Regular Council Meeting
May 15, 2023 – 6:00 P.M.
Community Media Center
Mayor David Goedken called the meeting to order. Council present were: Brenda Hanken, Candy Langerman, Chris Lux and Tom Yeoman. Also present were City Administrator Russell Farnum, Deputy City Clerk Cheryl Clark, Library Director Faith Brehm, Water /Wastewater Superintendent Jim Tjaden, Park and Rec Director Jacob Oswald, Public Works Director Nick Kahler and City Engineer AJ Barry. Council member Wayne Peach was absent. Council Member Scott Brighton and Police Chief Britt Smith joined electronically 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.
Yeoman moved to approve the agenda, Lux seconded, roll call was unanimous.
Langerman moved to approve the consent agenda; Yeoman seconded, roll call was unanimous.
Mayor Goedken opened the public hearing on proposed plans, specifications, form of contract and estimate of cost for the proposed Wastewater Treatment Facility Improvements Project. Farnum reviewed the anticipated schedule for the project and reported that staff received no written or oral comments. Mayor Goedken closed the public hearing. Yeoman moved to approve Resolution #2023-69 finally approving and confirming plans, specifications, form of contract and estimate of cost for the Wastewater Treatment Facility Improvements Project, Hanken seconded, roll call was unanimous.
Mayor Goedken opened the public hearing on proposed Budget Amendments for Fiscal Year 2022-2023. Staff received no written comments. Hanken questioned the canine and low-income housing revenues. Farnum stated that the canine had to be accounted for, since we had one for the first portion of the fiscal year and Goedken stated that the City is required to set so much aside for low-income housing. Mayor Goedken closed the public hearing. Langerman moved to approve Resolution #2023-70 Amending the Current Budget for the Fiscal Year Ending June 30, 2023. Lux seconded, roll call was unanimous.
Lisa Burns, 848 North Cedar Street, was present to appeal the determination of a vicious dog. Council member Scott Brighton and Police Chief Britt Smith joined the meeting electronically. Burns’ six-year-old German Shepherd, Tank, recently bit their neighbor. Burns stated that she didn’t latch the gate to their back-yard fence, so Tank was loose for about ten minutes. During that time, the neighbor was on his front porch, Tank approached him and without provocation, bit him on his thigh, breaking skin. Burns stated that they have reinforced their fence, installed an alarm that will sound if the gate is open and will supervise Tank when outside. Langerman felt that the dog wasn’t being protective, as they weren’t with him when he bit the neighbor. Goedken stated that what is decided tonight could set precedence and Yeoman questioned if it was a socialization issue. He asked where Tank currently is and Burns stated with a friend in Walker, where he has had no issues. Burns stated that Tank is sometimes uneasy around men, as she once had a roommate that wasn’t nice to him. Langerman stated that the ordinances are in place for a reason. Goedken stated that he once had an aggressive dog living by him, they moved and the dog attacked a kid. He stated the dog is a risk and Hanken suggested getting the opinion of a professional, regarding training. Burns stated that Tank has never been aggressive towards her two-year old or her nieces and nephews. Smith stated that new language was adopted after 2020. He shared the previous language with the council and stated the City could still exercise some discretion. Smith stated that it’s very unfortunate for Burns and her family and suggested that she contact her homeowner’s insurance to be sure that they are aware that there was a bite. Yeoman questioned who could provide socialization training and Smith stated that Tory Topping in Cascade does. Smith stated that the City could grant a stay to further evaluate the dog and get Topping’s opinion. Goedken questioned if Smith would take care of follow-up and Smith stated his department would follow through and report the findings. Lux agreed that they should get the professional opinion of a trainer. Hanken moved that prior to being allowed back into the community, Tank needs to be evaluated to see if he can be trained, with an evaluation report and Burns needs to contact her homeowner’s insurance prior to the City making a determination of a vicious dog. Lux seconded, roll call was unanimous except for Langerman. Smith left the meeting.
Yeoman moved to approve Resolution #2023-71 Scheduling a public hearing for June 5, 2023 at 6:00 P.M. to receive input and to preliminarily accept a proposal for the purchase of 541 North Chestnut Street. Hanken seconded, roll call was unanimous.
Lux moved to approve Resolution #2023-72 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.
Farnum reported the Oak/Main traffic signal damages settlement was resolved. Goedken questioned if more money should be in the tree removal budget and Kahler stated that there are 18 ash trees on North Cedar alone that need to be addressed. Langerman questioned if 18 could be taken down yet this fiscal year and Kahler stated that he wanted to get a list together to be worked on prior to winter. Farnum stated that Kahler could work on some numbers before the June 5th meeting. Yeoman moved to approve Resolution #2023-73 Scheduling Public Hearing on City of Monticello 2022/2023 Fiscal Year budget amendments for June 5, 2023 at 6:00 P.M. Hanken seconded, roll call was unanimous.
