Regular Council Meeting
June 20, 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.
Yeoman moved to approve agenda, Peach seconded, roll call unanimous.
Langerman moved to approve the consent agenda, Lux seconded, roll call unanimous.
Barry reviewed Pirc-Tobin’s pay request #3 and recommended its approval. He is working with Pirc-Tobin on a few quantities issues and seeding has not reached 70% germination. They are looking to re-seed. When asked, Barry stated the filter socks are to remain until the seeding reaches 70% germination. Barry reported several lead service lines were found and replaced, along with other additional work items that were completed, so there will be one additional pay request. Once the final documentation, lien waivers, televising and seeding reaches 70% germination, the retainage can be released and project accepted. Yeoman moved to approve Resolution #2022-79 Approving Pay Request #3 from Pirc-Tobin Construction, Inc. related to the 2021 East 7th Street Utility Improvements Project in the amount of $161,922.85, Hanken seconded, roll call unanimous.
Hanken moved to approve Resolution #2022-80 to approve the purchase of P-25 Compliant Radios for the Monticello Ambulance Service, Langerman seconded, roll call unanimous.
Langerman moved to approve Resolution #2022-81 Approving William Tenley Tax Abatement Application related to Residential Improvements constructed at 505 Locust Court, Monticello, Iowa, Lux seconded, roll call unanimous.
Hanken questioned what the wage increases total cost would be for the Monticello Aquatic Center staff. Oswald stated the schedule is not completed for the year and it would depend on the number of hours worked. Langerman moved to approve Resolution #2022-82 to approve the wages for Monticello Aquatic Center staff, Hanken seconded, roll call unanimous.
Farnum reported BR3 is interested in constructing a 12-unit apartment building on the lot east of Dollar Fresh. They are proposing to construct “workforce” housing through the Iowa Economic Development Workforce Housing Tax Credit program. In order to qualify for the program, they need a resolution of support from the city and a city commitment to contribute a minimum of $1,000 per unit or $12,000 total to the project. Their deadline to apply for the funding is June 30th. Some Councilmembers voiced concerns on supporting building in an area that City was looking to purchase due to flooding issues. Other councilmembers stated they would need to build to meet the floodplain regulations. If funded through the Iowa Workforce program, BR3 would need to negotiate a development agreement with the City. They would also need to re-zone the property, get site plan and elevation approved. City would only be giving them support to build on that site. This would be affordable housing for median wage families. Langerman moved to approve Resolution #2022-83 to approve Support of Workforce Housing Application for BR3; on Lot 3 of BR3 Subdivision (east of Dollar Fresh), Peach seconded, roll call unanimous except Hanken who voted nay.
Hanken moved to approve Resolution #2022-84 Approving purchase of additional Fire Department P-25 communication suite compliant radios and pagers, Langerman seconded, roll call unanimous.
Hinrichsen reported Jellystone Campground sent their Fireworks Permit request to Jones County Auditor, who contacted her, as this property is in the middle of the annexation process and are waiting for State’s approval notice. Once in the City limits, Jones County would have no jurisdiction to approve their permit. The City only has jurisdiction when the annexation is approved by the State. They are looking at July 3, 16, August 6, September 24 and October 1 and 8 to host fireworks displays. Council questioned how this compared to shows hosted in prior years. Staff will look into that for the next meeting. Hanken moved to approve Four Points RV Resorts of IA, LLC (Jellystone Park Monticello) fireworks display request for July 3rd only, Yeoman seconded, roll call unanimous.
Barry will be meeting with Pirc-Tobin on Thursday this week and questioned, if re-seeding needs to happen, would the City be willing to water ground a few times a week to help keep it moist. Farnum stated he was not in favor of requiring City staff to be committed to do the watering. Barry stated he withheld the seeding funds until they can see that the seeding takes.
Farnum received a letter from the 5th grade students and several staff members at Sacred Heart School requesting the road behind the visitor’s bleacher at the Monticello High School Football Field be named “Panther Valley”. Smith stated new staff sometimes have a hard time finding this street. This will be placed on the next agenda.
Farnum stated the next Council meeting will be on Tuesday July 5th due to the holiday.
Farnum stated the State contractor Midwest Concrete has been great to work with. It was missed to have the tubes for the flags replaced and they have been replacing the tubes as they go. When questioned, Farnum stated the State will not replace the colored concrete or the bricks.
Farnum reported the staff did a great job and lowered the Work Comp rate, which is a savings of $35,000 for next year.
Kahler reported the State was advised that the Council wanted to keep the crosswalk between Grand China and Cherry Bomb Tattoo, however they decided to remove it, as it doesn’t meet the mid-block crosswalk requirements.
Smith reported he was a presenter at the Governor’s Traffic Safety Bureau meeting related to the City’s use of portable traffic signs.
Smith advised the County EMS Advisory Council recommended a property tax levy of 35 cents per $1000 valuation, to help fund the ambulance services in Jones County and requested this be placed on the November ballot.
When questioned, Smith reported that there was an increase in criminal and burglary activity in town. Some cases have been solved and they continue to work on the others.
Oswald thanked Cindy Bagge for plantings in Pocket Park and the flower pots along Sycamore Street behind the Community Building; Bob First and Harlan Johnson for planting the Fair flower pots; Eric Schmidt for planting & setting out the flower pots in downtown area and Marilyn Schneiderman who helped dig up some of the late George and Marla Walter‘s flowers and planting them around the fountain park area.
Tjaden reported Midwest Concrete replaced a fire hydrant by Freese Motors.
Hanken moved to take a short recess at 6:50 p.m. before the work session on amending the Council’s Rules of Order and Procedure, Peach seconded, roll call unanimous. Mayor reconvened the meeting at 7:07 p.m.
During the Council Rules of Order and Procedure work session, Council reviewed the proposed revisions; and recommended several changes to the Council’s Rules of Order and Procedure. Farnum will make the changes and bring back to the Council for review and approval at a future meeting.
Council did not go into the closed session to evaluate the performance of an individual(s) and took no action.
Peach moved to adjourn the meeting 7:57 p.m.
Dave Goedken, Mayor
Sally Hinrichsen, City Clerk/Treasurer