Regular Council Meeting
August 18, 2025, 6:00 P.M.
Community Media Center
Mayor Wayne Peach called the meeting to order. Council present were: Scott Brighton, Josh Brenneman, Jake Ellwood, Dave Goedken, Candy Langerman and Mary Phelan. Also present were City Administrator Russell Farnum, City Clerk Sally Hinrichsen, Police Chief Britt Smith, Library Director Faith Brehm , Public Works Director Nick Kahler, Water/Wastewater Supt. Jim Tjaden, Park & Rec Director Jacob Oswald and Ambulance Director Lori Lynch. 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, Langerman seconded, roll call was unanimous.
Brenda Hanken, 291 North Pine, inquired about the apartments located behind Dollar Fresh, as she thought they were to be low-income housing and rent is $1,200/month. She advised there is no affordable housing in Monticello and people are moving to Anamosa. Note these apartments are market housing, not low-income housing.
Ellwood moved to approve the consent agenda, Phelan seconded. Roll call was unanimous.
Mayor opened the public hearing on proposed General Fund Equipment Financing Agreement. No written comments were received by the staff. With no oral comments, Mayor closed the public hearing on proposed General Fund Equipment Financing Agreement. Brenneman moved to approve Resolution #2025-111 approving and authorizing a General Fund Equipment Financing Agreement with payments thereunder in a principal amount not to exceed $75,000. Brighton seconded. Roll call was unanimous.
Langerman moved to approve Resolution #2025-112 Approving Pay Request #15 to Bill Bruce Builders, Inc., Re: Wastewater Treatment Plant Improvement Project in the amount of $822,767.25. Brighton seconded. Roll call was unanimous.
Brenneman moved to approve Resolution #2025-113 Approving the hiring of Milo Breitbach as Monticello Park and Recreation Superintendent of Parks and Facilities, Brighton seconded. Brenda Hanken, 291 North Pine, questioned where the funds were coming from to pay for this position. Brenneman stated he is hired to fill the position that is vacant from a staff member who resigned. Roll call was unanimous.
Phelan moved to approve Resolution #2025-114 authorizing and approving a certain Loan Agreement, providing for the issuance of $1,965,000 General Obligation Sewer Improvement Bonds, Series 2025, and providing for the levy of taxes to pay the same. Brighton seconded. Roll call was unanimous.
Stacy Manternach, 211 North Maple Street, inquired how closing the alley by Sacred Heart would affect snow removal and garbage pickup. She would like to see the alley only closed when school is in session from 7:30 to 5:30, as it is now. She stated three neighbors were not approached about the alley and they are not in favor of the alley closure. Farnum advised the alley was placed on the agenda at the direction of the Council, so they could discuss it. Smith stated he had a discussion with Sacred Heart on possible changes to school drop off. Goedken stated the alley is working fine now, so leave it as is. Smith showed a proposed drawing for the school drop-off, which is basically the same as Carpenter and Shannon schools, with the removal of several parking spaces. Farnum stated if Council is interested in blocking off the alley and allowing Sacred Heart School to use it exclusively for their pedestrian use, loading and unloading, and play area, the City has 3 choices: 1. Just allow it without formal documentation, which creates problems with liability, equity from other potential users (including neighboring properties) and potential adverse possession claims; 2. Vacate the alley, which creates long-term issues if the school’s use of the property goes away, or if the City ever needed it for utility connections or other improvements; or 3. Grant a License Agreement to Sacred Heart, allowing it to use the alley under certain conditions and restrictions. Farnum recommended a License Agreement with Sacred Heart. Joe Fagerlind, 224 North Sycamore stated people turn into the alley to turn around. Kim Fagerlind, 224 North Sycamore had concerns on emergency vehicles if one end of the alley is closed. They did agree the school drop off zone was a good idea. Smith stated Sacred Heart wants the alley closed and several area residents do not. Council needs to decide where their best interest lies and both sides should be present. Brighton moved to table further discussion on the alley to the September 15th Council agenda, Ellwood seconded. Roll call was unanimous.
