Regular Council Meeting
July 19, 2021 – 6:00 P.M.
Community Media Center
Mayor Brian Wolken called the meeting to order. Council present were: Dave Goedken, Brenda Hanken, Candy Langerman, Chris Lux and Tom Yeoman. Council member Scott Brighton arrived during meeting. Also present were City Administrator Russell Farnum, Deputy City Clerk Cheryl Clark, Police Chief Britt Smith, City Engineer Patrick Schwickerath, Public Works Director Nick Kahler, Water/Wastewater Superintendent Jim Tjaden, Park & Rec Director Jacob Oswald and Library Director Michelle Turnis. 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.
Erich Eggers, 215 North Chestnut Street, questioned if there is going to be a street construction project on North Chestnut Street. Wolken stated that they have discussed improving the brick section between Second and Third Streets, but nothing has been decided yet. Schwickerath stated there has been some preliminary work and Yeoman stated that public input would be welcome. Eggers also questioned the status of the Zimmerman property at 224 North Chestnut Street and Wolken stated there has been no recent contact.
Langerman moved to approve the consent agenda, Lux seconded, roll call unanimous except for Hanken who voted nay, as she had a question regarding the Civic Plus invoice. Oswald stated it was for their software for registration and payments.
Hanken moved to approve Resolution #2021-75 approving pole sign extension for Mission Cup located at 138 South Main Street, Brighton seconded. Roll call unanimous.
Hanken moved to approve Resolution #2021-76 approving pole sign extension for JK Ross located at 101 North Main Street, Brighton seconded. Roll call unanimous.
Yeoman moved to approve Resolution #2021-77 approving Joshua White Tax Abatement Application related to Residential Improvements constructed at 230 West Grand Street, Monticello, Iowa. Lux seconded. Roll call unanimous.
Farnum stated that sanitary sewer repairs on East Seventh and Sycamore Street was tabled in March, so to discuss again it needs to be taken off the table. Langerman moved to take Resolution to approve bid related to Sanitary Sewer Repairs on East Seventh Street and Sycamore Street off the table, Goedken seconded. Roll call unanimous. Tjaden had quotes from Eastern Iowa Excavating & Concrete LLC and Visu-Sewer to replace the two 45’s that were installed into the East Seventh Street section of the North Sycamore Street project. Each company provided different options to make the repairs. Schwickerath stated that it could be put into the Highway 38 overlay project and be all done together, instead of piecing out. Goedken stated that the 45’s should have never been installed. Tjaden stated that the 45’s could be replaced by November and Wolken questioned if there was any issue with waiting until spring. Tjaden stated that they are keeping an eye on the 45’s and his recommendation would be to wait to do the project all at once. Lux questioned if the street would be torn up twice if they replaced the 45’s now and Schwickerath stated that the street portion that would be torn up would be a gravel portion until the rest of the project would be completed next year. Langerman motioned to approve Resolution #2021-78 to approve bid related to Sanitary Sewer Repairs on East Seventh Street and Sycamore Street, Brighton seconded. Langerman then made a motion to amend her original motion to approve Resolution #2021-78 to approve Bid Quote #2 from Eastern Iowa Excavating & Concrete LLC related to Sanitary Sewer Repairs on East Seventh Street and Sycamore Street, Yeoman seconded, roll call unanimous. Langerman motioned to approve Resolution #2021-78 to approve Bid Quote #2 from Eastern Iowa Excavating & Concrete LLC related to Sanitary Sewer Repairs on East Seventh Street and Sycamore Street, Yeoman seconded, roll call all nays except for Goedken. Motion failed. Yeoman moved to direct to work with Snyder & Associates to complete the entire project as one, Brighton seconded. Roll call unanimous.
Wolken moved the Engineer Report up on the agenda, as Schwickerath had to leave the meeting early. Schwickerath reported that he is working on design elements for Seventh Street utility work for the Highway 38 project, final plats for Northridge Estates, Dollar Fresh changes and the Kraus development, as needed. Yeoman questioned what the Dollar Fresh changes are and Schwickerath stated that they are some modifications from development comments. Goedken questioned if they will be planning anything with the brick manholes. Tjaden reported that there are eight of them and Goedken suggested sealing them. Yeoman felt that replacing them would be a better option. Schwickerath stated that lining them doesn’t require a DNR permit, but replacing does. Farnum questioned if cone replacement would require a permit and Schwickerath felt that would still be maintenance. Schwickerath left the meeting.
