Council orders plans, notice to bidders for N. Sycamore St.
As the Monticello City Council approved a Resolution of Necessity and ordered plans/specs for the N. Sycamore St. reconstruction project, several residents impacted by the project were, again, present to speak their mind.
Kay Eilers asked why the city was OK with removing 60-plus trees, young and old, from residents’ property, citing state code. The council clarified that those trees are not on private property, but lie within the city’s right of way, which is maintained by the property owners.
City Engineer Patrick Schwickerath explained that with any major street reconstruction such as this, tree removal is necessary, as the roots will be impacted during deconstruction of curb/gutter and the disturbance of the ROW.
“This project will impact the viability of the trees,” said Schwickerath. “That’s why we recommend removal as part of the project.”
“Don’t you care about shade and birds and squirrels?” asked Kay. “We pay taxes, don’t we have a say (in what happens to the trees)?”
Council member Dave Goedken explained that a lot of money was tied into this particular project. “The damage to trees is enough that they won’t survive. “It’s cost effective to take them down.”
Theresa Peiffer shared that she recently spent $2,000 to replace her sidewalk on N. Sycamore. She asked why the street project had to take place after she spent that money, and has since lost her job at MedPlast.
Mayor Brian Wolken explained that anyone who recently replaced the sidewalk would get credit for the money spent.
“It’s unfortunate that we have to tear them out, yes,” admitted Wolken. “But you won’t be assessed.”
Bob Eilers also pointed out the fact that there are several places in town without sidewalks. “People don’t use sidewalks anyway,” he said. “They walk in the middle of the street.”
Goedken informed the room full of predominantly N. Sycamore St. residents that the reconstruction project is needed because of the poor infrastructure underneath the roadway. “That’s the main driver. It looks rough.”
Public Works Director Brant LaGrange said there is no storm sewer under the road, for one. And the water main is in need of major repairs. “The water pools and ponds and it takes days to dry up.”
Stu Gerdes encouraged the council to set a hard completion date on this project, so as not to prolong something that will impact N. Sycamore residents.
Schwickerath said he anticipates the project lasting seven months from start to finish. There is a two-week window of shutdown built into the preliminary plans around the week of the fair. However, City Administrator Doug Herman said that timeline could be tightened when the project is awarded to a contractor.
“I don’t anticipate the contractor starting and pulling out of town,” voiced Council member Tom Yeoman.
Schwickerath said there would also be liquidated damages if the contractor went beyond the completion date.
N. Sycamore would be filled with gravel during the week of the fair so it is useable.
In other city business:
• The council approved a $10,000 investment in Jones County Economic Development. This is the second year of a three-year commitment of $10,000 per year.
Last year, the $10,000 was taken from the city’s Hotel/Motel Tax fund. Herman said prior to the city generating that tax, the JCED investment came from the city’s General Fund.
The council’s approval this year stipulates they will review which fund to allocate the investment from during their upcoming goal-setting session.
Steve Hanken questioned the council’s investment in JCED, while $1,139 was approved for Jones County Tourism, an entity that produces Hotel/Motel Tax. “I suggest you give an equitable share to the people who help generate this tax,” Hanken said. “Tourism funds do come into this community and support many places large and small.”
He said the city’s previous request from the Monticello Chamber for $5,000 from the Hotel/Motel Tax to purchase new Christmas decorations for the light poles is frivolous spending.
“The tourism impact is immediate,” added Hanken. “It may not be with Economic Development.” Hanken asked what JCED has planned for the $10,000.
He also brought up a sign located on Highway 151 outside of Monticello that stipulates “Tourism Info.” Yet, there is no place in town with that necessary information.
• The council approved a $3,000 investment request from Jennifer Husmann with the Safe and Healthy Youth Coalition. This is a $1,000 increase from last year.
Husmann said her role as project coordinator dedicates 75 percent of her time to the Coalition, and the remaining portion toward ASAC initiatives.
“We really do provide a niche in the community,” she said. “We look at the data and make plans to address the issues in the local communities with evidence-based plans.”
Aside from youth and adult substance abuse, Husmann said they’re also looking at addressing mental health.