Regular Council Meeting
June 1, 2026, 6:00 P.M.
Community Media Center
Mayor Pro Tem Scott Brighton called the meeting to order. Council present were: Candy Langerman, Mary Phelan, and Josh Brenneman. Also present were City Administrator Russell Farnum, City Clerk Sally Hinrichsen, and Water /Wastewater Superintendent Jim Tjaden. Mayor Jake Ellwod and Council members Dave Goedken and Ben Duehr were 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.
Brenneman moved to approve the agenda. Phelan seconded, roll call was unanimous.
Phelan moved to approve the consent agenda, Langerman seconded. Roll call was unanimous.
Jones County Community Foundation Executive Director Sheila Tjaden presented the Foundation’s annual report and discussed the organization’s regional structure, local board representation, and several initiatives including Every Child Read, Hike Fund, Vision to Learn, and Small-Town Dreams. She described how donors can access a 25% Iowa endow tax credit for endowment gifts. She explained the Jones County grant funding source from gambling revenue, typical funding and grant rules (including $35,000 maximum awards and no consecutive-year funding), the fall grant cycle dates (Sept 2–Oct 15), the disaster fund and rapid-disbursement platform, and the Monticello Give to Grow endowment.
Langerman moved to approve Resolution #2026-92 Authorizing the City Clerk to make the Appropriate Transfers of Sums and Record the Same in the Appropriate Manner for FY 2026 for the City of Monticello. Phelan seconded. Roll call was unanimous.
Brenneman moved to approve Resolution #2026-93 Approving Agreement with the Animal Welfare Friends for Boarding of Stray Animals located within the City of Monticello. Langerman seconded. Roll call was unanimous.
Brenneman moved to approve Resolution #2026-94 Approving quote for updating the security cameras at City Hall, Renaissance Center and Library from Infrastructure Technology Solutions, LLC, Monticello Iowa in the amount of $24,093.76, which includes options 1 thru 4. Langerman seconded. Roll call was unanimous.
Langerman moved to approve Resolution #2026-95 Approving Sale Lease Agreement for the DOT surplus property Parcel 2006-10, located on 190th, Brenneman seconded. Roll call was unanimous.
Phelan moved to approve Resolution #2026-96 Approving Revolving Loan Agreement between City of Monticello and La Hacienda Mexican Restaurant LLC for Building
Improvements to property located at 103 South Main Street, not to exceed $10,000.00. Langerman seconded. Roll call was unanimous.
Langerman moved to approve the ordinance entitled “An Ordinance Providing for the Division of Taxes Levied on Taxable Property in the May, 2026 Addition to the Monticello Urban Renewal Area, Pursuant to Section 403.19 of the Code of Iowa,” now be put upon its second reading. Roll call was unanimous.
Brenneman moved that the statutory rule requiring said ordinance to be considered and voted on for passage at two Council meetings prior to the meeting at which it is to be finally passed be suspended. Phelan seconded. Roll call was unanimous. However, the motion did not pass as they did not have the statutory required five members present.
Farnum and the Department heads gave updates on projects and activities happening in their departments.
Brenneman moved to adjourn at 6:42 P.M.
Scott Brighton, Mayor Pro Tem
Sally Hinrichsen, City Clerk/Treasurer