Regular Council Meeting – Official
July 15, 2019 – 6:00 P.M.
Community Media Center
Mayor Brian Wolken called the meeting to order. Council present: Brenda Hanken, Rob Paulson, Candy Langerman, Chris Lux and Tom Yeoman. Also present were City Administrator Doug Herman, Deputy City Clerk Cheryl Clark, Public Works Director Nick Kahler, Police Chief Britt Smith and City Engineer Andrew Barry. Council Member Dave Goedken was absent.
Herman reported that he emailed all council members an invoice payable to Crescent Electric, which didn’t make the bill list because he was discussing a charge on the bill that he did not agree with, that they then agreed to remove. Yeoman moved to approve the amended agenda with the addition of the Crescent Electric invoice to the bill list, Lux seconded, roll call unanimous.
During Open Forum, Kaye Junion, 245 N Arminda Ave, questioned whether the Council could be changed to being all at large. Wolken stated that the Council would have to pass a resolution and a referendum would have to pass. Herman indicated that there was a plan to talk more about this topic at a future work session. Junion also questioned amendments to the City Administrator’s Employment Agreement. Steve Hanken, 823 S Main St, commented in regard to Willow Park parking lot deficiencies and too many activities being held at or near the Willow Shelter at the same time, on a Saturday, making it difficult for people to find parking at the Farmer’s Market. Hanken also suggested changes to the re-zoning procedures, asking that more people receive notice, that there be a 30-day waiting period, and that signage be placed on the property. Hanken also questioned why no construction had started yet on the Zimmerman property at 224 N Chestnut St. Bud Coyle, 515 N Sycamore St, suggested that more staff is needed at the cemetery. Gaylen Kray, 634 N Sycamore St, questioned the status of sidewalks and parking on N. Sycamore during the fair and requested that dust control be applied and the street sweeper run down the portion of the street not yet torn up. Chamber Director Jan Hoag reported that the 4th of July parade and Uptown Summer Nite events went well and thanked the City staff for their help. Brenda Hanken reported that she has received many comments on the poor auditory system in the council room and garbage/recycling schedule complaints, as people are unaware of schedule changes during holidays. Wolken stated that the garbage/recycling schedule changes due to holidays are posted on Facebook and the City local access channel. Junion reported that she wrote Vimeo regarding the auditory system and they replied it could be the browser. Smith requested that she forward the email to Super Mac Coordinator Madonna Staner.
Herman reported that the minutes did not accurately reflect Horsfield Pay Request #3 and Change Order #3 that were approved by the Council, the minutes instead reflecting Pay Request #2 and Change Order #2 amounts. He also indicated that the date of the Payroll being approved was July 4, 2019. Lux moved to approve the consent agenda with the corrections, Langerman seconded, roll call unanimous.
Wolken opened the Public Hearing on Proposed Economic Development Agreement between City of Monticello and Mercy Care Management, Inc. There were no public comments and staff reported no oral or written comments had been received. Wolken moved to close the public hearing.
Wolken opened the Public Hearing on Amendment to Urban Renewal Plan to provide for Economic Development Incentives to Mercy Care Management, Inc. There were no public comments and staff reported no oral or written comments had been received. Wolken moved to close the public hearing.
Herman reported that Mercy Care hopes to begin construction this year and he has promoted the use of local contractors. Langerman moved to approve Resolution #19-100 to approve Development Agreement between City of Monticello and Mercy Care Management, Inc., Yeoman seconded, roll call unanimous.
Herman reported that incentives offered to Mercy Care would be the same as what was offered to other developers in the area. Yeoman moved to approve Resolution #19-101 to approve Amendment to Urban Renewal Plan to include Development Agreement and Economic Development Incentives to Mercy Care Management, Inc., Langerman seconded, roll call unanimous.
Herman stated that the City will be working with the County to establish a formula for calculating future rates related to the Communication Services Agreement for FY ’21. Lux moved to approve Resolution #19-102 to approve Agreement for Communication Services between the City of Monticello and Jones County for FY ’20, Langerman seconded, roll call unanimous.
Herman reported that the Water Operating and Storm Water Fund balances were insufficient to pay expenses attributed to those funds. The Water Operating overage was largely tied to extensive repair work on the west well, while the Storm Water overage was associated with Sixth Street Ditch engineering expenses. Herman stated that the Water Fund loan would be paid back in FY ’20 while the Storm Water loan would be paid back over the course of the next two fiscal years. Yeoman moved to approve Resolution #19-103 to approve internal loans from General Fund to Water Operating and Storm Water Fund, Lux seconded, roll call unanimous.
