Regular Council Meeting
September 3, 2024, 6:00 P.M.
Community Media Center
Mayor Wayne Peach called the meeting to order. Council present were: Josh Brenneman, Dave Goedken, Candy Langerman, Mary Phelan, Jake Ellwood and Scott Brighton. Also present were City Administrator Russell Farnum, City Clerk Sally Hinrichsen, Library Director Faith Brehm, Park & Rec Director Jacob Oswald and City Engineer Colton Ingles. 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; Ellwood seconded, roll call was unanimous.
Brenneman moved to approve the consent agenda; Ellwood seconded. Roll call was unanimous.
Great Jones County Fair Manager, Lucas Gobeli gave a presentation on the proposed new ticket office building and main entrance at the Fairgrounds. Gobeli advised they were in the early design stage and will be doing a capital campaign to raise funds to construct the facility, which could take 1 to 2 years. Council felt the parking lot should also be redone at the same time.
Kara Burrack gave a presentation on the proposed Outdoor Adventure Bike Park, which would cater to all ages, from toddlers on run-bikes to seasoned riders. They are currently looking at the property east of Dollar Fresh and north of First Street. This 4.5-acre area would extend from the Willow Trail, featuring a tree canopy, lush greenery and a community orchard. The Friends of the Park would do the fundraising for this project. Consensus of the Council was in favor to continue with the planning and design for the proposed Outdoor Adventure Bike Park.
Brian Wolken, Director of Monticello Main Street reported Tim and Jill Flynn, of Flynn Studios, have purchased the “Duit” building at 119 E. 1st Street and are working with Monticello Main Street on applying for a state “Main Street Challenge” grant to help fund their renovation. In order to apply, they need a letter of support from the City. Part of the State funding will include a commitment to the project from the City. Wolken’s recommendation is that the City commit assistance of 10%, up to $25,000, to the project. Ellwood moved to approve Resolution #2024-127 Approving Submission of Letter of Support and Financial Commitment to the Main Street Iowa Challenge Grant Application, Langerman seconded. Roll call was unanimous.
Brighton moved to approve Resolution #2024-128 Approving Pay Request #4 to Bill Bruce Builders, Inc., Re: Wastewater Treatment Plant Improvement Project in the amount of $729,897.94, Brenneman seconded. Roll call was unanimous.
Langerman moved to approve Resolution #2024-129 Requesting Abatement of accrued Property Taxes on Property owned by the City of Monticello for public purposes within the city limits of the City of Monticello, Brenneman seconded. Roll call was unanimous.
Langerman moved to approve Resolution #2024-130 Approving quote for replacement security cameras at Monticello Municipal Airport from Infrastructure Technology Solutions, LLC, Monticello Iowa in the amount of $8,907.12, Phelan seconded. Roll call was unanimous.
Brenneman moved to approve Resolution #2024-131 Approving Preliminary and Final Plat for Elsie Park Second Addition, all in Jones County, Iowa, Goedken seconded. Roll call was unanimous.
Langerman moved to approve Resolution #2024-132 Approving Pay Request #4 to Eastern Iowa Excavating & Concrete, LLC, Re: N. Chestnut Street Reconstruction Project in the amount of $60,535.43, Brighton seconded. Roll call was unanimous.
Brenneman moved to approve Resolution #2024-133 Approving the hiring of a Monticello Full-Time Certified Police Officer and setting wage, Goedken seconded. Roll call was unanimous.
Brenneman moved to schedule Trick or Treat Night and hours for Thursday October 31, 2024 from 6:00 to 8:00 P.M. Ellwood seconded, roll call unanimous.
No action was taken on changing date or time of the September 16th Council meeting, as Homecoming Parade will be held on Wednesday this year.
Peach was contacted about the aesthetics of the cell towers that were placed on F&M Bank. He was contacted regarding traffic concerns at the intersection of Main Street and Welter Drive and is working on options with Police Chief Britt Smith.
Farnum reported that he was working on various issues including Sixth Street ditch Project and Republic’s request to renew contract to garbage services for 5 years.
Farnum stated Water/Wastewater Superintendent advised that the City lead line survey has been submitted to the DNR, as required by the EPA.
Farnum advised Police Chief Britt Smith and Public Work Director have been working on the stop lights at First and Cedar Streets. They replaced the camera and it appears to be working.
Hinrichsen reported receiving a complaint about a political sign on the City right of way. She reminded everyone with the elections coming up, that the political signs are not allowed on the City right of way. They may report signs in violation to the Police Department or City Hall and City staff will remove the signs.
Oswald reported the Friends of the Park grants are now available. These grants will be $100/kid to participate in Rec activities. Oswald reported receiving funding to purchase seed for the trail near the airport. Oswald reported they had 68 dogs at the 7th Annual Pool Pawty on September 2nd, and the pool is being drained.
Brehm reported on activities at Library including Fall Story Time, which will be held on Saturday mornings. Library is doing an intergenerational Storytime at Pennington Square on September 9th.
Ellwood moved to adjourn the meeting at 7:05 P.M.
Wayne Peach, Mayor
Sally Hinrichsen, City Clerk/Treasurer