Regular Council Meeting
May 5, 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 and Mary Phelan. Council members Josh Brenneman and Dave Goedken were absent. Also present were City Administrator Russell Farnum, City Clerk Sally Hinrichsen, Water/Wastewater Supt. Jim Tjaden, Public Works Director Nick Kahler 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.
Ellwood moved to approve the agenda, Phelan seconded, roll call was unanimous.
Denise Arduser, 17465 Langworthy Rd, owner of 215 and 217 East First Street, expressed her disappointment that the City does not have an ordinance regulating businesses. She explained her concerns, with recent fire in the connected building and how the process is going. Her insurance company has been paying her for the loss of income from the lower level of her property. However, she can’t proceed until the building where the fire started in cleaned out and gutted.
Langerman moved to approve the consent agenda; Brighton seconded. Roll call was unanimous.
Mayor read proclamation and proclaimed the Professional Municipal Clerks Week for May 4 – 10, 2025.
Langerman moved to approve Resolution #2025-62 Scheduling Public Hearing on City of Monticello Fiscal Year 2024/2025 budget amendments #2 for May 19, 2025 at 6:00 p.m. Phelan seconded, roll call was unanimous.
Brighton moved to approve Resolution #2025-63 Approving the hiring and wage for Public Works/Cemetery summer staff. Ellwood seconded, roll call was unanimous.
Farnum advised that Laude Avenue was agreed to be done this year and Arminda Avenue had some water repairs and needs to be done also. They will be getting prices for these streets and will bring back to the Council for approval. Ellwood moved to approve Resolution #2025-64 Approving contracting with LL Pelling Co. to complete various sealcoating projects. Brighton seconded, roll call was unanimous.
Langerman moved to approve Resolution #2025-65 Approving Purchase of Aluminum Entrance with three Aluminum Doors for Berndes Center vestibule from Dubuque Glass Co from Dubuque, IA. Phelan seconded. Ellwood questioned if the doors included the key fob options. Farnum advised the key fobs is not included, however it can be added later. Roll call was unanimous.
Brighton moved to approve Resolution #2025-66 Approving Purchase of a Enduro M32 Aquatic Vacuum system from Carrico Aquatic Resources, Inc from Jefferson, WI. Langerman seconded, roll call was unanimous.
Brighton moved to approve Resolution #2025-67 Approving Purchase of a BECSys 5 Controller system from Carrico Aquatic Resources, Inc from Jefferson, WI. Phelan seconded, roll call was unanimous.
Brighton introduced and 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, first reading in title only. Ellwood seconded, roll call unanimous.
Langerman introduced and 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, first reading in title only. Phelan seconded, roll call unanimous.
Farnum reported working to close out the FAA taxiway project and getting ready to start the pavement repair project at the airport. Farnum also reported the wastewater facility construction is proceeding well.
Farnum reminded the Council that the Iowa Mounted Cowboy Association will be at the Equestrian building on the fairgrounds on May 16-18. Residents may hear a lot of gun shots; however, they are not using live ammunition. The event is free for the public to watch. Council suggested possibly putting a notice in the paper, along with the Facebook posts.
Kahler reported that they removed the Ash trees in Johnson Park and are mowing at the cemetery.
Brehm reported summer reading is ramping up and will begin soon. She advised they received a donation and will be purchasing a 3D printer.
Hinrichsen reported working on grant reports, finalizing the budget process and collections from the State Setoff Program is over $4,500.
Langerman moved to adjourn the meeting at 6:29 P.M.
Wayne Peach, Mayor
Sally Hinrichsen, City Clerk/Treasurer