Regular Council Meeting
March 16, 2020 – 6:00 P.M.
Community Media Center
Mayor Brian Wolken called the meeting to order. Council present: Dave Goedken, Brenda Hanken, Gary Feldmann, Candy Langerman, Chris Lux and Tom Yeoman. Also present were City Administrator Doug Herman, City Clerk Sally Hinrichsen, Public Works Director Nick Kahler, Park & Rec Director Jacob Oswald and Police Chief Britt Smith.
Yeoman moved to approve the agenda, adding discussion on Monti Days Event. Langerman seconded, roll call unanimous.
Lux moved to approve the consent agenda, Langerman seconded, roll call unanimous.
Kaitlyn Hunt reported the WIN group has scheduled the 2nd Annual Monti Days Event for August 29, 2020 and requests permission to block off First Street from Cedar to Maple and to use the Pocket Park from 12:00 pm to 12:00 am. Goedken moved to authorize the WIN Group to block off First Street from Cedar to Maple and to use the Pocket Park from 12:00 pm to 12:00 am for the 2nd Annual Monti Days Event on August 29, 2020, Yeoman seconded, roll call unanimous.
Mayor Wolken opened the public hearing on the proposed Fiscal Year 2020/2021 City of Monticello Budget. Staff received no written comments and there were no oral comments. Mayor Wolken closed the hearing on the Fiscal Year 2020/2021 budget. Yeoman moved to approve Resolution #2020-37 Adoption of Budget and Certification of City Taxes for Fiscal Year July 1, 2020 through June 30, 2021, Langerman seconded, roll call unanimous.
Mayor Wolken opened the public hearing on the proposed Plans, Specifications, Form of Contract and Estimate of cost for the 2020 E. 7th Street Reconstruction Project. Staff received no written comments and there were no oral comments. Mayor Wolken closed the hearing on the proposed Plans, Specifications, Form of Contract and Estimate of cost for the 2020 E. 7th Street Reconstruction Project. Yeoman moved to approve Resolution #2020-38 Finally approving the Plans and Specifications, proposed Form of Contract and Cost Estimate for the 2020 E. 7th Street Reconstruction Project, and scheduling a Special City Council meeting for March 23, 2020 at 6:00 pm to consider the bids to be received on March 18th and to award a contract, Lux seconded, roll call unanimous.
Goedken moved to approve Resolution #2020-39 Approving Karla E. Smith Tax Abatement Application related to Residential Improvements constructed at 853 South Main St, Monticello, Iowa, Langerman seconded, roll call unanimous.
Goedken moved to approve Resolution #2020-40 Adopting Final Assessment Schedule for the 2019 N. Sycamore Street Reconstruction Project and Amending, Confirming and Levying the Assessments. Langerman seconded, roll call unanimous.
Herman reported several Cities were closing Libraries, Recreation Centers and City Halls due to the Coronavirus Pandemic. The State government has also ordered schools to close. These measures have been taken to delay the number of people getting sick with the coronavirus and to avoid the actions now being taken in Italy and Spain where each is shutting down large portions of their Country. Herman is looking into options to close Council Meetings to the public with Council and public able to join electronically. The City is actively following the Coronavirus Pandemic and recommendations of the Iowa Department of Public Health and the Center for Disease Control. Things are rapidly changing, staff will continue to stay on top of the changes and recommendations. Herman recommended that City Hall close to public, with staff still working, that Park and Recreation close to the public with all activities and rentals canceled, and that the Library close to the public. Public Works will be encouraged not to gather for breaks and lunches. City will also be closing all public restrooms. Library Director Michelle and some Board Members were present. Turnis reported that their hours may change and that staff would be used as needed and may take some online educational courses they had not previously had time to take. Goedken moved to approve Resolution #2020-41 Announcing Temporary Electronic Public Meetings and Closure of City Facilities and Offices, Lux seconded, roll call unanimous.
Oswald reported soccer has been cancelled and they will be refunding the $25.00 fee. HVAC is almost finished on the west side of the Berndes Center. The diving board platforms were removed and are being repaired.
Herman reported the March 23rd Special Council meeting agenda would include consideration of the approval of the E. 7th Street bids and the trail extension plans and specs.
Kahler reported that T & W Grinding had ground everything at the Yard Waste site and will windrow in the Spring.
Kahler, Council and Herman discussed yard waste collection practices this spring. Herman suggested possibly doing the entire town bi-weekly, resulting in everyone continuing to have two collections per month. After a few months, staff would have a better idea how much yard waste was being put out versus being taken directly to the yard waste site. Consensus of the Council was to continue bi-weekly pickup for now.
Goedken received a letter from a resident with a pool that received a large water bill and wanted a separate meter to fill the pool. Herman advised the City Code only allows a separate meter for yard watering and Council would need to change the City Code. City would need a way to verify that the water was not drained to the City Sewer.
Smith reported the police agreement expires next year and would like to form a salary committee to discuss wages. Yeoman, Langerman, Lux and Wolken agreed to serve on the committee.
Herman reported he was working with Kirkwood students on design for Fountain Park Phase II, but not sure where it currently stands, with schools closings. He is working on the fundraising and grants.
Herman stated the Compadres’ grants are pending and he is following up with FEMA on the Energy Building buyout.
Herman reported Joe Ertl purchased the former MedPlast building and will be using it for warehousing. Ertl is also looking into options to offer small businesses a startup location.
Herman advised the Hometown Pride is working on the banners and fundraising.
Herman stated May 15th is set for Community Pride Cleanup Day and hoping to get students involved.
Herman stated two private parties would each like to build a 100X100’ hangar at the Airport. City would need to extend the apron to accommodate the hangars and look at another taxiway connection. The City would seek DOT and Federal Grants for these purposes.
Herman informed the Council that fencing constructed poorly by American Fence Co. at the Pocket Park has not been replaced as agreed to by American Fence and that he has given them at least two years to get it done. He plans to file a small claim action.
Herman stated he is looking into using a collection agency to attempt to collect unpaid ambulance accounts. Collection Agency would maintain a percentage of all fees collected depending upon the age of the account.
Wolken extended sympathy to the Don McCarthy family on behalf of the City. Don served on the Fire Department for several years and was Fire Chief.
Feldmann moved to adjourn at 6:48 P.M.
Brian Wolken, Mayor
Sally Hinrichsen, City Clerk