Regular Council Meeting
October 19, 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 and Police Chief Britt Smith. Also present were City Engineer Patrick Schwickerath 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 with amendment to move discussion on authorizing Austin Strong Foundation to fundraise, plan and lead the All-Inclusive Playground project to the first item. Langerman seconded, roll call unanimous.
Lux moved to approve the consent agenda, Brighton seconded. Roll call unanimous.
Mikinzie Smith, Austin Strong Foundation President stated the foundation has been raising funds for childhood cancer research, in memory of her and her husband Britt’s son Austin. The Foundation would like to give back to the Monticello Community for all the support they have given them. Yeoman moved to approve Resolution #2020-106 authorizing the Austin Strong Foundation to fundraise, plan and lead the All-Inclusive and Interactive Playground project, the playground to be constructed on City owned property near the Monticello Aquatic Center, Brighton seconded, roll call unanimous.
Yeoman moved to approve Resolution #2020-107 scheduling Public Hearing on City of Monticello 2020/2021 Fiscal Year budget amendments for November 16, 2020 at 6:00 p.m., Langerman seconded, roll call unanimous.
Herman reviewed the sewer credit request from Angie Lambert Cox and the current City policy. When asked, Hinrichsen gave details on the leak and why it spanned over three months of bills. Goedken moved to approve Resolution #2020-108 approving $391.78 Credit against the Angie Lambert Cox Utility billing for the property located at 205 West 3rd Street, Langerman seconded, roll call unanimous, except Brighton who abstained due to a family conflict.
Herman reviewed the bids received for the street repair packages that were delivered to local contractors by Kahler. When questioned, Kahler stated he would work with contractor as to when the concrete work would be completed this fall or next spring. Goedken moved to approve Resolution #2020-109 to approve bids related to Street Repair Packages and award them to Steve Monk Construction, Brighton seconded, roll call unanimous.
Herman advised the School District obtained proposals to asphalt the roadway extending around the rear of the school and connecting the rear parking lot area with Spring Farm Lane. LL Pelling was low bidder and has agreed to provide the same pricing to the City if they desired to continue the paving project on Spring Farm Lane. The total cost is proposed to be $47,371.90 for Spring Farm Lane. Goedken moved to approve Resolution #2020-110 to approve asphalt paving of Spring Farm Lane, Yeoman seconded, roll call unanimous.
After a lengthy discussion, Goedken moved to approve Resolution #2020-111 approving the engagement of Callahan Municipal Consultants to perform, work with, and assist the City with the City Administrator search process, Yeoman seconded. Roll call: Ayes: Goedken, Yeoman, Langerman and Hanken. Nays: Lux and Brighton.
Hinrichsen reviewed the Annual Financial Report figures with the Council. Goedken moved to approve Resolution #2020-112 to approve Annual Financial Report for FY 2020, Lux seconded, roll call unanimous.
Herman advised the City Clerk’s Office copier has been failing the last few years and needs to be replaced. Hinrichsen has proposed to move forward with purchasing a Lanier MP4055sp copier. Wolken stated he knew MinnTex has been trying to sell a copier on Facebook for last year. Wolken and Hinrichsen went to look at copier today. Hinrichsen advised being told that the paper feed tray was not working and that the City uses that for many job functions and the machine has approximately 66,000 copies on it. Council directed staff to look into the cost to repair the copier and cost to do a service contract for the machine. Yeoman moved to table approving the purchase of a new Multi-Functional Device (copier) for the City Clerk’s Office. Goedken seconded, roll call unanimous.
Herman reported the affected property owners of the Northridge Waterway, Jann Turnis Hughes, Highland Corporation, Derek Manternach (Doug and Leann Herman Contract Sellers), Doug and Leann Herman and Dionne Prull (Carl S. Keating and Debra M. Keating Contract Sellers) have all executed easement agreements in favor of the City. Langerman moved to approve Resolution 2020-113 to approve Northridge Waterway Easement Agreements and direct recordation of same. Lux seconded, roll call unanimous.
Council had proposed a $2.00 per month per utility account fee to operate the compost site. Goedken moved Ordinance #733 amending the Code of Ordinances of the City of Monticello, Iowa by amending Chapter 105 “Solid Waste Control”, by adding Sections 15.13 “Rates for Service” and 105.14 “Lien for Nonpayment”, third and final reading and in title only, Langerman seconded, roll call unanimous except Hanken who voted nay.
Oswald reported the Park Board proposes to increase the Park and Recreation Board from five members to seven members with up to two living outside the City limits. Goedken wanted it added that they had to live in Jones County. Yeoman introduced and moved Ordinance #734 amending the Code of Ordinances of the City of Monticello, Iowa by amending Chapter 23 “Parks and Recreation Board”, Brighton seconded, roll call unanimous.
Herman advised Monticello is entitled to two votes on the Landfill Commission. Herman was one of the City’s representatives on the commission and he will be getting off with his resignation as City Administrator. The representative can be anyone living in Monticello.
Herman updated Council on the Fountain Park Project and the concrete work will be covered by the Rotary Grant, money generated at the Monti in Motion Car Show and other miscellaneous donations.
Herman updated Council on the Brick paver installation on First Street and around the corner of the Innovation and Creative Adventure Lab Building.
Herman reported that Fire Chief Joe Bayne sold the 1995 Fire Pumper Truck to City of Belle Plaine Fire Department for $33,000.00.
Herman discussed Steve Hanken’s letter to the editor and he drafted an article to appear in the Express to explain the numerous inaccurate statements set out in Hanken’s letter.
Herman reported that the South Cedar Street drainage ditch repair options and the digital sign’s future are matters pending Council action.
Smith reviewed the Council Chambers AV improvement options summary. Smith received proposals from DB Acoustics Inc and Conference Technologies Inc, which were for basically the same equipment just different brands. Langerman moved to go with the low bidder for the Council Chambers AV improvements. Died due to a lack of a second. Smith will ask the consultants to make a presentation to the Council at the next meeting.
Schwickerath reviewed the cost estimates for the North Chestnut Street Project that were emailed to Herman. Herman will email the cost estimate to the Council for review.
Brighton moved to adjourn at 8:15 P.M.
Brian Wolken, Mayor
Sally Hinrichsen, City Clerk