Regular Council Meeting – Official
January 3, 2017
Community Media Center
6:00 P.M.
Mayor Dena Himes called the meeting to order. Council present: Dave Goedken, Brian Wolken, Rob Paulson, Chris Lux and Tom Yeoman. Also present were City Administrator Doug Herman, City Clerk Sally Hinrichsen, Public Works Director Brant LaGrange, Police Chief Britt Smith and City Engineers Patrick Schwickerath and Casey Zwolinski. Council member Johnny Russ was absent.
Yeoman moved to approve the agenda, Wolken seconded, roll call unanimous.
Paulson moved to approve the consent agenda, Wolken seconded, roll call unanimous.
Herman reported the FAA gave their preliminary approval of the Airport 5-year Capital Improvement Plan, which must be updated every year. Yeoman moved to approve Resolution #17-01 Approving the submission of the FY ’18 Airport Capital Improvement Data Sheet and the FY 2018 5-year CIP, Lux seconded, roll call unanimous.
Herman reported Smith’s recommendation that parking be restricted within the first 240 feet from the north right-of-way of 4th Street north, down the hill, towards 5th Street. Goedken moved Ordinance #694 amending Chapter 69, Parking Regulations, Monticello Code, by amending Provisions pertaining to “No Parking Zones”, adding no parking on east side of North Gill Street as recommended by the Smith, second reading and in title only, Lux seconded, roll call unanimous. Herman will update Ordinance before next meeting.
Herman reviewed the report from the insurance company which showed City savings in the approximate amount of $37,000, a 24.67% savings over what would have been spent had the City not partially self-funded its’ insurance obligations.
Herman continues to work with Mike Kraus and Connie Shover on the severance of their properties east of Highway 151 and north of Highway 38. LaGrange will contact Tracy Yousse in regard to the annexation of the Sign Shop.
Herman reported that LaGrange is planning to set up a meeting with Jerry McElmeel and Gerry Behrends to discuss options associated with the Behrends’ ditch closure. Herman is attempting to locate used concrete pipe for this project.
Herman and Schwickerath will continue to work with water tower lessees in regard to an alternative placement plans for their equipment during the water tower repainting project.
Herman reported that five 5 candidates had been interviewed for the Park Director position, with two also being interested in the other Park and Rec FT position. He hopes to make a decision this week.
Herman reported that there are openings on the following boards: Park and Recreation, Airport, Planning and Zoning and Tree. Some openings may be filled by current members, however, it is always advisable to seek interest from potential new members.
At the prior meeting of the City Council, Herman and Smith were directed to arrange for and schedule a hearing on the Whiskey River liquor license. In furtherance of that objective Herman and Smith are trying to set something up with investigators associated with a Dubuque County and Jones County criminal cases. Herman is waiting for a return call from the Dubuque County investigator. Herman will schedule the hearing as quickly as possible.
Himes reviewed her Mayoral appointments with the Council.
Schwickerath is working with Alliant in regard to utility interference associated with the East First Street bridge project. After the receipt of Alliant’s plan, he will complete the E. First Street bridge preliminary plans. The proposed bid letting is set for June 20th, with construction starting around August 1st
Herman reported that staff is working on FY 2018 budget.
Goedken moved to go into closed session under §21.5(1)(j) of the Iowa Code “To discuss the purchase of particular real estate only where premature disclosure could be reasonably expected to increase the price the governmental body would have to pay for the property”. Lux seconded, Roll call unanimous.
Wolken moved, Yeoman seconded to end the closed session and return to open session. Roll call unanimous.
Wolken moved to adjourn the Council meeting at 6:43 P.M.
Dena Himes, Mayor
Sally Hinrichsen, City Clerk