Regular Council Meeting – Official
June 17, 2019 – 6:00 P.M.
Community Media Center
Mayor Brian Wolken called the meeting to order. Council present: Brenda Hanken, Rob Paulson, 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 City Engineer AJ Barry. Council member Dave Goedken arrived later in the meeting.
Yeoman moved to approve the agenda, adding review of building permit for 115 East First Street, which is located in Downtown fire district. Langerman seconded, roll call unanimous.
During Open Forum, Steve Hanken, 823 South Main, questioned the status of lot located at 224 North Chestnut Street. Herman reported the abstract is updated and being reviewed by Norm Zimmerman’s attorney Mike Bowman. Herman stated he talked with a plumber who advised he was working on prices for Zimmerman. Hanken felt something needs to be done or property turned over to the adjourning property owners to build on.
Lux moved to approve the consent agenda, Langerman seconded, roll call unanimous.
Wolken reported that Jones County Economic Development Commission has been renting space in Anamosa with the Anamosa Chamber and Jones Co. Tourism and the Anamosa Chamber recently moved out. Jones County Economic Director Derek Lumsden explained that he required a locked office space. Herman suggested the conversion of an existing room used for storage into an office for Lumsden hoping that the City of Anamosa could find him space as well. Yeoman moved to approve use of Back Office area for “locked” Jones County Economic Development Office space, Lux seconded, roll call unanimous.
Lumsden updated Council on the Main Street Application progress. The committee has application nearly completed. They have several letters of support and 48 pledges for approximately $9,500 over three years from business and individuals and are expecting more. The application requires a specific financial commitment from City, authorization for Mayor to sign the application and the appointment of a City Representative to the Board. Steve Hanken expressed his opinion that Hotel/ Motel should not be used for this program, that when he brings Germans to town he has to do his own fundraising. Goedken arrived. Judy Tuetken, 23004 150th Street, stated she owned a business in town for many years and that Main Street is the number one thing to keep the town going. Monticello Chamber Director, Jan Hoag, stated that the Chamber Board supports the Main Street Iowa Program due to all it offers the community and particularly downtown businesses. Wolken stated he talked to several business who supported the program. Lumsden stated the majority of pledges are from small businesses currently. Lumsden stated the support can be cash or in-kind. Herman stated that the Council needed only to decide on an amount tonight, that where the funds would be paid from could be decided at a later date. Lumsden indicated that the anticipated budget was $50,000 or so. The Director would be required to work 25 hours per week. Lumsden explained that in kind contributions could be considered, and rental space with utilities could be supported in the neighborhood of $5,000 per year. Lux moved to approve Resolution #19-84 Pledging Financial Support of $25,000 cash and $5,000 in-kind to the Main Street Monticello Program, authorizing the Mayor to execute the Main Street Monticello Application and appointing Brian Wolken to represent the City of Monticello on Main Street Iowa Board of Directors. Yeoman seconded. Roll call: Ayes: Lux, Yeoman and Langerman. Nays: Goedken, Hanken and Paulson. Motion failed. Hanken moved to approve Resolution #19-84 Pledging Financial Support of $10,000 cash and $10,000 in-kind to the Main Street Monticello Program, authorizing the Mayor to execute the Main Street Monticello Application and appointing Brian Wolken to represent the City of Monticello on Main Street Iowa Board of Directors. Motion died due to the lack of the second. Goedken moved to approve Resolution #19-84 Pledging Financial Support of $20,000 cash and $5,000 in-kind to the Main Street Monticello Program, authorizing the Mayor to execute the Main Street Monticello Application and appointing Brian Wolken to represent the City of Monticello on Main Street Iowa Board of Directors, Lux seconded, roll call unanimous.
Goedken moved to approve Resolution #19-85 scheduling Public Hearing on the proposed Re-zoning of property located at 215 West 7th Street from M-1 Light Manufacturing to R-3 Condominium Development for July 1, 2019 at 6:00 p.m., Langerman seconded, roll call unanimous.
