Regular Council Meeting
May 18, 2026, 6:00 P.M.
Community Media Center
Mayor Jake Ellwood called the meeting to order. Council present were: Candy Langerman, Mary Phelan, Ben Duehr, Scott Brighton, Josh Brenneman and Dave Goedken. Also present were City Administrator Russell Farnum, City Clerk Sally Hinrichsen, Water /Wastewater Superintendent Jim Tjaden, Library Director Faith Brehm, Public Works Director Nick Kahler and City Engineer Colton Ingels. 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.
Phelan moved to approve the agenda. Brighton seconded, roll call was unanimous.
Langerman moved to approve the consent agenda, Brighton seconded. Roll call was unanimous.
Mayor opened the public hearing on proposed Amendment #2 to the Fiscal year 2025-2026 Budget. No written or oral comments were received. Mayor closed the hearing. Phelan moved to approve Resolution #2026-81 Approving the City’s Amendment #2 to the Fiscal Year 2025-2026 Budget. Goedken seconded. Roll call was unanimous.
Mayor opened the public hearing on proposed Amendment to the Monticello Urban Renewal Area. No written or oral comments were received. Mayor closed the hearing. Goedken moved to approve Resolution #2026-82 to Declare Necessity and Establish an Urban Renewal Area, Pursuant to Section 403.4 of the Code of Iowa and Approve Urban Renewal Plan Amendment for the Expanded Monticello Urban Renewal Area. Brighton seconded. Roll call was unanimous. Phelan introduced and moved to approve Ordinance #790 Amending the Code of Ordinances of the City of Monticello, Iowa, by 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. Brenneman seconded. Roll call was unanimous. Phelan 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 #790 Amending the Code of Ordinances of the City of Monticello, Iowa, by 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 be regarded as having been considered and voted on at two prior council meetings. Duehr seconded. Roll call was unanimous.
Brenneman moved to approve Resolution #2026-83 reporting all employees’ wages for calendar year ending December 31, 2025. Goedken seconded. Roll call was unanimous.
Langerman moved to approve Resolution #2026-84 Approving contracting with LL Pelling Co. to complete various sealcoating projects. Brighton seconded. Roll call was unanimous.
Goedken moved to approve Resolution #2026-85 Authorizing the Police Department to purchase a police vehicle. Brenneman seconded. Roll call was unanimous.
Brenneman moved to approve Resolution #2026-86 Approving the hiring of a Monticello Part-Time Certified Police Officer and setting wage. Goedken seconded. Roll call was unanimous.
Phelan moved to approve Resolution #2026-87 Approving the Agreement and Scope of Services between City of Monticello and ECICOG Related to Nuisance Enforcement. Brighton seconded. Roll call was unanimous.
Goedken moved to approve Resolution #2026-88 Approving Purchase of Skid Loader from Bobcat of Cedar Rapids. Langerman seconded. Roll call was unanimous.
Langerman moved to approve Resolution #2026-89 Approving contracting with Midwest Concrete to replace fire hydrants and purchase a valve exerciser. Goedken seconded. Roll call was unanimous.
Phelan moved to approve Resolution #2026-90 Approving Pay Request #24 to Bill Bruce Builders, Inc., Re: Wastewater Treatment Plant Improvement Project in the amount of $338,007.13. Brighton seconded. Roll call was unanimous.
Brighton moved to approve Resolution #2026-91 to provide for a notice of hearing on proposed plans, specifications, form of contract and estimate of cost for the Monticello 6th Street Ditch Restoration Project, and the taking of bids thereof. Langerman seconded. Roll call was unanimous. Public Hearing will be held on June 15, 2026 at 6 PM.
Farnum and the Department heads gave updates on projects and activities happening in their departments. Council gave updates on various board meetings they attended.
Langerman moved to adjourn at 6:27 P.M.
Jake Ellwood, Mayor
Sally Hinrichsen, City Clerk/Treasurer