Council allows private party on fairgrounds

     The Monticello City Council spent some time during their July 20 meeting discussing a request from a city resident to rent the beer tent/park shelter at the fairgrounds/city park.

     Jeff McCormick requested permission to rent the shelter for a private two-night event, July 23 and 24.

     City Administrator Doug Herman noted that although the premise of the Great Jones County Fair is very different this year due to COVID-19, the city’s agreement with the fair still stands. That agreement gives the fair control over the city park, which includes the beer tent during the week of the fair. The dates requested for renting the shelter fall within fair week (July 18-26).

     “The fair is concerned that folks will assume that this party would be fair-sanctioned and that it may send a bad message,” relayed Herman.

     “I think it’s clear to the community that there is no fair this year,” said Council member Gary Feldmann, noting that an event on the fairgrounds wouldn’t be confused for a “fair” event.

     This year’s fair is a modified fair, with no midway events or activities, just the judging of 4-H/FFA livestock and exhibits.

     Herman shared that the private event would include live music, on-site port-a-potties, and an expected crowd of 30 to 50 people.

     “How will they be social distancing?” asked Council member Brenda Hanken.

     “There is no law that says they have to follow COVID-19 guidelines,” Herman said.

     He also said if the fair was not being held, McCormick could use this shelter, or any shelter in the city for that matter, without permission. Herman and Mayor Brian Wolken did offer alternative city park shelter options to McCormick; the beer tent was the preferred site.

     Council member Tom Yeoman felt that Willow Shelter behind Pizza Ranch would be more ideal because it is not located next to a residential neighborhood.

     The council approved the request, noting that live music would have to shut down by 10:30 p.m., and those present would have to vacate the premises by 11 p.m. Council member Brenda Hanken was opposed.

     Police Chief Britt Smith and Parks and Rec Director Jacob Oswald reminded the council (and public) that city parks close at 10 p.m. Only beer and wine are permitted in city parks; anything with spirits is prohibited.

In other city business:

   • The council held a public hearing regarding CDBG (Community Development Block Grant) funding. The grant totals $2,295, with $500 going to the Ambulance Service for a UV disinfecting light, and $1,800 going to the Fire Department for accountability software and equipment.

     There was no public comment.

     • A motion to replace sidewalk and driveway panels in front of Monticello Monument on W. First Street at the cost to the city failed 5-1. Council member Dave Goedken was the lone “yes” vote.

     Business owner Mark Kraus was present at the previous council meeting to explain about the condition of the pavement in front of his business, asking the city to replace the panels, which were added in the late ‘90s during the city’s streetscape project.

     Herman reached out to City Engineer Patrick Schwickerath for his assessment of the sidewalk damage. Schwickerath basically surmised that the poor condition of the pavement is due to its age, and not tied to the location of the city’s storm sewer.

     “I don’t think that sidewalk would pass city inspection in that condition,” voiced Goedken, advocating for its replacement.

     “If the city replaced it, we’d be obligated to do it for everyone else,” added Yeoman.