Regular Council Meeting – Official
May 7, 2018 – 6:00 P.M.
Community Media Center
Mayor Pro Tem Johnny Russ called the meeting to order. Council present: Dave Goedken and Gary “Butch” Pratt. Tom Yeoman joined meeting electronically. Also present were City Administrator Doug Herman, City Clerk Sally Hinrichsen, Public Works Director Brant LaGrange, Police Chief Britt Smith and City Engineer Patrick Schwickerath. Mayor Brian Wolken and Council members Rob Paulson and Chris Lux were absent.
Goedken moved to approve the agenda, Pratt seconded, roll call unanimous.
Wayne Peach, 108 Monk Ct, addressed the Council on several positives about Monticello.
Mayor Pro Tem Russ read Mayor’s Proclamation proclaiming the week of May 13 – 19, 2018 as National Skilled Nursing Week in Monticello, Iowa.
Alliant Energy representative Emily Upah reviewed their Community Annual Partnership Assessment for Monticello and various programs available, such as their rebate program.
Pratt moved to approve the consent agenda, Goedken seconded, roll call unanimous.
Herman reviewed the bids for the Berndes Center HVAC. Herman and LaGrange met with Brian Kraus, who was the apparent low bidder, to review his bid to ensure that it was consistent with the bid specification as the Kraus bid was approximately $7,500 lower than the next bid. Herman reported that Kraus would not be utilizing a twinning kit as noted in the bid but that his plan created a very similar result and that Kraus indicated he would utilize a twinning kit on the furnaces if required by the City. Kraus informed LaGrange and Herman that the furnaces previously had been twinned but that the twinning mechanism had not been used for some time. Herman suggested that the Kraus bid seemed to substantially meet the requirements of the bid specification. Herman explained that the Council could award the project to Kraus at this time or they could choose to hire an independent party to prepare a set of plans for the project and re-bid the project. Yeoman stated he was not comfortable proceeding with the low bid. Next Generation owner, Trint Adams, was in attendance and when asked about his bid he indicated that his cost of materials, with a small markup, as nearly equal to the Kraus bid. Pratt moved to table the Resolution to accept Berndes Center HVAC bids and to award contract, and to direct Herman to hire someone to draft new bid specs and go back out for bids, Goedken seconded, roll call unanimous.
Brenda Hanken, 291 N Pine, addressed Council with regard to the parameters previously approved by the Council related to police officer residency requirements. Goedken moved Ordinance #712 amending Chapter 35 Police Department, Monticello Code, by amending Provisions Pertaining to Police Chief Residency Requirements, removing residency requirements from the Code and requiring that any residency requirements be set forth within the employment agreement, third and final reading and in title only, Pratt seconded, roll call unanimous.
Herman reported that the attorney for the 324/ 326 W 2nd Street property owner is drawing up an agreement related to shared components of the proposed condominium to be located at that address. Herman will have the proposed document available for Council review at the next City Council meeting. Goedken introduced and moved Ordinance # 714 amending Chapter 165, “ZONING REGULATIONS”, of certain property located within City Limits of the City of Monticello, same being generally described as 324/326 W 2nd Street, Monticello, IA 52310, legally described as set forth below, and amending the Official Zoning Map, second reading and in title only, Pratt seconded, roll call unanimous.
Herman advised that he was continuing to work with the County towards an updated agreement related to shared roadway maintenance. No action was taken.
Council discussed potential timelines and plans associated with the Engineer’s design of improvements for portions of N. Sycamore Street and N. Chestnut Streets. Council generally discussed whether both street projects should occur at the same time and timing in relation to the Fair. Herman, LaGrange, and Schwickerath will meet and come up with a more definite proposal for City Council consideration at one of next Council meetings. Herman suggested that the City Council would be wise to borrow all sums necessary as one bond issue to keep bonding costs down.
Herman reported that the IDNR approved the asbestos inspection for the property located at 103 W. 1st Street. The cost of the asbestos inspection will be reimbursed by the IDNR Brownfield program.
LaGrange reported that Eastern Iowa Excavating and Concrete planned to repair the storm sewer that caved in near the intersection of S. Cedar Street and S. Main Street this week.
Keith Tackett, 532 N Cedar, questioned where 6th Street ditch project stood. Herman stated that the City now had proposed easements and that an attorney on the City’s behalf would be in touch. Tackett objected to making any payment related to the project and suggested that they would hire an attorney. Janice Tacket, from the back row of the chambers, strenuously objected to being asked to contribute towards the project, indicating that the entire community should cover the cost. Bud Coyle, 515 N Sycamore stated in 1963 very little water ran in the 6th Street ditch and felt the water flow increase was due to developments upstream.
No action was taken on the proposed Brick Paver policy to replace the colored strip in the downtown commercial district
Herman reported that LaGrange is working with ACE Concrete on sidewalk repairs throughout the community. Herman and LaGrange will work with residents on payment plans if and when appropriate.
Herman reported that LaGrange had identified additional street repairs and would be adding those to previously bid projects. Herman also explained that there is money in the budget to cover these additional repairs.
Pratt moved to adjourn at 7:09 P.M.
Johnny Russ, Mayor Pro Tem
Sally Hinrichsen, City Clerk