Regular Council Meeting
October 2, 2023 – 6:00 P.M.
Community Media Center
Council met at the Monticello Regional Airport located at 20373 Hwy 38 South to tour the Monticello Airport Taxiway Connector Project at 5:00 PM. No action was taken on the tour and Council reconvened at the Council Chambers for the meeting
Mayor David Goedken called the meeting to order. Council present were: Candy Langerman, Wayne Peach, Scott Brighton, and Tom Yeoman. Council member Chris Lux joined the meeting electronically. Also present were City Administrator Russell Farnum, City Clerk Sally Hinrichsen, and Library Director Faith Brehm. Council member Brenda Hanken 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.
Yeoman moved to approve the agenda, Peach seconded, roll call was unanimous.
Langerman moved to approve the consent agenda, Brighton seconded, roll call was unanimous.
Mayor opened the public hearing on the proposed plans, specifications, form of contract and estimate of cost for the proposed Wastewater Treatment Facility Improvements Project. Farnum advised the engineers scaled back the project and removed the concrete paving of driveway and the water service installation. Being no comments were received, Mayor closed the public hearing on the proposed plans, specifications, form of contract and estimate of cost for the proposed Wastewater Treatment Facility Improvements Project. Langerman moved to approve Resolution #2023-133 Resolution finally approving and confirming plans, specifications, form of contract and estimate of cost for the Wastewater Treatment Facility Improvements Project. Seconded by Yeoman, roll call unanimous.
Shannon Poe, 920 West First Street advised ambulance staff and volunteers were present to show support of hiring an ambulance director and were present to support action of the Council, however hope it is soon. Peach advised they appreciate their service to the community. No action was taken.
Farnum reported Alliant and Black Hills called him regarding their markers, which some of them are required by Federal law. He assured them previous discussion was on the new fiber optic line markers and both have offered to assist City in drafting the new Right of Way permit. Goedken understands that dead ends need markers but questioned why they could not be placed next to other boxes in the area. Goedken advised residents on North Sycamore that are being assessed for the new driveway approaches, feel their entire driveway approach should be replaced and not the two-foot square. Brighton moved to allow any existing markers, including Gas and Electric markers, to remain and to not allow any above ground fiber optic location markers to be installed. Langerman seconded, roll call unanimous
Peach moved to approve Resolution #2023-134 setting the date for the sale of General Obligation Corporate Purpose Bonds, Series 2023 and authorizing the use of a preliminary official statement in connection therewith, seconded by Brighton, roll call unanimous.
Langerman moved to approve Resolution #2023-135 Approving FY 2022-2023 Annual Urban Renewal Report. Yeoman seconded, roll call unanimous.
Yeoman moved to approve Resolution #2023-136 Acknowledging Certificate of substantial completion with regard to the Monticello Airport Taxiway Connector project, Langerman seconded, roll call unanimous.
Brighton moved to approve Resolution #2023-137 To approve the hiring of four Monticello Ambulance On-Call Service Members and setting wage, Langerman seconded, roll call unanimous.
Farnum gave an update on what projects engineers are working on. North Chestnut Street, engineers are planning a January 2024 bid letting. The Sixth Street Ditch project has been submitted to the Corps of Engineers (COE) for approval. They will continue to work with the COE on permitting this project. The East First Street project is sidewalk only which is not funded. The City will need to look at a short-term loan to fund this project, which the engineers are looking to bid in February or March of 2024. Water Tower Painting project budget figures have been a challenge, as most of the contractors are asking for a copy of the latest tank inspection report. Viking Industrial Painting will perform this inspection in early October. The inspection will provide an accurate account of the most economical method for cleaning or sandblasting the tower. If the tower needs to be sandblasted, it will cost about $100,000 more.
Farnum met with Jennifer Husman from Jones County Safe and Healthy Youth Coalition on vaping regulations, along with Brian Jaeger with Monticello Community Schools, Wayne Peach, Sally Hinrichsen and Britt Smith.
Farnum, along with Hinrichsen and Matt Stoffel with PFM, and felt conference call went well and City would get a good bond rating.
Farnum advised he was asked if the City would allow 50/50 funds to have two ash trees removed from the 6th Street ditch. This is not in the section of the ditch project. Council asked for a cost proposal and more details.
Farnum advised he was working with Lead Paramedic, Lori Lynch to update the GEMT agreement. This agreement pays the difference between the City costs and what Medicare pays.
Farnum advised Park & Rec Director Jacob Oswald wanted to invite the Council to attend a strategic planning session for Parks and Rec on October 17, 2023 from 5:30 to 8:30 PM at the Innovation Lab.
Brehm reported on the various activities happening at the Library this month.
Peach moved, Yeoman seconded to go into closed session pursuant to Iowa Code 21.5 (1)(i) to To evaluate the professional competency of an individual whose appointment, hiring, performance or discharge is being considered when necessary to prevent needless and irreparable injury to that individual’s reputation and that individual requests a closed session. Roll call unanimous.
Brighton moved, Langerman seconded to return to open session. Roll call unanimous. Brighton moved, Langerman seconded directing City Administrator to proceed as discussed and prepare required documents for the next Council meeting. Roll call vote unanimous.
Peach moved to adjourn the meeting at 7:10 P.M.
David Goedken, Mayor
Sally Hinrichsen, City Clerk/Treasurer