Regular Council Meeting
September 21, 2020 – 6:00 P.M.
Community Media Center
Mayor Brian Wolken called the meeting to order. Council present: Dave Goedken, Brenda Hanken, Candy Langerman, Chris Lux and Tom Yeoman. Also present were City Administrator Doug Herman, City Clerk Sally Hinrichsen, Public Works Director Nick Kahler and Police Chief Britt Smith. 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, Langerman seconded, roll call unanimous.
Langerman moved to approve the consent agenda, Yeoman seconded, roll call unanimous.
Herman reviewed the terms of the T & W Grinding and Compost Services, LLC agreement related to the City Compost site with the term of three years for $30,000 per year. Yeoman moved to approve Resolution #2020-97 to approve agreement between the City of Monticello and T & W Grinding and Compost Services, LLC related to City Compost site maintenance, Langerman seconded, roll call unanimous.
Herman reviewed the Cemetery Board’s recommendation that the prices of the niches to be sold from this point forward be modified to only include the niche plate and installation; with the price of the scroll and final date ribbons to be determined and billed at the time the final scroll and final date are ordered. Lux moved to approve Resolution #2020-98 to approve proposed fees related to Cemetery Columbarium Niches, Goedken seconded, roll call unanimous.
Herman reviewed the process to fill the vacancy of Ward 1 created by Gary Feldmann’s resignation. Council has 60 days from his resignation to appoint someone to fill the position or Clerk will advise County Auditor and a special election will be held. The earliest a special election could be held is December 8th. Herman recommends publication of notice in the Express of the Council’s intent to fill the vacancy by appointment at the October 5th meeting. Herman reported that the person appointed would be on the November, 2021 ballot. Langerman moved to approve Resolution #2020-99 Approving Publication of Notice expressing Council intent to appoint a Ward 1 resident to fill the vacancy created by the resignation of Gary Feldmann pursuant to Iowa Code §372.13(2)(a), Goedken seconded, roll call unanimous.
Herman reviewed the water and sewer budgets for the current year and the previous 4 years. With an $8 to $10 million-dollar upgrade project at the wastewater treatment plant, potential rates increases were discussed, which have not been increased since July 1, 2015. Herman reviewed bonding options, potential grants, and rate increases that could all be utilized to fund the planned improvements. After a lengthy discussion, Langerman moved to table Ordinance amending the Code of Ordinances of the City of Monticello, Iowa by amending Chapter 92 “Water Rates”, Section 92.02 “Rates for Services”, Hanken seconded, roll call unanimous.
Langerman moved to table Ordinance amending the Code of Ordinances of the City of Monticello, Iowa by amending Chapter 99 “Sewer Service Charges”, Section 99.01 “Sewer Service Charges Required”, Goedken seconded, roll call unanimous.
Council had proposed a $2.00 per month per utility account fee to operate the compost site. Goedken introduced and 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”, first reading and in title only, Lux seconded, roll call unanimous except Hanken who voted nay.
Herman updated the Council on the Hwy 38 sewer main extension and reported that he advised Norm Zimmerman that he would be allowed to put in a 6-inch private service line at his cost and that any easements or other legal work would fall on Zimmerman, not the City.
Herman advised that the Mayor would like to be replaced as a member of the JCED Board. Any resident is eligible and should contact the City if interested.
Langerman moved to adjourn at 7:33 P.M.
Brian Wolken, Mayor
Sally Hinrichsen, City Clerk