Regular Council Meeting
November 2, 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, Public Works Director Nick Kahler, Park & Rec Director Jacob Oswald, Police Chief Britt Smith, and Library Director Michelle Turnis who joined electronically. 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 adding the following items to the consent agenda: Jitney Liquor license renewal and payment to Rotary to reimburse them for donation in amount of $1,044.00 for the fountain project so that they could pay contractor direct as required by their Rotary Grant, Langerman seconded, roll call unanimous.
Yeoman moved to approve the consent agenda, Lux seconded, roll call unanimous.
Aaron Doubet, DB Acoustics reviewed proposal to update the Council Chambers audio and video equipment. Goedken moved to approve Resolution #2020-114 To accept and approve Council Chambers Audio and Video Upgrade Project as proposed by DB Acoustics, Brighton seconded, roll call unanimous.
Herman reported Hinrichsen investigated an electronic utility bill delivery process that would allow residents to receive their bills electronically. Hinrichsen explained that users would still make their payment as they currently do. Goedken moved to approve Resolution #2020-115 To accept and approve gWorks Utility E-Billing proposal, Lux seconded, roll call unanimous.
Open Forum: Tom Osbourne, 630 South Sycamore inquired, via a text to Herman, whether or not the Council had a contingency plan in place to cover the time frame that City Administrator would be gone before his replacement was seated. Herman advised that he would keep his City phone number until the new administrator was hired and that Hinrichsen would handle the Council Agenda and Packet preparation responsibilities and all Department Heads would watch over their department. Wolken explained that he would be available to answer questions as needed.
Goedken moved to approve Resolution #2020-116 to approve purchase of the used Lanier 5055sp Multi-Functional device (copier) for City Hall in amount of $3,500.00, Langerman seconded, roll call unanimous.
Herman advised that the P & Z Board reviewed and recommended the approval of the Plat of Survey to Parcels 2020-79 and 2020-80 and that the City waive any rights it may have for street surfaces, based upon street reservation language that exists in prior legal documents, across Lot A, same connecting the parcels to John Drive. Langerman moved to approve Resolution #2020-117 Approving Plat of Survey to Parcels 2020-79 and 2020-80 and waiving any existing street reservations over Lot A and the 30’ strip of property adjacent and east thereof, Brighton seconded, roll call unanimous except Yeoman who abstained as he owns the parcels.
Herman explained that the previously approved Park & Recreation Department on-line registration and rental system will require the use of an outside entity to process on-line payments and recommended that the Council authorize the execution of an agreement with Openedge. Brighton moved to approve Resolution #2020-118 to authorize execution of Merchant Application between City of Monticello and “Openedge”, Goedken 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”, Goedken seconded, roll call unanimous.
Smith reviewed the agreement with Public Consulting Group to assist in the data collection, evaluation, preparation and submission of program documents necessary for the participation in the Ground Emergency Medical Transportation program which provides for reimbursement of short falls in Medicaid payments. Goedken moved to approve Resolution #2020-119 approving the agreement between City of Monticello and Public Consulting Group, Inc, Langerman seconded, roll call unanimous.
Smith updated the Council on the 7th Street sidewalk infill project and the completion of repairs to sidewalks at 8 of the 10 properties who failed to repair their sidewalks as previously directed. He will get information to Hinrichsen so that the repair expense may be assessed against their properties to be collected in the same manner as property taxes. Smith will work to located a contractor for the other two properties.
Oswald asked for direction on how to proceed with recreation activities and rentals in light of the recent spike of COVID cases in Jones County. Consensus of Council was to follow what the Monticello Community School District does with their events. Oswald inquired how Council wanted him to proceed with weddings booked in the Berndes Center facility, noting that the State is currently allowing receptions but that Public Health officials are recommending against. Council suggested adding wording to future rental agreements to allow for late cancellation by the City if there is a certain positivity rate but did not feel comfortable cancelling events at such a late date.
Oswald stated he was looking at doing a City-wide holiday light competition as a fundraiser for the proposed playground.
Kahler stated the leaf vacuum was working well and they were back on schedule with leaf pickup. Kahler advised Steve Monk was working on Towerview repairs and that a section of roadway caved in and was being repaired.
Herman contacted Brian Monk to get a digital sign demolition quote and Ted Kraus has been contacted to put together an estimate to get the lighted sign box portion of the sign lit up.
Herman reported that he is working on the budget for review at the next Council meeting.
Herman reviewed potential changes to the employee handbook related to the ability of employees to cash out vacation and casual time and potential changes to Public Works Department’s morning and afternoon breaks, both issues having been brought to him by Councilpersons. Herman stated that changes to the collective bargaining laws necessitated an update to the employee handbook. He suggested that job descriptions be reviewed every two years to ensure they are current.
Brighton moved to adjourn at 7:40 P.M.
Brian Wolken, Mayor
Sally Hinrichsen, City Clerk