Regular Council Meeting – Official
September 3, 2019 – 6:00 P.M.
Community Media Center
Mayor Brian Wolken called the meeting to order. Council present: Dave Goedken, Rob Paulson, Candy Langerman, Chris Lux and Tom Yeoman. Also present were City Administrator Doug Herman, City Clerk Sally Hinrichsen, Public Works Director Nick Kahler, Police Chief Britt Smith and City Engineer Patrick Schwickerath. Council member Brenda Hanken arrived later in the meeting.
Yeoman moved to approve the agenda, Langerman seconded, roll call unanimous.
During Open Forum, Steve Hanken, 823 South Main, commented on the fact that Norm Zimmerman has not commenced construction at 224 N. Chestnut Street as agreed. Brenda Hanken arrived to meeting.
Yeoman moved to remove Northside liquor license from the consent agenda to be considered separately, Goedken seconded, roll call unanimous.
Goedken moved to approve the consent agenda as amended, Yeoman seconded, roll call unanimous.
Yeoman moved to approve Northside Bar liquor license, Goedken seconded. Smith reported that police were denied assess by owner Debbie Wells behind the bar area to conduct a physical examination of the bar service area to investigate a complaint that the bartender was suspected of possessing and being under the influence of a controlled substance, in July 2019. A condition of the liquor license required license holders to permit access by law enforcement officers during business hours for inspection. This failure to comply was reported to the Iowa Alcoholic Beverages Division. Smith reported that Iowa Alcoholic Beverages Division had or would be issuing a 7 day license revocation and $1,000 fine to Debbie Wells. Yeoman moved to table Northside Bar liquor license until the next meeting to allow Herman and Smith time to check into various options for Council to take, Langerman seconded, roll call unanimous.
Herman reported Fire Department received two bids for a Tanker truck and Fire Chief Don McCarthy recommended purchasing the new tanker from Toyne, Inc with a low bid of $333,984.71. Fire Department have funds in their set-a-side to purchase the truck. Herman reviewed calculations prepared by Hinrichsen to compare estimated interest earnings on the set aside funds against discounts offered by Toyne for prepayment of some or all of the cost. After discussion it was determined that the potential cost savings would be minimal and uncertain. Goedken moved to approve Resolution #19-119 to accept bids related to Fire Truck purchase and to approve purchase of Fire Truck from Toyne, Inc, paying for the truck upon delivery, seconded by Langerman, roll call unanimous.
Herman reviewed two bid proposals the potential sale of City owned property off of Diamond Drive adjacent to Jaycee /Kleinow fields. Herman explained that a public hearing was required before City property could be sold. Alice Brighton, an interested purchaser, explained what she believed to be the history of the City property. Steve Hanken suggested that the City may experience drainage damage to Diamond Drive if a home were built. Hanken went on to state “How many houses we got in this town that ought to be burnt down and rebuilt? You’re building a brand-new street on a street that has a lot of houses…take a match”. Ira Johnson, 603 N Birch Street, also commented on the proposed sale. Goedken moved to approve Resolution #19-120 to schedule Public Hearing on proposed Sale of City owned property located adjacent to Jaycee /Kleinow fields, Langerman seconded, roll call unanimous. Public hearing will be held on October 7, 2019 at 6 PM.
Herman reported Bud Johnson had requested permission to move forward with the Pickle Ball court concrete installation this fall, based upon his offer to cover costs of concrete and shelter installation with the City cost to not exceed $12,000. Lux moved to approve Resolution #19-121 Approving commencement of Pickle Ball Courts construction in fall of 2019, Goedken seconded, roll call unanimous.
Yeoman moved to approve Resolution #19-122 Approving Plat of Survey to Parcel 2019-61, located in the two-mile jurisdiction of the City of Monticello, Goedken seconded, roll call unanimous.
Goedken moved to approve Resolution #19-123 Approving Plat of Survey to Parcels 2019-57 & 2019-58, Langerman seconded, roll call unanimous. Herman reported that Parcel 2019-57 is home to the original Koob Garage and Parcel 2019-58 is home to the newer Koob building. He reported that the Parcels were created so Steve Koob could sell the original building while maintaining ownership of the newer building.
