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The Monticello City Council took steps toward updating the city's water and sewer ordinances Tuesday night, while approving an upgrade to its water meter reading system that officials say will improve accuracy, identify leaks more quickly and reduce operating expenses.
Mayor Jason Akers called the Tuesday, Oct. 27, meeting to order at 6 p.m. All aldermen were present except Al Peer.
Among the items considered were proposed ordinances addressing water and sewer rates, a resolution authorizing the transition to an advanced metering infrastructure system, several property-related resolutions and a presentation concerning Issue 3, a proposed constitutional amendment appearing on the November general election ballot.
Council members conducted the second readings of proposed ordinances addressing water and sewer rates. Akers emphasized that both documents were preliminary drafts and would undergo revisions before being considered for final approval.
Ashley Rodermund explained that the city is working to consolidate several existing water ordinances into a single document, eliminating outdated language and ensuring that the rates and fees listed accurately reflect current practices.
According to Rodermund, the city currently has approximately six water ordinances that reference different sections of earlier legislation, creating confusion when determining which provisions remain applicable.
During the discussion, it was asked whether the proposal included changes to existing rates or was primarily intended to clean up the city's ordinances.
Akers explained that the draft was not yet complete and that some of the rates included were outdated. He also indicated that the city intends to include a provision establishing an automatic percentage increase, although the details had not yet been finalized.
The mayor said the ordinances were introduced in October to allow time for the required readings before the beginning of the new year.
"If we didn't start until November, you wouldn't get the new rates until February," Akers said.
He indicated that more accurate versions of the proposed ordinances would be available before the council's next meeting.
Council members also discussed making the documents more accessible to residents through the city's website and mobile application.
Akers encouraged anyone with questions about the proposed ordinances to visit City Hall, where copies could be provided and city officials would be available to discuss the proposals.
Both ordinances completed their second readings, with no final action taken on the proposed rates.
In other utility business, the council approved a resolution authorizing the city to upgrade its existing automated meter reading system to an advanced metering infrastructure system, commonly known as AMI.
Under the current system, a city employee drives throughout Monticello in a vehicle equipped with a computer that collects readings from individual water meters.
The upgraded system will instead use data collectors installed at locations such as city water towers to receive meter readings remotely.
Akers explained that the new system will provide substantially faster access to water usage information and allow employees to identify potential leaks more quickly.
Akers said the system could be configured to monitor water usage as frequently as four times per minute, allowing the city to notify customers of possible leaks much sooner than under the existing system.
The upgrade is also expected to reduce personnel and vehicle expenses.
Akers explained that the city currently has an unfilled position in the department responsible for meter readings. Because the upgraded equipment will eliminate the need for an employee to drive throughout the city collecting readings, officials do not anticipate filling that position.
The city expects to realize savings in salary, benefits, vehicle maintenance and insurance.
The resolution includes an authorization amount of approximately $300,000, although Rodermund expects the actual expense to be closer to $250,000. The additional amount was included to provide a cushion for taxes and other expenses.
City officials expressed confidence that the savings generated by the new system could offset its cost within several years.
The resolution was approved by the council.
The council also completed second readings of three ordinances related to building regulations and construction codes.
The first would amend existing ordinances governing the city's building permit system.
During discussion, council members questioned language referring to the city's corporate limits and planning area. Officials explained that the changes were intended to clarify the geographic area covered by the regulations.
A second ordinance would adopt the Arkansas Fuel Gas Code.
The third would amend existing ordinances to provide for the ongoing adoption of current and future editions of the National Electrical Code, Arkansas Fire Prevention Code and Arkansas State Mechanical Code as adopted by the state.
Council members requested that references to corporate limits be reviewed and clarified where necessary.
All three ordinances completed their second readings.
The council addressed several resolutions involving nuisance properties and liens for expenses incurred by the city.
A proposed resolution declaring properties at 138 and 148 Deerfield Drive nuisances was dismissed after city Code Enforcement Officer Brian Rodgers reported that the nuisance had been abated.
Council members expressed appreciation for the improvements, noting that residents of the neighborhood had previously raised concerns about the properties.
The council also approved resolutions involving outstanding balances and liens associated with properties at 213 Gaines Street and 703 E. Jackson St.
A separate resolution involving 348 N. Larkin St. was dismissed after Rodgers informed the council that the outstanding bill had been paid.
The council also heard a presentation concerning Issue 3, a proposed constitutional amendment appearing on the November general election ballot that would expand economic development financing options in Arkansas.
Joe Maynard and attorney Brenda Vassaur Taylor, representing Conduit for Action, addressed council members and residents about their opposition to the proposal.
The speakers expressed concerns about the potential financial obligations associated with economic development districts, the use of public financing for private development and the possible effects on local tax revenues.
Council members questioned how the proposed districts would operate, what authority local governments would retain and whether municipalities could remain responsible for providing public services while certain tax revenues were directed toward development projects.
The presenters acknowledged that some details would depend on implementing legislation that has not yet been enacted.
During the discussion, Nita McDaniel of the Monticello Economic Development Commission defended the city's economic development record, noting that previous projects included contractual protections intended to safeguard public investments.
McDaniel declined to express a personal position on Issue 3 and expressed confidence that voters would research the proposal before casting their ballots.
Akers emphasized that the city was not endorsing or opposing the measure and that the presentation was intended to help inform voters.
During his closing remarks, Akers provided updates on several ongoing city projects.
He said renovation work on the building adjacent to City Hall was progressing, with flooring and other materials arriving as construction continued.
The mayor also reported that work on the walking track at City Park was nearing completion.
Additionally, Akers said the city expects to have more complete plans for improvements to the municipal swimming pool available for presentation at the council's November meeting.
The proposed pool improvements have been among the city's ongoing recreational development projects.
Before adjournment, Akers encouraged residents to participate in the upcoming general election, regardless of their political views or positions on individual ballot measures.
He emphasized the importance of voting and encouraged residents to take advantage of early voting or cast their ballots on Election Day