Yeoman motioned to take resolution to approve purchase of a truck for Public Works off the table, Lux seconded. Roll call unanimous. Kahler stated that there aren’t many trucks to be found right now and was requesting permission to purchase a 2021 crew cab 4×4 with a flatbed in Chesterfield, Missouri for $46,992. If this truck would no longer be available, he was requesting permission to find a similar truck and make the purchase. Goedken motioned to approve Resolution #2021-79 to approve purchase of Pickup Truck for Public Works Department from Lou Fusz Ford in the amount of $46,992 or find a similar purchase, Langerman seconded. Roll call unanimous.
Hanken questioned if there were any plans for Parcel ID 0227129001, located at the southeast corner of East First Street and Locust Street, and if it was given to the City. Wolken felt it would probably be used for parking and stated that it was given to the City by Welter Storage Company. Lux motioned to approve Resolution #2021-80 Approving and directing City Administrator to accept ownership of the Parcel ID 0227129001, by the acceptance of a Quit Claim Deed from Welter Storage Company, and directing the City Clerk to see to the recordation of said Deed with the Jones County Recorder, Brighton seconded. Roll call unanimous.
Farnum advised that PFM could be put on retainer for larger projects to have them engaged to figure out the best way to pay for said projects, which he felt would be a very convenient service. Goedken questioned how long the City has been working with PFM and Farnum thought at least 10-15 years. Wolken felt it would allow for more in depth thought on other projects and be a good option for the short-term time being anyway. Hanken questioned the cost and Wolken stated 50 hours for $7,500. If the City went over 50 hours, it could be up to $250 per hour after. Langerman motioned to approve Resolution #2021-81 Approving a Financial Advisory Engagement Letter with PFM (Matt Stoffel), Yeoman seconded. Roll call unanimous.
Goedken motioned to approve Resolution #2021-82 Approving correction of typographical error in the wages for Police Department staff for FY ’22, Brighton seconded. Roll call unanimous.
Nick Ruden with Infrastructure Technology Solutions was present to discuss a new phone system for the City. The new system would be capable of switching automatically between two servers if power is lost and could transfer between City locations. Council members could have an extension also and Staff could transfer calls to their cell phone if they have the app. There would also be a wireless speaker phone, which would be convenient for meetings, if needed. Ruden felt it would pay for itself after 26 months in savings for landlines and stated there would be a yearly license fee of $580. Yeoman questioned how many handsets there would be and Ruden stated approximately 19. The handsets should last 7-10 years, while the server would be 3-5 years. Ruden stated the current phone system has not been updated in years and Farnum stated it’s a good system, just has limitations. Turnis reported the library is using the proposed system now and they have no complaints. Yeoman motioned to approve Resolution #2021-83 Approving Consideration of purchasing a new phone system for City buildings, Langerman seconded. Roll call unanimous.
Langerman motioned to approve Resolution #2021-84 to submit to the voters of the City of Monticello the question of altering the number of Library Trustees and the residency requirements of the Library Trustees, Hanken seconded. Roll call unanimous.
Langerman moved Ordinance #744 amending the Code of Ordinances of the City of Monticello, Iowa, by amending Provisions Pertaining to Floodplain Management, as updated, second reading in title only. Lux seconded. Roll call unanimous.
Goedken moved Ordinance #745 amending the Code of Ordinances of the City of Monticello, Iowa, by amending Provisions Pertaining to “Liquor Licenses and Wine and Beer Permits”, second reading in title only. Brighton seconded. Roll call unanimous.