Herman reported that David Boehm of 312 S. Maple Street asked for a three-month period to pay for necessary sidewalk repairs. Lux moved to approve Resolution #19-104 to approve Sidewalk Repair Agreement between City of Monticello and David Boehm, Langerman seconded, roll call unanimous.
Herman reported that a wage/benefit committee, made up of Langerman, Lux, Goedken and Wolken, met to review the Employment Agreements of Smith and himself. Comparable data was provided and the agreed upon waged increase will move the Chief’s salary near the middle of the comparable communities. Yeoman moved to approve Resolution #19-105 to approve amendments to Employment Agreement with Monticello Chief of Police, Lux seconded, roll call unanimous. Wolken stated that the Chief is doing a great job.
Herman reported that with his wage and typical annual attorney’s fees spent by the City compared to many other nearby communities’ expenses in those categories, shows that even with the proposed wage increase Monticello spends less than nearly all compared communities. Yeoman moved to approve Resolution #19-106 to approve amendments to Employment Agreement with Monticello City Administrator, Lux seconded, roll call unanimous, except for Hanken who voted nay.
Langerman moved Ordinance #726 amending Chapter 165 “Zoning Regulations” and amending the Official Zoning map, approving rezoning of Property located at 215 W. 7th Street from M-1 Light Manufacturing to R-3 Condominium District, second reading and in title only, Lux seconded. Roll call: All ayes except Yeoman who abstained.
Yeoman moved Ordinance #727 amending Chapter 165 “Zoning Regulations” and amending the Official Zoning map, approving rezoning of property located at 853 S. Main Street from R-1 Single Family Residential to R-3 Condominium District, second reading and in title only, Langerman seconded, roll call unanimous.
Barry reported on the progress of the N. Sycamore Street project and stated that construction is on schedule, with paving to occur in mid-late August. They are still working on a design for the 7th Street work and talking to the DOT about permitting, as well as a detour route if that were to proceed. Herman stated that the DOT plans to perform a grind and overlay of Highway 38 in FY ’22. He is reluctant to repave this fall due to the salt and other ice melt chemicals placed on Highway 38 during winter months. He stated that it would be a painful detour and Yeoman questioned if half could be done at a time. Herman stated that the sanitary sewer is in the center, so that wouldn’t work and detours can’t be on gravel, per DOT.
Smith reported that he is working on “No ATV Traffic” signage for the Highway 38 route. He stated that he is proposing seven signs, to reduce sign clutter. Smith also reported that they have broken sidewalk inspections down by ward. Ward I is finished, with letters going out this week and more feedback later is likely. Smith stated that 65 squares were marked.
Herman reported that there are two wooden utility poles that Alliant donated to the compost site, for lighting, cameras, DVR and the electric meter. The poles are on site and cameras are ordered. He requested a quote for another fencing type and in the meantime met with Bud Johnson who stated that there will be fencing removed from the softball fields that will not be re-used. He stated that new posts would be needed and he will be meeting with Johnson and Jeff Haier with Haier Fencing to discuss. Herman will be meeting with the contractor to scale back on the trees/plantings on the compost site. Hanken questioned if the trees could be used on N. Sycamore Street. Wolken responded that the City does not have the trees, only a design for the site. Wolken questioned if the site could open without all the trees planted and Herman thought they could. Herman has received some positive feedback on the City Fountain and Lux felt it looked nicer now with this spray head. Wolken stated that it has interchangeable heads and lights. Herman also reported that Mike First would like to construct a new home, but doesn’t want to do it again in a few years due to a potential FAA property buy-out. First is looking into another site, but questioned what the City would pay. Herman stated that it’s a guessing game at this point and Yeoman questioned if an appraiser could be hired now. Herman stated that they could, but the City would have to pay the appraiser fees. Herman requested an update from Iowa Codification. Herman suggested dates for a Council work session. He will get a notice in the paper to ask for proposals and comments on City owned property off of Diamond Drive for Council consideration. Herman is aware of neighboring property owners’ interest in the property.
Wolken stated that with the extreme heat this week, residents can keep cool by visiting the library, swimming pool or Renaissance Center lobby.
Langerman move to adjourn at 7:10 P.M.
Brian Wolken, Mayor
Cheryl Clark, Deputy City Clerk