Regular Council Meeting
March 3, 2025, 6:00 P.M.
Community Media Center
Mayor Wayne Peach called the meeting to order. Council present were: Josh Brenneman, Scott Brighton, Dave Goedken, Candy Langerman, Mary Phelan and Jake Ellwood. Also present were City Clerk Sally Hinrichsen, Park & Rec Director Jacob Oswald, Public Works Director Nick Kahler, Water/Wastewater Supt. Jim Tjaden, 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.
Brighton moved to approve the agenda. Ellwood seconded, roll call was unanimous.
Brenneman moved to approve the consent agenda; Langerman seconded. Roll call was unanimous.
Mayor opened Public Hearing on proposed Plans, Specifications, Form of Contract and Estimate of Cost for the Airport Pavement Maintenance Project. No public comments were received. Brighton moved this hearing be adjourned to March 17, 2025, at 6:00 o’clock p.m., at the Community Media Center, Monticello, Iowa, at which time and place the City Council will meet to further consider such plans, specifications, form of contract and estimate of cost for the Monticello Airport Pavement Maintenance Project. Phelan seconded. Roll call was unanimous.
Langerman moved to approve Resolution #2025-26 approving a Subdivision Plat for Parcel 2025-19 at 20502 Shover Drive (Michael and Emily Kraus), Ellwood seconded, roll call was unanimous.
Brenneman moved to approve Resolution #2025-27 to acknowledge the hiring of a Monticello Library seasonal employee and setting wage. Goedken seconded, roll call was unanimous.
Langerman moved to approve Resolution #2025-28 Scheduling Public Hearing on City of Monticello Fiscal Year 2024/2025 budget amendments for April 7, 2025 at 6:00 p.m. Phelan seconded, roll call was unanimous.
Goedken moved to approve Resolution #2025-29 Approving bid related to Sanitary Sewer Repairs on East Burroughs Street between South Sycamore and South Cedar. Ellwood seconded, roll call was unanimous.
Phelan questioned if there would be an overlapping of the two financial systems prior to the complete conversion. Hinrichsen stated that would be ideal, however we are looking at 9 to 10 months before the conversion would start, so may not be possible. Langerman moved to approve Resolution #2025-30 authorizingthe purchase of City Software with Civic Systems LLC. Goedken seconded, roll call was unanimous.
Goedken motioned to take the discussion regarding Land Grant off the table, Brighton seconded. Roll call was unanimous. Goedken stated he was contacted all weekend about the land grants and people were shocked that the City was giving money for land grants. Goedken moved to vote down giving any land grants. Phelan seconded. Peach stated the TIF Program includes the land grants. He would hate to see a future small company wanting to locate in Monticello that may not be able to afford it without a grant. Ellwood stated he felt a work session was needed. Roll call vote was: Ayes: Goedken and Phelan. Nays: Langerman, Ellwood, Brenneman and Brighton.
Peach reported attending a meeting at Kirkwood and advised they have training that may benefit the Council, if they would like to attend.
Oswald stated swimming lesson signup opened today and time slots are filling up already. He advised the deadline for Pickleball League is March 6th. On March 28th, Friends of the Park will have a meeting and will reveal the proposed bike park. April 27th is the “Holly’s Helping Hands” Day and they will be working in various area of the City, including the Bike Park area.
Brehm stated it was a busy week at the Library. Upcoming events include Irish cooking, Irish dancers, Spring break activities all week and the seed library is open.
Kahler advised they have been working on taking down trees and have 18 Ash trees left to take down, with 5 of them needing to be hired out. He also reported the street sweeper has been out sweeping the streets.
Work session on Fiscal Year 2025-2026 budget was held. No action was taken
Phelan moved to adjourn the meeting at 7:05 P.M.
Wayne Peach, Mayor
Sally Hinrichsen, City Clerk/Treasurer