Regular Council Meeting
June 15, 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 arrived shortly after the meeting started. Also present were City Administrator Russell Farnum, City Clerk Sally Hinrichsen, Water /Wastewater Superintendent Jim Tjaden, Police Chief Britt Smith, Library Director Faith Brehm, Public Works Director Nick Kahler 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.
Brighton moved to approve the agenda. Brenneman seconded, roll call was unanimous.
Riley Newhard, 402 West First Street, discussed the condition of bricks on Walnut Street and asked the Council to consider the longevity of a brick street and maintenance of the brick streets. Kahler updated Council on the driveways and manhole that needs to be looked into. Consensus of Council was to look into the Capital Projects list and possibly update it. No action was taken. Ben Duehr arrived.
Phelan moved to approve the consent agenda, Brighton seconded. Roll call was unanimous.
Mayor opened the public hearing on proposed plans, specifications, form of contract, and estimate of cost for the Monticello 6th Street Ditch Restoration Project. No written or oral comments were received. Mayor closed the hearing. Langerman moved to approve Resolution #2026-97 Approving the proposed plans, specifications, form of contract, and estimate of cost for the Monticello 6th Street Ditch Restoration Project. Phelan seconded. Roll call was unanimous.
Brenneman moved to approve Resolution #2026-98 Authorizing the City Clerk to make the Appropriate Transfers of Sums and Record the Same in the Appropriate Manner for FY 2027 for the City of Monticello. Goedken seconded. Roll call was unanimous.
Goedken moved to approve Resolution #2026-99 Approving Change Order Request #6 in the increased not to exceed amount of $11,004.95 as submitted by Bill Bruce Builders related to the Monticello Wastewater Treatment Plant Improvements. Duehr seconded. Roll call was unanimous.
Brenneman moved to approve Resolution #2026-100 Approving Pay Request #25 to Bill Bruce Builders, Inc., Re: Wastewater Treatment Plant Improvement Project in the amount of $471,271.91. Phelan seconded. Roll call was unanimous.
Phelan moved to approve Resolution #2026-101 Approving Change Order #2 to Roger Stephen, Re: Stephen Addition Trunk Sewer Project in the decreased amount of $27,659.25, Duehr seconded. Roll call was unanimous.
Brenneman moved to approve Resolution #2026-102 Approving Pay Request #8 to Roger Stephen, Re: Stephen Addition Trunk Sewer Project in the amount of $37,662.51. Langerman seconded. Roll call was unanimous.
Goedken moved to approve Resolution #2026-103 Approving BR5 Development LLC Tax Abatement Application for Tax Abatement on Multiresidential Real Estate located at 605 East First Street, Monticello, Iowa. Langerman seconded. Roll call was unanimous.
Goedken moved to approve Resolution #2026-104 Adopting the Official City Flag for the City of Monticello. Brighton seconded. Roll call was unanimous except Duehr who voted nay.
Brenneman 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 third and final reading. Brighton seconded. Roll call was unanimous.
Farnum and the Department heads gave updates on projects and activities happening in their departments. Council members gave updates on meetings they attended.
Brenneman moved to adjourn at 6:33 P.M.
Jake Ellwood, Mayor
Sally Hinrichsen, City Clerk/Treasurer