Regular Council Meeting
February 2, 2026, 6:00 P.M.
Community Media Center
Mayor Jake Ellwood called the meeting to order. Council present were: Candy Langerman, Mary Phelan, Josh Brenneman, Ben Duehr and Dave Goedken. Also, present were City Administrator Russell Farnum, City Clerk Sally Hinrichsen, Water /Wastewater Superintendent Jim Tjaden, Public Works Director Nick Kahler, Ambulance Director Lori Lynch, Police Chief Britt Smith, Library Director Faith Brehm and City Engineers Patrick Schwickerath and Nate Kass. Council member Scott Brighton was absent. 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. Phelan seconded, roll call was unanimous.
Langerman moved to approve the consent agenda, Brenneman seconded. Roll call was unanimous.
Goedken moved to approve Resolution #2026-13 approving purchase of a Sewer Jet Truck. Brenneman seconded. Roll call was unanimous.
Brenneman moved to approve Resolution #2026-14 Scheduling public hearings for February 16, 2026, at 6:00 PM on the Addition of the MinnTex Expansion as a project in the Urban Renewal Plan and on the Development Agreement related thereto. Phelan seconded. Roll call was unanimous.
Goedken moved to approve Resolution #2026-15 approving MinnTex Expansion site plan. Langerman seconded. Roll call was unanimous.
Smith reported the fundraising efforts to bring a K-9 unit back to the Monticello Police Department has reach $30,000. They received a $7,000 grant from Dogs for Law Enforcement which will cover the entire purchase price of a K-9. They have an opportunity to purchase a K-9 and participate in the March 2026 training program. They work closely with Tree Town Kennels in Forest City and would recommend purchasing a 2-year old Belgian Shepard that is currently available for purchase from Lucas K-9 in Poland. Once the K-9 is received by Tree Town Kennels, they begin the training process, until K-9 and handler would attend training. The dog has a solid foundation of Narcotic Detection and Criminal Apprehension work. The 4-week training class and expenses will be around $10,000. They would equip the 2018 Ford SUV as the K-9 vehicle. The Mason City Police Department donated a K-9 cage that will fit the SUV. Once the new patrol car is purchased in July, they would transfer $3,000 for the vehicle price from the Canine fund to the vehicle set aside fund. The estimated cost to equip the patrol vehicle would be $3,500. There would be an annual cost for insurance, handler compensation and care and maintenance of the K-9. Brenneman moved to authorize Police Chief Smith to obtain a purchase agreement for the K-9 and to place on next Council agenda for approval. Goedken seconded. Roll call was unanimous.
Goedken introduced and moved to approve Ordinance #787 the Code of Ordinances of the City of Monticello, Iowa, by amending Section 37.10, subsection 1 pertaining to EMERGENCY AMBULANCE SERVICE, First reading in title only. Phelan seconded. Roll call was unanimous. Goedken moved that the statutory rule requiring said ordinance be considered and voted on for passage at two prior Council meetings prior to the meeting at which it is to be finally passed be suspended with respect to Ordinance amending Section 37.10, subsection 1 pertaining to EMERGENCY AMBULANCE SERVICE, be regarded as having been considered and voted on at two prior council meetings. Brenneman seconded, roll call unanimous. Goedken moved Ordinance #787 the Code of Ordinances of the City of Monticello, Iowa, by amending Section 37.10, subsection 1 pertaining to EMERGENCY AMBULANCE SERVICE, third and final reading in title only. Phelan seconded, roll call unanimous.
Ellwood opened the appeal hearing requested by Curt Kass in reference to a Notice of Violation and Order to Abate for his property located at 526 and 530 North Chestnut Street. Smith reviewed the history of the property related to the nuisance abatement notice issued on April 25, 2025 and what progress has been made to the property Kass asked the Council to grant him an extension to April 20, 2026 to complete work in the nuisance abatement notice. Kass has been doing the work himself, but due to time and financing he has been struggling to get the work completed. His brothers have offered to help him complete the work. Council questioned where the issue would be if they granted him the extension to April 20th, and had concerns that the work would not be completed by April 20th. Smith advised the Council could issue the citation, set a court date and then ask for a continuance to April 20th. If the work is completed, City would then dismiss the case at the City’s expense. Smith stated his concern on Kass’ property located at 215 East 4th Street that has also been issued a nuisance abatement notice. When asked, Kass said he would talk to a realtor to possibly sell the property located at 215 East 4th Street. Farnum reported that Council member Scott Brighton asked him to share that he had no desire to grant an extension on the property. After a lengthy discussion, Goedken moved to direct the Police Chief and City Attorney to continue with the enforcement action including the court filing, but postpone any trial dates until after the April 20th Council meeting, at which time the Council will review progress and authorize appropriate further action. Brenneman seconded. Roll call was unanimous.
Schwickerath updated the council on the Stephen sewer project, which is near completion.
Farnum reported working on budget and attending the Legislator’s Roundtable that was put on by Jones County Economic Development. Farnum wanted to thank Nick Kahler and family for clearing the area of the Riverside wetland pond for hockey and a skating loop. It was noted that there is only about a foot of water under the ice, as the pond has silted in with the floodwaters over the last several years.
Department heads gave updates on their department.
Nate Kass and Patrick Schwickerath reported the Monticello School District completed a Traffic Impact Study (TIS) with Hall & Hall Engineers, Inc., which recommended dedicated turn lanes on Highway 38/Oak St. The dedicated turn lanes on Highway 38/Oak St included a right turn lane (RTL) for eastbound (EB) traffic at the high school entrance, a dedicated RTL for EB traffic at Spring Farm Lane, and a dedicated left turn lane (LTL) for west bound (WB) traffic at Spring Farm Lane. There was also a recommendation for a RTL on Spring Farm Lane at Highway 38/Oak St. The Iowa DOT has reviewed the traffic study, the plans for new traffic circulation and the addition of the new elementary school. The DOT believes that a 3-lane section with a continuous 2-way center left turn lane through this area might be a better fit, also known as a Two-Way Left Turn Lane (TWLTL). They reviewed that advantages and disadvantages for each recommendation and the cost for each option. Nate Kass and Patrick Schwickerath’s recommendation is to pursue the dedicated turn lane option. It is lower cost and was specifically modeled and recommended in the TIS. The TWLTL has limited benefit anticipated during the design period. No action was taken.
Brenneman moved to adjourn at 7:16 P.M.
Jake Ellwood, Mayor
Sally Hinrichsen, City Clerk/Treasurer