Regular Council Meeting – Official
September 18, 2017 – 6:00 P.M.
Community Media Center
Mayor Dena Himes called the meeting to order. Council present: Dave Goedken, Brian Wolken, Rob Paulson, Johnny Russ and Tom Yeoman. Also present were City Administrator Doug Herman, Deputy City Clerk Cheryl Clark, Public Works Director Brant LaGrange and Police Chief Britt Smith. Council member Chris Lux arrived later in the meeting.
Herman noted that the agenda was posted with the addition of Item 5(a); however, the packets were sent out prior to the addition. Yeoman moved to approve the agenda, Russ seconded, roll call unanimous.
Renee and Chad Adams were present during Open Forum to discuss the hog barn they plan to construct on a piece of land they purchased along Highway 38 North. Council member Chris Lux arrived. Herman stated that the proposed construction is within the 2-mile jurisdiction of Monticello, so it will go before Planning & Zoning within the next week or so, then to Council for official action on October 2nd. Herman stated that it’s not likely that the City will expand that direction and Council agreed with that sentiment.
Russ moved to approve the consent agenda, Wolken seconded, roll call unanimous.
Mayor Himes opened the public hearing on the proposed amendment to the Electric Franchise Agreement. Herman reported that Alliant has no justification to take the administrative fee any longer, so it will be reduced to zero. No public comments were received, and City Staff reported that they had not received any oral or written comments. Mayor Himes closed the public hearing. Wolken moved to suspend the requirement that a proposed ordinance be considered and voted on for passage at two prior meetings prior to the meeting at which it is to be finally acted upon, as provided by Section 380.3 of the Code of Iowa, and place Ordinance #706 to Amend the Electric Franchise Agreement upon final passage, Paulson seconded, roll call unanimous.
Yeoman moved to approve Resolution #17-105 to approve payment of retainage to B & J Hauling and Excavating related to 10 T Hangar grading and paving project, Goedken seconded, roll call unanimous.
Goedken moved to approve Resolution #17-106 to approve partial abatement of South Street Assessments for Kalvin Zimmerman and Michael Elkin, Russ seconded, roll call unanimous.
Council heard from parties interested in purchasing and redeveloping the City owned property located at 224 N. Chestnut Street. After much discussion, Russ moved to approve Resolution #17-107 to approve proposal related to City owned lot located at 224 N. Chestnut Street and to direct staff to negotiate an agreement with Norm Zimmerman, Goedken seconded. Ayes: Russ, Goedken and Yeoman. Nays: Wolken, Paulsen and Lux. Consensus of the Council was to place the item on the next agenda for additional consideration.
Yeoman moved to approve Resolution #17-108 to approve Urban Chicken Permit Application and related fees, Russ seconded, roll call unanimous.
Yeoman moved to approve Resolution #17-109 to schedule Public Hearing on consideration of Development Agreement between City of Monticello and B & J Hauling & Excavation, Inc., Russ seconded, roll call unanimous. Public Hearing is set for October 2, 2017 at 6 PM.
Smith recommended enacting the business district speed limit of 20 miles per hour on South Cedar Street from First Street to Washington Street. Goedken introduced and moved Ordinance #707 amending Monticello Code of Ordinances 63.01 Re: Speed Limits, first reading and in title only, Russ seconded, Roll call unanimous.
Herman reported that there will be Urban Chicken Training on October 12, 2017.
Herman is working with the Extension Office to set up a meeting with Mike Felton and a Master Gardener in regard to the significant growth of milkweed in his yard. Wolken stated that he spoke with representatives from the Dubuque Arboretum and Mines of Spain who stated that they may be willing to help if a Master Gardener is unavailable.
Herman reported that he has been made aware of discussions related to the center turn lane painted arrows on South Main Street. Even though it appears that the turning arrows shouldn’t be pointing westward in the Oak/Main area, if it is a turning lane, both arrow directions are required.
LaGrange stated that the contractor was supposed to be back to finish up South Main Street last Thursday but they haven’t returned yet. He will contact them to determine their plan and estimated completion date.
Herman generally discussed the written engineer’s report that was provided to the City Council.
Herman reported that Dave Lumpa was penalized $5,000 but that $4,250 was suspended, contingent upon him coming into full compliance with City requirements related to a rear yard fence and nuisance issues related to his rear yard within ninety (90) days. Herman has been directed to file a progress report with the Court every 30 days. If Lumpa fails to come into compliance, the Court may impose the suspended portion of the penalty.
Herman reported that after withholding rent during the water tower project, ComElec paid when questioned about it and they are totally up to date at this time.
Herman met with Jared Lasley, REM Electric, about library lot lighting and Lasley will have a lighting supplier here late this week to look at options. Kaye Junion, 245 North Arminda Avenue, indicated that she fell in that area last year and that it was very dark.
Wolken moved to take a five minute recess, then go into closed session under §21.5(1)(i) of the Iowa Code to “evaluate the professional competency of an individual whose appointment, hiring, performance, or discharge is being considered when necessary to prevent irreparable injury to that individual’s reputation and that individual requests a closed session, Russ seconded. Ayes: Wolken, Russ, Lux, Yeoman, Goedken and Paulson. Nays: None. Carried.
Russ moved, Wolken seconded to end the closed session and return to open session. Ayes: Russ, Wolken, Yeoman, Goedken, Paulson and Lux. Nays: None. Carried. Herman was directed to proceed as discussed.
Russ moved to adjourn the Council meeting at 7:56 P.M., roll call vote unanimous.
Dena Himes, Mayor
Cheryl Clark, Deputy City Clerk