Regular Council Meeting
May 4, 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 and Dave Goedken. Also present were City Administrator Russell Farnum, City Clerk Sally Hinrichsen, Water /Wastewater Superintendent Jim Tjaden, Library Director Faith Brehm, Parks and Rec Director Jacob Oswald and Police Chief Britt Smith. Council member Josh Brenneman was 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.
Brighton moved to approve the agenda. Phelan seconded, roll call was unanimous.
Phelan moved to approve the consent agenda, Brighton seconded. Roll call was unanimous.
Goedken moved to approve Resolution #2026-77 Approving Purchase of “Brushcat” from Bobcat of Cedar Rapids. Also authorizing Parks and Rec Director Jacob Oswald to look into a 72” Brushcat, with High Flow, with a not to exceed amount of $12,000 Langerman seconded. Roll call was unanimous.
Brighton moved to approve Resolution #2026-78 Requesting Abatement of accrued Property Taxes on Property owned by the City of Monticello for public purposes within the city limits of the City of Monticello. Goedken seconded. Roll call was unanimous.
Goedken moved to approve Resolution #2026-79 Approving Plat of Survey to Parcel 2026-35 located at 18292 Amber Road X44. Phelan seconded. Roll call was unanimous.
Langerman moved to approve Resolution #2026-80 Scheduling Public Hearing on City of Monticello Fiscal Year 2025-2026 budget amendment #2 for May 18, 2026 at 6:00 p.m. Goedken seconded. Roll call was unanimous.
Farnum introduced Mark Culver from East Central Iowa Council of Governments (ECICOG) who discussed the proposed contract for nuisance abatement enforcement and their procedures. Brighton moved to direct staff to place this item on the next agenda for official action, with a resolution. Phelan seconded. Roll call was unanimous.
Judy Tuetken advised that several years ago the Chamber of Commerce did a contest to create an official “City” flag and shared the winning design, if the Council wanted to use it. She advised back then it was cost-prohibitive to create the flag. Ellwood discussed how and why he was looking into creating the “City” flag. Farnum stated the Council would need to pass an ordinance approving the City flag and design. Ellwood stated he was contacted by Monticello Main Street Director Brian Wolken about adding the flag to a grant that was submitted on Friday and he gave him the okay. Goedken moved to direct City Administrator to bring the ordinance for the official “City” flag to the next meeting and to use the proposed flag with the founded date on it. Phelan seconded. Roll call was unanimous.
Smith reported that Curt Kass has completed the nuisance violations that were listed on his notice for the property located at 526-530 North Chestnut Street.
Goedken 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 #788 Rescinding Chapter 27 “City Tree Board” of the Monticello Code of Ordinances in its’ entirety, be regarded as having been considered and voted on at two prior council meetings. Phelan seconded, roll call unanimous. Phelan moved Ordinance #788 Rescinding Chapter 27 “City Tree Board” of the Monticello Code of Ordinances in its’ entirety, third and final reading in title only. Duehr seconded, roll call unanimous.
Goedken 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 #789 amending Provisions Pertaining to Chapter 23 “Parks and Recreation Board”, be regarded as having been considered and voted on at two prior council meetings. Phelan seconded, roll call unanimous. Goedken moved Ordinance #789 amending Provisions Pertaining to Chapter 23 “Parks and Recreation Board”, third and final reading in title only. Phelan seconded, roll call unanimous.
Farnum and the Department heads gave updates on projects and activities happening in their departments.
Phelan moved to adjourn at 6:49 P.M.
Jake Ellwood, Mayor
Sally Hinrichsen, City Clerk/Treasurer