Regular Council Meeting
April 20, 2026, 6:00 P.M.
Community Media Center
Mayor Jake Ellwood called the meeting to order. Council present were: Candy Langerman, Mary Phelan, Ben Duehr, Scott Brighton and Dave Goedken. Also present were City Administrator Russell Farnum, City Clerk Sally Hinrichsen, Water /Wastewater Superintendent Jim Tjaden, Library Director Faith Brehm, Parks and Rec Director Jacob Oswald, Public Works Director Nick Kahler, Police Chief Britt Smith and City Engineer Nick Eisenbacher. Council member Josh Brenneman 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.
Brighton moved to approve the agenda. Phelan seconded, roll call was unanimous.
Langerman moved to approve the consent agenda, Goedken seconded. Roll call was unanimous.
Mayor opened the public hearing on proposed Budget and Certification of City Taxes for Fiscal Year July 1, 2026 through June 30, 2027. No written comments were received. Brenda Hanken, 291 N Pine, questioned the fund balance page and was advised some funds are using cash on hand. No other oral comments were made. Mayor closed the public hearing. Phelan moved to approve Resolution #2026-66 Adoption of Budget and Certification of City Taxes for Fiscal Year July 1, 2026 through June 30, 2027, Langerman seconded. Roll call was unanimous.
Mayor opened the public hearing on theproposed discontinuation of the “Tree Board”. No written or oral comments were received. Mayor closed the public hearing. Brighton introduced and moved to approve Ordinance #788 Rescinding Chapter 27 “City Tree Board” of the Monticello Code of Ordinances in its’ entirety, first reading in title only. Phelan seconded. Roll call was unanimous.
Phelan moved to approve Resolution #2026-67 Approving Order Acknowledging Affirmative Defense related to tobacco sale violation at Hy-Vee Dollar Fresh, Langerman seconded. Roll call was unanimous.
Goedken moved to approve Resolution #2026-68 Approving Settlement Agreement related to tobacco sale violation at Casey’s 1889, Brighton seconded. Roll call was unanimous.
Goedken moved to approve Resolution #2026-69 Approving Settlement Agreement related to tobacco sale violation at Casey’s 5079. Duehr seconded. Roll call was unanimous.
Langerman moved to approve Resolution #2026-70 Approving 28E Agreement between the School and the City for a School Resource Officer. Brighton seconded. Roll call was unanimous.
Phelan moved to approve Resolution #2026-71 Approving Pay Request #23 to Bill Bruce Builders, Inc., Re: Wastewater Treatment Plant Improvement Project in the amount of $254,012.66. Goedken seconded. Roll call was unanimous.
Farnum and Eisenbacher reviewed the change order for the Monticello Wastewater Treatment Plant Improvements. Goedken moved to approve Resolution #2026-72 Approving Change Order Request #5 in the increased not to exceed amount of $36,967.76 as submitted by Bill Bruce Builders related to the Monticello Wastewater Treatment Plant Improvements. Langerman seconded. Roll call was unanimous.
Langerman moved to approve Resolution #2026-73 Approving Airport FBO hangar door replacement in the amount of $27,575. Goedken seconded. Roll call was unanimous.
Phelan moved to approve Resolution #2026-74 Setting Date for Public Hearing on Designation of the Expanded Monticello Urban Renewal Area and on Urban Renewal Plan Amendment, Brighton seconded. Roll call was unanimous.
Langerman moved to approve Resolution #2026-75 Approving offer and purchase of DOT surplus property Parcel 2006-10 and authorizing City Administrator to Close Real Estate Transaction in an amount not to exceed $22,000. Brighton seconded. Roll call was unanimous.
Goedken moved to approve Resolution #2026-76 Acknowledging the hiring of two Public Works seasonal employees and setting wage. Brighton seconded. Roll call was unanimous.
Smith reported that Curt Kass has completed 85% for the nuisance violations that were listed in his notice for the property located at 526-530 North Chestnut Street. Smith advised there are some items not on the original nuisance notice that he is working with Kass to complete also. Smith stated Kass has completed more than he was expecting. Brighton moved to give Curt Kass until May 4th, to be 100% compliant with the nuisance notice and no other extension will be granted, Goedken seconded. Roll call was unanimous.
Goedken introduced and moved to approve Ordinance #789 amending Provisions Pertaining to Chapter 23 “Parks and Recreation Board”, first reading in title only. Phelan seconded. Roll call was unanimous.
Ellwood read a statement on Bullying and would like to work to end it in the schools and community.
Eisenbacher gave an update on the progress at the Wastewater Treatment Facility.
Farnum reported a punch list for the Stephen Sewer Project has been prepared for the contractor to complete. The West Well generator has been installed.
Department heads gave updates on projects and activities happening in their departments. Council members gave reports on meetings they attended.
Goedken moved to adjourn at 7:06 P.M.
Jake Ellwood, Mayor
Sally Hinrichsen, City Clerk/Treasurer