Regular Council Meeting
September 21, 2026, 6:00 P.M.
Community Media Center
Mayor Pro Tem Scott Brighton called the meeting to order. Council present were: Candy Langerman, Mary Phelan, Ben Duehr, Dave Goedken and Josh Brenneman. Also present were City Clerk Sally Hinrichsen, Public Works Director Nick Kahler, Ambulance Director Lori Lynch, Park & Rec Director Jacob Oswald, and Water/ Wastewater Superintendent Jim Tjaden. City Administrator Russ Farnum joined electronically. 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, removing change order # 2 for the 6th Street Ditch Project resolution. Langerman seconded, roll call was unanimous.
Council asked the candidates interested in being Mayor to fill the vacancy term to give a short presentation, answering the five questions agreed to at the last meeting. Mayor Pro Tem Brighton read candidate Tom Yeoman’s written responses, as he was unable to attend due to a prior commitment. Candidates Shannon Poe, Cory Reyner and Brian Wolken each gave their presentation. No action was taken.
Phelan moved to approve the consent agenda, Brenneman seconded. Roll call was unanimous.
Phelan moved to approve Resolution #2026-130 Approving FY 2025-2026 Annual Financial Report. Langerman seconded. Roll call was unanimous.
Schwickerath reported the contractor is on schedule, however the rainy weather could cause delays. Langerman moved to approve Resolution #2026-131 Approving Change Order Request #1 in the increased not to exceed amount of $3,383.00, as submitted by Ground Line Company, LLC related to 6th Street Ditch Restoration Project. Brenneman seconded. Roll call was unanimous.
Goedken moved to approve Resolution #2026-132 Approving Pay Request #1 to Ground Line Company, LLC. RE: 6th Street Ditch Restoration Project in the amount of $93,301.55. Phelan seconded. Roll call was unanimous.
Tjaden reviewed the change orders with the Council and advised the change order could cause a 7-day delay, however contractor is looking at November 1st for completion. Goedken moved to approve Resolution #2026-133 Approving Change Order Request #8 in the increased not to exceed amount of $28,709.33 as submitted by Bill Bruce Builders related to the Monticello Wastewater Treatment Plant Improvements. Duehr seconded. Roll call was unanimous.
Goedken moved to approve Resolution #2026-134 Approving Pay Request #28 to Bill Bruce Builders, Inc., Re: Wastewater Treatment Plant Improvement Project in the amount of $279,989.70. Phelan seconded. Roll call was unanimous.
Phelan moved to approve Resolution #2026-135 to fix a date for a public hearing on proposal to enter into a General Fund Equipment Financing Agreement with payments thereunder in an amount not exceed $30,000. Duehr seconded. Roll call was unanimous. Public Hearing will be held on October 5, 2026 at 6:00 P.M.
Goedken moved to approve Resolution #2026-136 promoting a Monticello Ambulance Paramedic to Lead Paramedic and setting wage. Brenneman seconded. Roll call was unanimous.
Brenneman moved to approve Resolution #2026-137 Authorizing the Mayor, Mayor Pro Tem, City Administrator or City Clerk to sign all documents related to the USDA Rural Development bond, grant, and interim private funding to move forward with the Waste Water Treatment Facility Project. Duehr seconded. Roll call was unanimous.
Phelan moved Ordinance #792 amending the Code of Ordinances of the City of Monticello, Iowa, by amending Provisions Pertaining to Chapter 99, Section 01, Related to “Sewer Service Charges Required, second reading in title only. Brenneman seconded, roll call unanimous.
Council, City Engineer, Department heads gave updates on projects and activities happening in their departments. Kahler stated leaf pickup will begin October 5th.
Brighton stated Farnum contacted engineer Lindsey Beaman regarding the Family Vet Clinic sewer installation. The Family Vet Clinic has minimal water usage. After reviewing the information provided, Council was okay with the sewer connection. No action was taken.
Council held a work session on possible regulations on electric bikes and scooters. No action was taken.
Council held a work session on Mayor appointment selection. Brighton suggected the Council contact residents, staff and other constituents. At the October 5th meeting, Council will hold a work session to review and the appointment would be at the October 19th Council meeting. No action was taken.
Brenneman moved to adjourn at 7:08 P.M.
Scott Brighton, Mayor Pro Tem
Sally Hinrichsen, City Clerk/Treasurer