amount of $3,000, Langerman seconded, roll call unanimous.
Farnum explained the plat approved at the December 15, 2021 Council meeting was rejected at the Recorder’s Office because the surveyor had dated the plat over 30 days prior to recording, and the surveyor was out through the end of the year, so he could not update signature on plat. Therefore, everything needs to be updated to 2022 for dates and parcel numbering. Langerman moved to approve Resolution #2022-12 Approving and directing City Administrator to accept ownership of Parcel 2022-11, by the acceptance of a Quit Claim Deed from Senior Housing, Inc and further approving Plat of Survey for Parcels 2022-10 and 2022-11, and directing the City Clerk to see to the recordation of said Deed with the Jones County Recorder. Yeoman seconded. Roll call unanimous.
Yeoman moved to approve Resolution #2022-13 Approving Philip & Amy Gilkerson Tax Abatement Application related to Residential Improvements constructed at 957 Valley Drive, Monticello, Iowa, Hanken seconded, roll call unanimous.
Langerman moved to approve Resolution #2022-14 to approve funding/investment in Jones County JETS Transportation System in the amount of $1,500.00, Lux seconded, roll call unanimous.
Lux moved to approve Resolution #2022-15 approving investment in the Independence Day Fireworks festivities to be held on July 4, 2022 in the amount of $2,600.00, Hanken seconded, roll call unanimous.
Farnum received a request for Council to consider changing the February 7th Council meeting to allow anyone wanting to attend the Caucus to do so, as check-in starts at 6:30 PM. The Public Hearing for the wastewater treatment plant project is scheduled that night at 6 PM, which could be rescheduled. After discussion, Yeoman moved to hold the Council meeting on February 7th, however to start the meeting at 5 PM for the routine business and hold the hearing at 6 PM, as published. Peach seconded. Roll call unanimous.
Farnum reported the Pre-con meeting with the 7th Street Utility Improvement Project was held and they plan to start as soon as the weather permits.
Farnum reported there was another service line leak on North Sycamore Street. It was determined to be a contractor error, as a large piece of concrete was used as backfill. Horsfield Construction, the contractor, made the necessary repairs to the line
Farnum reported the wastewater treatment plant plans are considered 50% complete and are being reviewed by the DNR.
Goedken stated the City Comprehensive Plan includes the extension of sidewalk or trail on East First Street, from Business 151 to Willow Trial at Kitty Creek. Consensus of the Council was to wait with the sidewalk until the wastewater treatment plant project was completed, as the road would need to be need to be rebuilt and if the road grade changed, the sidewalk could need to be taken out. They also discussed waiting as Dollar Fresh will donate the land to the City to determine the best option for the trail. No action was taken.
Kahler, Tjaden and Turnis reported on the work that had been recently done.
Oswald reported MSA reviewed their scope of services with the Park Board and if Council wants, they would come to a Council Meeting. Consensus of the Council was to ask MSA to attend the February 21st Council meeting.
Hinrichsen thanked the Council members, former Mayor Brian Wolken and anyone else that helped collect, as well as the residents who completed the LMI Survey. Hinrichsen advised City was notified that we met the LMI requirements for the CDBG grant.
No budget work session was held following this meeting as the review was completed at the earlier session.
Peach moved to adjourn the meeting at 6:55 pm.
Dave Goedken, Mayor
Sally Hinrichsen, City Clerk