Regular Council Meeting
January 4, 2021 – 6:00 P.M.
Community Media Center
Mayor Brian Wolken called the meeting to order. Council present: Dave Goedken, Brenda Hanken, Scott Brighton, Candy Langerman, Chris Lux and Tom Yeoman. Also present were City Clerk Sally Hinrichsen, Public Works Director Nick Kahler and Police Chief Britt Smith. Library Director Michelle Turnis joined electronically. Park & Rec Director Jacob Oswald arrived later during the meeting. 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, Langerman seconded, roll call unanimous.
Yeoman moved to approve the consent agenda, Brighton seconded, roll call unanimous.
Mayor Wolken opened the public hearing on the proposed Rezoning of property located at 122 North Main from R-1 Single Family Residential to C-1 General Commercial. Wolken explained that this is the property next to the former Energy property which was sold to developer for commercial development and they would like to expand to this lot. Wolken stated P & Z Board recommended the rezoning of this property to C-1 General Commercial and there was one property owner at their meeting in favor of the rezoning. Staff received no oral or written comments. Mayor closed the Public Hearing on the proposed Rezoning of property located at 122 North Main from R-1 Single Family Residential to C-1 General Commercial. Langerman introduced and moved to approve Ordinance #737 amending the Monticello Code of Ordinances of the City of Monticello by amending Chapter 165 “Zoning Regulations” and amending zoning map for 122 North Main Street, first reading in title only. Goedken seconded, roll call unanimous. Yeoman moved to suspend the rule requiring three separate readings of an ordinance and that Ordinance #737 amending the Monticello Code of Ordinances of the City of Monticello by amending Chapter 165 “Zoning Regulations” and amending zoning map for 122 North Main Street, be considered placed upon its final passage and adopted, Hanken seconded, roll call unanimous.
Goedken moved to approve Resolution#2021-1 Designating the Monticello Express as the Official Publication Newspaper for the City of Monticello. Langerman seconded, roll call unanimous.
City is looking into a CDBG grant to assist in funding approximately $12M wastewater treatment plant improvements. Derek Lumsden, Jones County Economic Development (JCED) Director explained that the City may not have qualified for the LMI (low to moderate income) requirements prior to the pandemic, but feels in better place now to qualify. ECICOG would work with City and seek out volunteers to help with the surveys of residents. ECICOG will work with City Clerk’s office to get a list of eligible households. Yeoman moved to approve Resolution #2021-2 authorizing a CDBG Income Survey to be completed for sewer facility project. Hanken seconded, roll call unanimous
Derek Lumsden, JCED Director reported Glass Tap owner Matt Kumley was interested in the former Compadres building at 103 West First Street. Lumsden stated in 2020 Council approved submission of a Catalyst Grant, a Derelict Building Grant and other grants to renovate the Compadres building. City received the DNR grant for the asbestos inspection. They hope to start the asbestos removal and a new roof in the spring. Lumsden explained to apply for the Catalyst Grant and the Derelict Building Grant, having an interested developer would improve the chances of being awarded a grant. Lumsden suggested doing a grant to tear down the back T-section of the building and keeping the facades of the building and repairing the median wall. Other grants could be applied for to do the renovations. Kumley stated he would like to see a downtown restaurant to attract people to the downtown area, with support of Council. Goedken moved to approve Resolution #2021-3 to approve Submission of Catalyst Grant, Derelict Building Grant and other grants to renovate City owned property located at 103 West First Street. Brighton seconded, roll call unanimous.
Hanken moved to approve Resolution #2021-4 to approve investment in Jones County Safe & Healthy Youth Coalition. Brighton seconded, roll call unanimous.
Jacki Luckstead, Iowa State University Extension & Outreach Youth Program Specialist updated Council on the 2020 Summer Discovery Camp program. The 2021 camp theme is “STEM in Action: Helicopter Hang Time”. Goedken moved to approve Resolution #2021-5 to approve FY ’22 investment in the Jones County Extension summer program. Hanken seconded, roll call unanimous.
Goedken moved to approve Resolution #2021-6 to approve payment of 5th year local match to Keep Iowa Beautiful/Hometown Pride program. Hanken seconded, roll call unanimous.
Goedken moved to approve Resolution #2021-7 approving investment in the Independence Day Fireworks festivities to be held on July 4, 2021 in the amount of $2,600. Hanken seconded, roll call unanimous.
Hinrichsen advised the Maquoketa River Watershed Management Authority investment for the current year was not brought to the Council for approval, so included it on the resolution and Council could approve one or both years. Langerman moved to approve Resolution #2021-8 approving Investment in Maquoketa River Watershed Management Authority in the amount of $3,796 for Fiscal Year 2021 and 2022. Goedken seconded, roll call unanimous.
Goedken moved to approve Resolution #2021-9 to approve funding/ investment in Jones County JETS Transportation System. Hanken seconded, roll call unanimous.
Council was donated 101 East 1st Street building from the Welter family, with the plan to transfer the building to Creative Adventure Lab, Inc to develop after City took advantage of grants not available to developer, including asbestos inspection and removal. Yeoman moved to approve Resolution #2021-10 to Approve Deed, Declaration of Value, Groundwater Hazard Statement and Closing Statement associated with 101 E 1st Street Building sale. Langerman seconded, roll call unanimous.
Hinrichsen stated the mowing contract was updated and now includes the Baty Disc Golf and Northridge Retention with an “as mowed fixed price”. Goedken moved to approve Resolution #2021-11 approving three-year Mowing contract between Steve and Lisa Monk, independent contractors, under the same terms and conditions as set forth within the “Mowing Service Agreement”. Langerman seconded, roll call unanimous.
Langerman introduced and moved to approve Ordinance #738 amending the Code of Ordinances of the City of Monticello, Iowa by amending provisions pertaining to Section 15.04 “Compensation”, first reading in title only. Brighton seconded, roll call unanimous. This will raise the Mayor’s pay from $3,600 per year to $4,800 per year effective January 1, 2022.
Wolken volunteered to serve on the Maquoketa River Watershed Management Authority Board to replace Doug Herman. Hinrichsen will contact them to get more details.
Kahler reported the snow removal from last storm went well. He also reported that they interviewed candidates for the Public Works position and will be making a job offer.
Smith reported receiving a letter from Steve Intlekofer with a list of addresses, he feels is in violation of parking issues. Smith will assess the address list and report back to Council.
Smith reported DB Acoustics has updated the audio and video equipment in the Council Chambers and is now live.
Wolken advised he talked with Engineer Patrick Schwickerath regarding issues with the North Sycamore Street project. He stressed the need for pictures and documentation of the issues or concerns, as some things were not installed as designed, and City is looking at the maintenance bond to remedy the issues. Oswald arrived to meeting.
Hinrichsen reviewed the proposed budget timeline and will work to have more budgets ready for review at the next meeting.
Brighton moved to adjourn at 7:35 P.M.
Brian Wolken, Mayor
Sally Hinrichsen, City Clerk