The Monticello Advertising and Promotion Commission met Monday night with a full agenda. Members Mike Wigley, Shannon Herman, Kim Patel and Annette Taylor were present along with Mayor Paige Chase. A quorum was established and the meeting was called to order at 5:35 p.m. at the Hampton Inn.
Chairwoman Herman opened the meeting with a discussion on the potential company change for Christmas lights.
A contract was presented to the members and Herman explained that the previous company, SBC Lights recommended the new company, Southern Magnolia Landscaping, LLC to the commission. Southern Magnolia Landscaping has attended the same training, Christmas Lights Installation Pro Association, as SBC Lights and is logistically closer to Monticello and has a larger crew.
“A representative from Southern Magnolia was scheduled to be here tonight to speak to us but he has a positive Covid case in his household and is unable to be here,” Herman stated.
The contract price for Christmas light service is $19,000 and a deposit of $9,500 must be made in August to secure the contract.
Next on the agenda was the Independence Celebration that was held at the Sports Complex.
The present commissioners agreed that even with the less than desirable weather, the event was well attended.
“The food truck vendors were happy and said they would be glad to come back,” Taylor added. “The fireworks show was really nice and lasted longer than expected.”
The group then discussed how to make adjustments for next year so things run smoother.
The minutes for the June 2022 meeting were approved and can be found on our website, www.advancemonticellonian.com.
A revenue report was given and Wigley discussed his disapproval of the low rate of interest the group was currently receiving. Local bank rates were discussed but no action was taken.
The “welcome” signs at the four entry points of the city limits of Monticello are still being worked on. Kellum Electric has been hired to make improvements but is waiting on Entergy Arkansas to give him the green light. Herman is in contact with Entergy Arkansas and said she would work on speeding up the process.
Lastly, the group discussed the hiring of an administrative assistant. Herman noted that two interviews have been conducted and the scope of the job is 40 hours per week with an annual salary of $32,000. Wigley noted that one of the interview candidates had accepted a position elsewhere. No hire was made at the meeting.
The Monticello Advertising and Promotion Commission has set their meeting times for 5:30 p.m., the fourth Monday of each month, at the Hampton Inn.