Goedken stated that there is lots of concern regarding utility bill increases, but many realize it’s needed to fund projects. Hanken questioned why such a large increase is needed, since twice as much is brought in compared to what is spent. She was basing her numbers on the June monthly summary that was provided in the Council packet. Yeoman stated that Farnum and Hinrichsen could explain the report at the next meeting. Goedken moved Ordinance #746 amending the Code of Ordinances of the City of Monticello, Iowa, by amending Provisions Pertaining to “Water Service System” related to “Rates For Services”, second reading in title only. Langerman seconded. Roll call unanimous, except for Hanken who voted nay.
Goedken moved Ordinance #747 amending the Code of Ordinances of the City of Monticello, Iowa, by amending Provisions Pertaining to “Sewer Service Charges” related to “Sewer Service Charges Required”, second reading in title only. Brighton seconded. Roll call unanimous, except for Hanken who voted nay.
Lux moved Ordinance #748 amending the Code of Ordinances of the City of Monticello, Iowa, by amending Provisions Pertaining to “Storm Water Drainage Utility” related to “Rates”, second reading in title only. Brighton seconded. Roll call unanimous, except for Hanken who voted nay.
Farnum reported that he will be working on coordinating Seventh Street with the Highway 38 project, as well as Second and Third Street potholing east and west of Cedar. He stated that it would likely be a better option to pay their contractor to grind and overlay the area, then the City could skip mobilization and other costs, just paying time and materials for the work. He will work towards an agreement with IDOT. Goedken questioned if Highway 38 would be ground and replaced and Farnum stated grind and overlay. He is also working on two plats on Northridge, wastewater plant, 6th Street Ditch, sign code, and has been in contact with Lisa Tallman to secure a Senior Dining site. He stated that the League of Cities meeting will be held in Coralville on September 15 – 17, 2021. Wolken stated that anyone interested could carpool since it’s close enough that staying wouldn’t be necessary. Kahler stated that Spring Farm Lane should be done late this week. He asked for input on placing a light at the Park & Ride and stated that a light is going to be removed from Second & Sycamore, so it would be about a wash. Smith felt it would be a deterrent if a light was placed there. Kahler stated that Michelle with Alliant felt a light west of the entrance would light up the area.
Farnum reported that the Cedar side demolition on the old Compadres building would start tomorrow, with the roof complete other than the back part. Goedken stated the deadline was June 1st and Farnum thought that was extended by 90 days. Farnum stated that Jones County Economic Development Director Derek Lumsden has been keeping the City updated.
Tjaden reported that the hydrant flushing is done. Eastern Iowa Excavating was supposed to be in town last week for the Second Street manhole, but they were delayed so he will contact them later this week.
Oswald reported that the Family Fun Night scheduled for earlier this month was postponed to July 31st, due to weather. They are looking at more options to have that night. They have been working on cleaning up Kitty Creek and found a variety of debris.
Turnis reported that the Summer Reading Program is going well. They have approximately 250 patrons taking part, which is much better than last year. They have been working at getting programs rescheduled that were supposed to be last fall.
Wolken reported that the former Energy building is down and that July is Park and Recreation Month. He thanked the Park & Rec staff and board members for all that they do. He reported that Derek Lumsden with Economic Development has been taking developers through the former middle school, hoping to find someone that could repurpose it.
Smith reported that they are gearing up for a busy week, with the Great Jones County Fair going on. They had a county wide EMS meeting last week to discuss the benefits of the EMS Bill. The repair work on the patrol vehicle that was damaged last month should be finished tomorrow. Goedken questioned if the repair costs could be assessed to the other party and Smith stated the City could get the $1,000 deductible as restitution, but it would be up to the insurance company to pursue the remaining damage cost.
A five-minute recess was taken at this time. Tjaden and Turnis left the meeting.
Yeoman motioned to go into Closed Session under §21.5 (1)(j) of the Iowa Code to discuss purchase of particular real estate only where premature disclosure could be reasonable expected to increase the price the governmental body would have to pay for the property, Brighton seconded. Roll call unanimous.
Lux moved, Hanken seconded to return to open session and proceed as previously discussed. Roll call unanimous, except for Yeoman and Goedken who voted nay.
Brighton moved to adjourn at 8:20 PM.
Brian Wolken, Mayor
Cheryl Clark, Deputy City Clerk