Regular Council Meeting
October 7, 2024, 6:00 P.M.
Community Media Center
Mayor Wayne Peach and Councilmembers Josh Brenneman, Dave Goedken, Candy Langerman, Mary Phelan, and Scott Brighton met at the Public Works facility located at 22059 Hwy 38 N to tour the facility prior to the Council meeting. Also present were City Clerk Sally Hinrichsen and Public Works Director Nick Kahler. No action was taken.
Mayor Wayne Peach called the meeting to order. Council present were: Josh Brenneman, Dave Goedken, Candy Langerman, Mary Phelan, and Scott Brighton. Also present were City Administrator Russell Farnum, City Clerk Sally Hinrichsen, Library Director Faith Brehm, Public Works Director Nick Kahler, Ambulance Director Lori Lynch, and Water/ Wastewater Supt. Jim Tjaden. Council Member Jake Ellwood arrived during the meeting. 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; Brenneman seconded, roll call was unanimous.
Phelan moved to approve the consent agenda; Brighton seconded. Roll call was unanimous.
City Engineer filed the final assessment schedule covering the N. Chestnut Street Reconstruction Project. Langerman moved to approve Resolution #2024-140 Adopting Final Assessment Schedule for the N. Chestnut Street Reconstruction Project and Amending, Confirming and Levying the Assessments, Goedken seconded. Roll call was unanimous.
Goedken moved to approve Resolution #2024-141 Approving FY 2023-2024 Annual Urban Renewal Report, Brighton seconded. Roll call was unanimous.
Goedken moved to approve Resolution #2024-142 Approving the use of Tax Increment Financing receipts to cover a portion of the professional fees invoiced by Dorsey & Whitney LLP, the City’s bond counsel, in relation to the N. Chestnut Street Reconstruction Bond Issue, Brenneman seconded. Roll call was unanimous.
Langerman moved to approve Resolution #2024-143 Approving an agreement for the leasing, assignment, or sale of existing dark fiber located in the City of Monticello right of way by Interstate Power and Light Company, Goedken seconded. Roll call was unanimous.
Langerman moved to approve Resolution #2024-144 Approving revised quote for replacement security cameras at Monticello Municipal Airport from Infrastructure Technology Solutions, LLC, Monticello Iowa in the amount of $11,633.95, Brighton seconded. Roll call was unanimous.
Langerman moved to approve Resolution #2024-145 Adopting Salary for the Ambulance Director, Brenneman seconded. Roll call was unanimous.
Goedken moved to approve Resolution #2024-146 Approving Extension For Contract For Solid Waste Commercial Dumpster Unit Collection & Disposal Services, Brighton seconded. Roll call was unanimous.
Goedken moved to approve Resolution #2024-147 Approving Extension for Solid Waste Collection and Disposal and Recycling Collection Services, Langerman seconded. Roll call was unanimous.
Goedken moved to approve Resolution #2024-148 Adopting the City of Monticello Employee Handbook, Brenneman seconded. Roll call was unanimous.
Peach discussed items for the Council to consider regarding setting the goals and how it could affect the City long term.
Farnum reported attending a Main Street meeting in Ottumwa on downtown development, with Monticello Main Street Director Brian Wolken.
Farnum continues to work with the developers for Northridge Development and Stephen Development.
Farnum reported the Parks Department is planning a trail cleanup project next week, if anyone is available to assist.
Farnum advised the pool painting has been completed.
Farnum reported on November 10th the Parks Department will be working on the area for the proposed Outdoor Adventure Bike Park, behind Dollar Fresh. Contact the Park Department if you are interested in helping.
Farnum reported the new officer started on September 23rd and Police Chief Britt Smith is planning to introduce him to the Council at the next meeting.
Lynch reported the ambulance call numbers are higher. The truck committee is finalizing the proposed new ambulance plans for Council review and approval.
Hinrichsen reported the State has completed the City’s annual audit on-site. They will be working to complete the audit report from their office.
Kahler advised that leaf pickup has started and reminded residents not to rake leaves into the street , but to place them along the curb.
Tjaden reported Eastern Iowa completed the work to fix the leaking water valves. He gave a brief update on the wastewater treatment facility project.
Brehm advised the seed library has closed for this year and they are looking for seeds for next year.
Brehm reported the Library is looking into providing Kanopy service, which is a streaming service for libraries. It allows anyone with a library card to access their catalog of over 31,000 films, TV series, documentaries, independent films and world cinema right from home. Council member Jake Ellwood arrived to the meeting.
Council held a work session on goal setting. At the work session, Council decided that each Council member should compile their top ten goals to work on from the list and one they want to wait on. Council to forward their list to Farnum who will compile for the next meeting. No action was taken.
Council held a work session on the Urban Revitalization area. Farnum gave an overview of the Urban Revitalization process and what to consider when working on updating. No action was taken.
Langerman moved, Brighton seconded to go into closed session to discuss strategy with counsel in matters involving litigation pursuant to Iowa Code 21.5 (1)(c). Roll call unanimous.
Goedken moved, Ellwood seconded to return to open session. Roll call unanimous. Mayor announced that City Attorney Doug Herman will proceed as discussed in closed session.
Brighton moved to adjourn the meeting at 7:55 P.M.
Wayne Peach, Mayor
Sally Hinrichsen, City Clerk/Treasurer