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The Monticello City Council approved multiple infrastructure-related resolutions Tuesday night, including accepting a $300,000 state grant for airport improvements, pursuing nearly $1 million in water system funding, and advancing a major water line project.
Mayor Jason Akers called the July meeting of the Monticello City Council to order at 6 p.m. Tuesday, July 28. City Clerk Taryn Wigley called the roll. Aldermen Clarissa Pace, Michael James and Mike Wigley were absent. City Code Enforcement Officer Brian Rodgers delivered the invocation before the council recited the Pledge of Allegiance.
The council unanimously approved the minutes from its June meeting.
During his opening remarks, Akers announced that the city's 2024 Legislative Audit had been completed with no findings.
Akers praised city employees Vicki Norris and Ashley Rodermund for their work preparing for the audit.
"I want to thank Vicki Norris and Ashley Rodermund for their hard work and diligence," Akers said. "Having a clean audit is a reflection of the work they do every day."
Council members also discussed future improvements to the city's swimming pool, including relocating the splash pad currently located at Jordan Park.
The council then approved a resolution accepting $300,000 in grant funding from the Arkansas Division of Aeronautics to purchase and install a new 12,000-gallon aviation gasoline (AVGAS) fuel tank at the Monticello Municipal Airport.
Council members also authorized the city to apply for a $956,679 grant through the Delta Regional Authority. If awarded, the funding would be used to replace water pumps at the Bankston Hall and Gibson pump stations and construct a new pump station near Patriot Fuel.
The council also approved a work order with A.L. Franks Engineering Inc. totaling $78,136 for engineering services associated with a water line project connecting the roundabouts to U.S. Highway 278 by installing new lines alongside the bypass.
In other business, the council approved an amendment to the Monticello Fire Department's general budget, adding $4,000 to purchase the final Conex storage container for the department's burn building training facility.
Council members also approved placing a lien on property located at 230 W. Jackson to recover costs for services previously performed by the city.
During the public comment portion of the meeting, Jason White addressed the council regarding an encounter with the Monticello Police Department. White said he was arrested and that his vehicle was searched illegally. He cited several legal statutes in support of his claims and told council members he has sought a resolution for more than a year without success.
In closing comments, Akers recognized Bennie Ryburn III for his continued work supporting the city's airport and again thanked Norris and Rodermund for their efforts in achieving a clean legislative audit.
The mayor also congratulated Monticello's 8U, 9U and 11U baseball teams for qualifying for the World Series in their respective age divisions.
Akers commended the players, parents, coaches and league officials for their commitment to youth athletics, saying their efforts help keep children active and engaged.
With no further business before the council, the meeting adjourned at 6:25 p.m.
