Regular Council Meeting
July 20, 2020 – 6:00 P.M.
Community Media Center
Mayor Brian Wolken called the meeting to order. Council present: Dave Goedken, Brenda Hanken, Gary Feldmann, Candy Langerman, Chris Lux and Tom Yeoman. Also present were City Administrator Doug Herman, City Clerk Sally Hinrichsen, Public Works Director Nick Kahler, Police Chief Britt Smith and Park and Recreation Director Jacob Oswald. 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, Lux seconded, roll call unanimous.
Lux moved to approve the consent agenda, Langerman seconded, roll call unanimous.
Mayor Wolken opened the public hearing on the Status of Funded Activities for the 2020 CDBG OT Award. Mayor read the following statement: “The City of Monticello’s Public Safety entities have identified the need for the implementation of fire fighter accountability through the utilization of updated technology as well as specialized disinfecting equipment in response to the recent covid-19 pandemic. This need is being funding through a Community Development Block Grant and specialized accountability software and UV Disinfecting equipment is being purchased for a total of $2,295. This project is beneficial for all persons regardless of their economic status and be used by trained members of both the Monticello Fire Department and Monticello Ambulance Services and their respective service area. There will be no impact of relocation as a result of this project. Citizens who have concern over the receipt and use of federal funds for the purposes identified should contact Monticello City Hall at 319-465-3577. Currently the City of Monticello has not been made aware of Community Development and Housing needs of low to moderate persons that would be impacted by this grant opportunity, so no planned or potential activities are scheduled at this time. The City of Monticello has also not been made aware of other community development and housing needs that would be impacted by this grant opportunity, so no planned or potential activities are scheduled at this time.” Staff received no written comments and there were no oral comments. Mayor Wolken closed the hearing on the Status of Funded Activities for the 2020 CDBG OT Award.
Herman updated the Council on steps taken after the last Council meeting to determine whether or not the City Storm Sewer was a primary cause of damage to the sidewalk and driveway in front of Monticello Monument based upon the property owner’s request that the City pay to replace the sidewalk. At the Council’s direction the City Administrator requested the opinion of the City Engineer who reviewed pictures provided by the property owner and the City GIS data related to the storm sewer. After review, Schwickerath emailed Herman advising that “Based on the pictures, the pavement deterioration visible appears to be consistent with what is oftentimes seen after 20+ years of use.” Goedken suggested that other storm sewer catch basins in that area be repaired in the same fashion as the one near Monticello Monument. Council directed Kahler to look into pricing and repairs. Yeoman moved to replace the Monticello Monument sidewalk and driveway panels as requested at City cost, Goedken seconded. Roll call vote: Ayes: Goedken. Nays: Yeoman, Lux, Hanken, Feldmann and Langerman. Motion failed.
Herman informed the Council of Jeff McCormick’s request to use the beer tent/ shelter at fairgrounds/City Park. Herman explained that he understood the request was to use the shelter on July 23rd and 24th, but that it may be the 24th and 25th. Although the Fair is very different this year, Herman reported that the City agreement with the Fair gives them control of the City Park, shelters, and grounds during this timeframe. McCormick plans to have a private party with entertainment from 6:30 pm to 10:30 pm. Herman reported that McCormick anticipates 30-50 people per night. Herman reached out to Fair Manager John Harms based upon the City agreement with the Fair. Harms expressed concern that folks may assume this party was associated with the Fair and that it would send a bad message, but agreed that he would allow the Council to decide whether or not the party should be allowed. The Fair is basically cancelled except FFA and 4H events due to COVID-19. Shelters are rented for $20 per day and if not rented may be used on a first come first served basis. Feldmann expressed his opinion that if the Fair is not using the shelter that the City should agree to rent it to McCormick. Smith stated that he believed that allowing entertainment to end at 10:30 pm would not be unreasonable even though the Park technically closes at 10:00 p.m. Feldmann moved to allow Jeff McCormick to rent the beer tent/shelter at the Fairgrounds/City Park, if the Fair is not using it, for two nights either July 23rd and 24th or July 24th and 25th with music to end at 10:30 pm and the party is over and the premise to be vacated by 11:00 PM, Goedken seconded, roll call unanimous except Hanken who voted nay.
Herman reported that the City was awarded the Rural Innovation Grant in the amount of $20,000, the grant requiring a $10,000 match. Herman stated any expenses incurred by the City would be reimbursed or covered by Creative Adventure Lab, Inc, the intended purchaser of the building. It is anticipated that the actual project to improve the building frontage (windows, doors, awning removal and replacement, and vestibule construction) could cost $40,000, which will be covered/ reimbursed by Creative Adventure Lab, Inc. Yeoman moved to approve Resolution #2020-83 Approving Grant Agreement between the City of Monticello and the Iowa Economic Development Authority, Iowa Center for Rural Revitalization, Rural Innovation Grant Agreement, Lux seconded, roll call unanimous.
Herman explained that the City purchased the Yard Waste/ Compost Site last year from Jason Rauen on contract and that the contract allows prepayment. Yeoman moved to approve Resolution #2020-84 Authorizing the City Administrator to satisfy the balance due under the Real Estate Installment Contract between the City and Jason Rauen related to the Yard Waste/ Compost Site purchased by the City from Rauen on or about August 1, 2019, Hanken seconded, roll call unanimous.
Herman explained that a Public Information Meeting must be scheduled and held prior to the City filing an USDA grant application to assist with the 6th Street ditch waterway storm water improvements project. Langerman moved to approve Resolution #2020-85 To schedule Public Information Meeting related to the City of Monticello’s intent to file an USDA Grant Application requesting grant funds to assist with the 6th Street Ditch Waterway Storm Water improvement project, Lux seconded, roll call unanimous. Public Information Meeting will be held on August 17th at 6 pm.
Herman reviewed a few proposed changes to the City Code related to parking improvements, tree planting in the right of way on North Sycamore Street, and revisions to various sections including 62.01, 63.04, 65.01, 65.02, 65.04, 65.05, 69.08, 69.09, 69.14, 69.15 and 69.16, related to parking, stop signs, yield signs, etc. as requested by Smith. Goedken moved to approve Ordinance #728 adopting the “Code of Ordinances of the City of Monticello, Iowa, second reading and in title only, with the changes explained by Herman and Smith, Lux seconded, roll call unanimous.
Herman stated that the Tree Board received responses from approximately 30 of the 70 plus surveys sent out to North Sycamore Street property owners. The Tree Board has met twice and is working on locating trees to plant this fall and next spring while also working on the mapping of gas and water service lines to ensure that no tree is planted within six feet of either.
Herman reviewed the savings of $27,400 last year related to the City’s partial self-funding of Health Insurance coverage.
Kahler reported that the compost site grinding and windrowing work is done.
During the Goal Setting session, the Council reviewed City accomplishments over the last approximately five years, discussed potential Capital projects and Equipment purchases, desired significant Initiatives or Programs, and Issues and Concerns. Herman will prepare a final report summarizing and detailing the outcome of the goal setting session that will be reviewed and presented to the Council for approval at the next Council meeting.
Feldmann moved to adjourn at 8:55 P.M.
Brian Wolken, Mayor
Sally Hinrichsen, City Clerk