Farnum provides update on city projects

     City Administrator Russ Farnum updated the Monticello City Council during their May 17 meeting regarding a USDA application for the Sixth Street Ditch Project.

     He said the city had its preliminary review of the application for construction of the ditch.

     “They have not committed to funding yet,” he warned the council. “We meet tomorrow to review the criteria for funding.”

     He said before the city can be preliminarily approved for the funding, the council would need to following a set of guidelines, which would need to be approved before moving forward with the project.

     Mayor Brian Wolken said the USDA has accepted the city’s project as it was designed and engineered.

     “We have their stamp of approval on our project as described,” Wolken said. “They will notify us of the next phase. Funding would either be available as a grant or a loan.”

     Wolken said this has been a long-time coming.

     “It’s steady progress,” he added.

     Farnum also brought the council up to date on the former Compadres building on W. First Street. A contractor has been lined up regarding the roof situation and the asbestos abatement. Farnum said the contractor was going to start any day now, depending on the weather.

     The back half of the building will also be demolished.

     “People are excited about this plan with the back portion open,” said Council member Dave Goedken. “It’s a terrible eyesore on the community. It’ll be great to when it gets rolling.”

     On the former Energy building at the Main Street/First Street intersection, Farnum said the asbestos removal has been underway.

     “They are shooting for a June demolition,” he said. “They are still on target for that date.”

     Overall, Farnum said the community is anxious to see progress on both the Compadres and Energy buildings.

     “This is the quiet before the storm,” he said of the preliminary work.

In other city business:

     • Public Works Director Nick Kahler said Alliant Energy was working on the light pole on the south off-ramp to Highway 151. Council member Brenda Hanken initially brought the issue to the council’s attention several months ago, noting the lights weren’t working at night.

     • Kahler also got a quote for the spotlights for the flags in front of the Renaissance Center at $1,650 per light. The two lights are currently not working.

     • Water/Wastewater Superintendent Jim Tjaden said the sewer problem on Elm Street had been fixed, thanks to White Hawk Plumbing & Heating.

     • Mayor Wolken urged the council to look at the waterway and ditch across from Fountain Park.

     “It’s not getting any better,” he warned.

     Goedken said the footbridge is also in need of some attention.

     • The council approved waiving the rental fee for use of the pocket park by the Monticello Chamber of Commerce for three Uptown Summer Nite events throughout the summer. The fee is $20 each day.