Regular Council Meeting
January 5, 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 and Dave Goedken. Also, present were City Administrator Russell Farnum, City Clerk Sally Hinrichsen, Water /Wastewater Superintendent Jim Tjaden, Park & Rec Director Jacob Oswald, Library Director Faith Brehm, Public Works Director Nick Kahler 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.
Brenneman moved to approve the agenda. Goedken seconded, roll call was unanimous.
Brighton moved to approve the consent agenda, Phelan seconded. Roll call was unanimous.
Mayor requested anyone interested in being appointed to the council at-large position to introduce themselves to the Council. Ben Duehr, 742 Breckenridge Dr introduced himself and stated why he would like to promote growth of the city and to see the city thrive. Being the only person interested and present, Brenneman moved to approve Resolution #2026-1 Approving Appointment to fill vacant At-Large City Council Seat, vacated by Councilperson Jake Ellwood who was elected as Mayor, with Ben Duehr as the appointment. Phelan seconded. Roll call was unanimous.
Mayor Ellwood administered the oath of office to Ben Duehr prior to him taking his seat on the Council.
Mayor opened the public hearing on proposal to enter into a General Obligation Sewer Equipment Acquisition Loan/Lease-Purchase Agreement. No written or oral comments were received. Mayor closed the hearing. Langerman moved to approve Resolution #2026-2 taking additional action on proposal to enter into a General Obligation Sewer Equipment Acquisition Loan/Lease-Purchase Agreement. Goedken seconded. Roll call was unanimous.
Goedken moved to approve Resolution #2026-3 taking additional action on proposal to enter into a General Obligation Sewer Equipment Acquisition Loan/Lease-Purchase Agreement. Brenneman seconded. Roll call was unanimous.
Phelan moved to approve Resolution #2026-4 Designating the Monticello Express as the Official Publication Newspaper for City of Monticello. Brenneman seconded. Roll call was unanimous.
Goedken moved to approve Resolution #2026-5 Approving the Plat of Survey to Parcel 2026-12, same being located within the two-mile jurisdiction of the City limits of the City of Monticello. Langerman seconded. Roll call was unanimous.
Hinrichsen reported the Setoff Program now allows the City to recoup the $7.00 administrative fee collected by the State of Iowa Setoff Program for collection of delinquent balances. City is allowed to assess the administration fee to the delinquent account for each payment received. Brighton moved to approve Resolution #2026-6 Approving administrative fee to be assessed to each customer that a setoff payment is received by the State of Iowa Setoff Program for collection of delinquent balances. Langerman seconded. Roll call was unanimous.
Goedken moved to approve Resolution #2026-7 Approving Change Order #1 in the decreased amount of $10,771.00, submitted by Fahrner Asphalt Sealers LLC related to the Monticello Airport FY25 Pavement Repair and Cracksealing Project. Brighton seconded. Roll call was unanimous.
Brenneman moved to approve Resolution #2026-8 Approving Pay Request #1 related to the Monticello Airport FY25 Pavement Repair and Cracksealing project, to Fahrner Asphalt Sealers LLC in the amount of $617,842.95. Langerman seconded. Roll call was unanimous.
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, second reading in title only. Goedken seconded. Roll call was unanimous.
Ellwood stated how grateful he is for the trust the voters had to elect him as Mayor. He reviewed his top priorities, which are related to growth, housing and community involvement and encouraged everyone to stay involved in the community.
Goedken reported the Jones County Landfill is raising the garbage rate $10/per ton, effective July 1, 2026.
Farnum stated he is working on the timeline for the budget and presentations. Staff’s goal is to have 80% of the budget entered and to Council by the end of the week, with work sessions beginning January 12th.
Farnum advised Jones County Health Department is looking at doing housing inspection and property maintenance, so this could be another option for the City related to nuisance properties.
Farnum advised Kwik Trip will be opening a Kwik Star in Monticello on February 5th.
Oswald reported the kitchen renovations have begun at the Berndes Center. While removing the cabinets, it was discovered there were termites and they hired WDI Pest Control to treat the building. WDI stated this was caught early which was a good thing and they are seeing a lot of termite issues since the derecho.
Oswald and Brehm gave updates on activities for their departments for Janaury.
Hinrichsen reported working on the software conversion and budget.
Kahler advised door damaged in the wind storm is in and will be replaced soon. With the warmer temperatures this week, they will be working on trimming some trees.
Tjaden reported with the new wastewater treatment facility they needed 3 pieces of equipment: the end loader was purchased with help from USDA loan, and the jet truck proceedings are started with further action on it tonight. He is still looking to purchase a skid steer and requested bids. Farnum suggested possibly sharing the cost with the water department.
Langerman moved to adjourn the meeting at 6:39 P.M.
Jake Ellwood, Mayor
Sally Hinrichsen, City Clerk/Treasurer