Regular Council Meeting
August 17, 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, Dave Goedken and Josh Brenneman. Also present were City Administrator Russell Farnum, City Clerk Sally Hinrichsen, Police Chief Britt Smith, Library Director Faith Brehm, Water/ Wastewater Superintendent Jim Tjaden and Park & Rec Director Jacob Oswald. 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 moved to approve the agenda moving the discussion on electric bikes and scooters to a work session. Goedken seconded, roll call was unanimous.
Brenneman moved to approve the consent agenda, Brighton seconded. Roll call was unanimous.
Langerman moved to approve Resolution #2026-120 Approving Pay Request #27 to Bill Bruce Builders, Inc., Re: Wastewater Treatment Plant Improvement Project in the amount of $476,992.44. Phelan seconded. Roll call was unanimous.
Goedken moved to approve Resolution #2026-121 Approving contracting with Kluesner Construction Inc., to Complete Asphalt paving at Water West Well. Brenneman seconded. Roll call was unanimous.
Phelan moved to approve Resolution #2026-122 Acknowledging the purchase of new furniture for the Monticello Library’s teen corner. Brenneman seconded. Roll call was unanimous.
Langerman moved to approve Resolution #2026-123 Authorizing the City of Monticello to Commit up to $50,000 for the Empower Rural Iowa Housing Grant. Brenneman seconded. Roll call was unanimous. If City is awarded the grant, these funds will need to be budgeted in next year’s budget.
Brenneman introduced and moved Ordinance #791 amending the Code of Ordinances of the City of Monticello, Iowa, by amending Provisions Pertaining to Chapter 23 “Parks and RecreationBoard” , first reading in title only. Langerman seconded, roll call unanimous. Phelan moved that the statutory rule requiring said ordinance be considered and voted on for passage at two prior Council meetings prior to the meeting at which it is to be finally passed be suspended with respect to Ordinance amending Provisions Pertaining to Chapter 23 “Parks and RecreationBoard”, be regarded as having been considered and voted on at two prior council meetings. Brenneman seconded, roll call unanimous.
City Administrator and Department heads gave updates on projects and activities happening in their departments.
Council held a work session with City Financial Advisor Matt Stoffel with PFM Financial Advisors LLC giving a presentation on the water and sewer funds and possible rate increases. No action was taken.
Council held a work session to discuss possible regulations for electric bikes and scooters. Smith provided definitions from the Iowa Code related to electric or motorized bikes, scooter and other devices. Oswald will place on the Park Board agenda to get their input regarding the use on trails and in parks. No action was taken.
Brighton moved to adjourn at 7:48 P.M.
Jake Ellwood, Mayor
Sally Hinrichsen, City Clerk/Treasurer