Regular Council Meeting
November 1 2021 – 6:00 P.M.
Community Media Center
Mayor Brian Wolken called the meeting to order. Council present were: Dave Goedken, Brenda Hanken, Candy Langerman, Chris Lux, Scott Brighton and Tom Yeoman. Also present were City Administrator Russell Farnum, City Clerk Sally Hinrichsen, Library Director Michelle Turnis, Water/ Wastewater Superintendent Jim Tjaden, Public Works Director Nick Kahler, Police Chief Britt Smith, Park & Rec Director Jacob Oswald and City Engineer AJ Barry. 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.
Gary Schwandt, 711 N Birch Street and Gary Bohlken, 709 N Birch Street inquired what the flags were for along Birch Street. Smith gave a brief update, that the property owner is installing a sidewalk on his private properties at his expense and his contractor called for utility locates, as required by law. City has no plans to install sidewalk in that area at this time. Schwandt also felt City needs to make public aware of anyone who serves on a committee.
Hanken moved to approve the consent agenda, Langerman seconded, roll call unanimous.
Mayor Wolken opened the public hearing regarding the Sale of Real Estate located at 103 West First Street. Hinrichsen received no oral or written comments. Farnum stated hearing is required for the City to sell the property to Matt Kumley and will work on a development agreement with Kumley, which will need to be approved by the City. Tom Osborne, 630 South Sycamore Street, read a statement asking Council to consider selling business owner Matt Kumley the property located at 103 West First Street. Mayor closed the Public Hearing regarding the Sale of Real Estate located at 103 West First Street. Hanken moved to approve Resolution #2021-121 to approve sale of City Owned Property located at 103 West First Street. Langerman seconded. Roll call unanimous except Yeoman who abstained, as he wants no blame for its failure and no credit for its success. Carried.
Mayor Wolken opened the public hearing on proposed plans, specifications, form of contract and estimate of cost for the East 7th Street Utility Improvements, approving the Form of Notice, and the taking of bids therefor. Hinrichsen received no oral or written comments. Mayor closed the Public Hearing on proposed plans, specifications, form of contract and estimate of cost for the East 7th Street Utility Improvements, approving the Form of Notice, and the taking of bids therefor. Langerman moved to approve Resolution #2021-122 to approve the proposed plans, specifications, form of contract and estimate of cost for the East 7th Street Utility Improvements Project. Lux seconded. Roll call unanimous. Barry reported the bids are due November 18th and there are 8 bidders with plans now.
Wolken reported that doing one vehicle lease was not recommended and may look into for future purchases. Yeoman moved to approve Resolution #2021-123 approving Master Equity Lease Agreement with Enterprise Fleet Management, Brighton seconded. Roll call was all nays. Motion failed.
Farnum gave Council update related to the demolition of property located at 449 North Sycamore Street. He contacted the State about the demolition and asbestos removal. Council previously approved bid for demolition. Council abated the taxes at the last meeting; however, County requested a separate notice to abate the Special Assessments related to the North Sycamore Street Project. Goedken moved to approve Resolution #2021-124 Abating and Waiving Assessments Assessed Against 449 North Sycamore Street, now owned by the City of Monticello, Brighton seconded. Roll call unanimous.
Tjaden reported they need to order new UV bulbs for the Wastewater Treatment Facility, as the new facility will not be completed for 3 years. Langerman moved to approve purchase of replacement UV bulbs for the Wastewater Treatment Facility, Yeoman seconded. Roll call unanimous.
Smith reviewed the proposed no parking sections in town. Langerman introduced and moved Ordinance #750 amending the Code of Ordinances of the City of Monticello, Iowa, by Adding New Subsections to Chapter 69, Parking Regulations, Section 08, No Parking Zones; on portions of South Gill Street, North Maple Street, East South Street and South Elm Street, first reading in title only. Goedken seconded. Roll call unanimous.
Barry received a revised set of plans for Dollar Fresh and will be reviewing them.
Farnum stated they received the DNR permit for 7th Street Project, received redistricting notice from the County and he is working on airport leases.
Hinrichsen reported on procedure and steps for the re-districting following the 2020 Census.
Oswald gave an update on events happening at the Parks Department. He is planning a Holiday event on December 18th and is looking to close a section of First Street, as a fundraiser for the Playground Project.
Turnis gave an update on events held at Library and upcoming events.
Tjaden gave a report of work being done at treatment facility and work on small water leak that will be fixed tomorrow on Gill Street.
Smith gave update on Playground Project and hoping to start ground work this week and pour cement next week. He reported meetings related to the EMS levy are taking place and he has a proposal on what the Monticello Service can do.
Mayor reported the lot along South Cedar Street was purchased with a Federal Land & Water Conservation Fund Grant. Oswald looked into the lot and advised the City could swap land and place other ground into this program to replace this lot, if the City wanted to develop or sell the lot, which is a 12 to 18 month process. Consensus of the council was to look further in the process to get it started.
Mayor Wolken adjourned the meeting at 6:58 pm.
Brian Wolken, Mayor
Sally Hinrichsen, City Clerk