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The Monticello City Council voted Tuesday to move forward with a more than half-million-dollar renovation of the Old Fire Station at City Hall, a project expected to provide additional space for city operations and much-needed improvements for the Monticello Police Department.
Monticello Mayor Jason Akers opened the council's regular meeting at 6 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 25.
The council received two bids for the renovation project, with Carpenter and Sons submitting the low base bid of $569,414. Ideal Ace Lumber submitted a bid of $592,176.
Architect Michael Rogers told the council that five general contractors had initially reviewed the project during the pre-bid process, but only two ultimately submitted bids.
The bid included an alternate allowing the city to eliminate renovation of the building's second floor, but Rogers told council members completing both floors as part of the same project would likely be more economical than returning to the upstairs portion later.
"If you took this upstairs area and made it a standalone project later, it would cost more," Rogers said, explaining that a future project would require another bidding process along with additional mobilization, supervision and overhead expenses.
The approximately 3,200-square-foot building has about 1,600 square feet on each floor.
Plans call for the second floor to provide improved space for the Monticello Police Department, including offices for detectives, a break room and an area where officers can privately interview suspects and witnesses.
Detectives are currently working in an open area in the basement of the police department, Akers said.
The city has already completed considerable demolition work inside the Old Fire Station using city employees, exposing portions of the building's brick and preparing it for renovation.
Akers said addressing the building is also important because it is connected to two other structures, City Hall and the Police Department.
"That is a building that is attached to two vital buildings that, if we don't do something with it, it could ruin both of these," Akers said.
The project was originally considered approximately two years ago, when construction costs were substantially lower. Rogers said an earlier construction estimate was around $370,000, with the overall project estimated at just under $471,000 after other expenses.
He said construction costs, material availability and equipment prices have continued to affect projects during the intervening years.
Council members also discussed establishing a contingency for unforeseen expenses during construction. Rogers recommended a 5 percent contingency, explaining that while much of the structure is exposed and contractors have inspected the building, unexpected issues could still arise.
The council amended the resolution to include a 5 percent contingency on construction costs and approved Carpenter and Sons as the contractor.
Rogers said the city could also work with the contractor on "value engineering" during the next several weeks to identify possible savings without reducing the quality or intent of the project. Potential savings could come from alternatives in mechanical equipment, lighting fixtures or other materials.
The city also has money that has been set aside for years for police department building improvements.
Council members approved reallocating two certificates of deposit totaling approximately $178,000 to help offset the police department's portion of the renovation.
Once contracts, bonds and other requirements are completed, Rogers said Carpenter and Sons could mobilize within approximately two to three weeks. The goal is to complete the renovation by the end of the year.
In other business, the council unanimously approved a resolution supporting completion of the remaining approximately 11-mile gap in the future Interstate 530 corridor.
Akers said the resolution will be sent to state representatives to emphasize that Monticello and communities throughout Southeast Arkansas remain interested in completing the highway connection.
I-530 currently ends before connecting directly with U.S. 425, requiring motorists to leave the interstate and travel local highways before reaching the U.S. 425 corridor.
Akers said completing the remaining section could have a significant impact on commerce and traffic through Monticello, Drew County and neighboring Bradley County.
"The numbers on the commerce and the benefits in South Arkansas, Monticello, Drew County, are astronomical," Akers said.
The council also revisited the condition of a property at 600 N. Main St., approximately 60 days after giving the owner additional time to demonstrate significant progress toward repairing the structure.
Fire Chief Eric Chisom, Fire Marshall Dale Jones, and Code Enforcement Officer Brian Rodgers inspected the property Tuesday morning and reported that some work had been completed, although significant repairs remain.
Chisom said portions of the home's floors contain rot and soft spots, while temporary supports have been installed in portions of the structure. Work has also been done around the front porch and damaged areas of the house.
The property owner told council members that personal obligations had kept him out of Monticello for portions of the previous 60 days but said he has now returned and intends to remain in the city while working on the house.
He said a crew is expected to arrive in November and work for approximately three weeks to a month, concentrating on the roof, columns, front porch and potentially interior ceiling joists.
Neighbors acknowledged that some progress has been made, particularly in cleaning the property and yard, but council members expressed concern about the pace of structural repairs.
One concern raised during the discussion was whether the city should move forward with taking action against the property or continue allowing the owner to make repairs. Council members noted that demolishing the large structure could create a substantial expense that the city might never recover.
Others pointed to the effect the deteriorated property could have on neighboring property values and noted that the council has been dealing with the issue for several months.
The owner assured council members that he would continue working on the house before the additional crew arrives and would purchase materials and complete preparation work during that time.
The council ultimately approved another 60-day extension, with the expectation that the owner demonstrate additional progress when the property returns for review.
During the mayor's comments, Akers also updated the council on plans to upgrade the city swimming pool.
City officials recently met with designers and representatives from Burton Pools and Spas to discuss the project.
Akers said the city is tentatively considering moving forward first with construction of the pool while pursuing grant funding that could help offset the cost of a planned splash pad.
Because the pool and splash pad would operate on separate plumbing systems, the splash pad could be added later without interfering with construction of the pool.
Final costs were not yet available Tuesday because officials requested several modifications to the proposed design.
The city also plans to use municipal employees for some of the excavation work to reduce costs. Akers said a local company has offered to allow the city to use excavation equipment it does not own at no charge.
City officials have emphasized to the pool contractor that the project should be ready for the 2027 swimming season.
"We expect to be swimming in a new pool next year," Akers said.
The council also approved resolutions involving liens on properties at 616 E. McCloy St., 396 Winchester and 634 Elm Court.
Akers additionally recognized city Parks Department employees for their work during extreme heat, preparing the City Park pavilion for Weevil Welcome. He specifically recognized Mitchell Ashcraft and the parks crew for completing the work on short notice and praised their professionalism.
With no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 6:47 p.m.
