Regular Council Meeting
July 21, 2025, 6:00 P.M.
Community Media Center
Mayor Pro Tem Scott Brighton called the meeting to order. Council present were: Josh Brenneman, Jake Ellwood, Dave Goedken, Candy Langerman and Mary Phelan. Also present were City Administrator Russell Farnum, City Clerk Sally Hinrichsen, Police Chief Britt Smith, Water/Wastewater Supt. Jim Tjaden, Park & Rec Director Jacob Oswald, Public Works Director Nick Kahler, and Library Director Faith Brehm. 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.
Ellwood moved to approve the consent agenda, Phelan seconded. Roll call was unanimous.
Farnum updated Council on the bonding process, with bids being due on August 4th for Council to take action that evening. Farnum stated it is a 15-year bond and could be paid off as early as 7 years, with no penalty. Langerman moved to approve Resolution #2025-95 setting the date for the sale of General Obligation Sewer Improvement Bonds, Series 2025 and authorizing the use of a preliminary official statement in connection therewith. Brenneman seconded. Roll call was unanimous.
Farnum reported the Federal airport grants were awarded at 95% Federal share and 5% City share. Goedken moved to approve Resolution #2025-96 Approving Construction Inspection Services for Airport Runway Pavement Maintenance Project. Ellwood seconded. Roll call was unanimous.
Smith updated Council on the School Resource Officer position with the school. Langerman moved to approve Resolution #2025-97 Approving the Promotion of Officer Erik Honda to School Resource Officer and setting wage for School Resource Officer position. Ellwood seconded. Roll call was unanimous.
Smith reported that Delaware County and City of Manchester joined the Jones County Emergency Response Team. While updating the 28E Agreement to include Delaware County and City of Manchester, they decided to change the name to the Joint County Emergency Response Team. Goedken moved to approve Resolution #2025-98 Approving 28E Agreement related to Joint County Emergency Response Team, Brenneman seconded. Roll call was unanimous.
Goedken voiced concerns on only one bid received for the Stephen sewer line project. Ellwood stated he understood bid requests were distributed to ten contractors and Farnum advised that was correct and only one returned it. Langerman moved to approve Resolution #2025-99 Approving the Final Development Agreement between City of Monticello and Roger Stephen Related to the Development of Brad Stephen Addition and the Extension of Sanitary Sewer and other public infrastructure. Phelan seconded. Roll call was unanimous.
Goedken moved to approve Resolution #2025-100 To approve Permanent Sanitary Sewer Easement with Roger Stephen, and direct recordation of same. Ellwood seconded. Roll call was unanimous.
Goedken moved to approve Resolution #2025-101 To approve Temporary Construction Easement with Wheels of Progress LLC and direct recordation of same. Langerman seconded. Roll call was unanimous.
Brenneman moved to approve Resolution #2025-102 To approve Permanent Sanitary Sewer Easement with Wheels of Progress LLC, and direct recordation of same. Phelan seconded. Roll call was unanimous.
Ellwood moved to approve Resolution #2025-103 Finally Acceptance of Northridge Estates Fifth Addition Improvement Project, and Releasing Retainage in the amount of $92,700.00 to Highland Corporation. Goedken seconded. Roll call was unanimous.
Phelan moved to approve Resolution #2025-104 Accepting FAA Grant Agreement, project No. 3-19-0061-014-2025, Monticello Regional Airport for the Airport Runway Maintenance Project and directing the City’s Designated Official to execute said grant agreement. Langerman seconded. Goedken moved to amend the approval of Resolution #2025-104 Accepting FAA Grant Agreement, project No. 3-19-0061-014-2025, Monticello Regional Airport for the Airport Runway Maintenance Project and directing the City’s Designated Official to execute said grant agreement; to include both the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) and Airport Improvement Program (AIP) funds for the Airport Runway Maintenance Project. Phelan seconded. Roll call was unanimous to approve Resolution #2025-104, as amended.
Farnum advised at the April 21 meeting, Council discussed the possibility of working on a lease with Ryan Evans for the use of Pocket Park. Council directed staff to work out details with Evans and bring back a lease. Since that time, Farnum and Oswald had some discussions with Evans. However, Evans is requesting the City construct a public restroom and build water and sewer services to the other building. Evans needs plumbing to the building in order to meet health code requirements, which has become a major stumbling block to moving forward with his idea. Farnum and Oswald were under the impression that Council was willing to “try out” the concept, with temporary handwashing or sanitation facilities (similar to the Chamber events) and maybe a porta-potty. Ryan Evans was not present at the meeting, so Council took no action on the Pocket Park lease.
