Regular Council Meeting
July 17, 2023 – 6:00 P.M.
Community Media Center
Mayor David Goedken called the meeting to order. Council present were: Candy Langerman, Chris Lux, Wayne Peach, Scott Brighton and Tom Yeoman. Also present were City Administrator Russell Farnum, City Clerk Sally Hinrichsen, Water /Wastewater Superintendent Jim Tjaden, Library Director Faith Brehm, Park and Rec Director Jacob Oswald, Police Chief Britt Smith and Public Works Director Nick Kahler. Council member Brenda Hanken 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.
Yeoman moved to approve the agenda, Peach seconded, roll call was unanimous.
Langerman moved to approve the consent agenda, with change of location for the Chamber from Pocket Park to the Depot Park, Lux seconded, roll call was unanimous.
Farnum reported the City has used the State’s Income Offset Program since 2010 and has collected $108,225.24 in bills owed to the City. This program has been a great partnership between State and the City. Hinrichsen advised the Department of Administrative Services ran the Income Offset Program, however with cuts at the State level, the Department of Revenue is taking over the program and calling it the State Setoff Program. Langerman moved to approve Resolution #2023-104 Approving the Memorandum of Understanding between The Iowa Department of Revenue and City of Monticello Regarding State Setoff Program. Peach seconded, roll call unanimous.
Farnum advised P & Z Commission reviewed plats for Northridge Estates and recommended approval subject to the City Engineer recommendations being met. Peach moved to approve Resolution#2023-105 Approving the final plat of Northridge Estates Fifth Addition, City of Monticello, Jones County, Iowa, a subdivision of Lot 2 of Northridge Estates, Third Addition, all in the City of Monticello, Jones County, Iowa, Yeoman seconded, roll call unanimous.
Peach moved to approve Resolution#2023-106 Approving the final plat of Northridge Estates Sixth Addition, City of Monticello, Jones County, Iowa, a subdivision of Outlot “A” of Northridge Estates, Fourth Addition, all in the City of Monticello, Jones County, Iowa, Langerman seconded, roll call unanimous.
Langerman moved to approve the temporary road closure for a Chamber of Commerce and Glass Tap LLC dba Market at the Tap event on August 11th for Uptown Summer Nights with West First Street being closed from Cedar Street to Chestnut Street. Peach seconded, roll call unanimous.
Langerman moved to approve Glass Tap LLC dba Market at the Tap outdoor service permit on West First Street on Friday August 11th, Brighton seconded, roll call unanimous.
Goedken advised that he, volunteers, and neighbors cleaned up the area in Jacobs Park so it could be mowed to the property line. They removed brush, cut down scrub trees and removed a deteriorated fence along the West boundary of the Park. The neighboring property owner, Diane Flannagan requested the fence be replaced to keep children from entering her farm field and provided an estimate of $2,878 for a similar fence, with the City’s share being $1,439. City has some chain link fence that could be placed on the City share of the fence, stated Goedken. Council discussed the State fence code and agreed to get attorney’s interpretation of the fence code of what is required. Langerman moved to table the Jacobs Park fence to August 7th Council meeting and to get attorney’s interpretation of the State fence code and what the City is required to do and if City could put in the fencing they already have.
Goedken advised the Birch Street ditch was cleaned out, which filled in after a property owner up-stream sprayed their ditch with Round-Up. He felt this may be something the City needs to look into.
Farnum advised City staff will be working with fair staff, during Fair Week.
Farnum updated the Council on the AWOS system that was struck by lightning in March. City insurance has agreed to pay for all but the $5,000 deductible to replace the $135,000 AWOS equipment.
Brehm advised with Fair Week the Library hours will be 9 to 5 Monday thru Friday and closed on Saturday.
Tjaden reported that they have about 1,500 surveys back and only have four documented lead service lines. This survey is required by the EPA.
Oswald reported that his staff planted the last of the trees that were purchased this spring. They will be getting more trees for fall planting. He encouraged anyone wanting a tree to complete the tree survey.
Peach moved to adjourn at 6:50 P.M.
David Goedken, Mayor
Sally Hinrichsen, City Clerk/Treasurer