Regular Council Meeting
May 1, 2023 – 6:00 P.M.
Community Media Center
Mayor David Goedken called the meeting to order. Council present were: Chris Lux, Candy Langerman, Wayne Peach and Brenda Hanken. Also present were City Administrator Russell Farnum, City Clerk Sally Hinrichsen, Library Director Faith Brehm, Water /Wastewater Superintendent Jim Tjaden, Park and Rec Director Jacob Oswald, Police Chief Britt Smith, Public Works Director Nick Kahler and City Engineer Nick Eisenbacher. Council members absent were Scott Brighton and Tom Yeoman. 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.
Lux moved to approve the agenda, Langerman seconded, roll call was unanimous.
Langerman moved to approve the consent agenda; Peach seconded, roll call was unanimous.
Farnum advised the hearing is required to accept bids for the Wastewater Treatment Plant project. Eisenbacher advised bids are due June 1st and USDA will review bids, which could take 1 to 2 weeks. Once bids are approved by the USDA, City can award the bid. Contractor will need to sign contract, and submit other forms, before beginning construction. Peach moved to approve Resolution #2023-61 to provide for a notice of hearing on proposed plans, specifications, form of contract and estimate of cost for the Water Treatment Plant Replacement Project and the taking of bids therefor, Hanken seconded, roll call was unanimous.
Langerman moved to approve Resolution #2023-62 to approve the 28E Agreement with the Monticello Community School District for the School Resource Officer Position. Peach seconded, roll call was unanimous.
Lux moved to approve Resolution #2023-63 Approving the hiring of Public Works employee and setting wage, Peach seconded, roll call unanimous.
Lux moved to approve Resolution #2023-64 approving final plat of Welter’s 2nd Addition. Peach seconded, roll call was unanimous.
Lux moved to approve Resolution #2023-65 Approving Monticello Area Chamber of Commerce Investment Agreement. Langerman seconded, roll call was unanimous.
Peach moved to approve Resolution #2023-66 to request Abatement of accrued Property Taxes on property owned by the City of Monticello for public purposes within the city limits of the City of Monticello. Langerman seconded, roll call was unanimous.
Lux moved to approve Resolution #2023-67 Approving contracting with LL Pelling Co. to complete various sealcoating projects. Langerman seconded, roll call was unanimous.
Farnum advised attorney no longer recommended a written agreement for employees, being the union approved to disband on June 30, 2023. Langerman moved to approve Resolution #2023-68 Adopting Wage Chart for Full Time Hourly Employees and Adopting Other Employee Benefits for July 1, 2023 through June 30, 2026. Peach seconded, roll call was unanimous.
Lux moved to approve Four Points RV Resorts of IA LLC dba Jellystone Monticello Fireworks Permit for the following dates: May 28th, July 2nd, September 23rd and 30th, and October 7th, 2023. Hanken seconded, roll call was unanimous.
Council discussed the proposed options related to the sale of 541 North Chestnut Street. Smith stated there could be some cost savings for someone to demolish and dig the basement at the same time. This would save the City the demolition costs and filling in the site. Council voiced concerns to ensure the project is completed in a timely manner, and to have conditions if not followed through, so City doesn’t have what happened with another lot sold a few years ago. Langerman moved to approve to proceed with Option 3 – taking proposals and see what interest there is on the property and terms to be considered. Lux seconded, roll call was unanimous.
Lux moved to approve Ordinance #761 Amending the Code of Ordinances of the City of Monticello, Iowa, by amending provisions pertaining to “Zoning Regulations”, third and final reading in title only. Peach seconded. Roll call was unanimous.
Langerman moved to approve Ordinance #762 Amending the Code of Ordinances of the City of Monticello, Iowa, by amending provisions pertaining to Chapter 3 “Ward and Precinct Boundaries”, third and final reading in title only, Peach seconded. Roll call was unanimous.
Lux moved to approve Ordinance #763 Amending the Code of Ordinances of the City of Monticello, Iowa, by amending provisions pertaining to Chapter 2 “Charter”, third and final reading in title only, Hanken seconded. Roll call was unanimous.
Lux moved to approve Ordinance #764 Amending the Code of Ordinances of the City of Monticello, Iowa, by amending provisions pertaining to Chapter 15 “Mayor”, Section 15.05 Voting, third and final reading in title only, Hanken seconded. Roll call was unanimous.
Hanken moved to approve Ordinance #765 Amending the Code of Ordinances of the City of Monticello, Iowa, by amending provisions pertaining to Chapter 17 “City Council”, Section 17.01 Number and Term of Council, third and final reading in title only, Peach seconded. Roll call was unanimous.
Staff advised Iowa Code 384.84 requires utility rates to be set by ordinance and State Auditor has asked that the rates be set by ordinance and not resolution. There is no change to the rates from what was previously approved by the Council. Langerman moved to approve Ordinance #766 Amending the Code of Ordinances of the City of Monticello, Iowa, by amending provisions pertaining to Chapter 106 “Collection of Solid Waste”, Section 106.08 Collection Fees, third and final reading in title only, Lux seconded. Roll call was unanimous.
Farnum reported engineer has been working on Chestnut Street, 6th Street ditch and water tower project.
Farnum advised the earthwork should begin soon on the airport taxiway project.
Farnum updated Council on the proposed settlement with insurance company for the stop light system. Council gave Farnum direction on how to proceed with the insurance company.
Farnum reported Monticello Main Street Director Brain Wolken emailed information regarding Main Street meeting on May 16th and 17th in Marion, at no cost for City.
Smith reported they will be interviewing for a full-time ambulance position and will have five on-call candidates in training.
Oswald and Brehm updated Council on activities happening in May.
Peach moved to adjourn at 6:32 P.M.
Council held a short work session regarding the proposed FY 2023 budget amendments.
David Goedken, Mayor
Sally Hinrichsen, City Clerk/Treasurer