Regular Council Meeting
January 19, 2026, 6:00 P.M.
Community Media Center
Mayor Jake Ellwood called the meeting to order. Council present were: Candy Langerman, Mary Phelan, Scott Brighton, Josh Brenneman, Ben Duehr and Dave Goedken. Also, present were City Administrator Russell Farnum, City Clerk Sally Hinrichsen, Water /Wastewater Superintendent Jim Tjaden, Park & Rec Director Jacob Oswald, Ambulance Director Lori Lynch and Police Chief Britt Smith. 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.
Brighton moved to approve the agenda. Brenneman seconded, roll call was unanimous.
Brenneman moved to approve the consent agenda, Phelan seconded. Roll call was unanimous.
Langerman moved to approve Resolution #2026-9 Approving the Written Investment Policy applicable to all Funds of the City of Monticello, Iowa, as required by Chapters 12B and 12C of the Code of Iowa. Brighton seconded. Roll call was unanimous.
Brighton moved to approve Resolution #2026-10 Approving Pay Request #20 to Bill Bruce Builders, Inc., Re: Wastewater Treatment Plant Improvement Project in the amount of $300,982.91. Brenneman seconded. Roll call was unanimous.
Phelan moved to approve Resolution #2026-11 Approving Program Independent Contractor Agreement. Brighton seconded. Roll call was unanimous.
Langerman moved to approve Resolution #2026-12 Approving Pay Request #5 to Roger Stephen, Re: Stephen Addition Trunk Sewer Project and for partial payment of retainage to Roger Stephen, Re: Stephen Addition Trunk Sewer Project in the amount of $250,221.85. Brenneman seconded. Roll call was unanimous.
Oswald reported the Parks and Recreation Department has received private funding to purchase benches and a picnic table to be placed within city parks as part of its Memorial Bench Program. They put together the Memorial Bench Program to keep consistency with the benches and tables in the parks. When asked, Oswald stated other styles would be accepted but would like people to reach out to the Park Department prior to purchasing any items. Langerman moved to approve the Park Placemaking program. Goedken seconded. Roll call was unanimous.
Goedken 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, third and final reading in title only. Brenneman seconded. Roll call was unanimous.
Ellwood reported Dr. Steven Bradley extended an invitation to visit and tour the Capitol. If anyone is interested let him know.
Phelan reported the Library Board was working on a 5-year strategic plan. She stated the Park & Rec Board is organizing strategic pillars and one big struggle is getting volunteers.
Brenneman stated he attended the Jones County EMA and E911 meetings and they worked on setting wages and budget.
Goedken reported the Transfer Station is looking at purchasing an upgraded loader.
Farnum reported working on budget and working on long term funding and projects.
Department Heads gave updates on their departments.
Brighton moved to close the open session and go into a closed session to discuss the purchase or sale of particular real estate only where premature disclosure could be reasonably expected to increase the price the governmental body would have to pay for that property or reduce the price the governmental body would receive for that property pursuant to Iowa Code Section 21.5(1)(c). Goedken seconded. Roll call was unanimous.
Goedken moved to close the closed session and go back into open session. Brenneman seconded. Roll call was unanimous. Brighton moved to authorize City Administrator to proceed as was discussed in closed session. Brenneman seconded. Roll call was unanimous.
Goedken moved to adjourn at 6:51 P.M.
Jake Ellwood, Mayor
Sally Hinrichsen, City Clerk/Treasurer