Regular Council Meeting
August 3, 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 and Dave Goedken. Council member Josh Brenneman was absent. Also present were City Administrator Russell Farnum, City Clerk Sally Hinrichsen, Public Works Director Nick Kahler, Police Chief Britt Smith, Library Director Faith Brehm, Water/ Wastewater Superintendent 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.
Phelan moved to approve the agenda. Brighton seconded, roll call was unanimous.
Brighton moved to approve the consent agenda, Langerman seconded. Roll call was unanimous.
Brighton moved to approve Resolution #2026-113 Approving Driver Policy Iowa DOT/CDL Regulated. Langerman seconded. Farnum advised the City Attorney and Insurance Carrier had reviewed and approved the policy. Roll call was unanimous.
Goedken moved to approve Resolution #2026-114 Approving Plat of Survey to Parcel 2026-52. Phelan seconded. Roll call was unanimous.
Goedken moved to approve Resolution #2026-115 Approving the Plat of Survey to Parcel 2026-53, same being located within the two-mile jurisdiction of the City limits of the City of Monticello. Phelan seconded. Roll call was unanimous.
Goedken moved to approve Resolution #2026-116 Approving the Plat of Survey to Parcel 2026-54, same being located within the two-mile jurisdiction of the City limits of the City of Monticello. Langerman seconded. Roll call was unanimous.
Goedken moved to approve Resolution #2026-117 Approving purchase of a Kawasaki Mule from Kromminga Motors. Duehr seconded. Roll call was unanimous.
Phelan moved to approve Resolution #2026-118 Approving Monticello Police Department to purchase DataPilot Software. Langerman seconded. Roll call vote was unanimous.
City Administrator and Department heads gave updates on projects and activities happening in their departments.
Work session was held on the proposed electric bikes, scooters, etc ordinance and regulations. No decisions were made and it will be on the August 17th Council meeting for further discussion.
Work session was held on the Yard Waste disposal and site regulations. Smith updated Council on a recent incident where a commercial company was caught dumping trees from outside the City Limits and was fined $500, which they paid. Council directed Smith to look into updating the camera, looking into surveillance of the site and updating the sign as discussed. The Yard Waste site dumping is for residents of the City of Monticello only and others should be fined for dumping. Anyone can come and remove any material, such as trees or mulch.
Jones County Economic Development Director Derek Lumsden gave presentations on the Rural Innovative Housing Grant and the CDBG Rehab Program for Downtown Façade Improvements. Lumsden held two meetings for downtown property owners and businesses to attend regarding the CDBG Rehab Program for Downtown Façade Improvements. There were approximately 16 property owners that showed interest in the program. City would need to hire a grant administrator and Lumsden suggested ECICOG from Cedar Rapids, as they were familiar with this program. City needs to begin the grant process now, if they are interested, as there are many steps to complete prior to the grant deadline next August.
Phelan moved to adjourn at 7:49 P.M.
Jake Ellwood, Mayor
Sally Hinrichsen, City Clerk/Treasurer