Goedken moved to approve Resolution #19-86 scheduling Public Hearing on the proposed Re-zoning of property located at 853 South Main Street from R-1 Single Family Residential to R-3 Condominium Development for July 1, 2019 at 6:00 p.m., Lux seconded, roll call unanimous.
Goedken moved to approve Resolution #19-87 to approve the preparation of bid specifications and seeking bids related to mowing at Baty Disc Golf Course and Northridge Retention area, Yeoman seconded, roll call unanimous.
Goedken moved to approve Resolution #19-88 to approve Petty Cash Limits for Aquatic Center, Library, Berndes Center and City Hall, Langerman seconded, roll call unanimous.
Herman reported that Mercy Care has decided to build a new facility near Kirkwood if the City agreed to incentives similar to incentives offered other developers in the area, as spelled out in the proposed development agreement. Yeoman moved to approve Resolution #19-89 Preliminarily approving Proposed Development Agreement and Scheduling a Public Hearing on the Development Agreement and Amendment to the Monticello Urban Renewal Plan to include the Mercy Care Monticello Project, for the 15th day of July, 2019 at 6:00 p.m., Lux seconded, roll call unanimous.
Herman explained that he was not prepared to move forward with the Theisen’s Development Agreement, recommended that it be tabled for future consideration. Goedken moved to table action on preliminarily approving Proposed Development Agreement and Scheduling a Public Hearing on the Development Agreement and Amendment to the Monticello Urban Renewal Plan related to Theisen’s Garden Center Improvements, Hanken seconded, roll call unanimous.
Goedken moved to approve Resolution #19-90 Approving payment to Boomerang in relation to installation of Water Main as part of Orbis Mfg. building addition project, Hanken seconded, roll call unanimous. Payment to be made after July 1st.
Herman reviewed the proposed wage increase for Interim Public Works Director, Nick Kahler for the next three years. Langerman moved to approve Resolution #19-91 Approving wage increase for Nick Kahler, seconded by Goedken, roll call unanimous.
Herman reviewed the proposed wage increases for the non-bargaining staff for FY ’20. Goedken moved to approve Resolution #19-92 Approving wages for non-bargaining staff for FY ’20, Lux seconded, roll call unanimous except Hanken who voted nay.
Herman introduced Pat O’Connell, with Lynch Dallas, P.C., who has represented the City on a few matters over the years. O’Connell explained that their firm, Lynch Dallas, is comprised of a group of attorneys who will work for the City as needed, each having their own area of specialty. Herman stated that he will need to contact Anne Loomis, current City Attorney to advise her of this appointment and give her an opportunity to respond to this change. Herman explained that he has had no issues with Loomis but she has moved from this area and based upon prior involvement with Lynch Dallas believes the City will be well served moving forward with them. Goedken moved to approve Resolution #19-93 Appointing Lynch Dallas, P.C. as the Monticello City Attorney, Langerman seconded, roll call unanimous.
Herman reported Linn County Health Dept met with Mitch and Kendy Monk’s representative Ted Kraus and Linn County Health Dept determined that a two unit, two bedroom condo could be served with a septic system on the lot owned by Monk near their home at 5 Spring Farm Lane. Herman reviewed his understanding of the proposed septic system. Mary Melchert, 1 Spring Farm Lane, asked for clarification of the ownership provisions proposed to be included in the Conditional Re-Zoning Agreement. Steve Hanken, 823 South Main, questioned why the abundance of request for condos recently. Council stated it was the upcoming housing option. Wayne Peach, 108 Monk Court, question what happens if someone purchase property but does not live there. Herman stated they would be subject to civil infractions and penalties. Goedken moved Ordinance #725 amending Chapter 165 “Zoning Regulations” and amending the Official Zoning map, second reading and in title only; with the following conditions to be spelled out in a Conditional Rezoning Agreement: at least one unit must be owner occupied, no regular aboveground discharge from septic system, and only 2-unit condo allowed. Langerman seconded, roll call unanimous.
