Regular Council Meeting – Official
December 18, 2017 – 6:00 P.M.
Community Media Center
Mayor Dena Himes called the meeting to order. Council present: Dave Goedken, Brian Wolken, Rob Paulson, Johnny Russ, Chris Lux and Tom Yeoman. Also present were City Administrator Doug Herman, City Clerk Sally Hinrichsen, Public Works Director Brant LaGrange and Police Chief Britt Smith.
Yeoman moved to approve the agenda, Russ seconded, roll call unanimous.
Russ moved to approve the consent agenda, Wolken seconded, roll call unanimous.
Herman reported that Jones County Safe & Healthy Youth Coalition requested funding for previously grant funded program. Council desired more information related to request, including how the funding request was determined, more specific budgetary numbers, and what other entities would be contributing. Goedken moved to table so that representative could be invited to provide additional detail, seconded by Russ, roll call unanimous.
A request was received from Attorney Nick Strittmatter on behalf of the Henry Bemrose estate for a $125 credit against Bemrose final utility account. Bemrose was found deceased about a week after he passed with the shower in his home running. A normal monthly Bemrose bill was approximately $30 and his final bill was $241.76. Yeoman moved to approve Resolution #17-159 Approving $125.00 credit against Henry Bemrose final utility account, seconded by Paulson, roll call unanimous.
Herman reviewed B & J Hauling & Excavating Pay Request #4 and Change Order #2, related to the Airport paving and grading project, which included the payment previously approved by Resolution #17-05 in the amount of $3,371.28 that had not yet been paid. Goedken moved to approve Resolution #17-160 To approve B & J Hauling & Excavating pay request #4 in the amount of $4,562.28 and Change Order #2 related to the Ten-T Hangar Grading and Paving project, seconded by Russ, roll call unanimous.
LaGrange discussed needed repairs to the 2006 street sweeper. LaGrange reported that the sweeper is in overall good condition and the repairs will keep it running efficiently. Yeoman moved to approve Resolution #17-161 Approving Repairs to Street Sweeper, seconded by Goedken, roll call unanimous.
Herman reported sending letters to Roling Sanitation, Wapsi Waste and Republic with regard to City of Monticello residential recycling.
Herman also informed the Council that Republic, the current City commercial dumpster collection contractor, had requested an extension of their current agreement from 2020 to 2024 with a 3% annual rate increase, and in return for said extension would provide a Republic owned front load dumpster to all dumpster customers. Matt Pivit, Republic Representative, and Brant LaGrange, PW Director, both agreed that around 50% of existing privately owned dumpsters in Monticello were in poor condition. The Republic dumpsters would be provided at no cost to customers and would be maintained by Republic. Republic agreed to assist the City and customers with regard to the removal and potential sale or scrapping of their existing dumpsters. Pivit stated they would replace as many dumpsters as needed for the businesses and possibly replace smaller dumpsters with larger ones, which would conserve time and fuel. Pivit stated if the contract is amended, as proposed, they would start replacing the dumpsters in February and March. Goedken moved to approve Resolution #17-162 Approving Contract for Commercial Dumpster Unit Collection & Disposal Services, Russ seconded. Roll call vote, Goedken, Russ, Lux, Yeoman and Wolken voted aye and Paulson voted nay; Motion carried. Herman will work with Pivit to notify commercial dumpster customers of the change and what to expect.
Herman informed the Council that he sent a follow-up letter to Red Hughes as directed by the City Council in regard to the requirements of the annexation agreement that were not complied with that included the plugging of a well and the removal of all junk and junk vehicles, and other similar nuisance related items by June 1, 2015. The Council directed Herman to inform him that he needed to be compliant by no later than June 1, 2018 or be subject to citation.
Herman advised that he met with Ryan Frasher, M-Town owner, to review parking lot improvement plans. Frasher proposes to install 2700 sf of concrete and install the dumpster enclosure in 2018, with additional concrete work to be completed in or before 2020.
Herman informed the Council that he had been made aware of a scrivener’s error in Ordinance #708 that amended Chapter 65.02 “Stop Required” and “Yield Required” wherein it referred to Ridgeview Road as Ridgeview Drive. A correction will be published and the word drive replaced with road.
Herman reviewed the Engineer’s report, dated December 14, 2017.
Herman discussed conversations he has had with the County Engineer related to the City/County Road Agreement that was entered in April 2016. City has annexed in some property into the City but has also severed some property from the City limits. Herman reviewed issues with maintenance of 190th Street off of Amber Road and snow removal. Herman will continue to work with the County Engineer on potential changes.
Herman reviewed the hotel/motel taxes collected by the City since 2001 when the residents approved a 5% hotel/motel tax. Herman explained that the City is using the total Hotel/Motel Taxes collected by Boulders Inn & Suites to calculate the TIF grants. Herman advised that there are 171 hotel/motel taxing jurisdictions in the State with 151 charging a tax of 7% for hotel/motels. If the Council wished to increase the rate they would need to adopt a Resolution asking the County Auditor to set a date for an election which would require a simple majority vote to pass.
Jared Lasley, REM Electric, reviewed some options for lighting near the Veteran’s memorial and library parking lot. Herman will continue to work with Lasley on potential lighting options.
Herman reported that there are 2 city representative vacancies on the East Central Regional Housing Authority Board and City Council cannot serve on the Board.
The January 2018 meeting will be held on the 3rd due to the holiday.
Wolken moved to adjourn the Council meeting at 7:10 P.M., roll call vote unanimous.
Dena Himes, Mayor
Sally Hinrichsen, City Clerk