Regular Council Meeting
September 6, 2022 – 6:00 P.M.
Community Media Center
Mayor Dave Goedken called the meeting to order. Council present were: Brenda Hanken, Scott Brighton, Candy Langerman, Chris Lux and Tom Yeoman. Council member Wayne Peach joined electronically. Also present were City Administrator Russell Farnum, City Clerk Sally Hinrichsen, Park & Rec Director Jacob Oswald, 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.
Langerman moved to approve agenda, removing item 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, Hanken seconded, roll call unanimous.
Bud Coyle, 515 North Sycamore, inquired on Cemetery upkeep and felt one person is not enough to keep up with the mowing and weed trimming. Kahler stated Public Works staff plans to help with that on Wednesday this week.
Keith and Jan Tackett, property owners of 532 North Cedar inquired what plans were for the Sixth Street ditch. The ditch as become wider with the additional water flowing through it. City removed trees and weeds on the City lot along the ditch and would like to see City do that along more of the ditch. Farnum advised he is looking at a work session in October 2022 and is meeting with engineer to see where the project stands. He is also looking into funding options for the proposed project.
Yeoman moved to approve the consent agenda, Langerman seconded, roll call unanimous.
Mayor Goedken opened the public hearing on the proposed Derek Manternach dba Manternach Custom Creations (the “Developer”) Development Agreement. Staff received no written comments and there were no oral comments. Farnum reported Derek Manternach dba Manternach Custom Creations plans to build a 4,000 square foot custom cabinetry and furniture manufacturing facility and has requested rebates, which were agreed to, at a not to exceed $55,000 over a 10-year period. The two public hearings are needed, one to approve the developer’s agreement and then another to add project to the TIF plan. Mayor Goedken closed the hearing on the proposed Derek Manternach dba Manternach Custom Creations (the “Developer”) Development Agreement. Langerman moved to approve Resolution #2022-103 To Approve Development Agreement between City of Monticello and Derek Manternach dba Manternach Custom Creations, Lux seconded, roll call unanimous.
Mayor Goedken opened the public hearing on the proposed designation of Amended Monticello Urban Renewal Plan to include Derek Manternach dba Manternach Custom Creations (the “Developer”) Project. Staff received no written comments and there were no oral comments. Mayor Goedken closed the hearing on the proposed designation of Amended Monticello Urban Renewal Plan to include Derek Manternach dba Manternach Custom Creations (the “Developer”). Langerman moved to approve Resolution #2022-104 To Approve Amendment to Urban Renewal to include Development Agreement and Economic Incentives to Derek Manternach dba Manternach Custom Creations, Brighton seconded, roll call unanimous.
Hinrichsen reported this is a summary report for the IDOT on street related projects for fiscal year 2022. Yeoman moved to approve Resolution #2022-105 approving the FY 2021-2022 Street Finance Report, Hanken seconded, roll call unanimous.
Lux moved to approve Resolution #2022-106 to approve standard Residential Tax Abatement related to property located at 755 North Maple, Monticello, Langerman seconded, roll call unanimous.
Yeoman moved to approve Resolution #2022-107 approving engagement letter with Lynch Dallas, P.C./Douglas Herman related to role as legal services attorney for the USDA financing for the Wastewater Treatment Plant Improvement Project, Lux seconded, roll call unanimous.
Smith reported there seven police officer applicants, three were certified and four were non-certified. All were excellent candidates, after careful consideration, he offered the position to Blaine Kamp. Kamp previously served 27 years with the Iowa State Patrol and retired in August. Kamp recently relocated to Monticello with his wife due to her position at Jones Regional Medical Center. Langerman moved to approve Resolution #2022-108 to approve the hiring of a Monticello Police Officer and setting wage, Peach seconded, roll call unanimous.
Hanken moved to schedule Trick or Treat Night and hours for Monday, October 31, 2022 from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM, seconded by Langerman, roll call unanimous.
Oswald stated two bids were received for the GMC Canyon pickup. Yeoman moved to accept the bid from Jim Eby in the amount of $555.00, Brighton seconded, roll call unanimous.
Goedken inquired on status of the lighting at the “Park and Ride” park. Kahler advised he received one quote from Alliant and they are putting a quote together for the north end. He also looked into solar lighting, which is more expensive and requires batteries. Goedken cleaned park area and wondered about removing the posts, as several are broken off and many are in bad shape and asked Council to look at area prior to next meeting.
Farnum reported the airport taxiway pre-construction meeting was held last week and construction will start soon. The City work is done and Alliant will install their equipment, once crops are harvested.
Chamber of Commerce is looking into lighting options for Pocket Park and working with City.
Farnum is reviewing plans and funding options with City Engineer, related to the Sixth Street ditch.
Farnum reported the Main Street committee is having an event on Wednesday, September 14 at 5:30 PM at the Monticello Heritage Center for public input related to the Main Street Program. They are having an event for Council and City staff on Thursday, September 15 at 10:30 AM related to the Main Street Program.
Farnum reported the Monti In Motion car show will be held next weekend.
Farnum reported Colin Husmann contacted Clerk’s Office regarding the Emerald Ash trees and having to remove the trees. Farnum stated no one wants to cut down trees; however, even the treated trees are dying. Oswald stated last year’s tree survey showed City owned 211 Ash trees.
Farnum reported Horsfield Construction is working on the sidewalks on North Sycamore and they appear to be installed as designed. They are adding drainage tube with the upgraded design.
Hinrichsen reported working on fiscal year-end reports, such as GASB 87 and Street Finance Report.
Kahler reported there is a lot of compost and wood chips at the yard waste site. DNR does not allow the City to sell the compost or wood chips, but could charge a delivery fee. Anyone is welcome to get compost or chips, not just the residents.
Smith received informal complaints about parking on South Linden Street and requesting the section of South Linden be limited to parking on one side of the street. Yeoman moved to direct staff to proceed with changing South Linden Street to no parking on the East side of the street, Langerman seconded, roll call unanimous.
Smith announced the Austin Smith Playground ribbon cutting will be held on September 8, 2022.
Oswald reported there was just over 200 ducks in the Duck Drop held on September 5, 2022. The 5th Annual Pool Pawty had 111 canines attend. Fall registrations are open.
Peach moved to adjourn the meeting at 6:53 p.m.
David Goedken, Mayor
Sally Hinrichsen, City Clerk/Treasurer