Regular Council Meeting – Official
March 19, 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, Chris Lux and Tom Yeoman. Also present were City Administrator Doug Herman, City Clerk Sally Hinrichsen, Public Works Director Brant LaGrange, Police Chief Britt Smith and City Engineers Patrick Schwickerath and Lindsay Beaman.
Yeoman moved to approve the agenda, adding Report on Library, approving Plat of Survey to Parcel 2018-21 and 2018-22 and scheduling Public Hearing to rezone 324 and 326 W 2nd from R-2, two family residential to R-3 Multi-Family residential, Russ seconded, roll call unanimous.
Wolken read Proclamation #18-01 declaring April, 2018 to be Sexual Assault Awareness month in Monticello, Iowa.
Pratt moved to approve the consent agenda, Goedken seconded, roll call unanimous.
Herman reported that the City Engineer recommended the approval of Pay Request #6 related to the Ten-Tee Hangar Project with appropriate retainage. Yeoman moved to approve Resolution #18-38 To Approve Pay Request #6, related to the Monticello Airport Ten-T Hangar project, to Schaus-Vorhies in the amount of $29,667.92, Russ seconded, roll call unanimous.
Russ moved to approve Resolution #18-39 Approving Julin Printing Company, Inc., Application for Tax Abatement related to Improvements located at 801 N. Birch Street, Monticello, Iowa, Lux seconded, roll call unanimous.
Herman reported that the P & Z Board recommended approval of the proposed Final Plat of McElmeel Acres, located off 150th Avenue within the two mile jurisdiction. Goedken moved to approve Resolution #18-40 Approving Final Plat of McElmeel Acres, Russ seconded, roll call unanimous.
Herman reported that the P & Z Board recommended approval of the proposed Plat of Survey to Parcels 2018-19 and 2018-20, previously approved as Parcels 2017-84 and 2017-85 but not filed by the end of 2017 necessitating new survey numbers beginning with 2018. Goedken moved to approve Resolution #18-41 Approving Plat of Survey to Parcel 2018-19 and 2018-20, Pratt seconded, roll call unanimous.
Herman reported that the P & Z Board recommended the proposed vacation/abandonment of unutilized street right of way generally located along the eastern side of N. Gill Street right-of-way between W. 5th and W. 6th Streets and alleyway right-of-way running in a southerly – northerly direction within said block. Goedken moved to approve Resolution 18-42 Scheduling Public Hearing on the proposed vacation of unutilized Street Right-of-Way generally located along the eastern side of N. Gill Street Right-of-Way between W. 5th and W. 6th Streets and alleyway Right-of-Way running in a southerly – northerly direction within said block for April 16, 2018 at 6:00 p.m., Yeoman seconded, roll call unanimous.
Pratt moved to table proposed approval of Plat of Survey to Parcels 2018-21 and 2018-22, until the property located at 324 and 326 W 2nd Street was rezoned from R-2 two-family residential to R-3 multi-family condominium, Goedken seconded, roll call unanimous.
Herman reported that the P & Z Board recommended the rezoning of 324 and 326 W 2nd Street from R-2 two-family residential to R-3 multi-family. Pratt moved to approve Resolution #18-43 Scheduling Public Hearing on proposed rezoning of property located at 324 and 326 W 2nd Street from R-2 two-family residential to R-3 multi-family residential for April 16, 2018 at 6:00 p.m., Goedken seconded, roll call unanimous.
Goedken moved Ordinance #708 amending the Monticello Code of Ordinances by amending Chapter 165 “ZONING REGULATIONS” of certain property located within the City Limits of the City of Monticello, same being generally described as vacant lot located between 424 N. Chestnut Street to the north and 402 N Chestnut Street to the south, Monticello, IA 52310, legally described a set forth below and amending the Official Zoning Map, second reading and in title only, Lux seconded, roll call unanimous. This will change the zoning from R-1 Single-Family Residential to C-1 General Commercial.
