Council reviews past projects, sets new goals

City Council
By: 
Kim Brooks
Express Editor

     The last time the Monticello City Council held a goal-setting session was in the spring of 2014. Since then, several projects have been accomplished by the city. (See sidebar.)

     Following the Feb. 18 city council meeting, the council and city staff came together to devise a set of goals looking into the next five years.

     (For a list of current/ongoing city projects, see sidebar.)

     Before the council members voted on various projects they wanted to see completed, Local Access Coordinator Madonna Staner and Ambulance Director Dawn Brus updated the council on potential future expenses.

     Staner mans the digital sign on Highway 151 outside of town, coming up with clever messages to share with the public as they drive past Monticello.

     Some time last month, the sign quit working and went dark. Staner and she reached out to three different companies for quotes on replacing/updating the sign so that it reverts back what is currently there. The quotes ranged from: $119,447, $144,880, and $207,900.

     The city also pays $500 to rent the land along the highway on which the sign sits.

     “Other (sign) packages are available, but they cost more money,” warned Staner.

     Because the sign is on state DOT property along a highway, Staner said the city is restricted as far as what messages they can have on the sign.

     “It’s a gray area,” said Staner. “We’re limited because the sign is not on our premises.”

     Staner said the city cannot advertise sponsored events associated with the fair, chamber, Camp Courageous, or civic events.

     The council asked if the city purchased the land surrounding the sign rather than leasing it, would the city have more options in terms of what messages can be displayed on the sign.

     “Nothing that generates income can be on the message board,” clarified City Administrator Doug Herman.

     Another major expense is the purchase of a new city ambulance.

     Brus explained the ambulance department has two ambulances: one purchased in 2008 (with 167,000-plus miles) and one in 2012 with almost 80,000 miles).

     “The ’08 has begun to go down,” she said.

     Brus said they have done a series of repairs and updates that have cost thousands of dollars.

     “We’re at the point where we need to look at replacing it,” urged Brus.

     She said the department is primarily running the ’12 rig versus the ’08 one due to constant issues.

     “We use it for back-up only,” said Brus.

     In addition, the ’08 unit is not up to date according to current DOT standards.

     Brus said if they were to purchase a new rig, it could take 13 to 15 months before anything would arrive.

     “There is such a back log that they are that far behind,” she said.

      A new unit could cost approximately $179,900, in addition to exterior lights and outfitting the rig with the red and black city logo.

     “I am requesting you consider this as one of your capital projects,” said Brus.

     Each council member was given opportunities to suggest and vote on various projects under the following categories: significant initiatives/programs, capital projects/equipment, and issues/concerns.

     After listing several items under each heading, the council members each voted on the ones they feel are most important to tackle, looking ahead toward the immediate future.

     (See sidebars for projects the council plans to focus on.)

 

Major Accomplishments:

     • South Street and S. Main Street manholes and sewer main

     • Ten-T hangar

     • New Berndes Center floor

     • Baty Disc Golf Course and shelter

     • Lowering city debt

     • Increased tax base with Boulders Inn & Suites, Karde’s 151 and Orbis expansion

     • E. First Street Bridge

     • Radio-read water meters

     • Pocket park and parking lot

     • Water tower painting project

     • Hotel/Motel Tax increase

     • Updated sign ordinance

     • Sanitation/recycling changes

     • City services credit card processing

     • Significant street repairs

 

Current/Ongoing Projects:

     • N. Sycamore Street Reconstruction

     • Update airport master plan

     • Library LED updates

     • Welter Drive LED update

     • Foundation Park project

     • Planning for waste water treatment plant

     • Highway 38 sewer extension project

     • Sixth Street Ditch

     • Update City Code of Ordinances

 

Capital Projects/Equipment:

     • Ambulance Purchase

     • Renovate the upstairs of the Community Building

     • Purchase a Public Works dump truck

 

Significant Initiatives:

     • Yard waste/tree waste site

     • Take part/invest in Main Street Iowa program

     • Clean up and sell former Compadres building

     • Continue efforts to promote economic development and increase the tax base

     • Review council organization, at-large vs. wards

 

Issues/Concerns:

     • Highway 151 off-ramp lighting (potential lighting improvements near ramp entrances)

     • Energy Building (near E. First Street and Main Street) flood buy-out

     • Maple Street drainage concerns (near the north gate of the fairgrounds)

 

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