Regular Council Meeting
August 4, 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, 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.
Brenneman moved to approve the agenda, Langerman seconded, roll call was unanimous.
Ellwood moved to approve the consent agenda, Brenneman seconded. Roll call was unanimous.
City Financial Advisor Matthew Stoffel with PFM Financial Advisors LLC reported that 7 bids were received for the General Obligation Sewer Improvement Bonds. BOK Financial Securities, Inc from Dallas Texas was the low bidder with a True Interest Rate of 3.879312. Stoffel advised PFM Financial Advisors LLC recommends awarding the $1,965,000 General Obligation Sewer Improvement Bonds, Series 2025 to BOK Financial Securities, Inc, from Dallas Texas. Brighton moved to approve Resolution #2025-105 Awarding General Obligation Sewer Improvement Bonds, Series 2025. Langerman seconded. Roll call was unanimous.
Brenneman moved to approve Resolution #2025-106 Approving to increase credit limit for the Credit Cards for various departments. Goedken seconded. Roll call was unanimous.
Langerman moved to approve Resolution #2025-107 Approving Jones County Multi-Jurisdictional Local Hazard Mitigation Plan. Goedken seconded. Roll call was unanimous.
Langerman moved to approve Resolution #2025-108 Directing the City Attorney to Enter Appearance and File Consent to Quiet Title Action. Ellwood seconded. This is for the property known as Lot 13 of Welch’s Addition. Roll call was unanimous.
Ellwood moved to approve Resolution #2025-109 Approving Purchase of Mini Excavator from Kromminga Motors, Brenneman seconded. Roll call was unanimous.
Smith proposed to purchase three vehicle mounted cameras and five body worn cameras for a total of $74,184.10, they will be leasing the equipment over a 5-year term. Goedken moved to approve Resolution #2025-110 to fix a date for a public hearing on proposal to enter into a General Fund Equipment Financing Agreement with payments there under in an amount not to exceed $75,000. Langerman seconded. Roll call was unanimous.
Mayor reported receiving a letter soliciting funds to approach the City Council regarding the Police Department, which he felt was a scam.
Farnum reported holding an open house meeting with the property owners along the proposed Sixth Street Ditch Project and three homeowners were present. There will be another open house this Friday from 3 to 5 pm.
Farnum reported ECICOG is holding a meeting at the Anamosa Public Library on Wednesday August 13th, and everyone is invited to share ideas on how to build a pathway to a resilient future for East Central Iowa.
Farnum reported the maintenance work at the Airport is expected to begin on September 15.
Farnum reported he applied for a grant for the Fire Department generator in 2021 and Emergency Management Director Brenda Leonard and Fire Chief Joe Bayne applied for a grant in 2023. The State has requested the Fire Department generator paperwork, as funds may be available.
Hinrichsen stated staff has been busy working on the bond rating and bond issue paperwork. Hinrichsen stated the State Auditors are planning to do the FY 2025 audit in September. Hinrichsen stated the Monticello Regional Airport was featured in the Minnesota Flyer in July.
Kahler reported they were working on the tree cleanup from the recent storm. Langerman stated several residents advised they did a great job with the tree cleanup. Kahler stated the sealcoating will begin next week, in the Northeast quadrant of town.
Smith advised they were moving forward with the canine program and are planning to begin a fundraising campaign to help fund the formal training and to keep the program going.
Smith stated he has been working with Sacred Heart School on a school drop off zone and possibly closing the alley. Consensus of the Council was to place the proposed closing of the alley on the next agenda.
Tjaden stated Electric Pump made the repair to the sludge pump and it is working good.
Oswald advised of several activities happening now at the Parks Department.
Brehm advised of the programs happening at the Library.
Brenneman moved to adjourn the meeting at 6:52 P.M.
Wayne Peach, Mayor
Sally Hinrichsen, City Clerk/Treasurer