Regular Council Meeting
July 5, 2022 – 6:00 P.M.
Community Media Center
Mayor Dave Goedken called the meeting to order. Council present were: Wayne Peach, Candy Langerman, Chris Lux, Brenda Hanken, and Tom Yeoman. Also present were City Administrator Russell Farnum, City Clerk Sally Hinrichsen, Water/Wastewater Superintendent Jim Tjaden, Park & Rec Director Jacob Oswald, Public Works Director Nick Kahler, Police Chief Britt Smith and City Engineer A.J. Barry. 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.
Peach moved to approve agenda, Lux seconded, roll call unanimous.
Gaylen Kray, 634 North Sycamore reported coming to Council several times and inquired about the status of the sidewalk discrepancies on North Sycamore Project. He stated, it has been over two years and that Farnum has been trying to contact the company that did the work and sold their business. He questioned when the City is going to fix the issues.
Langerman moved to approve the consent agenda, Lux seconded, roll call unanimous.
Goedken stated City received a request to name the street north of the Football field visitor’s bleachers Panther Valley. Hanken moved to approve Resolution #2022-85 To approve naming of section of roadway between the south end of Maple Street to South Cedar Street running east and west just behind the visitor’s bleachers at the Monticello High School Football Field /Track as “Panther Valley”, Langerman seconded, roll call unanimous.
Farnum reported the next two lots are in the 2-mile jurisdiction of the City limits. Neighbors are requesting to trade the two parcels. P & Z Board has reviewed and recommended approval of the lots. Peach moved to approve Resolution #2022-86 Approving Final Plat of Lot 1 of McElmeel Acres Second Addition, Langerman seconded, roll call unanimous.
Peach moved to approve Resolution #2022-87 Approving Final Plat of Lot 1 of McElmeel Acres Third Addition, Langerman seconded, roll call unanimous.
Barry reviewed Pirc-Tobin’s change order #6 and pay request #4 with the Council and recommended approval. Once the final documentation, lien waivers, televising and seeding reaches 70% germination, the retainage can be released and project accepted Hanken moved to approve Resolution #2022-88 Approving Change Order #6 in the increased amount of $10,600.00, submitted by Pirc-Tobin Construction, Inc. related to the 2021 East 7th Street Utility Improvements Project, Lux seconded, roll call unanimous.
Yeoman moved to approve Resolution #2022-89 Approving Pay Request #4 from Pirc-Tobin Construction, Inc. related to the 2021 East 7th Street Utility Improvements Project in the amount of $19,076.27, Peach seconded, roll call unanimous.
Tjaden reported locating two pickups in East Moline for the water/wastewater department. He talked to a few mechanics who work on diesel trucks and they felt the trucks would not be used long enough with the short trips across town, which could cause issues with the diesel motor. They would keep the old pickup for their department or sell to another department. Tjaden recommended purchasing the gas pickup with plow for $65,340.02. Langerman moved to approve Resolution#2022-90 Approving purchase of Pickup Truck for Water/Wastewater Department, Peach seconded, roll call unanimous.
Smith reported Jellystone Campground fireworks permit would cover their display fireworks only. Hanken had concerns on people watching the fireworks on the banks along Hwy 38 and felt it was a safety issue. Smith advised this year’s request is for more displays than prior years and would be on their themed weekend events. When asked, Hinrichsen concurred that the dates requested by Jellystone Campground were July 16, August 6, September 24 and October 1 and 8 to host fireworks displays. Yeoman moved to approve Four Points RV Resorts of IA, LLC (Jellystone Park Monticello) Fireworks Permit for July 16, August 6, September 24 and October 1 and 8, Hanken seconded, roll call unanimous. City permits will be effective once the annexation is approved by the State, as Jones County has jurisdiction until then.
Farnum reviewed the changes and clarifications to the “Rules of Order and Procedure for Conduct of City Council Business”, as discussed at last Council work session. Lux moved to approved the “Rules of Order and Procedure for Conduct of City Council Business”, Langerman seconded, roll call unanimous.
When asked if the contractor would tear up areas that are growing good or just the areas not growing, Barry stated the areas growing good may be left alone or possibly add more seeding. Once seeding is at 70% germination, there will be one final pay request and then Council would be asked to accept the project and pay the retainage.
Goedken reported the stone wall in the ditch south of the aquatic center along South Cedar Street is in bad shape and is steadily deteriorating.
Farnum advised the Main Street Committee is preparing to give a presentation to the State Committee.
Farnum advised last Friday, the USDA notified the city that they were awarded the USDA funding. He will have more details at the next Council meeting.
Smith reported the UTV/ATV rules regarding the operation on State Highways took effect on July 1st, however golf carts are not allowed on the State Highways. Smith advised no changes were needed to the City code. The New State rules require drivers to be 18 or older to drive on the State Highways. The City Code does not allow under the age 16 to operate a UTV/ATV in City. A person less than 18 years of age must possess a valid safety certificate as proof of successful completion of an Iowa Department of Natural Resources approved ATV Education Course to drive on City Streets. City Code allows UTV/ATV only on City Streets under age 18 and without a horn, but not on the State Highway.
Smith reported Officer Zach Buehler has taken a position with Eastern Iowa Airport Security. Smith inquired if Council would consider a hiring incentive bonus to certified candidates, Council would set the amount and the conditions on length of time. Council asked Smith to bring samples and alternatives of what other towns were doing. This will be placed on the next agenda.
Tjaden wanted to express to Farnum and Hinrichsen the good job done on the USDA loan/grant, that the City was awarded. This is a huge accomplishment and a lot of time was put in it. Tjaden also stated Barry did a great job negotiating with Pirc-Tobin and lowering the change order amount approved this evening.
Tjaden is working with the State to update their permit.
Oswald reported on the golf event and the duck drop.
Peach moved to adjourn the meeting 6:51 p.m.
Dave Goedken, Mayor
Sally Hinrichsen, City Clerk/Treasurer