Regular Council Meeting
June 7, 2021 – 6:00 P.M.
Community Media Center
Mayor Brian Wolken called the meeting to order. Council present: Dave Goedken, Scott Brighton, Candy Langerman, Chris Lux and Tom Yeoman. Council member Brenda Hanken arrived during meeting. Also present were City Administrator Russell Farnum, City Clerk Sally Hinrichsen, Police Chief Britt Smith, Public Works Director Nick Kahler, Water/ Wastewater Superintendent Jim Tjaden, 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, Langerman seconded, roll call unanimous.
Farnum advised Council approved the next two Plat of Surveys at prior meeting, however County requires a separate resolution for each Plat of Survey. Yeoman moved to approve Resolution #2021-64 Approving Plat of Survey to Parcels 2021-24 and 2021-25, Brighton seconded, roll call unanimous.
Lux moved to approve Resolution #2021-65 Approving Plat of Survey to Parcel 2021-27, Langerman seconded, roll call unanimous. Council member Brenda Hanken arrived.
Farnum advised Council directed Staff to contact the City’s mowing contractor about mowing various areas of town that are currently mowed by City staff and were quoted $85.00 per mowing. Council discussed concerns on the amount of Round Up that is being used and the contract stated they are to work with Oswald on areas to use it. Oswald was directed to contact Steve and Lisa Monk to discuss the Council concerns on the areas and amount of Round Up being used and to work with them to limit the use. Langerman moved to approve Resolution #2021-66 To approve mowing quote from Steve and Lisa Monk related to North Cedar Street lot, fire hydrants along South Main Street and 190th Street, lane by the new (south) water tower and rest area on Amber Road. Brighton seconded, roll call unanimous.
Farnum advised this resolution does not obligate the City to use the USDA loan but allows City to use these funds if they choose to. When asked, Wolken advised the City Attorney with Lynch Dallas has prepared the Sixth Street ditch easements, which are ready to send out. Council will need to review options to fund the project, such as assessments, taxing districts, and raising the storm water rate. Yeoman moved to approve Resolution #2021-67 Authorizing and providing for the incurrence of indebtedness for the purpose of providing a portion of the cost of acquiring, constructing, enlarging, improving, and/or extending its municipality facility to serve an area lawfully within its jurisdiction to serve. Lux seconded, roll call unanimous.
Kahler reviewed the quotes received to concrete the last section of roadway at Oakwood Cemetery. Cemetery Board reviewed the quotes and recommended moving forward with the project. Kahler advised there is $15,000 in the current budget and also next fiscal year’s budget. Council could move forward with entire section and amend next year’s budget or could move forward and complete only $30,000 of the work. Kahler stated City staff will fill in the dirt along the edges and seed the area. Hinrichsen reported the Cemetery Improvement funds could be used to possibly cover some of the cost. Langerman moved to table action on the concrete work at Oakwood Cemetery and have staff look into funding options and bring it back to Council. Lux seconded, roll call unanimous.
Jennifer Jones, owner of Mission Cup is renting the building at 338 South Main Street and is requesting to be allowed to upgrade existing pole sign instead of installing a monument sign that is required in the City Code. Council discussed if they wanted to allow her to use the pole sign, and if allowed, would need to change the City Code. Derek Lumsden, Jones County Economic Director stated in towns with historic downtowns that blade signs, either on building or extending out, helps promote both pedestrian and vehicle traffic. Wolken stated Mercycare would like to install a sign along Business Hwy 151 by Welter Drive, which is not allowed in the City Code also. Yeoman stated we want to promote businesses but want attractive signage. Jones stated that they would like to open by end of June. Farnum will work with Jones on signage options until Code is updated. Yeoman moved to direct City Staff to proceed as discussed to update City Code related to the request from Mission Cup to upgrade pole sign located at 338 South Main Street instead of installing a monument sign and to work with Jennifer Jones on the signage. Brighton seconded, roll call unanimous.
Farnum discussed scheduling a Council work session to review and finalize plans on capital improvement and street projects on June 21st after the regular Council meeting. Farnum advised he will address the final details on North Sycamore Street project, Seventh Street improvement, wastewater treatment plant updates, and North Chestnut Street, including financing options for these projects. He asked Council to let him know ahead of time if they want to discuss other projects, so staff can be prepared to discuss them. Langerman moved to schedule a Council work session to review and finalize plans on capital improvement and street projects on June 21st after the regular Council meeting. Goedken seconded, roll call unanimous, except Yeoman who voted nay as he will not be able to attend that meeting.
Goedken moved to approve Ordinance #742 amending the Monticello Code of Ordinances, by amending Provisions Pertaining to Chapter 165 “Zoning Regulations” Definitions, Accessory Buildings, Structures, and Uses and fences, second reading in title only. Brighton seconded, roll call unanimous. Yeoman moved that the statutory rule requiring said ordinance be considered and voted on for passage at two Council meetings prior to the meeting at which it is to be finally passed be suspended and that said Ordinance be regarded as having been considered and voted on at two prior Council meetings. Goedken seconded, roll call unanimous. Langerman moved Ordinance #742 amending the Monticello Code of Ordinances, by amending Provisions Pertaining to Chapter 165 “Zoning Regulations” Definitions, Accessory Buildings, Structures, and Uses and fences, third and final reading. Goedken seconded, roll call unanimous.
Turnis reported Library received a State Grant that was used to purchase a color copier and the Summer Reading program has started. The library is hosting a 15-year Anniversary of the Renaissance Center opening on June 10th from 4:30 to 7:00 PM in the library.
Oswald reported the pool had to close early due to cloudy water issue, which remedied itself.
Tjaden stated Electric Pump will be installing the pump at the wastewater treatment facility this week.
Hinrichsen reported the surveys for the CDBG grant for Sixth Street ditch were mailed last week. She advised that not everyone received the survey, as ECICOG in Cedar Rapids selected the 518 addresses to send the survey to, which are scheduled to be picked up this weekend.
Smith reported the Traffic Safety Project held on June 4th went very well and they gave out some warnings on equipment malfunctions and insurance.
Smith advised the sidewalk inspections for this year are completed and 28 notices will be mailed. Smith advised Governor Reynolds will be in Monticello on June 9th at 4:30 to sign the EMS bill recently passed, which allows tax funding for ambulance services.
Farnum advised demolition has started on the Dollar Fresh site and they are working on the site plan and building permit process now.
Farnum reported the Community Building committee would like to present their recommendations to the Council for consideration and are looking to set up a work session with the Council to go over the recommendations.
Farnum reported Compadres building main roof is completed. The contractor has requested an amendment to remove asbestos in the amount of $20,000 on the back half of the building, that is being demolished. The cost of the project will not increase, just shifting funds from one contractor to another. Langerman moved to approve the contract amendment with Roger Rouse to remove asbestos in the amount of $20,000 on the back half of the former Compadres building, Goedken seconded. Roll call unanimous, except Yeoman who abstained as he is an investor in the building.
Hinrichsen advised the first Council meeting in July will be held on July 6th due to the 4th of July holiday.
Langerman moved, Lux seconded to go into closed session pursuant to Iowa Code 21.5 (1)(j) to discuss the purchase of real estate where the premature disclosure could be reasonably expected to increase the price the City would have to pay for said property. Roll call unanimous.
Brighton moved to adjourn at 8:23 PM.
Brian Wolken, Mayor
Sally Hinrichsen, City Clerk