Regular Council Meeting
July 7, 2025, 6:00 P.M.
Community Media Center
Mayor Wayne Peach called the meeting to order. Council present were: Josh Brenneman, Scott Brighton, Jake Ellwood, Dave Goedken, Candy Langerman and Mary Phelan. Also present were City Administrator Russell Farnum, Deputy City Clerk Cheryl Clark, Police Chief Britt Smith, Water/Wastewater Supt. Jim Tjaden, Park & Rec Director Jacob Oswald, Public Works Director Nick Kahler, Library Director Faith Brehm and Ambulance Director Lori Lynch. 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, Brighton seconded, roll call was unanimous.
Quinn Phelan, 1040 Riverview Court, gave a 4th of July parade report. He stated there were 150 entries and thanked the sponsors, as well as City staff, with special thanks to Kahler.
Galen Muller, 853 Southhaven Drive, stated they have been using the Berndes Center building since 1970 for the Rod & Custom Car Show. He recently heard that they will no longer be allowed to utilize the first-floor office space and stated that space is very important to them. Goedken advised it is due to the updates and new electronic equipment. Farnum stated he will work with Muller to find a solution.
Brenda Hanken, 291 North Pine Street, praised the Council for doing a great job. She stated that she recalled when Kara Burrack was hired, her position would be paid by what she brought in.
Ellwood moved to approve the consent agenda; Phelan seconded. Roll call was unanimous.
Mayor opened Public Hearing on the proposal to enter into General Obligation Corporate Purpose Loan Agreement. No public comments were received. Mayor closed the hearing.
Farnum reported that the fire equipment has been removed from the bond, as the rural areas will meet in October/November and determine how to proceed with financing. The Fire Board met a few weeks ago and has shown positivity as far as other means to pay for the turnout gear. The cost for the Roger Stephen property sewer extension have been trimmed to under $1.3M, but the loan agreement is for up to $2.5M. Phelan questioned if it could be lowered and Farnum stated the Council will make the decision on the numbers once everything is finalized. Farnum stated it is a 15-year bond and could be paid off as early as 7 years, with no penalty. Goedken questioned the highway crossing being removed and Farnum stated the easement has not been secured yet. Goedken questioned the other outstanding bonds and questioned if small street repairs could be made with leftover funds and Farnum stated possibly, but bond counsel would want a resolution stating that. Brenneman moved to approve Resolution #2025-89 taking additional action on proposal to enter into a General Obligation Corporate Purpose Loan Agreement. Langerman seconded. Roll call was unanimous.
Mayor opened Public Hearing on proposal to Rezone area known as Lot 1 of Brad Stephen’s 4th Addition to M-1 Light/Heavy Industrial District, upon annexation to the City. No public comments were received. Mayor closed the hearing.
Goedken moved to approve Resolution #2025-90 Accepting the Voluntary Annexation of certain property generally described as Lot 1 of Bradley Stephen’s 4th Addition. Brighton seconded. Roll call was unanimous.
Goedken moved Ordinance #782 Applying zoning upon annexation to M-1 Light/Heavy Industrial District, for Lot 1 of Brad Stephen’s 4th Addition, first reading, in title only. Brenneman seconded. Roll call was unanimous.
Ellwood moved to approve Resolution #2025-91 Approving the Site Plan for Tri-County Propane on Lot 1 of Bradley Stephen’s 4th Addition (Hinz). Phelan seconded. Roll call was unanimous.
Brighton moved to approve Resolution #2025-92 Approving Pay Request #14 to Bill Bruce Builders, Inc., Re: Wastewater Treatment Plant Improvement Project in the amount of $728,393.29, Ellwood seconded. Roll call was unanimous.
Goedken moved to approve Resolution #2025-93Approving the Final Plat for Parcel 2025-39 for Property at 18076 Amber Road (Welter/Dirks). Phelan seconded. Roll call was unanimous.
Joel Robinson with Ikon Investments was present to request support for grant applications for the rehabilitation of the “Lovell Building” at 123 East First Street. A structural engineering firm recently reported that the south wall is showing signs of distress and is critically unstable. At that point, Robinson had the law firm on the first floor vacate the building, which is now barricaded. The second and third floors of the building is currently unused, but Robinson would like to renovate the building and bring new life into it. Brian Wolken, Monticello Main Street Director, stated they discussed 10-12 short-term rental units, which would generate hotel/motel tax revenue. Phelan questioned parking for the rental units and Wolken stated there is parking available nearby. Wolken discussed the grants that are available for a rehabilitation project and the required match, which varies depending upon the grant. Brighton moved to approve Resolution #2025-94 supporting grant application(s) for the rehabilitation of the “Lovell Building” at 123 East First Street. Langerman seconded. Roll call was unanimous.
Goedken moved Ordinance #780 Amending certain provisions of Chapter 106, “Collection of Solid Waste”, of the City of Monticello, Iowa Code of Ordinances, third and final reading, in title only. Brenneman seconded. Roll call was unanimous.
Ellwood moved Ordinance #781 Amending certain provisions of Chapter 105, “Solid Waste Control”, Section 105.13, Rates for Service, Paragraph 1, of the City of Monticello, Iowa Code of Ordinance. Brighton seconded, third and final reading, in title only. Roll call unanimous.
Mayor Peach welcomed General Manager/Editor of the Monticello Express, Nick Joos, to Monticello. He stated that the fiber optic companies in town still have some boring holes in the street that haven’t been repaired. Kahler stated that the contractor will be working on those this week or next. Peach advised that he will not be in attendance at the next council meeting.
Farnum thanked the 4th of July Parade Committee, City staff and firemen for a great holiday. He stated that Kwik Star has moved the project up and will be breaking ground in a few weeks. The Kardes pumps are open and the store will be opening again soon; Great Jones County Fair is coming up and the Sixth Street easements should be done with legal review this week.
Kahler reported that they continue taking trees down and should be able to get those remaining, then will work on stump grinding. They are also busy getting ready for the Jones County Fair. Peach stated the sweeper does a great job.
Smith stated they are still evaluating the canine, working drills and all-in-all, he is doing well. They too are getting ready for the Great Jones County Fair.
Tjaden reported that Electric Pump has been here working on the SCADA system and will be wrapping up in a few days. Kluesner Construction did a great job on the roadway to the North Well and the camera trailer should be here Thursday. The biosolid building is now up and running.
Oswald reported that tee-ball, softball and baseball wrapped up last week. Volleyball and flag football will start in August and they also have several other events/programs coming up, such as coffee/cards, 5k race, walking tour of Sacred Heart Cemetery, Monticello night at the Kernels, pickleball tournament during Monti Days, line dancing and movie night in the park. There have been two recent fecal incidents at the pool, which required the pool to close early and open later the next day. Both occurred in the baby pool, but the baby pool feeds the shallow end of the big pool.
Brehm reported they are halfway through the summer reading program. This Thursday, teens will be playing Fortnite in the park. They have reduced hours during fair week.
Lynch reported they are getting geared up for the Great Jones County Fair. Peach questioned if there is a charge for a refusal of ambulance services and Lynch stated it depends what services are provided.
Phelan moved to adjourn the meeting at 6:49 P.M.
Wayne Peach, Mayor
Cheryl Clark, Deputy City Clerk