Regular Council Meeting
March 17, 2025, 6:00 P.M.
Community Media Center
Mayor Wayne Peach called the meeting to order. Council present were: Scott Brighton, Dave Goedken, Candy Langerman, Mary Phelan and Jake Ellwood. Also present were City Clerk Sally Hinrichsen, Park & Rec Director Jacob Oswald, Water/Wastewater Supt. Jim Tjaden, Ambulance Director Lori Lynch and Library Director Faith Brehm. Council member Josh Brenneman was absent. City Administrator Russell Farnum joined electronically. The public was invited to attend the meeting in person, or to participate in the meeting electronically via “Zoom Meetings” or “Facebook” and were encouraged to communicate from the chat or message.
Brighton moved to approve the agenda. Ellwood seconded, roll call was unanimous.
Open Forum: Jeremy Shoaff, 205 West Varvel Street, requested permission to put up a carport that is attached to his house. He was advised that he needed to be on the agenda for Council to take action.
Dave Lumpa, 410 South Linden, stated he was advised that he would need to come to Council to review his building permit, as one neighbor refused to sign it. He was advised that he needed to be on the agenda for Council to take action.
Langerman moved to approve the consent agenda; Phelan seconded. Roll call was unanimous.
Monticello Main Street Executive Director, Brian Wolken presented the plaque received at the Main Street conference earlier this month. Governor Kim Reynolds and Main Street Iowa recognized Monticello for dedication to the Main Street Approach and surpassing a significant benchmark of private dollars invested in the designated Main Street district since 2022. The award recognized Monticello as a $5 million Main Street District.
Mayor continued of Public Hearing on proposed Plans, Specifications, Form of Contract and Estimate of Cost for the Airport Pavement Maintenance Project. No public comments were received. Mayor closed the hearing. Langerman moved to approve Resolution #2025-32 Approving the proposed Plans, Specifications, form of contract and estimate for the Monticello Regional Airport for the Airport Pavement Maintenance Project. Brighton seconded, roll call was unanimous. Goedken inquired if these funds were to pay back the internal loan. Hinrichsen stated this project was planned to be completed and the next funding would be used to pay back the loan.
Goedken moved to approve Resolution #2025-33 Approving engagement letter with Dorsey & Whitney LLP related to role as bond counsel for the General Obligation borrowing to fund street sweeper. Brighton seconded, roll call was unanimous.
Goedken moved to approve Resolution #2025-34 Setting the date for public hearing on proposal to enter into a General Obligation Street Sweeper Acquisition Loan/Lease-Purchase Agreement and to borrow money thereunder in a principal amount not to exceed $175,000. Public hearing will be on April 7, 2025 at 6:00 p.m. Ellwood seconded, roll call was unanimous.
Goedken moved to approve Resolution #2025-35 Approving $168.80 Credit against Jones County Economic Development’s utility billing for the property located at 303 West Sixth Street. Phelan seconded, roll call was unanimous.
Goedken moved to approve Resolution #2025-36 Scheduling Public Hearing on proposed vacation of active road right of way generally described as Lot 1 of Welter’s First Addition, except Parcel 2015-61 for April 7, 2025 at 6:00 p.m. Ellwood seconded, roll call was unanimous.
Oswald reported on several upcoming events including the Friends of the Park meeting on March 28th. The final Winter Bounce for kids and then later that day the adult bounce, with kid activities in the Extension Office building.
Brehm stated she is keeping an eye on the legislation affecting libraries. Friends of the Library is having their sponsorship drive and activities for Spring Break.
Lynch reported a fulltime EMT is going to part-time and will be leaving in June to work for Phoenix Sun. They are planning an open house at the ambulance garage on May 18th.
Hinrichsen stated the fire alarm equipment has been installed and waiting on the wiring to the alarm system. Auditors have requested a letter be sent asking for an extension to complete the audit.
Council held a work session on the proposed Fiscal Year 2024-2025 budget amendments. No action was taken.
Ellwood moved to adjourn the meeting at 6:30 P.M.
Wayne Peach, Mayor
Sally Hinrichsen, City Clerk/Treasurer