Regular Council Meeting
January 3, 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 and Tom Yeoman. Councilmember Brenda Hanken arrived during meeting and Councilmember Scott Brighton was absent. 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 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).
Yeoman moved to approve the agenda, Peach seconded, roll call was unanimous.
Bud Coyle, 515 North Sycamore, inquired on how the ice-skating rink was setup and why water was hauled instead of using hydrant. Oswald stated it is a new rink, which was setup in 15 degrees below zero weather. It is best to do thin layers of water and let it freeze, before adding more water. Temps went from 15 degrees below to 50 degrees in a few days, so it all melted. Depending on weather, they will work on it again.
Yeoman moved to approve the consent agenda; Lux seconded, roll call was unanimous.
Peach moved to approve Resolution #2023-1 Designating the Monticello Express as the Official Publication Newspaper for City of Monticello. Langerman seconded. Roll call was unanimous.
Peach moved to approve Resolution #2023-2 Approving Agreement for Communication Services Between Jones County, Jones County Sheriff, and City of Monticello. Langerman seconded, roll call was unanimous.
Lux moved to approve Resolution #2023-3 Requesting Abatement of accrued Property Taxes on property owned by the City of Monticello for public purposes within the city limits of the City of Monticello. Langerman seconded, roll call was unanimous.
Yeoman moved to approve Resolution #2023-4 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. Peach seconded, roll call was unanimous.
Yeoman is the current Monticello representative on the Jones County Economic Development Board of Directors and agreed to serve another term. Peach moved to appoint Tom Yeoman as Monticello’s representative on the Jones County Economic Development Board of Directors, Lux seconded, roll call was unanimous.
Oswald stated the Volunteer Iowa program is launching a new initiative called the City Volunteer Engagement Initiative. This 6-month initiative includes training, coaching, and resources to help cities engage community members in meaningful service that helps build the city’s capacity to achieve its priorities. Applications are due January 17; requires a commitment of three people to attend the training and others can be added later; and the requires Council’s blessing to submit the application. Yeoman moved to authorize City Staff to submit Volunteer Iowa application for City Volunteer Engagement Initiative, Lux seconded, roll call was unanimous.
Langerman moved Ordinance #757 amending the Code of Ordinances of the City of Monticello, Iowa, by Amending Provisions Pertaining to “Chapter 165 “ZONING REGULATIONS”, third and final reading in title only. Lux seconded. Roll call was unanimous.
Peach moved Ordinance #758 amending the Code of Ordinances of the City of Monticello, Iowa, by Amending Provisions Pertaining to “Nuisance Abatement Procedure”, third and final reading in title only. Lux seconded. Roll call was unanimous.
Farnum advised Library Director, Faith Brehm, started today
Farnum reviewed letter sent by IDOT advising the patch work that will be completed this year on Hwy 151 from Hwy 13 to Hwy 61. IDOT will also be paving Hwy 38 near airport to the East and DOT questioned if City wanted to include the Approach of Shover Drive in the project. Consensus of Council was to do approach. Councilmember Hanken arrived.
Farnum updated Council on the 6th Street ditch walk thru with engineers and City staff. Engineers are working on design recommendations and mitigation requirements.
Farnum reported working with Jellystone Park and their desire to connect to the City sewer system.
Farnum reported the interim financing proposals will be going out this week .
Hinrichsen reported working on budget with Farnum and department heads.
Kahler advised they are working on street signs hit by vehicles in the recent storm.
Smith reported that Kaleb Payne was promoted from part time to full time paramedic and they are now looking for a part time paramedic to take his place,
Tjaden reported that Royal Flush had no violations in November and December 2022.
Peach motioned to adjourn the meeting at 6:23 P.M.
David Goedken, Mayor
Sally Hinrichsen, City Clerk/Treasurer