Regular Council Meeting
April 6, 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, Josh Brenneman 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, Ambulance Director Lori Lynch and Public Works Director Nick Kahler. 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.
Phelan moved to approve the consent agenda, Brenneman seconded. Roll call was unanimous.
Brighton moved to approve Resolution #2026-45 Scheduling Public Hearing on the City of Monticello 2026/2027 Fiscal Year budget for April 20, 2026 at 6:00 p.m., Langerman seconded. Roll call was unanimous.
Goedken moved to approve Resolution #2026-46 Approving the purchase of EMT3 9 Position Rapid Response Kits for the Monticello Ambulance Service, Langerman seconded. Roll call was unanimous.
Brenneman moved to approve Resolution #2026-47 Approving Jones County SAFE and Healthy Youth Coalition Investment and agreement for FY ’27 in the amount of $3,000.00. Phelan seconded. Roll call was unanimous.
Goedken moved to approve Resolution #2026-48 Approving Maquoketa River Watershed Management Authority Investment and Agreement for FY ‘27 in the amount of $3,030.00, plus five (5) water sampling locations. Langerman seconded. Roll call was unanimous.
Phelan moved to approve Resolution #2026-49 Approving Jones County Economic Development (JCED) Investment and agreement for FY ’27 in the amount of $15,000.00 and $4,000 in in-kind office and internet services. Goedken seconded. Roll call was unanimous.
Brenneman moved to approve Resolution #2026-50 Approving Monticello Firefighters of Iowa Organization Inc., planning of the Independence Day Fireworks festivities to be held on July 4, 2026 and authorizes payment in the amount of $2,600.00 towards the fireworks. Brighton seconded. Roll call was unanimous.
Brenneman moved to approve Resolution #2026-51 Approving Jones County JETS Transportation System investment and agreement for FY ‘27 in the amount of $1,500.00. Brighton seconded. Roll call was unanimous.
Goedken moved to approve Resolution #2026-52 Approving Jones County Senior Dining investment and agreement for FY ‘27 in the amount of $4,495.00. Brighton seconded. Roll call was unanimous.
Phelan moved to approve Resolution #2026-53 Approving Jones County Tourism Investment and Agreement for FY ’27 in the amount of $1,212.00, plus 4% of the Monticello Hotel/Motel tax. Goedken seconded. Roll call was unanimous.
Brighton moved to approve Resolution #2026-54 Appropriating funds necessary to meet the City’s Obligation to Monticello Main Street Iowa Program Agreement in the amount of $40,000.00. Goedken seconded. Roll call was unanimous.
Brenneman moved to approve Resolution #2026-55 Approving 28E Agreement between Monticello Community Schools and City of Monticello use of School Owned Property and Facilities. Goedken seconded. Roll call was unanimous.
Goedken moved to approve Resolution #2026-56 Approving the wages for Monticello Aquatic Center and Park and Recreation part-time seasonal staff positions and setting wages. Phelan seconded. Roll call was unanimous.
Goedken moved to approve Resolution #2026-57 Approving the hiring of a Monticello Ambulance EMT/AEMT and setting wage. Duehr seconded. Roll call was unanimous.
Brighton moved to approve Resolution #2026-58 Adopting Wage Chart for Full Time Hourly Employees for July 1, 2026 through June 30, 2029. Phelan seconded. Roll call was unanimous.
Goedken moved to approve Resolution #2026-59 Adopting FY ’27 Salaries and Wages for the Non-Hourly, Library, Department Heads and Permanent Part-Time Staff. Brenneman seconded. Roll call was unanimous.
Brenneman moved to approve Resolution #2026-60 Updating the salary and residency requirements, and otherwise affirm the Employment Agreement of Russell Farnum as City Administrator. Goedken seconded. Roll call was unanimous.
Goedken moved to approve Resolution #2026-61 Approving Plat of Survey to Parcel 2026-24 located at 17213 Hardscrabble Road. Brighton seconded. Roll call was unanimous.
Brighton moved to approve Resolution #2026-62 Approving Plat of Survey to Parcel 2026-25 located just North of 1503 South Main Street. Goedken seconded. Roll call was unanimous.
Goedken moved to approve Resolution#2026-63 Approving Plat of Survey to Parcel 2026-26 located at 1503 South Main Street. Brenneman seconded. Roll call unanimous.
Goedken moved to approve Resolution #2026-64 Approving Amended Tri-County Propane Site Plan (Hinz), Phelan seconded. Roll call was unanimous.
Goedken moved to approve Resolution #2026-65 Approving Plat of Survey to Parcel 2026-27 located at 205 East Varvel Street. Brenneman seconded. Roll call was unanimous.
Ellwood thanked Council and staff for working on the budget this year.
Farnum reported City staff has been working on removing trees in the Sixth Street ditch. There is some cleanup of downed trees to be done. Engineer is working with DNR and Corp of Engineers to get the permits again for the Sixth Street Ditch Project, with plans to bid in May and award bid in June.
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 6:30 P.M.
Jake Ellwood, Mayor
Sally Hinrichsen, City Clerk/Treasurer