Herman reviewed two options to amend Chapter 165.42 of the City Code related to non-conforming buildings and structures, as directed by Council. Steve Intlekofer, 529 W 1st St, addressed the Council in regard to his opinions related to non-conforming properties, including the non-conforming nature of his property located at 529 W. 1st St, and building restrictions related thereto. He suggested that there were many property line issues in many older areas of town and suggested that the Council consider promoting or requiring surveys in those areas prior to the issuance of a building permit. He indicated that he believed it would be good public policy to allow a lot with a non-conforming structure to build an accessory structure on the lot so long as the accessory structure was conforming. Herman presented two ordinance options for consideration by the Council, indicating that there were many more options that could be considered as well. After much discussion Yeoman recommended moving forward with option 2 that would allow the construction of conforming accessory structures on properties where the non-conforming primary structure lied totally within the owner’s property but not allowing any additional construction on lots where the non-conforming primary structure was partially located on another’s property. Yeoman introduced and moved Ordinance #711 amending Chapter 165.42, Zoning Regulations, Monticello Code, by Amending Provisions Pertaining to Nonconforming Buildings and Structures, first reading and in title only, Goedken seconded, roll call unanimous.
Goedken apologized to Librarian Michelle Turnis who took his comment related to the financial operations of the library personally. He stated that Turnis and the Library are doing a good job. He also stated that new Library hours will begin in May and that they adjusted staff hours after making Madonna Thoma-Kremer full time. Goedken expressed concern with a potential plan to add electrical outlets in exposed conduit in the library. Library Board member Kim Brooks stated that the Library has many users who utilize outlets and that there is a shortage of available outlets
Herman reported that Terracon, approved by the IDNR, has completed the Phase I Environmental inspection of 103 W 1st Street and everything came back fine. The City may now take title to the property and will work with Mel Pins, IDNR to move forward with an asbestos inspection, with the costs of same to be reimbursed by the IDNR Brownfield program.
In response to a question, Herman indicated that he has not heard of any problems related to the St Patrick’s Day event at the Office Lounge.
Herman advised that the City will be selling a number of items that have accumulated over the years, such as unclaimed bikes, a furnace from City Hall remodeling, and potentially some library furniture and other items. Notice will be in this week‘s paper and sealed bids are due on April 6th.
Herman reported that Diane Temple contacted him in regard to a potential Band Parent’s fundraiser that would involve the painting of a Monticello logo “M” and paw print paint on business sidewalks. The logo is currently proposed to be 2’ X 3’ in size and would be painted with traffic marking quality paint. Council expressed concerns related to the potential number of logos to be painted and how a logo would be maintained once it started to deteriorate or fade.
Herman stated that Snyder & Associates sent a letter to Taylor Construction questioning the placement of E. 1st Street Bridge project spoils. Schwickerath indicated that they were waiting to hear back from Taylor Construction in regard to spoils placement.
Herman and Park and Rec Director Jacob Oswald narrowed down Berndes Center floor colors and will take samples to the Park Board for review and recommendation before presenting to the City Council.
Herman reported that Park and Rec Director Jacob Oswald has been looking into Aquatic Center rates and questioned whether or not residential and non-residential rates should be the same, increasing the residential rate and decreasing the non-residential rate. The only reason for the change in rates would be the ease in managing sign ups, not having to determine whether applicants were being truthful when providing their address. Herman explained that the rate differences are tied to the fact that the Monticello taxpayers cover the costs of the Aquatic Center not covered by Aquatic Center revenues.
Herman’s review of reports from Alliant Energy suggests that the Berndes Center electric expense dropped approximately 23% over an eleven month period after the installation of LED lighting throughout the building.
Schwickerath and Beaman reported that changes to the wastewater permit in 2016 by the State have required additional monitoring by the City and require the creation and submission of a report by the City to the DNR evaluating the feasibility and reasonableness of reducing nitrogen and phosphorus discharged from the plant. The report must be submitted by October 1, 2018. The report requires that the City address a number of items, including but not limited to a plan and schedule of potential improvements to the City Wastewater Treatment facility. The current facility was last updated in 2000. Estimated improvements related to nutrient and phosphorous reduction could cost more than 6 million dollars. Council discussed raising sewage rates now to build a fund to reduce the necessary debt if and when the updates are required and to soften the overall increase that would otherwise be implemented at that time.
Pratt moved to adjourn at 8:08 P.M.
Brian Wolken, Mayor
Sally Hinrichsen, City Clerk