Regular Council Meeting
May 19, 2025, 6:00 P.M.
Community Media Center
Mayor Wayne Peach called the meeting to order. Council present were: Scott Brighton, Candy Langerman, Jake Ellwood, Mary Phelan, Josh Brenneman and Dave Goedken. Also present were City Administrator Russell Farnum, City Clerk Sally Hinrichsen, Water/Wastewater Supt. Jim Tjaden, Ambulance Director Lori Lynch, Park & Rec Director Jacob Oswald, Library Director Faith Brehm and City Engineer Nick Eisenbacher. Police Chief Britt Smith arrived later in meeting. 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, Goedken seconded, roll call was unanimous.
Bud Coyle, 515 North Sycamore felt the City should look at hiring help for the Oakwood Cemetery mowing earlier in the season to help with the maintenance of the cemetery. Brighton advised the City usually hires college students and they are not available until later in May.
Ellwood moved to approve the consent agenda; Phelan seconded. Roll call was unanimous.
Mayor opened Public Hearing on the proposed City of Monticello Fiscal Year 2024/2025 budget amendments #2. No public comments were received. Mayor closed the hearing. Phelan moved to approve Resolution #2025-68 Approving the City’s Amendment #2 to the Fiscal Year 2024/2025 Budget. Brenneman seconded, roll call was unanimous.
Langerman moved to approve Resolution #2025-69 Approving Change Order #3 in the increased amount of $210,104.27, as submitted by Bill Bruce Builders related to the Monticello Wastewater Treatment Plant Improvements. Brighton seconded, roll call was unanimous.
Goedken moved to approve Resolution #2025-70 Approving Pay Request #12 to Bill Bruce Builders, Inc., Re: Wastewater Treatment Plant Improvement Project in the amount of $1,592,070.13. Brighton seconded, roll call was unanimous.
Goedken moved to approve Resolution #2025-71 Approving the hiring of a Monticello Ambulance Part-Time Paramedic and setting wage. Brenneman seconded, roll call was unanimous.
Goedken moved to approve Resolution #2025-72 Approving the hiring of a Monticello Ambulance Part-Time EMT and setting wage. Brenneman seconded, roll call was unanimous.
Phelan moved to approve Resolution #2025-73 Authorizing the City Clerk to make the Appropriate Transfers of Sums and Record the Same in the Appropriate Manner for FY 2025 for the City of Monticello. Brighton seconded. Roll call was unanimous.
Langerman moved to approve Resolution #2025-74 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. Brenneman seconded. Roll call was unanimous.
Goedken moved to approve Resolution #2025-75 Approving Plat of Survey Auditor’s Parcel 2025-28 for Property located along 195th Street in Section 6-86-3 in Jones County Iowa. Ellwood seconded, roll call was unanimous.
Langerman moved to approve Resolution #2025-76 Approving increases in Cemetery niche fees effective May 19, 2025. Brighton seconded. Goedken questioned if the cost of the niche covered cost of the box, ribbons and opening & closing costs. Farnum advised currently it does, but will need to monitor as the prices increase. Roll call was unanimous.
Brighton moved the second reading and 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 #777 amending the Code of Ordinances of the City of Monticello, Iowa, by repealing Section 65.03, subsection 3, pertaining to Four-Way Stop Intersection of East Washington Street and South Maple Street, in title only. Goedken seconded, roll call unanimous. Brighton moved Ordinance #777 amending the Code of Ordinances of the City of Monticello, Iowa, by repealing Section 65.03, subsection 3, pertaining to Four-Way Stop Intersection of East Washington Street and South Maple Street, third and final reading, in title only. Ellwood seconded, roll call unanimous.
Goedken moved the second reading and 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 #778 amending the Code of Ordinances of the City of Monticello, Iowa, by amending Section 65.02, subsection 6, and adding Section 65.02, subsection 42 pertaining to Stop Required, in title only. Brenneman seconded, roll call unanimous. Brenneman moved Ordinance #778 amending the Code of Ordinances of the City of Monticello, Iowa, by amending Section 65.02, subsection 6, and adding Section 65.02, subsection 42 pertaining to Stop Required, third and final reading in title only. Goedken seconded, roll call unanimous.
Brighton moved Ordinance #779 amending the Code of Ordinances of the City of Monticello, Iowa, by repealing Section 65.01, subsection 2 and amending Section 65.01, subsection 3, pertaining to “Through Streets” , first reading in title only. Brenneman seconded, roll call unanimous. Phelan moved the second reading and 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 #779 amending the Code of Ordinances of the City of Monticello, Iowa, by repealing Section 65.01, subsection 2 and amending Section 65.01, subsection 3, pertaining to “Through Streets”, in title only. Ellwood seconded, roll call unanimous. Goedken stated he saw no reason to adopt the ordinance at one meeting.
Mayor stated he received a certificate of achievement from the Second-Grade class at Carpenter. They have been learning about ways they can help their community and now know how they can help others, They appreciate the Mayor and other City staff members for all the work they do to keep them safe.
Mayor stated HACAP collects food for people needing assistance. They are planning an event to collect food items and are working with Faith at the Library and Megan at the Chamber Office. More information will be released as the event gets closer.
Farnum reported the Stephen sewer line bids came in extremely high and Stephen engineers and City engineers are looking to find ways to cut the cost of the project. He had a meeting with Bond Counsel last week and hopes to have more information at the next meeting.
Farnum advised the State Legislators made no significant changes to the tax system. League of Cities did a great job educating the legislators on the effects of the proposed changes to the tax system.
Farnum advised Public Works Director Nick Kahler reached out to LL Pelling to get prices to sealcoat Laude Avenue and the dead-end street of Arminda Avenue. The quote came in at $3,288.60 and will be added to the sealcoating project. Police Chief Britt Smith arrived.
Farnum reported the Tri County Propane building materials were delivered and they are working on preparing the ground.
Farnum will have the Department Head raises on the next agenda and the evaluations are almost complete.
Farnum advised this Wednesday Give to Grow will be serving a free will donation pork loin lunch at the Depot Park along Farley Street. They have matching funds available depending on the amount raised.
Smith reported that the current SRO Dawn Graver has decided to stay on until October 10th and will start the new school year, along with Erik Honda, as the proposed changes to IPERS was not approved by the legislators.
Oswald reported on the many activities happening now with all the ball teams and tournaments. Oswald wanted to thank Kyle Stadtmueller and Marv Kelchen for help planting many of the trees and everyone that helped with the High School clean up day, as they did various projects around town. Oswald reported the swimming pool is filled and working to get everything ready to open. Oswald stated Kara Burrack will be having a Pickleball tournament, if anyone is interested.
Brehm reported they will be having a book sale this week from Wednesday thru Saturday. Their part-time summer helper started today and is working on the book sale.
They have an Art Museum murder mystery program scheduled for end of this month and Courtney Duffy will be doing a cooking program for adults and kids.
Lynch reported they kicked off EMS week with an Open House and fundraiser and made just under $5,000.00. They will be holding a blood drive at the Berndes Center this week.
Hinrichsen reported she is working to finalize the budget and budget amendments and get the amounts entered into the computer system. She has also received the draft copy of the audit for staff review.
Brighton moved to adjourn the meeting at 6:30 P.M.
Wayne Peach, Mayor
Sally Hinrichsen, City Clerk/Treasurer