Regular Council Meeting
October 20, 2025, 6:00 P.M.
Community Media Center
Mayor Wayne Peach called the meeting to order. Council present were: Scott Brighton, Josh Brenneman, Dave Goedken, Candy Langerman, Mary Phelan and Jake Ellwood. Also, present were City Administrator Russell Farnum, City Clerk Sally Hinrichsen, Library Director Faith Brehm, Police Chief Britt Smith, and Ambulance Director Lori Lynch. 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.
Farnum reported a correction on agenda item #2 the amount listed was incorrect and should be $249,202.27. Ellwood moved to approve the agenda, as amended. Phelan seconded, roll call was unanimous.
Goedken moved to approve the consent agenda, Brenneman seconded. Phelan questioned why Council members were listed under Fire Dept on the payroll list. Hinrichsen suggested the header was not changed but would check with the Payroll Clerk to be sure. Roll call was unanimous.
Ellwood moved to approve Resolution #2025-136 Approving Pay Request #17 to Bill Bruce Builders, Inc., Re: Wastewater Treatment Plant Improvement Project in the amount of $1,505,849.21, Brenneman seconded. Roll call was unanimous.
Langerman moved to approve Resolution #2025-137 Approving Pay Request #2 to Roger Stephen, Re: Stephen Addition Trunk Sewer Project in the amount of $249,202.27, Brighton seconded. When questioned, Farnum advised some of the manholes will be farmed over until area is developed, so they are about 2 feet below the surface and will be raised as areas are developed. Roll call was unanimous.
Goedken moved to approve Resolution #2025-138 Approving increases in Cemetery fees effective November 30, 2025, Brighton seconded. Roll call was unanimous.
Smith introduced new Police Officer Johnny Norwood, who is a certified officer, and will be starting November 10th. Norwood stated he is looking forward to getting to know everyone. Brenneman moved to approve Resolution #2025-139 Approving the hiring of a Monticello Full-Time Certified Police Officer and setting wage, Goedken seconded. Roll call was unanimous.
Langerman moved to approve Resolution #2025-140 Approving Monticello Berndes Center Rental Contract between Eastern Iowa Horse and Pony Camp and City of Monticello, Brighton seconded. When asked when the double stove would be installed, Farnum advised it would be installed prior to their next camp in 2026. They are also remodeling the kitchen area. Roll call was unanimous.
Ellwood moved to remove “Resolution Approving Loan Agreement with Tom and Teri Keleher for property at 109 E. 1st Street”, from the table to re-consider, Brighton seconded. Roll call was unanimous. Goedken moved to approve Resolution #2025-141 Approving Revolving Loan Agreement between City of Monticello and Tom and Teri Keleher for Façade Improvements to property located at 109 E. 1st Street, Langerman seconded. Roll call was unanimous.
Brighton moved to remove ”Consideration and Possible Motion regarding Sacred Heart alley”, from the table to re-consider, Brenneman seconded. Roll call was unanimous. Smith reported Sacred Heart has been using cones and barricades on a daily basis to “close” down the school portion of the alley during the school day (7:30-3:30 M-F) which keeps vehicle traffic from passing between the school and the parish rectory. Sacred Heart has spent a considerable amount of money on repairing and maintaining the section of concrete that extends from 3rd Street to the rear property boundary of Sacred Heart between the school building. Smith advised during revamping of the Sacred Heart Drop-off zone, Sacred Heart once again requested that the City reconsider closing the alley. The request was to formally close the North End of the alley off, from 3rd Street to the rear property boundary of the school, which would ensure no further damage is done to the concrete, and no further concerns with school kids crossing between the buildings. This would also allow for a crosswalk to be installed in a cost effective and efficient location directly in line with the alley that allows the school to walk students from the alley doors over to the church for lunch, recess and physical education. The alley would remain accessible for entering and exiting properties only on the South end of the alley off of 2nd Street. Smith suggested three options for the Council to consider; and recommended option #2, which is to close the North end of the Alley at 3rd Street permanently by placing a concrete barrier at the rear boundary of the school which will eliminate two-way access through the alley 365 days per year. The alley will still remain accessible for two-way traffic only from the South end of the alley at 2nd Street. Sacred Heart would be responsible for the purchase and installation of the concrete barrier. Phelan moved to approve Option #1 – Make no changes to the current alley. The school will still continue to place cones and barricades at the entrance to the alley and at their rear property boundary during the school period of 7:30 am-3:30 pm, M-F during the school year. Goedken seconded. Roll call vote was: Ayes: Phelan, Goedken and Brenneman. Nays: Brighton, Langerman and Ellwood. Motion failed. Brighton moved to approve Option #3 – Make the alley one way to the South. The City would install a DO NOT ENTER sign at the alley entrance on 3rd Street which would limit two-way traffic. The school would still continue to barricade the alley using cones from 7:30-3:30 M-F during the school year. Langerman seconded. Roll call vote was: Ayes: Brighton and Langerman. Nays: Ellwood, Brenneman, Phelan and Goedken. Motion failed. Smith would like to see better barricades used to block off the alley, at Sacred Heart’s expense. Goedken moved to approve Option #1 – Make no changes to the current alley. The school will still continue to place cones and barricades at the entrance to the alley and at their rear property boundary during the school period of 7:30am-3:30pm M-F during the school year. Phelan seconded. Roll call was unanimous, except Brighton who voted nay.
Farnum updated Council on the sewer jet and stated the tank is beginning to get pin holes due to the corrosion and we are not getting the life out the of sewer jet as staff had hoped. Farnum advised staff was hoping to hold off on the purchase of a sewer jet until the Wastewater Facility Project was complete and use any available grant funds to purchase it. However, due to the amount of change orders, it does not look like there will be an excess of grant funding available. After much discussion, Council advised they would like to see more quotes on both new and used equipment, more information on the units and if any grants are available to purchase the sewer jet.
Goedken moved to approve Ordinance # 783 Amending the Code of Ordinances of the City of Monticello, Iowa, by amending Provisions Pertaining to Chapter 165 “Zoning Regulations”, Section 23, Fences, second reading in title only. Brighton seconded. Roll call was unanimous.
Peach reported upon further investigation; it was determined that the Cemetery fence is located a foot inside the City’s lot line. Cemetery Board will be discussing further and bring their recommendation back to the Council.
Farnum reported Jones County Economic Development and Prosperity Eastern Iowa is inviting local and state leaders for the 2025 PDI Legislative Roundtable at Camp Courageous Durgin Pavillion on November 5th from 9 AM to 11 AM.
Goedken reminded everyone that the Fire Department is having their Steak Supper on November 1st.
Brehm reported the Library will be closing at 4 PM for Treats on the Street and will also close at 5 PM on Halloween.
Lynch reported the ambulance service received a $10,000 donation from Elizabeth Bartels Estate.
Brighton moved to adjourn the meeting at 6:47 P.M.
Wayne Peach, Mayor
Sally Hinrichsen, City Clerk/Treasurer