Regular Council Meeting
December 15, 2025, 6:00 P.M.
Community Media Center
Mayor Wayne Peach called the meeting to order. Council present were: Candy Langerman, Mary Phelan, Jake Ellwood, Scott Brighton, Josh Brenneman and Dave Goedken. Also, present were City Administrator Russell Farnum, City Clerk Sally Hinrichsen, Water /Wastewater Superintendent Jim Tjaden, Park & Rec Director Jacob Oswald and Library Director Faith Brehm. Police Chief Britt Smith arrived later in the meeting. 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. Ellwood seconded, roll call was unanimous.
Ellwood moved to approve the consent agenda, Phelan seconded. Roll call was unanimous.
Mayor opened the public hearing on the Proposed Amendment to the Zoning Map of the City of Monticello, changing the zoning on the following property from “R-1” Single Family Residential to “R-2” Two-Family Residential District: Lot 1 of Merrinoll Park 2nd Addition. No public comments were received. Mayor closed the hearing. Langerman moved to approve Ordinance #786 amending the Monticello Code of Ordinances, by amending Chapter 165 “ZONING REGULATIONS” of certain property located within the City Limits of the City of Monticello, to change the Zoning Classification from R-1 (Single-Family Residential) to R-2 (Two-Family Residential), same being generally described as Lot 1 of Merrinoll Subdivision, 2nd Addition, Monticello, IA 52310 and amending the Official Zoning Map, first reading in title only. Ellwood seconded. Roll call was unanimous.
Brighton moved to approve Resolution #2025-171 Approving Lease Agreement between the City of Monticello and Justin Buck with regard to the farm ground at the Monticello Regional Airport. Langerman seconded. Roll call was unanimous.
Goedken moved to approve Resolution #2025-172 Approving submission of the Five-Year Airport Capital Improvement Plan. Brenneman seconded. Roll call was unanimous.
Brighton moved to approve Resolution #2025-173 Approving Request to Extend Payment Due Date and Waive Late Fees for December Water/Utility Billing. Brenneman seconded. Roll call was unanimous.
Goedken moved to approve Resolution #2025-174 Approving Pay Request #19 to Bill Bruce Builders, Inc., Re: Wastewater Treatment Plant Improvement Project in the amount of $562,368.38. Ellwood seconded. Roll call was unanimous.
Phelan moved to approve Resolution #2025-175 setting the date for public hearing on proposal to enter into a General Obligation Sewer Equipment Acquisition Loan/Lease-Purchase Agreement and to borrow money thereunder. Brighton seconded. Roll call was unanimous. Public Hearing was set for January 5, 2026 at 6 PM.
Langerman moved to approve Resolution #2025-176Approving Program Independent Contractor Agreement, Brenneman seconded. Roll call was unanimous.
Langerman moved to accept Jake Ellwood’s resignation effective December 31, 2025, as Council Member At Large, as he was elected as Mayor effective January 2, 2026. Brenneman seconded. Roll call was unanimous, except Ellwood who abstained.
Brenneman moved to approve Resolution #2025-177 notice of intent to appoint to fill vacant At-Large City Council seat at the January 5, 2026 Council meeting, and directing the City Clerk to publish notice of said intent as required by law. Goedken seconded. Roll call was unanimous.
Hinrichsen administered the Oath of Office for the following: Jake Ellwood as Mayor, Candy Langerman, Josh Brenneman and David Goedken as City Council At Large. Their new terms of office begin on January 2, 2026.
Peach reflected on his term as Mayor and the accomplishments of the Council. He stated he was impressed with the City staff who are dedicated to the City, and he appreciates their time and talents. He stated the board functions well when they bring ideas to the table, but listen to other ideas, and together decide what is the best position for the City. He enjoyed his time as Mayor, however due to family issues, he chose not to run for another term.
Farnum commented the Holiday on 1st committee out did themselves, with amazing decorations, thanks to all the donations received. He thanked everyone who participated or volunteered.
Farnum reported the Stephens sewer trunk line is done, except for the final inspection.
Farnum stated he has been busy with grant year-end reports. Office staff has been busy with the software upgrade and taking care of the customers and working with the auditors to complete the audit.
Oswald reported there were around 100 to 125 volunteers helping to make the Holiday on 1st a great event. They served 600 meals and ran out of mac & cheese half way through the event. Grant Hospodarsky provided video service and Jill and Tim Flynn did photos for the Holiday on 1st event. Staff is working on the Winter Fest Games and activities for kids during the holiday break. Oswald reported working with CanPlay, which brings adapted and no cost recreational programs to our communities by removing barriers to play.
Brehm reported 662 people came to the library during the Holiday on 1st event.
Work session was held on Code Enforcement and Addressing Nuisance Issues. Police Chief Smith arrived. Farnum gave updates on the two dilapidated homes purchased and demolished by City in prior years. The lot on Sycamore Street was purchase by the neighboring property; and JCED moved a home to the lot on Chestnut Street. Smith reported working on two homes that were damaged by fires to clean up the lots. Farnum provided several options to deal with problem properties including the following: 1. Consider adopting a standardized property maintenance ordinance; 2. Consider hiring ECICOG to provide property maintenance enforcement services; 3. Provide commitments to PD to back up more consistent enforcement; and 4. Take further action on addressing or eliminating the “worst of the worst” properties, as outlined in the City Attorney’s letter. Farnum advised that ECICOG would provide property maintenance services for $900/every two months. Attorney Doug Herman reviewed his recent memo to Council regarding abandoned properties and Iowa Code 657A and other actions available if Iowa Code 657A was not available to use. Council discussed using ECICOG to do the property maintenance enforcement and possible sidewalk inspections. Consensus of Council was for Farnum to contact ECICOG for these services.
Ellwood motioned to go into closed 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). Brighton seconded. Roll call was unanimous.
Brighton motioned to go back into open session, Goedken seconded. Roll call was unanimous. No action was taken on the closed session.
Brenneman moved to adjourn the meeting at 8:47 P.M.
Wayne Peach, Mayor
Sally Hinrichsen, City Clerk/Treasurer