Herman reviewed proposed change order for the Community Building Clock Tower siding project, in a reduced amount of $2,880.00. Langerman moved to approve Resolution #19-124 Accepting Change Order #1 Related to Community Building Clock Tower siding project, Lux seconded, roll call unanimous.
Herman reported that two bids were receive for the 2007 Sterling garbage truck with the high bid of $32,101, being received from Elliot Equipment. Yeoman moved to approve Resolution #19-125 Approving sale of City owned Garbage Truck, Lux seconded, roll call unanimous.
Herman reviewed Sheldon Hunter’s building permit for 115 East First Street, which is located in the fire zone and the City codes related to “Fire Zone” and “Design Standards” as they apply to this project. Herman stated Hunter proposes to close in in a portion of the window openings to provide more support for the building frontage. After much discussion, Herman questioned if Council would agree to spend money on a structural engineer inspection before making a final decision. Yeoman moved to approve Resolution #19-126 to approve hiring a building structural engineer to inspect the condition of the store front located at 115 East First Street, with a not to exceed amount of $500, Goedken seconded, roll call unanimous.
Herman reviewed Jack and Karen Ross’ building permit associated with a fence installation project and explained that they have not been able to garner the neighbor’s signature as required. The Ross property was previously surveyed and based thereon the Council may grant the building permit giving notice to the neighbor of an opportunity to obtain a second survey. Steve Hanken commented that he visited with Bill Cooper and was told that he cemented in lot pins that did not agree with the all pin locations noted by the survey relied upon by Ross. Hanken also suggested that Cooper believed that someone had recently installed pins. Herman stated the lot was surveyed by Brain Engineering in 2005 and Cooper was sent a letter telling him of the survey results and was asked to contact him if he disagreed. Herman also indicated that many of the facts asserted by Hanken were not accurate based upon his knowledge of the parcel and related litigation. Yeoman moved to approve Resolution #19-127 to approve building permit to build a fence by Karen and Jack Ross and directing City Administrator to put adjacent property owners on notice, Goedken seconded, roll call unanimous.
Langerman moved to approve Resolution 19-128 Approving Pay Request #5 from Horsfield Construction related to North Sycamore Street Reconstruction Project in the amount of $189,346.28, Lux seconded, roll call unanimous.
Schwickerath updated the Council on the North Sycamore Street Reconstruction Project progress.
Kahler reported they are working on trimming trees and there are a few trees that need to come down. They are also working to replace street signs as needed.
Kahler reported Heiar Fencing is installing the fencing at the Compost Site. Lights and some cameras have been installed and a sign will need to be completed and posted. He hopes to start hauling the City brush pile to the site next week and be open to the public by the end of the month. Council discussed what hours the site should be open with no consensus.
Herman reported the Board of Adjustment met to discuss Randy Steiner’s request to amend a previously granted variance. The Board previously granted a variance to allow for the construction of a commercial building and Steiner now requests permission to build a primary residence shed combination or “Shouse”. The Board of Adjustment denied the amended variance request. Herman reported the Board of Adjustment discussed a similar request from Jake Schilling. The Schilling property is located to the west of homes that face North Cedar Street and north of 200 West Seventh Street. The Board of Adjustment denied Schilling’s request for a variance to build a “Shouse” or shed/house on the lot. The Board may consider a request to build a commercial building if and when Schilling has legal access to the property. Gary Pratt, a member of the Board of Adjustment noted that the City code requires that the drive to the properties be hard surfaced. Pratt also stated he did not participate in the discussions nor did he vote on the variance requests due to a familial relationship with Schilling.
Wolken reported the Park and Rec Department had a big weekend, with the softball tournament and a “pool pawty” for dogs at the Aquatic Center.
Smith reported on the traffic safety stop that was conducted last month, where they stopped every third car for safety inspection, stopping approximately 60 cars in total. There were three arrests related to the possession of controlled substances, with a few other tickets being issued and 25 warnings. The County Attorney was present and informed Herman that it went very well and was very organized.
Council took a short break before reconvening to hold a work session on forms of government options for the City, 6th Street ditch and Employee Handbook / Employee Benefits. No action was taken on these items.
Langerman move to adjourn at 8:37 P.M.
Brian Wolken, Mayor
Sally Hinrichsen, City Clerk