Special Council Meeting
August 12, 2026, 6:00 P.M.
Community Media Center
Mayor Pro Tem Scott Brighton called the meeting to order. Council present were: Candy Langerman, Mary Phelan, Ben Duehr and Josh Brenneman. Council member Dave Goedken was absent. Mayor Jake Ellwood arrived a few minutes after the meeting start and presided over the remainder of the meeting. Also present were City Administrator Russell Farnum, City Clerk Sally Hinrichsen and Park & Rec Director Jacob Oswald. The public was invited to attend the meeting in person, or to participate in the meeting electronically via “Facebook” and were encouraged to communicate from the chat or message.
Brenneman moved to approve the agenda. Phelan seconded, roll call was unanimous.
Oswald updated Council on the REAP Grant application for proposed 10-foot-wide trail, from 190th Street north to the creek. Langerman moved to approve Resolution #2026-119 Approving the City of Monticello to Pursue a REAP Grant Application to Expand Community and Regional Trails. Brighton seconded. Roll call was unanimous.
Work session was held regarding potential vacancy of the Mayor position and process to fill the position. Council discussed questions and rumors about the Mayor potential vacancy. Ellwood stated he still owns his home in Monticello and receives his mail at that address. Council discussed how they wanted to proceed with the potential Mayor vacancy. Farnum advised Council could decide to hold an election with a cost of around $3,000 or more or they could appoint someone to fill the remainder of the term. Consensus of the Council was to appoint someone to fill the seat and suggested an ad be placed in the paper asking for interested candidates to contact the City Clerk’s Office. The Council would then invite the candidates to a Council meeting to address Council on their interest in the position. Council directed staff to place a notice in the Monticello Express as discussed.
Brenneman moved to adjourn at 4:21 P.M.
Jake Ellwood, Mayor
Sally Hinrichsen, City Clerk/Treasurer