Regular Council Meeting – Official
October 16, 2017 – 6:00 P.M.
Community Media Center
Mayor Dena Himes called the meeting to order. Council present: Dave Goedken, Rob Paulson, Johnny Russ and Chris Lux. Also present were City Administrator Doug Herman, City Clerk Sally Hinrichsen, Public Works Director Brant LaGrange and Police Chief Britt Smith. Council member Brian Wolken arrived later in the meeting and Council member Tom Yeoman was absent
Paulson moved to approve the agenda, with the removal of Ordinance related to Ward and Precinct Boundaries, Russ seconded, roll call unanimous.
Mayor read Proclamation requested by the Monticello Lions Club declaring November 2017 as Diabetes Awareness Month in Monticello, Iowa.
Alliant Energy, Key Account Manager, Emily Upah introduced herself and reviewed their Community Annual Partnership Assessment from 2016 to Council.
MYBSA 2017 report was filed.
Diana Stadtmueller addressed the City Council in regard to her thoughts on the City fountain located by the Aquatic Center. Council member Brian Wolken arrived. Stadtmueller suggested that a committee be created to study the fountain options. Herman indicated that after a recent letter to the editor in the Express on this topic that he received two calls from Federated Women’s Club members. Martha Scharff, a member of the Women’s Federated Club informed the Council that the club hopes that the Council maintains the fountain. Herman suggested that he would work to set up a committee on this topic.
Russ moved to approve the consent agenda, Paulson seconded, roll call unanimous.
Goedken moved to approve Resolution #17-120 scheduling Public Hearing on proposed Sale of Property located at 224 N. Chestnut Street, Monticello, Iowa to Norm Zimmerman, Russ seconded, roll call unanimous. Hearing set for November 6, 2017 at 6 PM.
Russ moved to table resolution to approve Cemetery Paving Project to allow staff to get additional pricing quotes, Wolken seconded, roll call unanimous.
Goedken moved to table resolution to approve purchase of Water Department Vehicle to allow staff to get additional pricing options, Lux seconded, roll call unanimous.
Herman stated Brian Kraus would like to install a monument sign and was looking at his options Herman reviewed the setback requirements for a monument sign and stated the IDOT had no problem with the location or size as long as it was not in the ROW. Goedken moved to approve Resolution #17-121 to approve setback related to Kraus Plumbing & Heating Monument Signage, seconded by Russ, roll call unanimous.
Herman advised that asbestos was found at the Brian Monk property at 218 W 1st Street and needs to be removed prior to demolition. Monk requested assistance with the cost of removal. Goedken moved to approve Resolution #17-122 to use Economic Development funds from either the MDC or the Hotel/Motel funds to assist with Asbestos Removal/ Abatement at 218 W 1st Street in an amount not to exceed one-half of the costs, not to exceed $6,000, Lux seconded. Ayes: Goedken, Lux, Russ and Wolken. Nays: Paulson. Motion carried.
Goedken moved Ordinance #707 amending Monticello Code of Ordinances 63.01 Re: Speed Limits, third and final reading and in title only, Russ seconded, Roll call unanimous. This ordinance will reduce speeds on S. Cedar Street between 1st Street and Washington Street.
Herman reviewed a list of proposed changes to the City Code with regard to the placement or removal of yield and stop signs at various intersections prepared by Chief Smith. Council directed Herman to prepare a proposed Ordinance incorporating Chief Smith’s recommendations.
Casey Reyner met with Mike Felton and Master Gardener, Becki Lynch in regard to the milkweed growth in Felton’s yard. Herman reviewed Reyner’s notes and Lynch’s email.
Herman identified issues the City has had with City garbage bags that are manufactured at the correctional facility in Mitchellville. Staff has received bag quotes from other providers that are noticeably higher and the bags cannot be packaged in bags of five as they currently are. Herman discussed the use of stickers as opposed to a special bag but explained that it would be difficult to regulate bag size if the City went that route. Herman indicated that a Pay-As-You-Throw Program makes sense as it is user fee based. Herman and the Council also discussed the potential contracting of the residential garbage with the use of containers for garbage to be provided by the contractor. Herman and staff will continue to investigate.
Herman discussed the Council’s past decision to contract with Republic to collect commercial garbage in Monticello with one of the goals being to reduce the number of garbage trucks travelling the streets in town. Herman explained that many locations have yet to contract with Republic, remaining with their prior contractor. Herman asked the Council if they wanted him to pursue those accounts and to let them know that the grace period was over and that they either needed to switch or that they would be cited for violating the City code. Council directed Herman to proceed in that fashion.
City Public Works staff is in the process of flushing hydrants. Herman reviewed the DNR recommendations on flushing of hydrants and size of fire hydrants. Herman stated that next year the hydrants will also be flow tested and labeled in cooperation with the Fire Department so that they have a good working knowledge of which hydrants are best suited to use for fire-fighting purposes.
Herman reviewed the City Engineer’s project report.
Herman reviewed Park and Rec. reports related to Flag Football and Fall Volleyball.
Herman advised that Alliant has allowed a company to piggy back on their installation of conduit in the Vanourneys Addition. Herman has been looking into this and will report back to the City Council with more detail on November 6th. Herman indicated that the company that had piggybacked on this project should have had a permit.
Herman provided a copy of a letter mailed to the owner of Compadres at the direction of the Council directing that the back steps be removed or replaced and that the awnings, advertising Compadres, be removed. Goedken stated that the awning has been removed and they were working on the back.
Council questioned Herman on the status of the gas station renovation at 616 S Main Street. Smith served a letter to the owner approximately one and one-half weeks ago and Herman will follow up with them to get an agreement signed with regard to the long-term use of the pumps and canopy in the right-of-way and to remind owner to get on the Planning & Zoning Agenda to address signage.
Herman review a quote from Iowa Codification to update the City Code Book and will place on next agenda for Council consideration.
Wolken moved to adjourn the Council meeting at 8:07 P.M., roll call vote unanimous.
Dena Himes, Mayor
Sally Hinrichsen, City Clerk