Regular Council Meeting – Official
July 3, 2017 – 6:00 P.M.
Community Media Center
Mayor Pro Tem Brian Wolken called the meeting to order. Council present: Dave Goedken, Johnny Russ, Chris Lux and Tom Yeoman. Also present were City Administrator Doug Herman, City Clerk Sally Hinrichsen, Public Works Director Brant LaGrange and Police Chief Britt Smith. Mayor Dena Himes and Council member Rob Paulson were absent.
Yeoman moved to approve the agenda, Russ seconded, roll call unanimous.
Russ moved to approve the consent agenda, Lux seconded, roll call unanimous.
Herman reported on the bids received in relation to the demolition of the home at 224 N. Chestnut Street. Herman recommended awarding the bid to B & J Hauling & Excavation, Inc., for $9,750.00 if the contractor is not required to be a certified asbestos contractor or to Lansing Bros. Construction Co., Inc., for $12,760.00 if the contractor is required to be a certified asbestos contractor. Goedken moved to approve Resolution #17-77 to acknowledge receipt of bids and award project in relation to the demolition of the home located at 224 N. Chestnut Street, Monticello, Iowa, with the project to be awarded to either B & J or Lansing Bros., based upon resolution of the Asbestos Certification question, Russ seconded, roll call unanimous.
Yeoman moved to approve Resolution #17-78 to request Abatement of accrued Property Taxes on property owned by the City of Monticello for public purposes within the City limits of the City of Monticello, Goedken seconded, roll call unanimous.
Herman reviewed Eastern Iowa Excavating & Concrete pay request #5 in the amount of $35,745.84 and change order #2, a reduction of $21,642.82, for the South Street Reconstruction Project. City Engineer recommended approval of both the pay request and the change order. Goedken moved to approve Resolution #17-79 Approving Pay Request #5 in the amount of $33,325.77 and Change Order #2, a reduction of $21,642.82, submitted by Eastern Iowa Excavating & Concrete, related to the E. South Street Reconstruction project, Russ seconded, roll call unanimous.
Goedken moved to approve Resolution #17-80 Finding the property at 224 N. Chestnut Street, Monticello, Iowa to have been in violation of the City Nuisance Code, Property Maintenance Code, and Dangerous Building Code prior to the City purchase of same, Yeoman seconded, Roll call unanimous.
Council was presented with 2nd reading of Ordinance related to fence set backs on double frontage lots. Diane Ruchti, 505 S Chestnut, requested that the Council reconsider language in the 1st reading of the Ordinance that required a 5’ setback from the street right-of-way. She proposes that she be allowed to build a 6’ fence at the property right-of-way. Council acknowledged that Ruchti’s lot, and adjacent lots, were not located on a heavily traveled street but that there are other double frontage houses in town on much busier streets, naming Gill and Farley Streets, as examples. Yeoman moved Ordinance #705 Amending Chapter 165, Zoning Regulations, and Monticello Code, by Amending Provisions Pertaining to Fences, second reading and in title only, Goedken seconded. Roll call vote, Yeoman, Wolken and Lux voted aye and Goedken and Russ voted nay. Motion failed. After further discussion, Russ moved Ordinance #705 Amending Chapter 165, Zoning Regulations, and Monticello Code, by Amending Provisions Pertaining to Fences, adding verbiage that limits the amendment to the current ordinance to the South Chestnut Street block, allowing a 6’ fence to be built 5’ off the right-of-way in this area, leaving current restrictions in place for other double frontage lots that are deemed to be more heavily travelled collector streets, second reading and in title only, Wolken seconded. Roll call vote, Russ, Wolken, Lux and Yeoman voted aye and Goedken voted nay. Motion carried.
Herman reported to the Council on the third reading of the proposed Urban Chicken Ordinance. Herman reported that he had received a request to add provisions to the ordinance that would permit the Monticello Nursing and Rehabilitation Center to be eligible for urban chickens. The Council discussed current zoning restrictions and determined that a clause could be added to the Ordinance to allow those living in areas not automatically eligible under the Ordinance to request permission from the Council on a case by case basis. Gerry Muller, 323 N Sycamore, expressed his concerns on various diseases that chickens can carry. Goedken moved Ordinance #703 amending Monticello Code of Ordinances, by Adding Chapter and section 165.48, related to Urban Chickens, third and final reading and in title only, with language added to allow for an application process for those that do not live in a zoning district permitted by the ordinance, Lux seconded, roll call unanimous.
Herman discussed potential restrictions related to smoking in City Parks. Council to consider and direct further action as appropriate.
Herman indicated that the airport hangar project had been approved by the FAA and that the next step is the formal appropriation that usually comes by way of a congressional announcement.
Herman reported that one of the new side doors was installed at the Berndes Center with one to go, after the footing is replaced.
Herman reported that there is one position open on the Tree Board and two openings on the ECIA Board.
LaGrange stated the interior of the water tower has been blasted and they are now working on the exterior.
Herman stated that sidewalks were re-inspected and letters have been sent out to affected property owners.
Smith advised that he will put together a memorandum for the Council to consider including complaints and any issues associated with the use of fireworks in and around the Independence Day holiday for consideration by the Council at a future meeting. Based upon those considerations the Council may consider if restrictions to the use of fireworks in the future are appropriate.
Russ moved to adjourn the Council meeting at 7:57 P.M., roll call vote unanimous.
Brian Wolken, Mayor Pro Tem
Sally Hinrichsen, City Clerk