Council approves re-zoning requests throughout the city

     It was a night of public hearings and re-zoning requests during the April 3 Monticello City Council meeting.

     Four separate public hearings were held concerning:

     • Final approval of a development agreement between the city and Menasha Corp. (Orbis)

     • The re-zoning of the southeast corner of Washington St. and S. Cedar St. from C-1 to R-1, 322 W. Fourth St. from R-1 to R-2, and 525 S. Maple St. from R-1 to R-2. All are listed under Intlekofer Properties.

     • The re-zoning of property owned by Mike Kraus at 420 E. Oak St. (former DOT building) from R-1 to R-3.

     • The re-zoning of numerous parcels located within city limits, as well as Mike Kraus property off E. Oak St. that is planned for condo development.

     No comments were received on the Orbis development agreement, leading to the council’s approval. The council also set another public hearing for Monday, May 1 at 6 p.m. to amend and modify the city’s Urban Renewal Plan (TIF) to include the Orbis property and its expansion project.

     Steve Intlekofer was present to address the re-zoning of several of his properties. He asked the council to withdraw his request to re-zone the S. Maple St. property until he can conduct a survey of the property. Intlekofer said there are some discrepancies concerning the property boundaries.

     Two adjacent neighbors were present at the council to oppose the re-zoning, should it happen after the survey work is completed. Jerry Behrends and Larry McDonald questioned how many people are currently residing at the residence, and whether it’s truly an R-1 residence. Behrends added that the residents are also using his property to get the S. Maple St. home.

     The council tabled the S. Maple St. re-zoning request. They approved the re-zoning of the corner lot at Washington St. and S. Cedar St. from C-1 to R-1. They also approved the re-zoning of 322 W. Fourth St. from R-1 to R-2 subject to appropriate parking for the residents and separate utility service lines. Council member Brian Wolken opposed.

     The council approved the re-zoning of 410 E. Oak St. from R-1 to R-3. Kraus intends to tear down the former DOT building and extend his senior condo housing to the area with a private drive. An updated site plan will also have to come before the council before construction could begin in this area.

     The council approved the re-zoning of several parcels within the city limits, as well as Kraus property off E. Oak St. for the new senior condominiums. City Administrator Doug Herman informed the council that Kraus intends to start construction, with four to five people already requesting a unit.

     The parcels within the city limits were simply re-zoned incorrectly; this approval corrects that. Council members Tom Yeoman and Dave Goedken abstained from voting, as they both own property affected by the approval of the ordinance.

In other city business:

     • The council heard from Kurt Hughes of Iowa City, a cousin to Al Hughes who lost his home in a fire on March 18 to a fire. Kurt informed the council that he spoke with Public Works Director Brant LaGrange and is working on cleaning up the property, demolition, and salvaging any materials. Kurt said he is also looking into ownership of the property to possibly rebuild a home on the lot.

     The council gave Al Hughes 90 days to have the property cleaned up. Kurt didn’t see an issue with the timeline.

     • The council set a public hearing for Monday, April 17, at 6 p.m. on proposed voluntary annexations of several properties: The Sign Shop, Koob Automotive & Towing, the city shop, and the Monticello Machine Shop.

     • The council approved a cost-share storm water agreement between the city and Theisen’s, at a not-to-exceed cost of $3,000.

     The purpose of the project is to improve drainage behind and between Theisen’s and the adjacent apartment building.

     • The council approved the replacement of seven manholes along Main Street at a cost of $91,925 from Eastern Iowa Excavating & Concrete of Cascade. The bid includes traffic control throughout the duration of the project. The council’s approval included a completion date of July 1, to have the project done before the week of the fair.

     • The council approved an LED lighting upgrade inside the Berndes Center at a cost of $25,879 from Monti Plumbing, Heating & Electric. This project would also be completed by fair week.

     • The council discussed options for a new fountain at Foundation Park, at the intersection of Main St. and S. Cedar St.

     With two fountain options, a three-tiered fountain or one similar to what exists there now, the council approved moving forward with 90 percent of the project. Bids will be secured for the specific look of the fountain and approved at the next council meeting.

     • The council set a public hearing for Monday, May 15, at 6 p.m. on the proposed plans and specs on the Main St. overlay project. Bids will be opened on May 3 at 10 a.m., and also awarded during the May 15 meeting.