Barry reviewed progress on the North Sycamore Street project. He reported that the project is on schedule and the section of First Street to Fourth Street area is ready to be paved. He stated the poor subgrade required 15 inches of rock instead of the 12 inches as proposed. Herman, Kahler and engineer met with Horsfield regarding the subgrade soil and using 15 inches of rock with the Geogrid which would likely be required throughout the balance of the project. Consensus of the Council was to allow Herman, Kahler and engineer to work with Horsfield moving forward to determine where additional base is needed.
Kahler updated the Council with regard to Compost Site improvements being performed by B & J Excavating. Herman informed the Council that he was continuing to seek estimates for other required improvements including fencing, lighting, cameras, and trees.
Herman reported that Steve Intlekofer sent a letter to owners of property along the Sixth Street ditch which included several inaccurate statements. Herman stated the Sixth Street work session was on the agenda and was open to the public contrary to Intlekofer’s suggestions and that assessment amounts referenced by Intlekofer were not always accurately reflected. Herman will work with Lynch Dallas as previously agreed to by the City Council on the next steps which may include an open house for the property owners.
Herman asked the Council to drive by the City property along Diamond Drive previously discussed for possible sale. Alice Brighton, 401 East Third Street, expressed interest in buying a portion of the City property to extend their lot and indicated that a neighboring property owner also had interest.
Herman reported that Trint Adams is working a quote for Norm Zimmerman lot located at 224 North Chestnut. He stated Zimmerman is waiting on Title Opinion from his attorney.
Herman reported the city fountain near the Aquatic Center is progressing with general contractor Josh Iben sticking to his projected completion date of July 4th. Jared Lasley, REM Electric, who is doing the electrical work, suggested that a July 4th completion date was unlikely.
Herman explained that he is continuing to work with Mike First on the potential purchase of the First property by the Airport and the potential sale of Airport property, not in the way of current or future improvements, to First for a building site. Access to the proposed building lot needs to be determined.
Chamber Director Jan Hoag reported that Friday June 21st, Monticello will be receiving the Home Base Iowa Recognition. Home Base Iowa is a one-of-a-kind program connecting veterans and transitioning service members with partners and resources. This program helps connect Iowa businesses with qualified veterans looking for career opportunities and offers countless resources are available to help veterans and their families. State officials have been invited and the presentation will take place at 5 pm in the Pocket Park.
Smith reported that an officer on light duty is working on sidewalk inspections. He stated the sidewalk were inspected in 2017 and prior Public Works Director LaGrange reached out to Ace Construction to repair sidewalks for residents that asked the City to hire the work done, but work was never completed. Smith created a sidewalk inspection program that will be done ward by ward after this initial re-inspection. Goedken questioned who would be doing the sidewalk inspections, as it is in the Park and Recreation Superintendent Shannon Poe’s job description. Smith contacted City engineer Schwickerath regarding the SUDAS and ADA requirements for sidewalks.
Smith reported there is a lot owned by Accent Construction along Breckenridge Drive that they routinely received complaints regarding mowing. Smith shows photos taken of the lot, which is zoned M-1 and being used for sand, rock and recently log storage.
Herman sought volunteers to be on a wage review committee to discuss wages and benefits for Nick Kahler, Britt Smith and Jim Tjaden. Wolken, Lux, Goedken, and Langerman agreed to be on the committee, which will meet on July 8th at 5 pm
Herman reported that Smith, Wolken, Yeoman, Langerman and himself will be meeting with Jones County to discuss the status of the dispatch agreement. The City has not paid the FY ’19 installment or approved the Contract due to questions that were posed to the County through the Sheriff over the last year but never answered with regard to the fee being assessed.
Herman reviewed the process to receive a building permit in the downtown fire zone based upon the recent receipt of a Building Permit Application for 115 East First Street. Herman reviewed City Code sections that required the Planning & Zoning Commission to review the building plans as well as a Code Provision associated with architectural standards. Herman will contact the property owner and advise them of the process.
Herman has heard from Iowa Codification that they will present a proposed updated City Code for consideration within the next couple months.
Langerman move to adjourn at 8:19 P.M.
Brian Wolken, Mayor
Sally Hinrichsen, City Clerk