Regular Council Meeting – Official
March 4, 2019 – 6:00 P.M.
Community Media Center
Mayor Brian Wolken called the meeting to order. Council present: Dave Goedken, Brenda Hanken, Rob Paulson, Chris Lux and Tom Yeoman. Also present were City Administrator Doug Herman, City Clerk Sally Hinrichsen and Police Chief Britt Smith. Council member Johnny Russ was absent.
Yeoman moved to approve the agenda, Lux seconded, roll call unanimous.
During Open Forum, Stu Gerdes, 615 N Sycamore, questioned if they would be allowed to plant trees in the terrace on the west side of N. Sycamore Street, over the water main, at the conclusion of the project. Council expressed that they have not ruled out to allow trees to be planted in the terrace. Herman will visit with City Engineer on this question.
Lux moved to approve the consent agenda, Goedken seconded, roll call unanimous.
Mayor Wolken opened the public hearing on proposed Amendments to the Monticello Urban Renewal Plan to include the N. Sycamore Street Reconstruction Project. Herman reported P & Z Board had reviewed the proposed amendment and had no objections. Herman also invited the School and County to meet to discuss the proposed amendment. He spoke with School Superintendent on the phone and County could not meet as scheduled due to weather and did not request an alternative meeting time. No public comments were received and City Staff reported that they had not received any oral or written comments. Mayor Wolken closed the public hearing. Yeoman moved to approve Resolution #19-26 Approving 2019 Amendment Number 1 to the City of Monticello Urban Renewal Plan, Goedken seconded, roll call unanimous.
Mayor Wolken opened the public hearing on proposed amendments to Development Agreement between City of Monticello and Menasha Corporation a/k/a Orbis Mfg. Herman reviewed the proposed modification to the Development Agreement with Orbis. Herman stated during project it became apparent that the City Water Main system could use additional capacity and flow and it was decided to add a new water main between 11th Street and Plastic Lane, which Orbis needed for their sprinkler system and will be beneficial to other industrial users and properties in that area. Orbis purchased property to install the new main, which also has City sewer running through it and installed the water main. Orbis has requested grant payments from City to cover cost of water main construction including materials, but not the land purchase. In return, Orbis will dedicate the main to the City and will grant easements to City to access both the water and sewer mains for maintenance, repair and replacement. No public comments were received, and City Staff reported that they had not received any oral or written comments. Mayor Wolken closed the public hearing. Goedken moved to approve Resolution #19-27 Approving Amendment to Development Agreement between the City of Monticello and Menasha Corporation, a/k/a/ Orbis, Lux seconded, roll call unanimous.
Goedken moved to approve Resolution #19-28 Scheduling Public Hearing on proposed Amendments to the Monticello Urban Renewal Area and Plan, Lux seconded, roll call unanimous. Public Hearing was set for April 15, 2019 at 6 PM.
Mayor Wolken opened the public hearing on the proposed Fiscal Year 2019/2020 City of Monticello Budget. Staff received no written comments. Hinrichsen received a phone call with questions from Steve Hanken and responded to his questions. Mayor Wolken closed the hearing on the Fiscal Year 2019/2020 budget. Yeoman moved to approve Resolution #19-29 Adoption of Budget and Certification of City Taxes for Fiscal Year July 1, 2019 through June 30, 2020, Goedken seconded, roll call unanimous except Hanken who vote nay. Motion carried.
Herman reviewed the City Goal Setting final report generated after the February 18, 2019 goal setting meeting. Goedken moved to approve Resolution #19-30 Approving Final Report generated as a result of City of Monticello Goal Setting meeting held on February 18, 2019, Lux seconded, roll call unanimous.
Herman reported that the 2008 City backhoe is being considered for trade-in. Two machines are being considered, both brand new and currently available. One quote is for $50,000, a 2018 model, and the other is $55,000, a 2015 model. The 2015 model is brand new and includes many features desired by the Public Works Dept. Both options include the trade in of the current backhoe with a trade in allowance of $29,000. In addition, the City would not be invoiced for current and ongoing repairs to the existing backhoe which is in the shop. Yeoman moved to approve Resolution #19-31 to approve purchase of 2015 New Holland backhoe from Kromminga Motors, with Kromminga Motors extending the warranty to five years, Lux seconded, roll call unanimous except Hanken who vote nay. Motion carried.
Hanken inquired where the City Code Book update stood. Herman reported that he is reviewing the current Code Book and hoping to have it done prior to June 30, 2019. The updated Code Book will have a search capability online.
Herman reported that Zeb Bowser was hired to fill the position created by Billy Norton’s resignation. Bowser will start March 25th.
Herman reported that the PW Director hiring committee will meet again to discuss the position and candidates. In the interim, Herman reported that Nick Kahler was placed in charge of the Public Works Dept. and Jim Tjaden overseeing water and wastewater.
Herman reported that he applied for the Dubuque Racing Grant for trails and other grants for the fountain are pending.
Hinrichsen reported that the US Census Bureau is currently looking for 2020 Census takers and a flier has been posted at City Hall.
Goedken moved to adjourn at 6:44 P.M.
Brian Wolken, Mayor
Sally Hinrichsen, City Clerk