City Council Minutes 10-09-2017 SpecialMINUTES
SPECIAL MEETING — MONTICELLO CITY COUNCIL
Monday, October 9, 2017 — 5 p.m.
Academy Room
City Hall - Monticello Community Center
Present: Brian Stumpf, Jim Davidson, Bill Fair, Charlotte Gabler, Lloyd Hilgart
Absent: None
Others: City staff: Jeff O'Neill, Wayne Oberg, Shibani Bisson, Rachel Leonard, Tom
Moores, Tom Pawelk, Mat Stang, Sarah Rathlisberger, Tracy Ergen, Matt
Theisen, and Jim Thares
Others: Chuck Keyes and Peg Becker, Veolia;
1. Call to Order
Mayor Brian Stumpf called the special meeting to order at 5 p.m.
2. WWTP Superintendent Interview
City Council conducted an interview for WWTP Superintendent.
3. Veolia Presentation
Peg Becker, VP of Operations — Veolia, and Chuck Keyes, WWTP Manager — Veolia,
were present to address the City Council. They expressed their desire to continue
operating the Wastewater Treatment Plant. Ms. Becker noted that as a nationwide
company, they are able to provide exceptional service. It was noted that their latest
proposal included a $30,000 reduction from their original proposal.
4. WWTP Management Discussion
Discussion ensued among City Council and staff in regard to management of the WWTP.
Matt Thiesen, Water and Sewer Superintendent, commented that he is confident that the
city can run their own plant. He added that if a WWTP Superintendent is hired, he would
like to see the Water and WWTP employees be cross -trained for both facilities. The
Mayor expressed concern in having the city take over. He recommended that a Public
Works Director should be in place first to add input and provide management. Also
mentioned was the apprehension that there may not be adequately trained staff to operate
the facility.
Wayne Oberg, Finance Director, addressed the city council and commented on increases
in charges Veolia had incurred from 2012-2014. He noted the cost savings the city would
recognize by operating the facility. Councilmembers reiterated concerns related to the
city operating the facility. They don't feel that the savings is significant enough to justify
a change at this time. They would like to review the issue further.
City Council Special Meeting Minutes — October 9, 2017
Councilmember Fair moved to direct staff to negotiate a contract (baseline amount)
with Veolia for 2-3 years that includes stipulation of cross training of city staff with
the understanding that the discussion of WWTP should include the input of the
future Public Works Director. Councilmember Gabler seconded the motion. Motion
carried 4-1; Councilmember Davidson voted against. He feels that a WWTP
Superintendent hired by the city could operate the facility and train the staff.
5. Adjournment
By consensus the meeting was adjourned at 6:20 p.m.
Recorder: Jennifer Schreiber
Approved:
Attest: a
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City Council Special Meeting Minutes — October 9, 2017