Lux moved to approve Resolution #2023-74 to approve the hiring of two Monticello Ambulance Part-Time Paramedics and setting wage. Hanken seconded, roll call was unanimous.
Farnum reported that a similar request was passed by resolution a year ago, but the project did not receive State funding, so it didn’t move forward. Supporting this request allows BR5 to submit for financing the project through the Iowa Workforce Housing program and only commits the City to funding $12,000 towards the project if the State funding is approved. Langerman moved to approve Resolution #2023-75 To approve Support of Workforce Housing Application for BR5; on Lot 3 of BR3 Subdivision (east of Dollar Fresh). Yeoman seconded, roll call was unanimous.
Farnum reported that he asked the City Engineer to prepare a Scope of Work and Professional Services Agreement to complete the engineering of East First Street between Main Street and the Kitty Creek Bridge. This would design the street and Willow Trail connection to downtown at the same time. The engineering fee would be $109,000, but could be reduced by approximately $30,000 for geotechnical analysis if that portion was done later. Farnum stated that it would be wise to hold off on performing the street construction until the wastewater treatment facility (WWTF) construction is complete, but there has been pressure from the public to provide the pedestrian connection from downtown to the Willow Trail. Hanken questioned how much time would lapse between this portion of the project and the WWTF completion and Farnum stated it would be at least three years. Goedken stated that Brian Wolken, from Main Street Iowa, couldn’t be at the meeting but stated they want a walkable community, as does the Chamber of Commerce. Farnum stated if the project is engineered now, the pedestrian improvements will be built in the correct location and elevations and would not have to be reconstructed when the street is rebuilt. Barry stated that since the trail and road are in the floodway, it’s more complicated. Langerman felt the project should be done all at once, so something doesn’t have to be redone down the road, costing the City more money. Yeoman asked Barry if he is confident that the East 1st construction down the road wouldn’t impact the trail, if the extension was done now. Langerman stated $109,000 is the engineering only and Yeoman questioned if there was grant money available. Farnum stated there is, but most grants require engineering first. Lux questioned where the money would come from and Farnum stated that there is cash to cover it, but it would be a budget amendment. Yeoman moved to approve Resolution #2023-76 to approve agreement between Snyder & Associates and City of Monticello to Design and Oversee the East 1st Street Reconstruction and East 1st Street Shared Use Path Project. Hanken seconded, roll call unanimous except for Langerman.
Goedken reported that the public is excited that the vote regarding form of council has passed and the election cost was $3,158.99.
Farnum reported the settlement for the airport gate is complete, with the driver’s insurance paying 100% of the cost.
Farnum advised the earthwork on the airport taxiway project indicated bad soil, so an amendment for granular fill and compaction will be coming
Farnum reported that the state auditors are here and will be through next week.
Farnum informed everyone that there will be an open house at the ambulance on May 21 from 3:00 P.M. until 6:00 P.M. for EMS week.
Farnum received an invitation to the Alliant leadership roundtable event from Emily Upah, which is on June 2nd. He stated he has attended many times, so if any council member would like to go instead, let him know.
Goedken questioned when the airport taxiway project will be finished and Farnum thought they should be substantially complete by mid-July. Farnum stated that they may have a council meeting at the airport in late July or early August, because Monticello Aviation would like to show off their improvements.
Tjaden reported that there was an incident on West 1st Street last Tuesday that they addressed. Residents were losing pressure, so they had emergency locates done and found that a 3” valve had collapsed. They got rid of the valve and have a direct pipe now, and residents have reported that pressure is much better.
Hanken questioned if there have been any more fines for Royal Flush and Tjaden reported $7,000 for April and $3,000 so far in May. The numbers at the plant have been good and compliant.
Oswald reported that the Day of Caring was last Friday and he had over 600 volunteer hours put in with 275 student and adult volunteers. Several areas of town were cleaned up, as well as about one-third of the 12-acre property behind Dollar Fresh.
Oswald reported that the tournament was held on Saturday, but cancelled on Sunday due to weather. This weekend there is another tournament, with 18 teams on Saturday and 14 teams on Sunday.
Oswald reported that the tree board has a Google survey for trees. They received a $12,000 grant through Trees Forever to help with the ash tree issue, with priority going to those with ash trees to be removed so they can be replaced. People should complete the survey and will be invited to a tree planting event on May 27th, with trees to be in the ground by the end of the month.
Brehm reported that the summer reading program starts on June 1st, for all ages.
Hanken reported that she distributed Social Security Cost-Of-Living Adjustments for everyone to see. She stated that sometimes, it is hard for recipients to keep up with other expense increases when they don’t see much of an increase in their benefits.
Langerman moved to adjourn at 7:21 P.M.
David Goedken, Mayor
Cheryl Clark, Deputy City Clerk