Regular Council Meeting – Official
July 17, 2017 – 6:00 P.M.
Community Media Center
Mayor Dena Himes called the meeting to order. Council present: Brian Wolken, Rob Paulson, Johnny Russ, Chris Lux and Tom Yeoman. Also present were City Administrator Doug Herman, Deputy City Clerk Cheryl Clark, City Engineer Casey Zwolinski and Police Chief Britt Smith. Council member Dave Goedken was absent.
Herman stated that the only change to the agenda was a brief report to be given by Chief Smith at the end of the meeting. Wolken moved to approve the agenda, Russ seconded, roll call unanimous.
Yeoman moved to approve the consent agenda, Russ seconded, roll call unanimous.
Herman reported that the IDOT and City Engineer both recommended the award of the East First Street Bridge Project to the low bidder, Taylor Construction, Inc. Yeoman moved to approve Resolution #17-81 to award contract to replace the East First Street Bridge to Taylor Construction, Inc., Wolken seconded, roll call all ayes except for Paulson, who voted nay.
Wolken moved to approve Resolution #17-82 to approve Pay Request #1 to Utility Service Company, Inc. Re: Water Tower Project in the amount of $183,559, Paulson seconded, roll call unanimous.
Herman stated that the next step in the South Street project was to accept the project as complete. Thereafter, the City may move forward with the assessment project. Russ moved to approve Resolution #17-83 accepting the completion of the East South Street Reconstruction Project and Ordering Preparation of Final Plat and Schedule of Assessments, Yeoman seconded, roll call unanimous.
Council was presented with 3rd reading of Ordinance related to fence set backs on double frontage lots. Wolken moved Ordinance #705 Amending Chapter 165, Zoning Regulations, and Monticello Code, by Amending Provisions Pertaining to Fences, third and final reading and in title only, Lux seconded, roll call unanimous.
Herman reported that 224 N. Chestnut Street had been inspected for asbestos and that a small amount of asbestos would be removed prior to demolition.
Herman stated that he included a copy of the final ordinance regarding urban chickens with the packet. As discussed at the last meeting, property owners of properties that are not zoned or utilized as single-family residences or zero-lot line duplexes may be permitted to keep domestic chickens upon application and approval of the City Council.
Smith indicated that the house fire at the intersection of Grand and Chestnut remained under investigation by State Farm. Herman advised that the Iowa Code requires the Insurer, in this case State Farm, to retain a demolition reserve in the amount of $10,000 or 10%, whichever is greater, until the property is cleaned up. Herman requested, in writing, that the funds be withheld as allowed by the Code.
Herman reported that he has received a number of comments and complaints in regard to the condition of the yard at 228 South Chestnut Street. Himes stated that she felt the area should be managed, such as in beds, and that plants not be allowed to re-seed wherever the seed landed; Paulson agreed, suggesting a border, with Wolken suggesting mulch. The property owner, Mike Felton, indicated that he believed the area to be managed. Herman reported complaints of feral cats and possum living on the property. After much discussion, it was decided that Herman would work to set up a meeting between Herman, Felton, and a master gardener affiliated with Iowa State University Extension before reporting back to the City Council.
Herman reported that Orbis plans to break ground on their warehouse addition in August. The City is working with Orbis on water volume questions and both a site plan and storm water management plan will be presented to the Planning & Zoning Board and City Council.
Smith reported on the fireworks complaints received from June 12th through July 4th, 2017. One resident, Gary Pratt of 432 Bradview Court, voiced concerns with the use of fireworks within the City limits.
Smith discussed bus parking during the Fair with the City Council. Consensus of City Council was to look at other bus parking options before next year’s Fair.
Wolken motioned to take a five minute recess, then go into closed session under §21.5(1)(i) of the Iowa Code to “evaluate the professional competency of an individual whose appointment, hiring, performance, or discharge is being considered when necessary to prevent irreparable injury to that individual’s reputation and that individual requests a closed session”, seconded by Lux. Ayes: Wolken, Lux, Russ, Yeoman and Paulson. Nays: None. Carried.
Wolken moved, Russ seconded to end the closed session and return to open session. Ayes: Wolken, Russ, Lux, Yeoman and Paulson. Nays: None. Carried.
Wolken moved to adjourn the Council meeting at 8:27 P.M., roll call vote unanimous.
Dena Himes, Mayor
Cheryl Clark, Deputy City Clerk