Regular Council Meeting
April 21, 2025, 6:00 P.M.
Community Media Center
Mayor Wayne Peach called the meeting to order. Council present were: Scott Brighton, Dave Goedken, Candy Langerman, Jake Ellwood and Mary Phelan. Council member Josh Brenneman arrived shortly after meeting started. Also present were City Administrator Russell Farnum, City Clerk Sally Hinrichsen, Park & Rec Director Jacob Oswald, Water/Wastewater Supt. Jim Tjaden, Public Works Director Nick Kahler, Library Director Faith Brehm and Ambulance Director Lori Lynch. Police Chief Britt Smith arrived during the meeting. 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.
Phelan requested the proposed resolution on the intent to bond and the consideration to pay the MMS Consultants’ invoice to follow the work session on the South Main (Stephen) Sewer Extension project. Langerman moved to approve the agenda, moving proposed resolution on the intent to bond and the consideration to pay the MMS Consultants’ invoice to follow the work session on the South Main (Stephen) Sewer Extension project. Goedken seconded, roll call was unanimous.
Monticello Chamber Director Megan Beaman gave a presentation of their proposed signage for the entrances of Monticello along Highway 151. Beaman advised that she has applied for the “Give to Grow” grant and plans to apply for State grant this fall and will continue to look for other grants, as well. No action was taken. Brenneman arrived.
Brighton moved to approve the consent agenda; Ellwood seconded. Roll call was unanimous.
Mayor opened Public Hearing on the proposed City of Monticello Fiscal Year 2025/2026 budget adoption. No public comments were received. Mayor closed the hearing. Goedken stated he had concerns on the Chamber signage request and it not being an efficient use of taxpayers’ dollars and he would not vote for the budget. Phelan moved to approve Resolution #2025-54 Approving the Adoption of Budget and Certification of City Taxes for Fiscal Year July 1, 2025 to June 30, 2026. Brenneman seconded, roll call was unanimous, except Goedken who voted nay.
Mayor read proclamation and proclaimed the month of May, 2025 as Frontline Worker Appreciation Month.
Goedken moved to approve Resolution #2025-55 Accepting bids for the Monticello Regional Airport FY25 Pavement Repair and Cracksealing project, AIP 3-19-0061-14-2025 and awarding project to Fahrner Asphalt Sealers LLC, contingent upon FAA Funding Approval. Brenneman seconded, roll call was unanimous.
Ellwood moved to approve Resolution #2025-56 Approving Pay Request #11 to Bill Bruce Builders, Re: Wastewater Treatment Plant Improvement Project in the amount of $839,937.09. Brighton seconded, roll call was unanimous.
Brighton moved to approve Resolution #2025-57 Approving 28E Agreement between Monticello Community Schools and City of Monticello use of School Owned Property and Facilities. Brenneman seconded, roll call was unanimous.
Goedken moved to approve Resolution #2025-58 authorizing and approving a Loan Agreement, providing for the issuance of a General Obligation Street Sweeper Acquisition Note and providing for the levy of taxes to pay the same. Brighton seconded, roll call was unanimous.
Goedken moved to approve Resolution #2025-59 Approving the wages for Monticello Aquatic Center and Park and Recreation part-time seasonal staff positions and setting wages. Ellwood seconded, roll call was unanimous.
Langerman moved to approve Resolution #2025-60 approving the 28E Agreement with the Monticello Community School District for the School Resource Officer Position. Brenneman seconded, roll call was unanimous.
Ryan Evans, 2104 Fox Trial Drive, Cedar Rapids presented his concept for use of the Pocket Park. Consensus of the Council was for the City Staff to continue to work with Evans and his concept and bring back to Council once more details are worked out.
Farnum advised Council approved Republic’s contract to increase their solid waste collection fees to the City, Council discussed the proposed ordinance for sanitation and landscape waste rates. Farnum advised the contract for the landscape waste site processor will expire and needs to be reviewed. Brighton moved to table action on the landscape fees in the ordinance until the new contract is approved for the yard waste site, Goedken seconded, roll call was unanimous.
Hinrichsen reported over $4,000 has been collected with the new State Setoff Program that replaced the Income Offset Program.
Kahler stated the new street sweeper is working great. They continue to take down trees and are helping Oswald get ready for this weekend
Smith stated with the remodeling of Kardes, they will need a large dumpster. Smith suggested closing the alley behind their store to place the dumpster. Smith stated the Main Street group has funding for the cost of the cameras at the intersection of First Street and Cedar Street. The police department budget will pay for the installation and licensing. They are working with Cascade Communications and Monticello Sports on the installation. Smith advised that he had some non-compliant 2-way radios that he gave to the Public Works and Park departments
Tjaden reported Visual Sewer has cleaned the sewer main and will be lining it, in the next couple of weeks. They will be installing the generator at the West Well next week.
Oswald stated they had 105 participants in the Live Healthy track meet tonight. May 3rd will be the first ball tournament. Holly’s Helping Hands will be this Saturday, volunteers are asked to meet at the Willow Shelter.
Brehm reported on the various programs happening in the Library.
Lynch advised the MEMT’s are doing a fundraiser and are selling raffle tickets, which are available at some business or the Ambulance garage. She is working on plans for the Jones County Fair. She is looking to hire an EMT and a Paramedic to fill their roster.
Council held a work session on the South Main (Stephen) Sewer Extension project. Farnum reviewed the estimated costs and scope of the project. The current proposed project would extend the sewer main under South Main Street to service the 154 acres on the west side of the highway, with the trench being about 14 feet deep. Council discussed possible options to pay off the proposed bonds and setting up a connection fee district for this area.
Brighton moved to approve Resolution #2025-61 related to the financing of a project proposed to be undertaken by the City of Monticello, Iowa; establishing compliance with reimbursement bond regulations under the Internal Revenue Code. Langerman seconded, roll call was unanimous.
Brighton moved to approve payment to MMS Consultants Inc in the amount of $61,183.38, Ellwood seconded, roll call was unanimous.
Brighton moved to adjourn the meeting at 7:13 P.M.
Wayne Peach, Mayor
Sally Hinrichsen, City Clerk/Treasurer