Regular Council Meeting
May 20, 2024, 6:00 P.M.
Community Media Center
Mayor Wayne Peach called the meeting to order. Council present were: Josh Brenneman, Dave Goedken, Candy Langerman, Scott Brighton and Mary Phelan. Council member Jake Ellwood arrived during the meeting. Also present were City Administrator Russell Farnum, City Clerk Sally Hinrichsen, Library Director Faith Brehm, Water/Wastewater Superintendent Jim Tjaden, and City Engineer Colton Ingles. Police Chief Britt Smith and Jacob Oswald 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.
Goedken moved to approve the agenda, with the correction of Pay Request # 1 to Bill Bruce Builders, Inc., Re: Wastewater Treatment Plant Improvement Project in the amount of $801,958.69. Langerman seconded, roll call was unanimous.
Brighton moved to approve the consent agenda; Phelan seconded. Roll call was unanimous.
Mayor opened the public hearing on proposed Fiscal Year 2023/2024 budget amendment. No public comments were received. Mayor closed the hearing. Phelan questioned the diving board and airport expense amendments. Phelan moved to approve Resolution #2024-82 Approving the City’s Proposed Amendment #2 to the Fiscal Year 2023-2024 Budget, Brighton seconded. Roll call was unanimous.
Brighton moved to approve Resolution #2024-83 Approving Pay Request #2 to Tank Pro, Inc., Re: South Water Tower Repainting and Maintenance Project in the amount of $129,630.35. Goedken seconded. Roll call was unanimous.
Brenneman moved to approve Resolution #2024-84 Approving Pay Request #1 to Bill Bruce Builders, Inc., Re: Wastewater Treatment Plant Improvement Project in the amount of $801,958.69. Goedken seconded. Roll call was unanimous.
Goedken moved to approve Resolution #2024-85 Finally, Approving Change Order #1 in the amount of $763,990.30, as submitted by Bill Bruce Builders related to the Monticello Wastewater Treatment Plant Improvements. Brenneman seconded. Roll call was unanimous.
Council member Ellwood arrived. Phelan stated that she understood that the City staff was going to handle the rental of the house. Farnum stated the projected rate used was $1,500/month and the recommended rate is $1,950/month. Farnum has talked to 3 people wanting to rent but was not a good fit for them. Steve Reyhons owns several rental homes and has the time and capability to perform basic property management for this property. His duties are outlined in the agreement, the biggest portion of which is finding and screening for good tenants. He will also be the first line of communication for repairs and maintenance that may be required. Peach stated, if City staff does the property management, how much time will that take them away from their other duties. Langerman moved to approve Resolution #2024-86 Approving Rental Property Management Agreement for property at 14432 190th St., Brighton seconded. Roll call was unanimous, except Phelan and Goedken. Carried.
Brighton moved to approve Resolution #2024-87 Approving Standard Lease for residential property at 14432 190th Street, for $1,950/month. Ellwood seconded. Roll call was unanimous.
Goedken moved to approve Resolution #2024-88 To accept /approve Easement with Michael D. and Susan M. Martin for the 2024 N. Chestnut Street Reconstruction Project. Brighton seconded. Roll call was unanimous.
Goedken moved to approve Resolution #2024-89 Approving Agreement with Jones County Economic Development for Administration of a TIF-funded Low and Moderate Income Housing Program, Brenneman seconded. Roll call was unanimous.
Goedken moved to approve Replacing Hydrant on Hillcrest & Replacing one manhole on South Maple and East Grand and two new manholes for on South Chestnut and alley, Ellwood seconded. Roll call was unanimous.
Phelan moved to accept funding for the library in the amount of $15,000, Brenneman seconded. Roll call was unanimous.
Ingels reported the contractor for the water tower project has started replacing the insulation this week and waiting for better weather to complete the logo. The contractor for the North Chestnut Street project started this week.
Farnum reported Kahler was working at the cemetery tonight getting it caught up before the holiday. He updated Council on several areas, including the Wastewater Treatment Facility Interim Loan, which will have the first draw this week on Wednesday and working with bond counsel on developer assistance projects.
Farnum stated the Ambulance Department will have an Open House on May 22nd from 5 PM to 7 PM at the Ambulance garage at 201 East South Street for EMS week, which runs from May 19th to the 25th. Farnum reported that Smith started a program to get EMS drivers interested and continuing education to become an EMT. Cory Reyner has passed his EMT exam and Reggie Welter has completed his EMT training and will be taking the exam.
Brehm stated her summer staff started this week and updated Council on events happening at the library.
Hinrichsen stated the State Setoff Program has finally accepted the City to submit the utility bills to them and will be sending information on how to enter the information into their program. She will continue to work to get more approved, as time allows.
Smith reported that he submitted a DRA grant application for minor equipment that was budgeted in the 2025 budget, to help fund the costs. He is working to hire officer to fill vacant position. He is working with Medicom on the Local Access Channel. Smith reported the Memorial Day parade will line up on Maple Street. Kim Brooks, from the Express advised and notice would be in this week’s paper.
Oswald advised this was a very busy time of the year for his department. They are finishing up soccer and starting baseball and softball teams and tournaments. They are getting pool ready and had their first pool party today. Pool will be having a soft opening for pass holders only this Thursday and Friday from 3 PM to 6 PM. They will close Saturday and Sunday for guard training and then open for the season on Monday May 27th.
Brian Wolken, Monticello Main Street Director and board members Deb Bowman and Quinn Behrends and former Chamber Director Bobby Krum were present to discuss the four pillars for the Main Street Program. They will be holding a Market Analysis Strategy Development session from 12 PM to 3 PM at the Innovation Lab this Wednesday to go over data from State and their survey and public is invited to attend. They were inquiring where the City wanted to see them doing in the future. Some issues that were mentioned wre parking, signage, alley decorations, 2nd story housing opportunities and transitioning existing businesses with owners ready to retire to new owners. No action was taken.
Goedken felt a trail committee was needed to get the new trail seeded and maintained. He did not feel this should fall on the Park and Rec Department. He felt they need to look for partners to help support the trail. Peach questioned who would set the priorities and report back to Park Board and Council. Oswald stated the trail was purchased 3 months ago and it takes time to get the trail details figured out. He wants to ensure it is done correctly, so it does not have to be redone using taxpayer’s funds. Farnum stated the ground has been cultivated and need a few weeks to get things going. Peach asked Oswald if he could bring a plan to the Council. Oswald requested that they give him to the middle of June, after the tournaments are finished. He stated he also has the Park Board and the Friends of the Park to work with the trail.
Ellwood moved to adjourn the meeting at 7:57 P.M.
Wayne Peach, Mayor
Sally Hinrichsen, City Clerk/Treasurer