Regular Council Meeting
October 16, 2023 – 6:00 P.M.
Community Media Center
Mayor David Goedken called the meeting to order. Council present were: Candy Langerman, Wayne Peach, Scott Brighton, Chris Lux and Brenda Hanken. Also present were City Administrator Russell Farnum, City Clerk Sally Hinrichsen, Library Director Faith Brehm, Water/ Wastewater Superintendent Jim Tjaden, and Park and Rec Director Jacob Oswald. Council member Tom Yeoman was absent. The public was invited to attend the meeting in person, or to participate in the meeting electronically via “Zoom Meetings” or “Facebook” and were encouraged to communicate from the chat or message.
Brighton moved to approve the agenda, removing item #14 related to Main Street Iowa Program agreement, which will be on the next agenda; and changing dollar amount on item #11, related to airport project per request of engineer’s email today to $25,319.40. Langerman seconded, roll call was unanimous.
Amber Light, business owner of Up In Smoke and Puff and Stuff, updated Council on their business and items they are selling. She offered to have someone speak to Council on the THC products they sell to educate them on the products. She also offered to be on the committee looking at regulations and zoning of future stores selling tobacco.
Langerman moved to approve the consent agenda, Brighton seconded, roll call was unanimous.
Mayor opened the public hearing on the proposed Amendment to the Monticello Urban Renewal Area. Farnum advised Planning & Zoning recommended approval of adding North Chestnut Street to the TIF area and plan. Being no comments were received, Mayor closed the public hearing on the proposed Amendment to the Monticello Urban Renewal Area. Brighton moved to approve Resolution #2023-138 to Declare Necessity and Establish an Urban Renewal Area, Pursuant to Section 403.4 of the Code of Iowa and Approve Urban Renewal Plan Amendment for the Monticello. Peach seconded, roll call unanimous.
Mayor opened the public hearing on the proposed rezoning of propertylocated201 N. Main Street from R-1 Single Family to R-2 Two Family Residential. Hinrichsen stated Richard Wolken wanted to go on record that he is 100% in favor of this project and felt it would be a great addition to the area. Being no further comments were received, Mayor closed the public hearing on the proposed rezoning of propertylocated201 N. Main Street from R-1 Single Family to R-2 Two Family Residential. Peach introduced and moved Ordinance #771 amending the Monticello Code of Ordinances, by amending Chapter 165 “ZONING REGULATIONS” of certain property located within the City Limits of the City of Monticello, same being generally described as 201 North Main Street, Monticello, IA 52310, and amending the Official Zoning Map, first reading in title only. Hanken seconded, roll call unanimous. Peach moved that the statutory rule requiring said ordinance to be considered and voted on for passage at two City Council meetings prior to the meeting at which it is to be finally passed be suspended and that said ordinance be regarded as having been considered and voted on for passage at two prior Council meetings. Hanken seconded, roll call unanimous. Langerman moved Ordinance #771 amending the Monticello Code of Ordinances, by amending Chapter 165 “ZONING REGULATIONS” of certain property located within the City Limits of the City of Monticello, same being generally described as 201 North Main Street, Monticello, IA 52310, and amending the Official Zoning Map, third and final reading in title only. Lux seconded, roll call unanimous.
PFM Financial Advisor Matt Stoffel, reviewed the bids received today on the bonds, with the low bidder coming in with a TIC interest rate of 4.1775%. Stoffel advised the local Citizens State Bank also bid with Northland Securities but their bid came in higher. Hanken questioned if City could sell the bonds to Northland Securities and Citizens State Bank. Stoffel advised it would cost the City around $50,000 in interest and that they could purchase the bonds on the second market. Stoffel stated that he and PFM recommend awarding the bonds to UMB Bank N.A. in Kansas City, Missouri with the TIC interest rate of 4.1775%. Langerman moved to approve Resolution #2023-139 Awarding General Obligation Corporate Purpose Bonds, Series 2023. Brighton seconded. Roll call unanimous, except Hanken who voted nay, as she would like to see the local bank get the bonds.
Farnum stated the next several Plat resolutions are related to the Fraser farm that was parceled off and sold to the City, Monticello School and adjacent farmers. Farnum stated the Fraser family was great to work with. Farnum advised Planning & Zoning and City Staff recommend approval. Langerman moved to approve Resolution #2023-140 Approving Plat of Survey to Parcel 2023-77, Peach seconded, roll call unanimous.
Langerman moved to approve Resolution #2023-141 Approving Plat of Survey to Parcel 2023-78, Peach seconded, roll call unanimous.
Hanken moved to approve Resolution #2023-142 Approving Plat of Survey to Parcel 2023-79, Brighton seconded, roll call unanimous.
Lux moved to approve Resolution #2023-143 Approving Plat of Survey to Parcel 2023-80, Peach seconded, roll call unanimous.
Brighton moved to approve Resolution #2023-144 Approving Plat of Survey to Parcel 2023-81, Lux seconded, roll call unanimous.
Farnum advised engineer emailed the adjusted pay request today. There will be one more pay request once the contractor completes the punch list. Langerman moved to approve Resolution #2023-145 Approving Pay Request #6 related to the Monticello Airport Taxiway Connector project, to Boomerang in the amount of $25,319.40, Brighton seconded, roll call unanimous.
Brighton moved to approve Resolution #2023-146 adopting Job Description for Ambulance Director, Langerman seconded, roll call unanimous.
After much discussion regarding the Ambulance Director proposed salary, Lori Lynch agreed to accept the position with the annual salary at the prorate equivalent of $82,000 for the remainder of fiscal year 23/24 and salary to be determined for fiscal years 24/25 and 25/26, during the budget process. Peach moved to approve Resolution #2023-147 to Appoint Lori Lynch as Ambulance Director with salary, Lux seconded, roll call unanimous.
Farnum reported the Jones County Economic Development gala is October 30th and need to RSVP to attend.
Farnum advised ECICOG is starting a rental inspection program. He will look into further if the Council was interested. Council would like more details on the program.
Farnum reported the City received the REAP Grant to purchase the ground along the airport for a future trail, in the amount of $75,000. Iowa Department Homeland Security and Emergency Management (HSEMD) approved the HMGP General Infrastructure Grant for the West Well Generator, with Federal share 90% and State share 10%, total of $67,250.00.
Farnum advised the Corp of Engineers has issued a permit for the 6th Street Ditch Project.
Farnum stated the contractor installed a driveway to get their equipment onto the Airport grounds and were to tear it back out. Farnum reached out to Boomerang for a quote to leave the driveway and bring it up to DOT compliance and they quoted $7,280.00. This will keep the farm equipment off the runway and aprons. Langerman moved to approve quote from Boomerang to leave the airport driveway for farm equipment access and bring it up to the DOT standards, Peach seconded, roll call unanimous
Brehm reported the Library Fall Festival had a great turnout. Brehm updated Council on other activities happening at the Library.
Hinrichsen stated the Annual Street Finance Report is completed and will be on the next agenda. Hinrichsen is working on the annual TIF appropriation for approval in November.
Goedken questioned if the stop light at Hwy 38 and Main Street is working correctly. He felt it was using the timer instead of the eye.
Oswald reported that Kegan Arduser turned in his two-week resignation. Oswald would like to use site supervisors, if the Council approves.
Oswald reported strategic planning session for Parks and Rec is tomorrow October 17, 2023 from 5:30 to 8:30 PM at the Innovation Lab. Everyone is invited.
Peach moved to adjourn the meeting at 7:02 P.M.
David Goedken, Mayor
Sally Hinrichsen, City Clerk/Treasurer