Council sets public hearing on aspect of wastewater project

     Monticello Mayor Brian Wolken led his final Monticello City Council meeting on Dec. 20. At the close of the meeting, Wolken thanked the council members, past and present, he has served with over the last six years, as well as city staff.

     “We have a pretty darn good staff,” he praised. “We’re lucky.”

     He also noted that despite any disagreements among council members, everyone has treated one another with respect.

     “That’s something to be proud of,” he said. “It’s been an honor.”

     Newly-elected Mayor Dave Goedken will preside over the next council meeting on Monday, Jan. 3.

     “I want to thank you, Brian, for all of your good work,” expressed Council member Chris Lux.

     “Thanks, too, for your service. It’s a time-consuming job,” added Council member Candy Langerman.

     An ongoing city project concerning the city’s wastewater/water treatment facility saw some action during the council meeting.

     The council scheduled a public hearing on the design and environmental information related to the proposed improvements for Monday, Feb. 7.

     A public hearing is required as part of the State Revolving Fund, of which the city received an amount not to exceed $595,000 for planning and design of the facility. This particular hearing is for those concerned about the potential environmental impact of the project.

     Council member Brenda Hanken asked if the council would be able to see the full design of the wastewater facility during the hearing. City Administrator Russ Farnum said so far, 60 percent of the plans have been engineered.

In other city business:

     • The council approved the third and final reading of the city’s code, amending the “water deposit” ordinance.

     Farnum noted one change to the text of the ordinance, recommended by City Attorney Doug Herman. The statement under the subhead “Deposit” read: “Before granting an application for water service or consenting to assignment of water service, the City shall have the right to require the sum of $150 to be placed on deposit with the City for the purpose of establishing or maintaining any customer or assignee’s credit.” Herman recommended “have the right to” be taken out to read: “… the City shall require…”

     “This way, the city doesn’t have the option to charge some people and not others,” Farnum explained of the language within the ordinance.

     The $150 remains the approved deposit amount.

     • Parks and Recreation Director Jacob Oswald informed the council that there was an “awesome turnout” for the first “Holiday on 1^st” event held on Saturday, Dec. 18.

     He reported that the Austin Strong Foundation ran out of food at 6:15 p.m., with another two hours to go of the event, noting strong attendance.

     “It was a really fun night,” he said of all of the activities going on and people volunteering. “We hope to make it bigger and better next year and start a tradition.”

     • Farnum informed the public that City Hall would be closed Thursday and Friday, Dec. 23 and 24; and Thursday and Friday, Dec. 30 and 31. However, the trash and recycling schedule for the city would not be affected by the Christmas and New Year’s holidays.