Farnum stated adjoining property owners sign a building permit to acknowledge where the property lines are located. If the building permit meets the City’s guideline, City is obligated to issue the permit. Brighton would like the cul-de-sac or turn around on Faust Circle and Grandview Ave to be large enough for trucks to turn around. Ashley Faust, 129 Grand Street ensured the turn-arounds would be large enough for trucks to turn around. Keith Wendt, 316 Faust Circle stated gravel is carried onto the street now with the turn around being gravel and would like it to be hard surfaced. Peach stated the City Code requires a dust free surface. Faust stated plans are to install a culvert to enter and exit their property on Grandview and they would install a cul-de-sac on Faust Circle. Kahler questioned if the Council wanted asphalt, concrete or sealcoat for the cul-de-sac, which does not affect the building permit and just wanted to know what they expected Faust to do. Marilyn Hanna, 530 Park Drive stated they were told there would be another exit from the development, as there is a lot of traffic. In 2014, there was a gas leak and everyone had to exit the neighborhood past the gas leak. Hanna also questioned where Faust would store all their equipment. Faust advised they would be selling most of their equipment keeping the skid steer to move snow, but it would be stored inside. Kahler will get prices for asphalt and concrete. Langerman moved to approve Brandon and Ashley Faust building permit on lot between Grandview and Faust Circle, Goedken seconded. Roll call unanimous.
Farnum reported that pilot James Rohlf involved in the fatal plane crash just outside of Monticello, served on the Monticello Airport Board and was an accomplished pilot.
Farnum reported there are various areas of water damage around City Hall. Farnum is working on generator grant paperwork for the Fire Department. Farnum advised the school district is looking at options for traffic control on East Oak Street, with the IDOT.
Farnum stated ITC Midwest will begin work on wiring upgrades from the 11th Street substation to Sand Springs
Brehm reported there were 426 participants in the Summer Reading Program. This Saturday, they are having a training session on mushrooms at Central Park. Friday is the teen escape room event.
Lynch reported they held training with SIM Iowa’s mobile training unit, which provides hands-on training with mannequins to rural fire departments and EMTs that they might not otherwise receive.
Lynch attended a billing conference last week. Lynch is also working with several local churches to get AEDs.
Hinrichsen stated she has been busy with bonding paperwork and reports for the auditors.
Kahler reported storm clean-up is almost done. Summer help is done for the season, so Public Works staff will be helping at the cemetery.
Kahler reported Dubuque Hardwoods came to the tree dump and ground up the trees from the recent tree storm and hauled it away, all with their own equipment. Dubuque Hardwoods will take any additional trees that City would have in the future.
Smith stated they are still taking applications to fill the Dawn Graver’s position after she retires. Smith stated they are taking donations for Bozi’s training.
Oswald reported weather played a part in the Monti Days event. Kara Burrack will be holding an information meeting on the California Trip. Next week will be the last full week for the Aquatic Center, once school begins, they will update the hours. September 1st after the pool closes for the season, we will hold the annual Puppy Paw-ty from 5:30-6:30 for small dogs and 6:30 to 7:30 for all dogs. “Movie Night in the Park” community event will be on August 22nd at 8 PM at Shannon ball diamond.
Langerman moved to close the open session to discuss strategy with counsel in matters that are presently in litigation or where litigation is imminent where its disclosure would be likely to prejudice or disadvantage the position of the governmental body in that litigation, pursuant to Iowa Code Section 21.5(1)(c). Phelan seconded. Roll call unanimous.
Brighton moved to close the closed session and to return to open session, Goedken seconded. Roll call unanimous. No action was taken.
Ellwood moved to adjourn the meeting at 7:29 P.M.
Wayne Peach, Mayor
Sally Hinrichsen, City Clerk/Treasurer