Langerman moved Ordinance #782 amending the Monticello Code of Ordinances, by amending Chapter 165 “ZONING REGULATIONS” and amending the Official Zoning Map, by Applying zoning upon annexation to M-1 Light/Heavy Industrial District, for Lot 1 of Brad Stephen’s 4th Addition, second reading, in title only. Brenneman 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 the Monticello Code of Ordinances, by amending Chapter 165 “ZONING REGULATIONS” and amending the Official Zoning Map, by Applying zoning upon annexation to M-1 Light/Heavy Industrial District, for Lot 1 of Brad Stephen’s 4th Addition, be regarded as having been considered and voted on at two prior council meetings and further moved said Ordinance, third and final reading in title only. Ellwood seconded, roll call unanimous.
Farnum stated the recent storm cleanup went great, with City staff and community members helping cleanup the town prior to the fair this past week.
Farnum advised the Cemetery Board is discussing the possibility of removing the fence on the West end of the Cemetery. Farnum will be sending out letters to the adjacent property owners regarding the fence, looking for input.
Farnum reported State passed legislation that requires cities to allow at least one accessory dwelling unit (ADU) on the same lot as a single-family home, if it meets the State building code and does not exceed 1,000 square feet or 50% of the main dwelling size. He will be working to update the City Code on this new regulation.
Farnum advised the new software training was to begin tomorrow, however it was pushed back.
Hinrichsen advised the election paperwork is available at City Clerk’s Office or the County Auditor’s Office. Hinrichsen stated The Iowa Public Information Board (IPIB) will be providing open meetings/open records training in accordance with HF706, which was adopted during the 2025 legislative session and requires all new members of governmental bodies to complete related training. The law requires new elected officials and new appointed members of boards/commissions that are considered governmental bodies (such as library boards, planning and zoning commissions, etc.) to complete the training within 90 days of taking the oath of office or assuming duties of the office. Unclear if all newly re-elected or re-appointed will need to complete the training also.
Kahler thanked Smith, Oswald and Ellwood for helping with the tree cleanup following the recent storm. The big piles have been cleaned up as of 10:30 AM last Friday. Residents are still working to cleanup debris. The yard waste site is full and the grinder has been contacted to see about coming to grind some the debris to make room.
Kahler requested LL Pelling to not begin sealcoating until after the fair.
Smith advised there were no major incidents at the Fair and all went well.
Smith stated there are a lot of hanging branches following the recent storm, on both public and private properties. City Code states once notified they are to have the hanging branches removed within 14 days, however he would like to give them 45 days following this storm, as the contactors are all busy.
Smith advised the company that they are currently using for body and car cameras, is no longer servicing the camera equipment. He has been looking into other options since January, as they need to take action sooner than later. He stated he had a surplus in his budget for FY 2024-2025 and would like to amend this year’s budget to make a larger downpayment towards the cameras, and then would pay for them over 5 years. Estimated cost is $75,000 for cameras for the 3 cars and the officer.
Tjaden thanked the residents that provided the copper/lead testing samples, and for their quick turnaround. City has been doing this for years and it was great to be able to send them in so quickly.
Oswald reported Grace Dupuy’s last day will be next week. They are currently accepting applications until the position is filled. Oswald has reached out to several area colleges that have recreation training. Kara Burrack put together a 5K run that started on the fairgrounds. They had 70 participants, which is a good turnout for the first year. Oswald thanked the Fair Manager for working with them, since with all the rain it was moved to the next day.
Brehm reported they will no longer be able to use the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) for the book services, as they have in the past. They will be using Iowa’s Area Education Agencies (AEA) for their book requests from other libraries; however, they will only be delivering once a week.
Brehm reported that are having a food drive and will start at the Farmer’s Market and will have boxes at various businesses to drop of items. Everything donated in Monticello will stay in Monticello.
Brehm reported the Teen Pool party and the food pantry will be held by the end the month. Summer Reading Program foam blasters will be held on August 31st.
Council held a work session on City Council goals and the timeline, that were set last year. No action was taken.
Goedken moved to adjourn the meeting at 6:57 P.M.
Scott Brighton, Mayor Pro Tem
Sally Hinrichsen, City Clerk/Treasurer