Regular Council Meeting
June 19, 2023 – 6:00 P.M.
Community Media Center
Mayor David Goedken called the meeting to order. Council present were: Brenda Hanken, Candy Langerman, Chris Lux, Wayne Peach, Scott Brighton and Tom Yeoman. Also present were City Administrator Russell Farnum, City Clerk Sally Hinrichsen, Water /Wastewater Superintendent Jim Tjaden, Public Works Director Nick Kahler, and Library Director Faith Brehm. Police Chief Britt Smith arrived during the meeting. The public was invited to attend the meeting in person, or to participate in the meeting electronically via “Zoom Meetings” or “Facebook” and were encouraged to communicate from the chat or message.
Yeoman moved to approve the agenda, Peach seconded, roll call was unanimous.
Langerman moved to approve the consent agenda; Hanken seconded, roll call was unanimous.
Yeoman moved to approve Resolution #2023-87 Authorizing the City Clerk to make the Appropriate Transfers of Sums and Record the Same in the Appropriate Manner for FY 2023 for the City of Monticello. Lux seconded, roll call was unanimous.
Lux moved to approve Resolution #2023-88 Approving Ben & Rachel Bruggeman Tax Abatement Improvements Application related to Residential constructed at 306 Grandview Avenue, Monticello, Iowa. Hanken seconded, roll call was unanimous.
Farnum reported Police Chief Smith advised that there is no upfront cost to the City as the Iowa DOT makes the purchase and completes the installation of the devices. The City of Monticello would be expected to maintain the devices and any incidental costs associated with the repairs or use of the signs. These signs are similar to the speed feedback display signs the City already uses but would be permanently mounted on a sign pole at the two entrance points into Monticello along Iowa Highway 38. Hanken moved to approve Resolution #2023-89 approving an application to the Iowa Department of Transportation for two new Speed Feedback Display Signs. Brighton seconded, roll call was unanimous.
Farnum reported the bids for the new Waste Water Treatment Facility came in anywhere from $5 to $7 million over budget. Nick Eisenbacher, the engineer working on the project, feels that the pricing is a combination of poor bid timing, uncertainty of product delivery times and pricing over a longer-term project, and other factors. However, none of the bidders will explain their high bids until the City rejects the bids and starts over. Engineer Nick Eisenbacher recommended that the bids be rejected. Peach moved to approve Resolution #2023-90 Rejecting Bids For Monticello Wastewater Treatment Facility Improvements. Hanken seconded, roll call was unanimous.
Hanken questioned the cost to purchase the lot at 541 North Chestnut. Farnum advised the purchase price was $20,000.00. Hanken questioned the additional cost of $6,000 to demolish the structures. Goedken stated City needs to clean the lot, as buildings are filled with items. Farnum advised demolition is scheduled to begin mid-July. Langerman moved to approve Resolution #2023-91 To acknowledge receipt of quote and award project in relation to the demolition of the home located at 541 North Chestnut Street, Monticello, Iowa. Hanken seconded, roll call was unanimous
Farnum reported HDR Engineer Matthew Wilke noted a minor revision to the pay application changing the Silt Fence from 230 LF to 2279 LF and the payment from $263,911.90 to $267,805.00, due to the error in quantity of silt fencing. Yeoman moved to approve Resolution #2023-92 Approving Pay Request #2 related to the Monticello Airport Taxiway Connector project, to Boomerang in the amount of $267,805.00. Brighton seconded, roll call was unanimous.
Farnum advised Boomerang Construction found that the communication cable at the airport does not have sufficient clearance for the storm sewer to pass under it at proper grade. Changing to an arch-shaped (instead of round) storm sewer pipe solves the problem. The change is an additional cost of the arch pipe in the amount of $1,282. In addition, unstable soil conditions were found which required over-excavation and additional stabilization with crushed rock fill and geotextile fabric. This resulted in additional expenses of $17,350.25. Langerman moved to approve Resolution #2023-93 Approving Change Order #3 in the increased amount of $18,632.25, submitted by Boomerang related to the Monticello Airport Taxiway Connector Project, Peach seconded, roll call was unanimous.
Langerman stated it would not be a good precedence to set, then all groups will come and want the fees waived. Goedken questioned if the Council wanted peddlers selling along the parade route. Lux who is also on the 4th of July Parade Committee stated that crowd control is already an issue. Yeoman didn’t feel the fee should be waived. Tom Osborne, 630 South Sycamore who is on the 4th of July Parade Committee, stated he doesn’t feel we want to add more issues with traffic control. Mary Melchart, 1 Spring Farm Lane, stated that Dave McNeill will allow them to setup in the cubby hole, so they will not be in the sidewalk area. Smith arrived. Goedken advised that golf carts are selling food and water along the route. Smith advised that a transient merchant permit allows them to move around selling. Melchart questioned if she could give the water away and ask for a donation. Yeoman moved to not waive the Peddlers License Fee, as requested by the Jones Co Democrats to sell refreshments at the 4th of July Parade, Langerman seconded, roll call was unanimous.
Farnum reported the school has two proposals for the old middle school building and will hold a public hearing next week. Farnum is waiting for school to decide how they will proceed and he will work with that party.
Farnum is meeting with the ambulance staff on how to improve the service and move forward.
Farnum is working with engineer, financial consultant, and others on the wastewater facility project and funding.
Farnum reached out to engineering regarding the silting concerns at Jacobs Park and options to clear the channel and will continue to look for options.
Farnum reported staff is having issues with accessing the video at the stop light at First Street and Main Street; and until General Traffic Control is able to resolve that situation, will hold off purchasing the same equipment to fix the stop light at Main Street and Oak Street.
Goedken reported that he is looking into the flag on Seventh Street.
Hinrichsen stated Farnum, Lux and herself received an email regarding updating Jones County Hazard Mitigation Plan and they are looking for input from the City on what items they want added, such as sirens, generators, and radios. Community meeting will begin after the first of the year.
Kahler reported all the trees have been removed on Cedar Street that were bid and will work with the contractor to remove other trees in the City. He received a quote to grind the stumps.
Smith reported the sidewalk inspection of Ward 1 was completed. There were six properties that had sidewalk that needed to be repaired or replaced, with the old Middle School being one of them.
Smith applied for a grant from Dubuque Racing Association to purchase 2 ballistic shields and 2 ballistic helmets.
Smith advised they will be accepting applications for police officer until the 23rd.
Brehm reported the summer reading program started 2 weeks ago and have over 200 signed up online and in person. Brehm updated Council on several programs that will be happening at the Library in June.
Peach moved to go into closed session pursuant to Iowa Code 21.5 (1)(i) to evaluate the performance of an individual in closed session as requested by that individual. Langerman seconded, roll call was unanimous.
Brighton moved to return to open session, Peach seconded, roll call was unanimous. No action was taken following the closed session.
Peach moved to adjourn at 7:30 P.M.
David Goedken, Mayor
Sally Hinrichsen, City Clerk/Treasurer