The Monticello Advertising and Promotion Commission met Monday, February 27 at the Hampton Inn to give an update on event planning for 2023.
Commission members Mike Wigley, Al Peer, Annette Taylor, Shannon Herman, Kim Patel were present along with Ryan Copico, assistant for the commission, Dan Boice, Chair of the Planning Commission and Mayor Jason Akers.
After the previous meeting minutes and financials were approved, Copico noted that as of Friday, February 24, two bids had been received for landscape work around the welcome to Monticello signs. The bid opening took place at 2 p.m. Tuesday, February 28 and ??????? Was awarded the contract.
The commission is tentatively planning spring market on the square and a July 4 event.
The spring market on the square would tentatively include food trucks, vendors from the local farmers market and more.
The plan for the July 4 event is the same as last year. Live music, food vendors, a fire works show, and more.
The commission will review the contract in place for Christmas lights and it was discussed to move the lights from the park to the square.
Mayor Akers mentioned that on Friday, March 24, the city and volunteer groups will be partnering with Keep Arkansas Beautiful to pick up trash and litter. Any individuals or groups that are interested in participating can contact the Mayor’s office for more information.
Taylor asked the commission members to consider looking at the newly cleared property on U.S. Highway 425, across the street from Ryburn Automotive, as a potential space for a community center. Taylor stated that a lot of work had been done to the property recently and it was centrally located.
Wigley agreed with her statement of the prime location and added that the property would come with a prime location price tag.
According to the financial report, the A and P Commission has $166,391.12 in a checking account with a projected annual expenses being approximately $89,930. The commission also has a CD at a local financial institution that has $993,310.22 in it.
The next A and P Commission meeting will be held at 5:30 p.m., Monday, March 27 at the Hampton Inn.
