Regular Council Meeting
May 17, 2021 – 6:00 P.M.
Community Media Center
Mayor Brian Wolken called the meeting to order. Council present: Dave Goedken, Scott Brighton, Candy Langerman, Chris Lux and Tom Yeoman. Also present were City Administrator Russell Farnum, City Clerk Sally Hinrichsen, Police Chief Britt Smith, Public Works Director Nick Kahler, Water/ Wastewater Superintendent Jim Tjaden, Park & Rec Director Jacob Oswald, and Library Director Michelle Turnis. Council member Brenda Hanken was absent. The public was invited to attend the meeting in person, with limited seating or to participate in the meeting electronically via “Zoom Meetings” and were encouraged to communicate from Zoom Meeting via chat, due to the heightened public health risks of the Coronavirus Pandemic (COVID-19). The meeting did have public attendance, both in-person and via Zoom.
Yeoman moved to approve the agenda, Langerman seconded, roll call unanimous.
Lux moved to approve the consent agenda, Brighton seconded. Roll call unanimous.
Mayor Wolken opened the public hearing on the proposed Amendment of Fiscal Year 2020/2021 City Budget. Staff received no written comments and there were no oral comments. Mayor Wolken closed the hearing on the proposed Amendment of Fiscal Year 2020/2021 City Budget. Yeoman moved to approve Resolution #2021-59 Amending the Current Budget for the Fiscal Year Ending June 30, 2021, Langerman seconded, roll call unanimous.
Goedken moved to approve Resolution #2021-60 Reporting all Employees’ Wages for calendar year ending December 31, 2020, Lux seconded, roll call unanimous.
Langerman moved to approve Resolution #2021-61 Authorizing the City Clerk to make the Appropriate Transfers of Sums and Record the Same in the Appropriate Manner for FY 2021 for the City of Monticello. Brighton seconded. Roll call unanimous.
Farnum reported the P & Z Board reviewed and recommended approval of Parcels 2021-24, 2021-25 and 2021-27. Goedken moved to Resolution #2021-62 Approving Plat(s) of Survey to Parcels 2021-24, 2021-25 and 2021-27 for Property at 16291 Rock Road, Brighton seconded, roll call unanimous.
Goedken moved to waive Chamber of Commerce rental fees for Use of the Pocket Park for the “Uptown Summer Nites”, which will be held on June 17th, July 15th and August 19th from 5 PM to 8 PM, Langerman seconded, roll call unanimous.
Farnum reviewed the proposed changes to Zoning ordinance related to patios in the front yard. P & Z Board reviewed and provided input on the proposed changes. Langerman introduce and moved Ordinance #742 amending the Monticello Code of Ordinances, by amending Provisions Pertaining to Chapter 165 “Zoning Regulations” Definitions, Accessory Buildings, Structures, and Uses and Fences, first reading in title only. Goedken seconded, roll call unanimous.
Farnum reported staff will be meeting with USDA Rural Development to review the letter of conditions related to the USDA loan for the 6th Street Ditch project, which we are preliminarily approved for. He invited any Council that want to join in the meeting.
Farnum reported work on the former Compadres building was started this week, starting with the asbestos removal. Roofer will begin work once the asbestos is removed. The Contractors and materials are lined up and ready to go. The back portion of the building will be left an open space.
Farnum reported the former Energy building site work has begun with asbestos removal, with demolition to begin in June. Wolken reported the Fire Department has some scheduled search and rescue training in the facilities prior to demolition.
Kahler reported the Hwy 151 ramp lights by Kardes and Hwy 38 have been repaired. He will be replacing the lamp post for Welter Drive that blew over. He looking into lights for the flags at the Renaissance Center.
Kahler advised that staff took dirt to Bud Coyle’s and seeded down the area disturbed with the North Sycamore project. Kahler reported the street patching and repairs are almost completed.
Hinrichsen advised November 2021 election nomination papers are available at City Hall or County Auditor’s Office.
Oswald reported Monticello High School and Middle School Student Councils, a group of students from Sacred Heart School and Mayor Wolken cleaned up at Riverside Gardens and the Disc Golf Course.
Tjaden reported the Elm Street sewer issue is fixed. They replaced 14’ of sewer main and installed an 8” flusher instead of a manhole, being there was only one service on the main. Tjaden reported the Buckeye Street water valve and Second Street manhole will be addressed in about 3 weeks.
Farnum advised staff will be meeting with Engineer on options for the 7th Street manhole.
Wolken asked Council to look at the Fountain Park waterway across South Cedar Street and felt something should be done with this.
Wolken stated the LMI Survey for the CDBG Grant is ready and asked Council to help pick up the surveys. They cannot be dropped off or mailed back to the City. Council decided on Friday June 11 starting at 5 PM and Saturday June 12 starting at 9 AM for dates to pick up the surveys. Surveys will be mailed to random addresses selected by East Central Iowa Council of Governments (ECICOG).
Smith announced they will be holding an open house on Sunday May 23 from 3 to 6 pm at the Emergency Response Center to honor Dave McNeil for 40 plus years of service with the Ambulance Service.
Brighton moved to adjourn at 7:00 PM. Following adjournment, Smith and Officer Zach Buehler and Rogue put on a brief demonstration.
Brian Wolken, Mayor
Sally Hinrichsen, City Clerk