Regular Council Meeting
March 4, 2024, 6:00 P.M.
Community Media Center
Mayor Wayne Peach called the meeting to order. Council present were: Josh Brenneman, Jake Ellwood, Dave Goedken, Candy Langerman, Mary Phelan and Scott Brighton. Also present were City Administrator Russell Farnum, City Clerk Sally Hinrichsen, Public Works Director Nick Kahler, Library Director Faith Brehm, Water/Wastewater Superintendent Jim Tjaden and Park Director Jacob Oswald. Police Chief Britt Smith arrived later during the meeting. 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, Brenneman seconded, roll call was unanimous.
Langerman moved to approve the consent agenda; Phelan seconded. Roll call was unanimous.
Farnum stated the City secured a State Revolving Fund (SRF) loan to perform the design engineering for the new Wastewater Treatment plant. The loan was zero interest rate for a period of three years. That three-year period terminates near the end of March, 2024. The initial draw on the interim financing for the USDA loan was intended to include the payoff for this loan ($595,000). However, once we draw on the interim financing, the City will have to start paying interest on that note. The State has been routinely extending the interest-free SRF loans for additional 3-year periods, at zero interest. This Resolution will allow the City to request a 3-year extension, which will not require payment until near the end of the project. This extension will save thousands in interest over the coming 3-year period. Brighton moved to approve Resolution #2024-41 Extending the Maturity Date of the City’s Sewer Revenue Loan and Disbursement Agreement Anticipation Project Note. Brenneman seconded. Roll call was unanimous.
Farnum advised contract and performance and/or payment bonds have been executed by contractor for the South Water Tower Repainting and Maintenance Project. Langerman moved to approve Resolution #2024-42 approving contract and performance and/or payment bonds for the South Water Tower Repainting and Maintenance project. Ellwood seconded. Roll call was unanimous.
Brenneman moved to approve Resolution #2024-43 Scheduling Public Hearing on City of Monticello Fiscal Year 2023/2024 budget amendments for March 18, 2024 at 6:00 p.m. Ellwood seconded. Roll call was unanimous.
Farnum stated Ambulance Director Lori Lynch interviewed and recommended Shirlee Scott to fill the Full-Time Paramedic position. Goedken moved to approve Resolution #2024-44 To approve the hiring a Monticello Ambulance Full-Time Paramedic and setting wage. Phelan seconded. Roll call was unanimous.
Phelan moved to approve Resolution Adopting FY ’25 Salary for the non-hourly employees, with 5% increase for except Farnum and Lynch who would get 2%. Motion died due to lack of a second. Langerman moved to approve Resolution Adopting FY ’25 Salary for the non-hourly employees, with 5% increase across the board. Motion died due to lack of a second. Goedken moved to approve Resolution Adopting FY ’25 Salary for the non-hourly employees, with 4% increase across the board except Farnum would get 2% and Lynch who would get no increase until her review in October. Ellwood seconded. Roll call vote was: Ayes: Goedken, Ellwood and Phelan. Nays: Brighton, Langerman and Brenneman. Motion failed. Ellwood moved to table Resolution Adopting FY ’25 Salary for the non-hourly employees to the first meeting in May, 2024. Roll call was unanimous.
Goedken moved to approve Resolution #2024-45 Acknowledging Monticello Library Director and Library Staff wages for FY ‘25. Phelan seconded. Roll call was unanimous.
Goedken introduced and moved Ordinance #773 Amending the Code of Ordinances of the City of Monticello, Iowa, by adding a new paragraph pertaining to “Street Grades”, first reading in title only. Brighton seconded. Roll call was unanimous.
Farnum reported a group of local community members came together and applied to be accepted into the Small-Town Dreams Initiative, which has successfully been done. Through the initiative, the group was posed a challenge: Monticello can receive $100,000 to start an endowment, from an anonymous donor, for the community by raising matching amounts locally. By the end of the campaign, the community will have built a $450,000 endowment that will grow in perpetuity and pay out $25,000 a year for grantmaking. To date, the Give to Grow team has raised over $165,000 and presented our first $15,000 grant to Monticello Main Street for their mural project that will be completed this Spring. One of the goals prior to this mural project being done is to have a recognition display installed in the lobby outside of the City Council Chambers. The Give to Grow team has discussed several options and would like to move forward with the installation of a TV in the Renaissance Center first floor lobby. This TV will be donated to the group and allow them the ability to add donors and inform the public on projects Give to Grow supports, as well as the possibility of other local information on upcoming events, etc. Goedken moved to accept the “Give to Grow” local donation of a TV to be placed in the Renaissance Center first floor lobby. Ellwood seconded. Roll call was unanimous.
Farnum gave an update on various projects including: water tower repainting project, Wastewater Treatment Facility pre-construction meeting, N. Chestnut Street Project. Farnum advised Dollar Fresh has never completed the sidewalk along Main Street, so he reached out to them and they intend to start work in April. Goedken stated he would like to see the plans for the First Street sidewalk/trail. Engineer prepared plans to build the trail now and the street after the Wastewater Treatment Facility project is completed.
Oswald stated they contracted with MOJO to help coach with practice plans and drills for sport activities. Keith Stamp is planting 8 to 12 apple trees behind Dollar Fresh for a community orchard.
Brehm reported on Spring Break activities happening at the Library. She advised that they moved things around in the library.
Brenneman moved to adjourn the meeting at 7:01 P.M.
Wayne Peach, Mayor
Sally Hinrichsen, City Clerk/Treasurer