Regular Council Meeting – Official
June 4, 2018 – 6:00 P.M.
Community Media Center
Mayor Brian Wolken called the meeting to order. Council present: Dave Goedken, Gary “Butch” Pratt, Rob Paulson, Johnny Russ and Chris Lux. Also present were City Administrator Doug Herman, Deputy City Clerk Cheryl Clark, Police Chief Britt Smith, City Engineer Patrick Schwickerath and Park/Rec Director Jacob Oswald. Council member Tom Yeoman was absent.
Russ moved to approve the agenda, Pratt seconded, roll call unanimous.
Kaye Junion, 245 North Arminda, questioned the timeline for the Hughes property house and new library lighting. Wolken stated that the deadline for the Hughes property house is later this fall and that the library lighting will be done prior to the ground freezing.
Goedken moved to approve the consent agenda, Lux seconded, roll call unanimous.
Herman stated that the consensus of the solid waste/recycling committee was to contract with Republic for collection of residential solid waste and recycling. Herman stated that Republic would begin recycling collection immediately, with solid waste collection to start around July 1st. Goedken moved to approve Resolution #18-67 Approving Contract for Residential Curbside Garbage and Recycling collection, seconded by Pratt, roll call unanimous.
Herman reported that a draft fiber installation agreement was sent to Jerry Pasker on May 29, 2018. Pasker was present at the meeting and stated that there were approximately a dozen minor items on the agreement that he would like to discuss with Herman. He asked that a dig permit be issued at this time so that he could proceed with hand holes. Goedken moved to authorize the issuance of a dig permit, with the proper fee and bond, seconded by Pratt, roll call unanimous. Moved by Lux, seconded by Pratt to table approval of the Fiber Installation Agreement until after both parties agree on the language, roll call unanimous.
Herman presented the proposed Engineering Services Agreement between the City and Snyder & Associates for the reconstruction of portions of North Sycamore Street. Schwickerath explained that the scope of work did not include storm sewer but that storm sewer could be added if it was deemed appropriate at any point during the project design. Goedken moved to approve Resolution #18-68 to approve Standard Professional Services Agreement between Snyder & Associates and City of Monticello in regard to the reconstruction of portions of N. Sycamore Street, Russ seconded, roll call unanimous.
Oswald reported on the Berndes Center floor color schematics. He prefers option #3, as does the Park Board. Moved by Goedken, seconded by Lux to proceed with floor color schematic option #3, roll call unanimous, except for Pratt, who voted nay.
Herman reported that Dave Schoon constructed a fence along D62 that includes a sign advertising his grandsons DJ business that does not meet City Code. Schoon was present and argued that he should not have to comply with the sign code until other signs in town were brought up to code. Herman explained that the sign code, passed in 2015, allowed businesses five years to come into compliance unless they changed signage, business names, etc., in the meantime. Wolken instructed Herman to present the proposed sign, as constructed, to the Planning & Zoning Commission for their consideration and recommendation to the City Council according to the provisions of the Code associated with Pole Signs.
Herman reported that two sidewalks were brought to his attention to review for ADA compliance. One is section of driveway through which a sidewalk will need to pass in Northridge and the other is the sidewalk in front of the new building constructed by Brian Monk on W. 1st Street. Pratt moved to have both locations, to the extent that they were not in compliance, brought into compliance with the ADA. Motion died due to the lack of a second. After further discussion, Goedken moved to require the Northridge driveway to be brought into compliance with the ADA. Motion died due to the lack of a second. Herman suggested that the Council move on for now, returning to this item later in the meeting. Pratt left the meeting for a scheduled appointment.
Herman reported that the asbestos inspection at 103 W. 1st Street should be taking place soon. The Airport Ten-T Hangar is mostly complete and an open house will be scheduled. Herman stated that the Koob’s Garage property annexation couldn’t be finalized for a number of years due to delays in annexing the property across the highway. Herman explained that when Koob agreed to be annexed he was anticipating a five year partial tax abatement under the City Code. By the time the annexation could be completed the tax abatement period had expired. Herman further explained that Lloyd Welter’s Application for Tax Abatement on three condo units was not approved by the Assessor due to a procedural issue associated with the condominium paperwork. Welter can reapply but would lose one year of the five year abatement period. Herman stated that he has new flood maps in his office if people would like to see them. The floodway appears to have been expanded and there are meetings scheduled on June 13th at 1:00 pm for public officials and at 6:00 pm for the public. Herman reported that the Hometown Pride Committee has voted to support the Willow Park Trail and Fountain Park projects.
Smith reviewed recent pictures of the Mike Felton property, with focus on the change in milkweed growth and location. Herman stated that Felton would like to manage the milkweed himself, without the help of the expert the City had lined up. Smith stated that the right-of-way has been vacated of milkweed and there are beds of clustered milkweeds in the yard with some flower bed pavers around them. A large portion of the northern part of the property has uncontained milkweed and other growth. When asked about continued plans, Mr. Felton indicated that he would continue to work on it, but that he was limited by time and materials. Consensus of the Council was that Felton should continue to maintain and contain the milkweed to defined beds. Police Chief and Staff to continue to monitor.
Bud Coyle, 515 North Sycamore Street, asked who is responsible for maintaining bushes planted in the right-of-way. Russ stated that it is the property owner’s responsibility to maintain their property, even the right-of-way.
Herman discussed the E. 1st Bridge project and asked if the Council supported additional potential improvements, such as curb and gutter, on the east side to better manage storm water. Herman explained that the additional improvements should be covered on an 80/20 cost share basis. Consensus was to look into potential improvements and to verify funding availability for cost share.
Council again considered potential options for ADA sidewalk compliance. Consensus of the Council was to send the property owner an Indemnification Agreement, to be signed by the property owners and recorded, to hold the City harmless and to indemnify the City should the City ever be sued or found liable in relation to the sidewalk. Absent a signed indemnification agreement, the consensus of the Council was to have the sidewalk brought into compliance.
Russ moved to adjourn at 8:42 P.M.
Brian Wolken, Mayor
Cheryl Clark, Deputy City Clerk