Regular Council Meeting
July 20, 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, Scott Brighton and Dave Goedken. Council member Ben Duehr was absent. Also present were City Administrator Russell Farnum, City Clerk Sally Hinrichsen, Public Works Director Nick Kahler, Police Chief Britt Smith and Fire Chief Billy Norton. 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.
Langerman moved to approve the agenda. Phelan seconded, roll call was unanimous.
Mary Melchart, 1 Spring Farm Lane, reported the Migrant Advocate Group of Jones County is presenting “The Pathway to U.S. Citizenship” by Immigration Attorney Ry Meyer, from Catholic Charities in Dubuque, Iowa, on Saturday, August 1, 2026 at 10 AM in the Monticello City Council Chambers. Public is invited to attend.
Brenneman moved to approve the consent agenda, Brighton seconded. Roll call was unanimous.
Langerman moved to approve Resolution #2026-107 Approving Change Order Request #7 in the increased not to exceed amount of $30,583.70 as submitted by Bill Bruce Builders related to the Monticello Wastewater Treatment Plant Improvements. Brighton seconded. Roll call was unanimous.
Brighton moved to approve Resolution #2026-108 Approving Pay Request #26 to Bill Bruce Builders, Inc., Re: Wastewater Treatment Plant Improvement Project in the amount of $304,720.40. Phelan seconded. Roll call was unanimous.
Langerman moved to approve Resolution #2026-109 Approving Airport FBO hangar door replacement in the amount of $12,640.00. Brenneman seconded. Roll call was unanimous.
Langerman moved to approve Resolution #2026-110 Approving the purchase of a 2016 John Deere 1575 mower from Roeder Implement for $18,000.00. Brighton seconded. Roll call was unanimous.
Brenneman oved to approve Resolution #2026-111 Approving Monticello Fire Department to purchase Fire Personal Protective Equipment (PPE). Goedken seconded. Roll call was unanimous.
Goedken moved to approve Resolution #2026-112 Approving contract and performance and/or payment bonds for the 6th Street Ditch Restoration Project. Phelan seconded. Roll call vote was unanimous.
Brighton moved to approve issuance of payments to award winners following Art in the Park Event. Brenneman seconded. Roll call was unanimous.
Council members gave reports on meetings attended. City Administrator and Department heads gave updates on projects and activities happening in their departments.
Work session was held on the proposed Drivers policy the insurance carrier is requesting the City to adopt. Farnum is waiting for City Attorney to review and will bring back to Council for formal approval.
Brenneman moved to adjourn at 6:34 P.M.
Jake Ellwood, Mayor
Sally Hinrichsen, City Clerk/Treasurer