Regular Council Meeting
March 15, 2021 – 6:00 P.M.
Community Media Center
Mayor Brian Wolken called the meeting to order. Council present: Dave Goedken, Candy Langerman, Chris Lux and Tom Yeoman. Also present were City Administrator Russ Farnum, City Clerk Sally Hinrichsen, Public Works Director Nick Kahler and Water/ Wastewater Superintendent Jim Tjaden. Library Director Michelle Turnis joined electronically. Council member Scott Brighton joined electronically during the meeting. Council member Brenda Hanken was absent. 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.
Lux moved to approve the consent agenda, Goedken seconded, roll call unanimous.
Mayor Wolken opened the public hearing on the proposed Fiscal Year 2021/2022 City of Monticello Budget. Staff received no written comments and there were no oral comments. Hinrichsen advised the tax rate would be $13.86899 per $1,000 taxable valuation, which is consistent with past years. Mayor Wolken closed the hearing on the Fiscal Year 2021/2022 budget. Yeoman moved to approve Resolution #2021-36 Adoption of Budget and Certification of City Taxes for Fiscal Year July 1, 2021 through June 30, 2022, Langerman seconded, roll call unanimous.
Melissa Ehrisman and Kaitlyn Hunt representing the WIN group reported they have scheduled the 2nd Annual Monti Days Event for August 14, 2021 and requested permission to block off First Street from Cedar to Maple and to use the Pocket Park, at no cost, from 6:00 am to 12:00 am. They reviewed the plans for activities, food and drink, farmers market and bands to perform. Langerman moved to authorize the WIN Group to block off First Street from Cedar to Maple and to use the Pocket Park from 6:00 am to 12:00 am for the 2nd Annual Monti Days Event on August 14, 2021, Goedken seconded, roll call unanimous. Brighton joined the meeting.
Goedken moved to approve Resolution #2021-37 Approving Northtowne Regency LLC Tax Abatement Application for a standard Tax Abatement on Commercial Real Estate located at 206 West 7th Street, Monticello, Iowa, Lux seconded, roll call unanimous.
Wolken stated IDOT now requires a flashing beacon on both sides of both lanes of travel for the school/trail crosswalk at the High School/Middle School Complex. Goedken moved to approve Resolution #2021-38 Approving purchase of two additional Flashing Beacons for School Crosswalk, Langerman seconded, roll call unanimous.
Council reviewed Police Chief Britt Smith’s recommendation related to the request from Theisen Store to use temporary yard signs for Theisen’s Lawn and Garden Center. Brighton moved to approve Resolution #2021-39 Approving the temporary use of yard signs for the Theisen’s Lawn and Garden Center. Goedken seconded, roll call unanimous. Signs will be allowed on private property for 28 days.
Wolken stated a second proposal was received from Creative Concepts Development, in addition to the one received from Matthew Kumley, for the property located at 103 West First Street. Wolken advised that Derek Lumsden, Jones County Economic Director, applied and the City received a Derelict Building Grant to remove asbestos in both sections of the building and to replace the roof on the north-south section in 2020. Lumsden applied for a Catalyst Grant and the pre-application was approved to renovate, not tear down, the building. Council needs to make a decision on the proposals and how to proceed with the building at the April 5th meeting or will miss the final Catalyst grant deadline. Lux moved to approve Resolution #2021-40 scheduling a public hearing for April 5, 2021 at 6:00 PM to receive input and to preliminarily accept proposal for 103 West First Street related to restoring /making improvements and tentatively accept the RFP. Goedken seconded, roll call unanimous.
Goedken moved to approve Ordinance #740 providing for the Division of Taxes levied on Taxable Property in the 2021 Addition to the Monticello Urban Renewal Area, pursuant to Section 403.19 of the Code of Iowa, second reading in title only. Langerman seconded, roll call unanimous
Langerman moved to approve Ordinance #739 amending the Code of Ordinances of the City of Monticello, Iowa, by amending provisions pertaining to “Library Board of Trustees”, third and final reading in title only. Goedken seconded, roll call unanimous.
Farnum gave kudos to the Public Works Department and the Parks and Rec Department for their continued excellence in everything they do. Their work with the Hometown Pride Committee to replace banners downtown was recently highlighted in the Annual Report for the Keep Iowa Beautiful program.
Farnum reported City staff and engineer will be discussing solutions to the 7th Street reconstruction project and will update Council on their recommendation.
Farnum reported committee and Starlighters are exploring use of the Community Building for presentation of plays and dinner theater and other possible improvements.
Farnum and Water/Wastewater Superintendent Jim Tjaden met with DNR representatives about the new treatment plant design, compliance with the truck wash and a number of other long term planning issues.
Farnum stated City staff is working with Jones County Senior Services to plan their senior dining and Meals on Wheels program. The County is hoping to re-establish the programs soon and they are looking for a location for the Senior Center.
Farnum updated Council on the North Sycamore project issues including the sidewalk and water line issues. Staff and City Engineer continue work with Horsfield Construction to look into the various issues and options; and looking to dig up a few water service lines to inspect them.
Hinrichsen reported collecting several payments through the State Offset Program for delinquent police, ambulance, library and utility bills.
Tjaden reported touring the North Liberty sewer plant facility with the City Engineers. They use a rotary press to de-water their sludge, which is a more up-front costs but you receive a better final product, that can be land applied.
Turnis reported the Library is open regular hours from 9 AM to 7 PM. She also reported they changed the storybook on the boards, along the Willow Park Trail, for the third time.
Langerman moved to adjourn at 6:44 P.M.
Brian Wolken, Mayor
Sally Hinrichsen, City Clerk