Regular Council Meeting
November 16, 2020 – 6:00 P.M.
Community Media Center
Mayor Brian Wolken called the meeting to order. Council present: Dave Goedken, Brenda Hanken, Scott Brighton, Candy Langerman, Chris Lux and Tom Yeoman. Also present were City Administrator Doug Herman, City Clerk Sally Hinrichsen and Public Works Director Nick Kahler. Park & Rec Director Jacob Oswald, Police Chief Britt Smith, Library Director Michelle Turnis and City Engineer Lindsay Beaman joined electronically. The public was invited to attend 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 via Zoom.
Langerman moved to approve the agenda, Yeoman seconded, roll call unanimous.
Mayor read and signed the Small Business Saturday Proclamation declaring Saturday, November 28, 2020 as Small Business Saturday.
Langerman moved to approve the consent agenda, Brighton seconded, roll call unanimous.
Mayor Wolken opened the public hearing on the proposed Fiscal Year 2020/2021 City of Monticello Budget amendment #1. Staff received no written comments and there were no oral comments. When asked, Herman stated the livestock truck wash has caused a larger amount of sludge at the sewage plant. Herman and Tjaden stated owners are working with DNR on a modified system to capsulate more of the sludge. Mayor Wolken closed the hearing on the Fiscal Year 2020/2021 budget amendment #1. Langerman moved to approve Resolution #2020-120 City Budget Amendment and Certification Resolution – FY 2021 – Amendment #1, Goedken seconded, roll call unanimous.
Herman reviewed the Five-Year Airport Capital Improvement Plan, which is required to be updated yearly to remain eligible for FAA funding. Yeoman moved to approve Resolution #2020-121 Approving the submission of the Five-Year Airport Capital Improvement Plan, Lux seconded, roll call unanimous.
Jones County Economic Development Director, Derek Lumsden requested a contribution of $15,000 for FY 2021, to help them to continue their activities and assist in moving Monticello and Jones County forward. Goedken moved to approve Resolution #2020-122 Approving investment in Jones County Economic Development for FY 2022, Brighton seconded, roll call unanimous.
Smith reviewed the proposed agreement with Animal Welfare Friends for boarding of stray animals located within the City of Monticello, where City would pay for the first seven days the dog is boarded, if owner is not found. Langerman moved to approve Resolution #2020-123 to approve Agreement with Animal Welfare Friends for the Boarding of Stray Animals located within the City of Monticello, Lux seconded, roll call unanimous.
Herman discussed purchasing new iPads for the Council. Wolken and Yeoman advised they were fine with the tablets they were currently using and Langerman has the newest iPad that was recently purchased to test out. The remaining members wanted to update to the iPad, with pencil and case. Goedken moved to approve Resolution #2020-124 to approve the purchase of new individually assigned iPads for use by elected officials, Lux seconded, roll call unanimous.
Herman reviewed cost estimates related to the digital sign complete removal, removal of digital message board and/or repairs to the sign. Goedken moved to approve Resolution #2020-125 to approve action to take steps to remove Digital Sign, Hanken seconded, roll call unanimous, except Yeoman who voted nay.
Oswald advised the Park Board recommends the Park and Recreation Department hire an intern for the 2021 spring/summer season, who would perform the duties as set out in the intern job description. Lux moved to table action on proposed hiring of an Intern by the Park and Recreation Department for the 2021 Spring/Summer season until MYBSA decides how they are going to proceed and what happens with the department related to COVID pandemic. Hanken seconded, roll call unanimous.
City Engineer Lindsay Beaman reviewed the proposed agreement for services with Snyder & Associates in regard to the Monticello Wastewater Treatment Plant Improvements at a cost of $565,000 for design services and estimated $15,000 for bidding services. Goedken moved to approve Resolution #2020-126 to approve Standard Professional Services Agreement between the City of Monticello and Snyder & Associates in regard to Monticello Wastewater Treatment Plant Improvements, Langerman seconded, roll call unanimous except Hanken who voted nay.
Herman reviewed the proposed application process for a 0% interest loan with State Revolving Fund (SRF) to cover costs related to planning and design of new Sewage Plant. The loan would have zero percent interest for up to three years. Yeoman moved to approve Resolution #2020-127 to approve application for Planning and Design Loan through SRF for Sewage Treatment Plant planning and design process, Lux seconded, roll call unanimous.
Smith reported the new Life Line ambulance from Klocke’s Emergency Vehicles, which is to be delivered on or about 11/19/2020 will be $213,048. The additional cost of around $1,400 was for minor changes made. Once invoice is paid, City can apply to the USDA for ambulance grant in the amount of $75,000 and the MEMT have committed $25,000 but may pay more. Goedken moved Resolution #2020-128 to approve payment to Klocke’s Emergency Vehicles in the amount of $213,048 of new ambulance, Hanken seconded, roll call unanimous.
Herman reported Hinrichsen compiled the Annual Urban Renewal Report for FY 2020 and reviewed it with the Council. Goedken moved Resolution #2020-129 Approving FY 2019-2020 Annual Urban Renewal Report, Langerman seconded, roll call unanimous.
Herman reviewed annual TIF appropriations as set out in previously approved development agreements, as the following resolutions were reviewed and approved. Lux moved to approve Resolution #2020-130 Appropriating funds necessary to meet the City’s Obligation to Innovative Ag. Services under Development Agreement dated February 15, 2010, Yeoman seconded; roll call unanimous.
