The Monticello City Council met Tuesday night with five of the eight council members present. Michael James, Al Peer and Clarissa Pace were not in attendance.
Dan Boice, Chairman of the Monticello Planning Commission informed the Council members that with the efforts of the commission members, the City attorney and the municipal league, the group is finalizing a Request for Proposals to advertise for the old armory building.
The intention is to have interested parties submit bids for the building along with a detailed plan for its use.
“We will review all submissions and work to preserve the integrity of that neighborhood where our schools and hospital are located,” Boice stated. Councilman Mark Tiner asked if they were required to accept the highest bid.
City attorney Whit Barton answered that it would be made very clear in the Request for Bids that there is no requirement for the commission/city to accept the highest bid.
In other reports, Fire Chief Eric Chisom reported that the fire department’s volume of calls was down in June, responding to 17 calls. He also stated that they are testing applicants for a full time fireman position and there are currently five volunteer positions open.
Police Chief Jason Akers reported that the Monticello Police Department had been awarded a grant for new body cameras for the officers. He also stated that the TIP line was utilized this past month and as a result, several ounces of methamphetamines were seized while traveling through Monticello.
Public Works Manager Charlie Hammock told the council that 74 locates were done last month and a major water leak on Barkada was fixed. As time allows, the Public Works crew is continuing to conduct smoke tests on sewer lines, most recently completing a section on the North side of town.
Water Operator Wayne Morphis said that all the water wells are running a lot of hours with the extreme heat we are facing but, they are all being maintained and running fine.
Senior Citizen Director Cindy Villarreal gave a brief report stating that more seniors are requesting home delivery for meals as they are leaving the hospital recovering from Covid. Because the Senior Center is back to fully operational, they are no longer providing the drive-thru service.
Councilman Mark Tiner commended Villarreal for her efforts at the Center.
Taylor James, Chairman of the Parks and Rec Commission stated that they will begin working on their operating budget to present to the City and that there are unfinished projects pending from this year.
City Inspector Brian Rodgers gave details about asbestos testing for condemned property demolition. He is now certified to test for asbestos and according to the Arkansas Department of Environmental Quality, only one structure, per city block, per year, may be demolished if asbestos is present.
Rodgers also reminded the council about Ordinance 756. The Ordinance states that property owners are required to keep trash and other debris out of their yards and grass and weeds below 12 inches tall.
Nita McDaniel, Monticello Economic Development Director stated that Scogin Dr. Bids have now been pushed back to November and she still has prospects considering the spec building.
In unfinished business, the council addressed the ongoing issue about the City trash trucks. Due to the extreme wait time for products the country is facing, the chassis for the new garbage trucks need to be ordered immediately. The current two trash trucks are on a lease with one coming due in May 2023 and the other in June 2023. There was discussion among the council members about the benefits and negative aspects of leasing versus purchasing the trucks. Ultimately, it was decided to allow the Mayor to order the chassis for the truck and make a decision on financing options at a later date.
To close out the meeting, four resolutions were passed.
A resolution to accept the contract renewal with Area Agency on Aging; a resolution amending the 2022 adopted budget and expending the $5,000 police stipend; a resolution accepting a bid for the east plant baffle system; and a resolution amending the one cent sales tax budget for 2022.
