City seeks public donations in fountain project

     Inside this week’s Shopper’s Guide you will see a letter concerning the future of Monticello’s Fountain Park, located next to the Aquatic Center.

     The city and Foundation Park committee are asking the public to consider financially contributing toward the project.

     The fountain was built in the early-1950s, and was operational by 1955. The letter offers some history on the original fountain, and the rebuilding in the early 1970s.

     The current fountain, which has been nonoperational for the past two years, was built in 1974.

     City Administrator Doug Herman addressed the need to replace the aged structure during the Nov. 5 city council meeting.

     The project could essentially be completed in two phases. Phase one would essentially restore the fountain to its former glory, bring it back to working condition, something many in the community have missed.

     “It would operate and be maintained more efficiently for years to come,” Herman said.

     The estimated cost for phase one is $52,000.

     Phase two would involve more of the aesthetics: lighting, benches, handicapped accessibility, landscaping, a small shelter, plantings, etc.

     That estimated cost is $43,000.

     “Even if we have $20,000, that still gets some things done,” Herman of aesthetics.

     The proposed new fountain would remain the same footprint of the current structure, just with a smaller pool of water. The pool of water would be filled with river rock for the fountain water to land on, and then circulate over and over as it sprays up and out.

     “We would maintain a water level just above the rock,” suggested Herman as more of a safety factor than anything.

     Lighting is also suggested for the fountain itself and around the perimeter of the base.

     Over the fall, the city hired Claussen Painting (Robert Claussen) to power wash the fountain. Jow McDonnell and Jonny Bader provided the tuckpointing.

     The city was awarded $5,400 from the state’s Parks to People program to go toward the fountain project. Herman applied for a $25,000 Jones County Community Foundation grant. He is also working on several other grants to help offset the costs.

     “Phase one is critical because it return the fountain to working order,” he said of obtaining the needed funds. “So the more fundraising and grants the better.”

     During the council meeting, Council member Dave Goedken questioned the phase one project estimate. He felt the Parks to People grant was a drop in the bucket compared to the $52,000 price tag.

     “We need to see the community support,” he said.

     Due to the price tag and uncertainly of fundraising, the council’s vote to follow through with fountain improvements with city funds failed 3-3, with Council members Goedken, Rob Paulson and Butch Pratt opposed.

     Herman said the cost estimates were well thought out. The fountain committee sought the expertise of a local electrician, contractor and plumber to come up with various solutions. He said the electrical work, which is quite extensive, adds up pretty quickly.

     “That’s the biggest cost factor,” he said. “Code requirement since the fountain was built have changed. And we need to be in compliance to run the pump system.”

     Council member Chris Lux said if the council didn’t want to put some money toward phase one, the city might as well get rid of the fountain altogether. “It looks terrible the way it is,” she commented.

     Mayor Brian Wolken said talk of tearing out the fountain would be met with a lot of pushback.

     The city is seeking public donations. Gifts of $200 or more would receive permanent recognition. Herman said the idea for a donor wall has not been determined.

     Overall, the council is supportive of the fountain project and willing to financially contribute pending public support as well.

     “They want to see a thorough fundraising campaign,” Herman said. “They want to see the community support first before they’re comfortable contributing.”

     Those serving on the fountain committee include: Diana Stadtmueller, Marilyn Schneiderman, Marla Walters, Shannon Poe, Doug Herman, and advisors Josh Iben, Jared Lasley, and Trint Adams.