Regular Council Meeting
July 6, 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 in person and Scott Brighton joined electronically on Zoom. Also present were City Administrator Russell Farnum, City Clerk Sally Hinrichsen, Police Chief Britt Smith, Public Works Director Nick Kahler, 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, with correction of Community Catalyst and Building Remediation Grant resolution title, Langerman seconded, roll call unanimous.
Tom Osborne, 630 S. Sycamore St, on behalf the 4th of July Parade Committee, stated they appreciated the City support and staff involvement. Mayor thanked the committee for all their work to make the parade a success.
Lux moved to approve the consent agenda, Hanken seconded, roll unanimous.
Derek Lumsden, Jones County Economic Development Director, advised the Community Catalyst and Building Remediation Grant for the Compadres building project is for $100,000 with a City match of $50,000. The developers will need to complete the project by July 2023 and the State will enforce the requirements of the grant. Developers are planning on commercial development of restaurant on first floor and living quarters on second floor. Langerman moved to approve Resolution #2021-74 approving grant agreement between City of Monticello and the Iowa Economic Development Authority for the Community Catalyst Building Remediations Grant. Goedken seconded. Roll call unanimous except Yeoman who abstained as he is an investor.
Kahler reviewed quotes received for a Public Works pickup and advised he was waiting on a quote with the State bid. After review of the quotes, Langerman moved to table the purchase of pickup truck for the Public Works Department, to allow time to get other quotes, Yeoman seconded. Roll call unanimous.
Council discussed the City’s sign ordinance. Goedken stated blade signs are a huge asset for downtown businesses and downtown studies recommended keeping blade signs for vehicle and pedestrian traffic. He heard concerns that monument signs could block the view of vehicles. Council members voiced their thoughts if the sign ordinance should be overhauled and to allow Mission Cup to keep the pole sign. Wolken recommended the Council approve wording of the proposed ordinance, if they want to allow Mission Cup to keep the pole sign. It has been several years since the sign ordinance was adopted and maybe they missed the mark or things changed and time to review it again. Goedken moved to take Ordinance #743 amending the Code of Ordinances of the City of Monticello, Iowa, by amending Provisions Pertaining to Chapter 180 “Signage Regulations” related to Nonconforming Signs, off the table. Hanken seconded. Roll call unanimous. Goedken introduced and moved Ordinance #743 amending the Code of Ordinances of the City of Monticello, Iowa, by amending Provisions Pertaining to Chapter 180 “Signage Regulations” related to Nonconforming Signs, first reading in title only. Hanken seconded. Roll call unanimous. Goedken moved that the statutory rule requiring said ordinance be considered and voted on for passage at two prior Council meetings prior to the meeting at which it is to be finally passed be suspended and with respect to Ordinance #743 amending the Code of Ordinances of the City of Monticello, Iowa, by amending Provisions Pertaining to Chapter 180 “Signage Regulations” related to Nonconforming Signs, be regarded as having been considered and voted on at two prior council meetings. Langerman seconded. Roll call unanimous. Goedken moved Ordinance #743 amending the Code of Ordinances of the City of Monticello, Iowa, by amending Provisions Pertaining to Chapter 180 “Signage Regulations” related to Nonconforming Signs, third and final reading in title only. Langerman seconded. Roll call unanimous.
Farnum reported Ken Bourma with Iowa DNR made additional comments and changes to the chapter language that was in the agenda packet and he emailed the revised version to the Council for review on Friday. Goedken introduced and moved Ordinance #744 amending the Code of Ordinances of the City of Monticello, Iowa, by amending Provisions Pertaining to Floodplain Management, as updated, first reading in title only. Langerman seconded. Roll call unanimous.
Goedken introduced and 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”, first reading in title only. Lux seconded. Roll call unanimous.
Farnum advised due to the construction of the City’s new wastewater treatment facility, 6th Street Ditch Improvements and other anticipated projects, the City must update the capital and user fees to cover appropriate bonds and to fund future maintenance and improvement projects. At February 15th Council meeting, PFM Financial Advisor Matt Stoffel gave a presentation on wastewater treatment facility plan and options to finance the project. Farnum based the proposed sewer rates on Stoffel’s recommendations. Farnum reviewed the proposed water and sewer equipment replacement fee and the proposed storm water fee increases. After much discussion on the proposed increases, Langerman introduced and 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”, first reading in title only. Goedken seconded. Roll call unanimous.
Goedken introduced and 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”, first reading in title only. Langerman seconded. Roll call unanimous.
Goedken introduced and 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”, first reading in title only. Langerman seconded. Roll call unanimous.
Wolken advised it was time for Farnum’s 90-day review and asked Council for direction on how they wanted to do this. Wolken will put together a document for the Council to complete and return.
Wolken thanked Deb Keating for pulling the weeds by City Hall. He thanked the Fire Department for their fundraising efforts to purchase the fireworks and for a great breakfast on July 4th.
Farnum reported the State Grant with Orbis for their expansion project has been closed and they were in compliance. He is working with Orbis to cleanup some easements with the city. He continues to work on a lot of other projects and grants.
Hinrichsen is working on the Airport COVID grant and hoping to get reimbursement request sent in soon. She is also working to close out the fiscal year and prepare the required reports for the State. KCRG TV will be in town this week filming for the Monticello Uptown series to be aired fair week.
Kahler continues to work on painting street markings. Staff also cleaned out the drainage ditch along South Cedar. Staff continues to work on the Park & Ride area off Amber Road. Goedken questioned if they will remove the posts. Kahler stated many are broke, and they are looking to repair or replace picnic tables. He is looking into extending electricity there so a light can be installed to help light up the area.
Oswald reminded Council that Family Fun Night will be July 10th at 5PM
Turnis updated Council on the Summer Reading Program.
Smith reported on May 22nd an ambulance paramedic was injured. After 3 weeks, he was advised that the injury was more significant than first thought and will probably be off work 12 plus weeks. He hired Dave Husmann for the full-time position to fill in for at least 5 months to cut the overtime costs. Squad car is in the repair shop and should have it back next week. Smith is working with Camp Courageous and their Triathlon on August 1st, which will start at the camp, through downtown to Stonebridge Road and back to Camp on Hwy 38. He is working on the nuisance and cleanup of K Fuel lot and sent letter giving them 60 days to complete it.
Hanken brought some information on Money Smart for Older Adults, which will be available at Library and City Hall.
Brighton moved to adjourn at 7:28 PM.
Brian Wolken, Mayor
Sally Hinrichsen, City Clerk