Regular Council Meeting
March 2, 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 and Chris Lux. Councilmember Tom Yeoman joined meeting electronically. Also present were City Administrator Doug Herman, City Clerk Sally Hinrichsen, Public Works Director Nick Kahler, Park & Rec Director Jacob Oswald and City Engineer Patrick Schwickerath.
Yeoman moved to approve the agenda, Langerman seconded, roll call unanimous.
Langerman moved to approve the consent agenda, Lux seconded, roll call unanimous.
Goedken moved to approve Resolution #2020-30 approving William and Joyce Bohlken Tax Abatement Application related to Residential Improvements constructed at 855 S. Main Street, Monticello, Iowa, Lux seconded, roll call unanimous.
Lux moved to approve Resolution #2020-31 approving Darrell and Lori Reyner Tax Abatement Application related to Residential Improvements constructed at 16688 County Road E-16, Monticello, Iowa, Langerman seconded, roll call unanimous.
Goedken thanked the Fire Department for fundraising and continuing the Fireworks display each year. Yeoman moved to approve Resolution #2020-32 Approving investment in the Independence Day Fireworks festivities to be held on July 4, 2020, in the amount of $2,600.00, Goedken seconded, roll call unanimous.
Herman reported US Cellular submitted a request to upgrade their equipment on the water tower and negotiated an amendment to their lease. Feldmann questioned if this included the 5G services, which is controversial at this time and felt it was unsafe. He stated cellular and radio waves are harmful, but feels the 5G waves are more harmful and for that reason he would be voting against the resolution. Goedken moved to approve Resolution 2020-33 Approving First Amendment to Water Tower and Ground Space lease between the City of Monticello and USCOC of Greater Iowa (US Cellular), Lux seconded, Roll call unanimous, except Feldmann who voted nay.
Goedken moved to approve Resolution 2020-34 Authorizing the Mayor or City Administrator to sign all documents related to the USDA Rural Development Grant providing funding to assist with the purchase costs of a new ambulance, Langerman seconded, roll call unanimous.
Herman reviewed the proposal to purchase the Bobcat 5600 Toolcat in the amount of $56,446.00 from Bobcat of Cedar Rapids. Herman recommended entering into a lease agreement with $10,000 down and the balance paid over four years under a lease agreement with a $1.00 buyout at the end of the lease, with an interest rate of 4.59% and the total cost with interest of $60,928.48. This purchase price does not include the broom and they are looking for a broom that is between 50 to 64 inches wide. Goedken stated he felt it was too expensive for what it does, it is like a skidsteer and he felt it was a bad investment. Langerman voiced concerns that all departments were asked to tighten their budgets, because of expenses with Compadres and the HVAC at the Berndes Center. Oswald stated he was fairly comfortable with running the skidsteer but would be much more comfortable with the Bobcat. Feldmann moved to approve Resolution #2020-35 Approving Purchase / Lease of “Bobcat 5600” from Bobcat of Cedar Rapids, Goedken seconded, roll call unanimous except Langerman and Goedken who voted nay. Motion carried.
Goedken moved to approve Resolution #2020-36 Approving amended City of Monticello Rules of Order and Procedure for Conduct of City Council Business, Feldmann seconded, roll call unanimous.
Schwickerath updated on the 7th Street Reconstruction Project. They moved the bid letting date to March 23rd, due to a contractor’s conference that several contractors would be out of town to attend. Bid alternate for North Gill Street intersection was changed from a 4” main to an 8” main.
Schwickerath reported Horsfield had discussed with the Water Department staff and it was decided not to install the risers on all the shut offs. However without the riser, the curb box can shift and making the curb box inoperable. Horsfield Construction is coming back to install the riser in the curb boxes where they were not placed during construction project. Kahler reported that they plan to purchase a shorter shut off rod for these curb boxes.
Kahler reported the motor is out on the Renaissance Center handicap door closure and he contacted a door company to repair.
Kahler reported the compost company started grinding at the site.
Herman reported attending the Dubuque Home Show over the weekend to promote and market Monticello.
Herman is working on the USDA grant for the 6th Street ditch project and is asking for around $400,000.
Herman is working with a FEMA Specialist for FEMA funding to possibly purchase the Former Energy building, currently owned by Welter Storage Company. FEMA buyout Program focuses on residential properties first. If funding is available, it would be a 90/10 buyout grant.
Feldmann moved to adjourn at 6:49 P.M.
Brian Wolken, Mayor
Sally Hinrichsen, City Clerk