Langerman moved to approve Resolution #2020-131 Appropriating funds necessary to meet the City’s Obligation to Mike Beck and Ken McDermott, known as Royal Flush Truck Wash, Inc per Development Agreement dated March 17, 2014, and as amended, dated June 3, 2019, Brighton seconded; roll call unanimous.
Yeoman moved to approve Resolution #2020-132 Appropriating funds necessary to meet the City’s Obligation to Althoff Properties, LLC per Development Agreement dated April 18, 2011, Hanken seconded; roll call unanimous.
Lux moved to approve Resolution #2020-133 Appropriating funds necessary to meet the City’s Obligation to Cobblestone Inn & Suites (formerly known as Boulders Inn Monticello) under Development Agreement dated October 5, 2015; as amended November 20 2017, Goedken seconded; roll call unanimous, except Yeoman who abstained due to being a shareholder.
Yeoman moved to approve Resolution #2020-134 Appropriating funds necessary to meet the City’s Obligation to Kardes Inc. per Development Agreement dated March 17, 2014, Brighton seconded; roll call unanimous.
Hanken moved to approve Resolution #2020-135 Appropriating funds necessary to meet the City’s Obligation to MC Industries under Development Agreement dated August 2, 2010, Lux seconded; roll call unanimous.
Goedken moved to approve Resolution #2020-136 Appropriating funds necessary to meet the City’s Obligation to Lauren Welter, successor owner of 218 West First Street, Suite “A” per Development Agreement dated October 2, 2017, Langerman seconded; roll call unanimous.
Goedken moved to approve Resolution #2020-137 Appropriating funds necessary to meet the City’s Obligation to Paige Jacobs, LLC, successor owner of 218 West First Street, Suite “B” per Development Agreement dated October 2, 2017, Hanken seconded; roll call unanimous.
Goedken moved to approve Resolution #2020-138 Appropriating funds necessary to meet the City’s Obligation to Njs LLC, successor owner of 218 West First Street, Suite “C” per Development Agreement dated October 2, 2017, Hanken seconded; roll call unanimous.
Lux moved to approve Resolution #2020-139 Appropriating funds necessary to meet the City’s Obligation to Orbis Manufacturing, a subsidiary of Menasha Corporation, per Development Agreement dated April 3, 2017, as amended by Resolution #19-27, dated April 15, 2019, Hanken seconded; roll call unanimous.
Yeoman moved to approve Resolution #2020-140 Appropriating funds necessary to meet the City’s Obligation to Mercy Care Management, Inc, per Development Agreement dated July 7, 2019, Langerman seconded; roll call unanimous.
Hanken moved to approve Resolution #2020-141 Appropriating funds necessary to meet the City’s Obligation to Robert “Bud” Johnson under the Development Agreement dated February 15, 2010, Brighton seconded; roll call unanimous.
Herman reviewed the proposed TIF certification for FY 2021 and Council recommended the certification of $700,000. Yeoman moved to approve Resolution #2020-142 Approving FY 2022 TIF Certification, Goedken seconded; roll call unanimous.
Herman reviewed the proposed extension and widening of the existing Public Drainage Easement granted by Faust Rentals LLC to the City of Monticello in the Willow Ridge 4th Addition. This will ensure area remains open for the purpose of drainage. Langerman moved to approve Resolution #2020-143 Approving Public Drainage Easement granted by Faust Rentals LLC to the City of Monticello, Iowa, Lux seconded, roll call unanimous.
Yeoman moved Ordinance #734 amending the Code of Ordinances of the City of Monticello, Iowa by amending Chapter 23 “Parks and Recreation Board”, third and final reading and in title only. Hanken seconded, roll call unanimous.
Herman reviewed the various forms of government options, if the Council wanted to consider changing. Lux was not in favor of changing the form of government. After a lengthy discussion, Yeoman moved to introduce and moved Ordinance #735 amending the Code of Ordinances of the City of Monticello, Iowa by amending Section 17.06 of the Monticello Code “Compensation”, first reading in title only. Brighton seconded, roll call unanimous. This will raise the Council pay from $100 per month to $300 per month.
Herman reported he has been working with a developer who is interested in acquiring property for a grocery/retail purpose in Monticello. The developer chose the “Old Energy building” located on the corner of First Street and Main Street and the home just north of there. They are proposing to build a 27,500 SF building with a large parking lot. Herman stated if this project moves forward the City would withdraw the FEMA HMGP application. No action was taken.
Herman reported he will work on putting together dumpster fee increases for the next council meeting.
Herman reported that he is working on the budget for Council review and is waiting on a few department heads to complete their budgets.
Hinrichsen reported the electronic utility bill delivery process will begin with the December water bills. Residents and businesses that have signed up to have bills emailed, will receive their bills electronically.
Herman reported that he is working on the employee handbook which is near completion.
Herman reported the School Board is discussing options for the “old middle school” facility. The developer that is interested in the “old Energy building” may also be interested in the “old middle school” property.
Oswald reported they are working on the lighting contest and putting together a Holiday festival. He also reported they did not get the grant for the equipment attachments for the toolcat.
Wolken extended condolences to families who lost a member from COVID, including Chris Sasina who served on Planning and Zoning Board and the Board of Adjustments.
Brighton moved to adjourn at 9:10 P.M.
Brian Wolken, Mayor
Sally Hinrichsen, City Clerk