Regular Council Meeting
September 15, 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 and Mary Phelan. Council member Jake Ellwood was absent. Also present were City Administrator Russell Farnum, City Clerk Sally Hinrichsen, Water/Wastewater Supt. Jim Tjaden, Ambulance Director Lori Lynch 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.
Brenneman moved to approve the agenda, Phelan seconded, roll call was unanimous.
Brenda Hanken questioned the payment to Dubuque Hardwoods. Farnum advised it was for emergency grinding trees from the last storm and removal of the excess compost.
Brighton moved to approve the consent agenda, Langerman seconded. Roll call was unanimous.
Mayor opened the public hearing on amending Provisions Pertaining to Chapter 165 “Zoning Regulations”, Section 23, Fences. No public comments were received. Mayor closed the hearing. Goedken introduced and 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, first reading in title only. Langerman seconded. Roll call was unanimous.
Mayor opened the public hearing on amending Provisions Pertaining to Chapter 165 “Zoning Regulations”, Section 31, DISTRICT R-1 SINGLE-FAMILY RESIDENTIAL DISTRICT, Paragraph 2 Permitted Uses, to add Accessory Dwelling Units as an allowed use in accordance with Iowa Code. No public comments were received. Mayor closed the hearing. Langerman introduced and moved to approve Ordinance # 784 Amending the Code of Ordinances of the City of Monticello, Iowa, by amending Provisions Pertaining to Chapter 165 “Zoning Regulations”, Section 31, DISTRICT R-1 SINGLE-FAMILY RESIDENTIAL DISTRICT, Paragraph 2 Permitted Uses, to add Accessory Dwelling Units as an allowed use in accordance with Iowa Code, first reading in title only. Brighton seconded. Roll call was unanimous.
Farnum advised he did not receive the information requested from Tom Keleher. No action was taken on approving Revolving Loan Agreement between City of Monticello and Tom and Teri Keleher for Facade Improvements to property located at 109 E. First Street.
Brighton moved to approve Resolution #2025-122 Approving Pay Request #16 to Bill Bruce Builders, Inc., Re: Wastewater Treatment Plant Improvement Project in the amount of $803,115.29. Brenneman seconded. Roll call was unanimous.
Farnum reviewed the bids for maintenance of the City Compost/Landscape Waste site. T&W Grinding bid to take care of our site was $30,000.00 a year and they would grind logs at our request for $650.00 an hour. Dubuque Hardwoods bid to take care of our site was $32,000.00 a year and would grind logs at our request for $600.00 an hour. They will also remove the excess material processed by them and leave what City wants to have on hand. Farnum advised Public Works Director Nick Kahler recommended going with Dubuque Hardwoods. Brighton moved to approve Resolution #2025-123 Approving agreement between the City of Monticello and Dubuque Hardwoods related to City Compost site maintenance. Phelan seconded. Roll call was unanimous.
Brenneman moved to approve Resolution #2025-124 Approving Change Order #1 to Roger Stephen, Re: Stephen Addition Trunk Sewer Project in the decreased amount of $56,126.56. Phelan seconded. Roll call was unanimous.
Goedken moved to approve Resolution #2025-125 Approving Pay Request #1 to Roger Stephen, Re: Stephen Addition Trunk Sewer Project in the amount of $315,593.21. Brenneman seconded. Roll call was unanimous.
Farnum advised Police Chief Britt Smith has reached out to Sacred Heart regarding option with the alley closure. Sacred Heart has not gotten back to him and have no interest in coming to a Council meeting, so it will remain as is for now. No action was taken regarding closing the alley by Sacred Heart school.
Farnum reported at the last Council Meeting Park & Rec Director advised that High School Track & Field Coach, Greg Williams has inquired about installing two new discus rings located at the Old Diamond. Williams has now submitted a request to install two new discus rings at the Old Diamond, which would come at no financial cost to the City; all expenses related to the project would be privately funded. However, the proposed improvements would eliminate the ball diamond for future recreational use. In addition, the project would require the removal of the existing fence along the South Sycamore Street side of the property. The only impact to the City is the timing and location of T-Ball games and coordination with the School District. Langerman moved to move forward and work with High School Track & Field Coach, Greg Williams to install two new discus rings at the Old Diamond, Phelan seconded. Roll call was unanimous.
Brenneman moved to schedule Trick or Treat Night Friday October 31, 2025 from 6:00 to 8:00 PM. Brighton seconded. Roll call was unanimous.
Langerman introduced and moved to approve Ordinance # 785 Amending the Code of Ordinances of the City of Monticello, Iowa, by Adding a New Section Requiring Responsible Beverage Server Training,first reading in title only. Brighton seconded. Roll call was unanimous.
Peach reported maintenance work will begin at airport now that the crop dusting is completed. Airport will be closed for air traffic for 5 days while maintenance work is being completed. Peach advised that there is space available if anyone was interested in constructing a hangar.
Farnum updated Council on several projects including the Wastewater Treatment Facility, airport maintenance project and the new dental building being built on the former Kum & Go lot. Farnum reported software conversion has begun, auditors completed their on-site work.
Brehm reported on several events that will be happening at the Library. She advised Molli is working with Kara Burrack with the Park’s Department on a Haunted storywalk/trail and they are looking for volunteers. The Library is working with Mary Melchart, who received a Spanish Collection Grant and has offered the Library some of the collection materials.
Lynch updated Council on training for the Ambulance staff.
Langerman moved to adjourn the meeting at 6:28 P.M.
Wayne Peach, Mayor
Sally Hinrichsen, City Clerk/Treasurer