Regular Council Meeting
September 2, 2025, 6:00 P.M.
Community Media Center
Mayor Wayne Peach called the meeting to order. Council present were: Scott Brighton, Josh Brenneman, Jake Ellwood, Dave Goedken, Candy Langerman and Mary Phelan. Also present were City Administrator Russell Farnum, City Clerk Sally Hinrichsen, Public Works Director Nick Kahler, Water/Wastewater Supt. Jim Tjaden and Park & Rec Director Jacob Oswald. 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.
Brighton moved to approve the consent agenda, Goedken seconded. Roll call was unanimous.
Goedken moved to approve Resolution #2025-115 Approving the hiring of a Monticello Ambulance On-Call EMT and setting wage. Brighton seconded. Roll call was unanimous.
Brighton moved to approve Resolution #2025-116 Approving Plat of Survey to Parcel 2025-47 located behind 716 – 720 North Birch Street Property, Goedken seconded. Roll call was unanimous.
Ellwood moved to approve Resolution #2025-117 Approving Plat of Survey to Parcel 2025-48 located behind 848 Breckenridge Drive, Langerman seconded. Roll call was unanimous.
Goedken moved to approve Resolution #2025-118 Approving $104.48 Credit against Fred Schuster’s Utility billing for the property located at 640 Hillcrest Drive. Brighton seconded. Roll call was unanimous.
Brenneman moved to approve Resolution #2025-119 Scheduling a public hearing for September 15, 2025 at 6:00 PM to receive input on proposal for changes to the fence regulations in the City Code. Goedken seconded. Roll call was unanimous.
Brighton moved to approve Resolution #2025-120 Scheduling a public hearing for September 15, 2025 at 6:00 PM to receive input on proposal permitting Accessory Dwelling Units in the R-1 zoning district in the City Code. Phelan seconded. Roll call was unanimous.
Farnum reported Tom Keleher applied for Revolving Loan for façade and roof improvements to property located at 109 East First Street, along with tuckpointing and upgrades to the store front. Phelan moved to table action 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 to the next Council meeting so Keleher can provide prices and drawing of proposed improvements. Brighton seconded. Roll call was unanimous.
Farnum reported Joel Robinson applied for Revolving Loan for façade and roof improvements to property located at 112 West First Street, for tuckpointing and roof replacement. Goedken stated these were TIF funds, so this project would be eligible. Hinrichsen advised the Revolving Loan funds were not TIF funds and are part of the General Fund. Farnum advised these funds are given out as a loan and are paid back to the City to loan out again. Joel Robinson, Ikon Properties, discussed his proposed plans for improvements to 112 West First Street. Robinson advised he had a meeting today with Iowa Economic Development and Jones County Economic Development related to his building located at 123 East First Street for possible funding options. Brighton moved to approve Resolution #2025-121 Approving Revolving Loan Agreement between City of Monticello and Ikon Properties for Facade and Roof Improvements to property located at 112 W. First Street, with a not to exceed amount of $24,000. Phelan seconded. Roll call was unanimous.
Peach stated people are commenting on all the activities happening in Monticello for the community.
Farnum advised FEMA has approved the relocation of the West Well generator. Farnum and Oswald met with the O’Reily car show coordinators and reached an agreement for use of the Berndes Center.
Farnum met with Jim Thompson, with Iowa Economic Development, Jones County Economic Development Director Derek Lumsden, Brian Wolken, Joel Robinson and others, related to Robinson’s building located at 123 East First Street and possible funding opportunities.
Farnum reported the 1999 generator at the wastewater facility is being replaced with the new upgrades. City is listing the generator on Big Iron to sell, as the hours on it is low, however too large for City use.
Oswald reported about 150 people attended movie night. The Friends of the Park are looking into purchasing the big screen, for future movie nights. Flag football will be starting. There were 85 dogs for the pool paw-ty.
Hinrichsen reported the Public Works staff removed the sidewalk next to City Hall and there was a huge void under it. Kahler advised the drain spout through the sidewalk was cracked and leaking into the ground instead of the street. He contacted Concrete Poly Fix to look to see if they could fill the voids under the remaining sidewalk, or if it will need to be removed. Kahler also reported tuckpointing needs to be done on the Community Building. Kahler reached out to Barnhart Construction to look at the roof of the Community Building, The library has a leak, and the Community Building has a leak by the vent pipe. Also, the clock faces need to be repaired as the water is pouring in and leaking into the Community Room. The clock faces have lead sealing and that is where it is leaking. With the heavy rains, water is also leaking into the Council Chambers through the fire escape door, so they are looking into that drainage pipe also.
Kahler presented cul-de-sac prices for Faust Addition. Council questioned the amount Brandon Faust was paying towards the cul-de-sacs.
Council held a work session on proposed Responsible Beverage Server Training/ Alcohol Compliance Training Ordinance. Consensus of the City Council was to have the ordinance on the next agenda.
Brighton moved to adjourn the meeting at 7:19 P.M.
Wayne Peach, Mayor
Sally Hinrichsen, City Clerk/Treasurer