Non-bargaining city staff to see 2.5 percent wage increase

     A 2.5 percent pay increase for non-bargaining city employees was approved on May 3 during the Monticello City Council meeting. This will take effect during the first pay period in July 2021.

     The following city employees will see the following wages for Fiscal Year 2022:

     • Public Works Director Nick Kahler, $55,426

     • City Clerk Sally Hinrichsen, $67,964

     • Lead Paramedic Lori Lynch, $25.93 an hour

     • Parks and Rec Director Jacob Oswald, $54,325

     • Parks and Rec Superintendent Shannon Poe, $43,285

     Water/Wastewater Superintendent Jim Tjaden was previously approved for an increase of $3,000 a year. This would bring Tjaden’s salary to $64,000 in July.

     Police Chief Britt Smith’s pay increase was also approved at 2.5 percent, at $79.847.50.

     New City Administrator Russ Farnum agreed to discuss his salary increase during his six-month evaluation in August. Farnum started with the city in early March. Farnum’s wage will stay at $95,000 for the time being.

     Hinrichsen did provide the council with salary and wage statistics from other communities, which was requested by some members of the council at the last meeting.

     Council member Dave Goedken commented that he’s not a fan of suggesting a percentage rate increase across the board. He’d rather approve a dollar amount.

     “A flat percentage is disparaging,” he said. “It’s better with a flat rate and everyone gets the same amount (increase).”

     Prior to the 2.5 percent approval, Council member Candy Langerman was in favor of a 3 percent increase.

     “That’s a little rich,” said Goedken.

In other city business:

     • The council approved the submission of a $64,000 grant application with the Iowa DOT for the Monticello Regional Airport.

     If approved, this would allow for an extension to the taxiway and apron, as well as a new hangar built by a private party.

     The grant requires a 20 percent match, which will come from the airport budget.

     “This will create additional revenue,” said Farnum of the lease on the new hangar.

     • The council tabled the purchase of a Toro 4000 Series mower from Scherrman’s Implement for $8,300 for the Water Department.

     • The council approved a contract with LL Pelling for various sealcoating projects throughout the city.

     LL Pelling provided quotes for limestone chips and pea gravel material. The council chose to go with chips at a total cost of $87,443, per Kahler’s recommendation.

     This project also includes patching and resealing E. First Street to the new bridge. Kahler and Farnum explained that with construction of a new grocery store and sewer plant in the works, heavy traffic would be traveling the roadway. Grinding and reshaping that portion of E. First will be put on hold until those projects are complete.

     • At the previous council meeting, resident Kaye Junion asked the council to reconsider its ordinance regarding when people can shoot off fireworks in city limits.

     With that timeframe fast approaching, the council chose to not take action, and to continue following the state’s guidelines.

     “If we do anything, it would take effect next year,” and Mayor Brian Wolken. “I’m not convinced that changing our local ordinance would result in any improvements.”

     Goedken said it’s an enforcement issue with people shooting fireworks off after the allowed timeframe.

     “We received complaints and are prepared to deal with it,” Chief Smith said. “But we can’t make everyone happy.”