Regular Council Meeting
September 5, 2023 – 6:00 P.M.
Community Media Center
Mayor David Goedken called the meeting to order. Council present were: Candy Langerman, Wayne Peach, Scott Brighton, Tom Yeoman and Brenda Hanken. Also present were City Administrator Russell Farnum, City Clerk Sally Hinrichsen, Water /Wastewater Superintendent Jim Tjaden, Library Director Faith Brehm, Park and Rec Director Jacob Oswald, Police Chief Britt Smith, and Public Works Director Nick Kahler. Council member Chris Lux was absent. 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.
Yeoman moved to approve the agenda, moving item #5 to first item. Peach seconded, roll call was unanimous.
Jacki Jacobs, 205 North Chestnut, voiced concerns on the work the cable companies are doing in town and felt they are doing a terrible job. She is also upset about the 3-foot pole put in her yard, which she was advised was needed to locate the cable line. Mayor Goedken felt it was uncalled for to have the poles above ground and objected to having around 200 of them around town, with some located by curb and others by the sidewalk. Ben McDermott, with Cascade Communications, advised if their contractor damaged property, they will go back and will work with the property owners. McDermott advised the orange markers, are to locate the station when the ground is frozen or covered with snow. Goedken advised Comelec installed some of the green boxes on private property and not in the right-of-way. Brighton felt the contractor needs to be made aware that they should not install any more orange markers.
Brian Wolken, 321 East Third, stated the City needs the cable fiber in town and similar work was done a few years ago to run fiber to the fairgrounds. At that time, he didn’t like the orange poles but now he doesn’t notice them as much.
Steve Hanken, 823 South Main, felt the gravel being used is crazy. It needs to be in the holes and not all over the roadways, sidewalks and grass. He doesn’t want a mess in his yard from them installing cable.
Peach moved to approve the consent agenda, Langerman seconded, roll call was unanimous.
Farnum advised P & Z Board met and recommended approval of the Theisen’s site plan, with the conditions in the resolution and adding four (4) trees on Maple Street frontage. Chris Thiesen and their contractor were present at the meeting. Chris Theisen felt there was a good working relationship with Farnum, city staff and P & Z Board. They are hoping to close on the school property by the end of this month. Langerman moved to approve Resolution #2023-123 ToApprove Theisen’s Home Farm Auto Site Plan, Hanken seconded, roll call unanimous.
Peach moved to approve Resolution #2023-122 Approving and Levying an Assessment for 402 South Linden Street for Sidewalk Repairs, at the interest rate of 4%, seconded by Langerman, roll call unanimous.
Yeoman moved to approve Resolution #2023-124 Approving Plat of Survey to Parcel 2023-20 for Property at 21993 Business Highway 151. Brighton seconded, roll call unanimous.
Langerman moved to approve Resolution #2023-125 To approve the hiring a Monticello Ambulance Full-Time Paramedic and a Monticello Ambulance Part-Time Paramedic and setting wage, Hanken seconded, roll call unanimous.
Oswald stated the Monticello School has an On-the-Job Training program, which is paid positions for students to do, working up to 15 hours per week. Langerman moved to approve Resolution #2023-126 To approve hiring an On-the-Job Training/Seasonal PT employee for Public Works/Parks and Rec and setting wage, Yeoman seconded, roll call was all ayes, except Hanken who voted nay.
Langerman moved to schedule Trick or Treat Night and hours for Tuesday, October 31, 2023 from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM, seconded by Brighton, roll call was all ayes, except Hanken who voted nay.
Kahler advised that both Cascade Communications and Comelec are hydro boring with a lot of holes in the streets and sidewalks around town. Kahler asked both contractors to stop patching the holes until Council discussed and they agreed to do what the Council requests. Ben McDermott advised that they usually pin the concrete and have a one year warranty. McDermott felt it was a waste of good concrete to require a 8’ X 8’ panel be removed. After much discussion, Hanken moved to require compaction of the hole, with a minimum 2’ X 2’ square be replaced for each hole cut, with either fiberglass or epoxy rods on all four sides. Work is to be inspected by Kahler prior to pouring the concrete. Langerman seconded, roll call unanimous.
After discussion of the school Homecoming parade at 6:00 PM and events that follow on September 18th, Brighton moved to move the September 18th Council meeting to Tuesday, September 19th at 6:00 PM, so they could support the school. Hanken seconded, roll call unanimous.
Goedken advised he received numerous calls on the cable installation and people are not happy.
Farnum advised the airport project is near completion and the Theisen’s project is one step closer to being completed.
Farnum advised that Oswald received the Iowa Foundation for Park & Recreation Fellowship Award and they will pay up to $2,000 for his travel, lodging and conference registration for the National Park and Recreation Conference in Dallas, Texas, in October.
Tjaden reported the water valve located at 5th and Gill Streets is leaking and was looking for direction on possibly replacing the fire hydrant. The water main at the top of Gill Street hill is a 8-inch main, then goes to 6-inch and then to a 4-inch main where the fire hydrant is located. They no longer make a two-hole fire hydrant to replace the existing hydrant. They could install a fire hydrant with a steamer (5-inch opening), however they would not be able to use it, as the water main is only a 4-inch main. Tjaden will look into options and bring back to Council.
Oswald advised it was a very busy pool season this year, with the hot dry weather. Fall sports have started. Trees are in and September 16th will be the tree planting day. Monti In Motion will be held on September 17th.
Brehm advised they have 4 new volunteers to shelf books, which frees up a lot of time for the staff to do other things. Brehm reported on other upcoming activities at the library.
Kahler advised Pelling was in town and did the sealcoating. They will be leaving the rock for about 4 weeks to be sure it is set well before sweeping up the rock. They are working on the leaf vac to prepare for leaf pickup. The manhole is completed at 6th and Pine Streets; however, the street will be repaired next year.
Hanken questioned the manholes on Pine and Brook streets and Kahler and Tjaden will look to see if a riser could be put on to raise it up.
Peach moved, Brighton seconded to go into closed session pursuant to Iowa Code 21.5 (1)(j) to discuss the purchase of real estate where the premature disclosure could be reasonably expected to increase the price the City would have to pay for said property. Roll call unanimous.
Peach moved, Langerman seconded to return to open session. Roll call unanimous. Yeoman moved, Peach seconded to authorize City Administrator to pursue purchase of Real Estate consistent with the terms and provisions discussed and directed during closed session, with any counter-offers and/or final purchase to be subject to formal approval by the City Council upon final execution of the purchase agreement. Roll call vote unanimous.
Peach moved to adjourn the meeting at 7:32 P.M.
David Goedken, Mayor
Sally Hinrichsen, City Clerk/Treasurer