Weather sponsored by:
Mayor Jason Akers called the May meeting of the Monticello City Council to order at 6 p.m., on Tuesday, May 27. After the roll was called it was found that all of the Aldermen and Alderwomen were present, with the exceptions of Mark Tiner and Michael James. Pastor D.J. Buffington led an invocation, and all present recited the Pledge of Allegiance. The council then approved the minutes from the meeting in April. With no unfinished business, Mayor Akers transitioned into new business.
“The average person sees roughly two to four traumatic events throughout their lifetime,” Mayor Akers said. “The average police officer experiences between 178 and 188 of these events. In the mid-90s, Larry Smith, Jr. became a police officer, and since that time 2,071 police officers have been killed in the line of duty. Larry has served as campus police, a Drew County Deputy, and for the largest portion of his career, serving and protecting the citizens of Monticello as a member of the Monticello Police Department. This month Smith will retire, and move on to the next chapter of life. He chose a career that many criticize, yet only a select few are called to sign up for and stick with for nearly 30 years. That's 30 years of night shifts. 30 years of court appearances. 30 years of scrutiny, and 30 years of experiencing violence and terrible events firsthand. He followed in his father’s footsteps by becoming a police officer. I had the honor and privilege of working with Larry, Sr. I can say with certainty that Larry, Sr. is in heaven right now, looking down at Larry, Jr. and everyone else in this room, he is smiling and saying, ‘That’s my boy.’ Good luck in retirement, and know that the mayor, council, police department, and your community greatly appreciate your dedication and service over the past 30 years.”
Following the Mayor’s speech, Monticello Chief of Police Carlos Garcia presented Smith, Jr. with a commemorative plaque honoring his many years of service to the citizens of Monticello and Drew County.
The council then passed a resolution that would authorize the city to make the final payment to McClelland Consulting Engineers for work done on the West Plant Headworks and pump.
The council also approved a resolution that would authorize a change order for $8,730. This would be added to the $84,940 initially approved to repair roofs and structures at the sports complex. Unforeseen problems arose which raised the price. The change order will cover the excess and allow the work to continue.
The council approved a resolution to amend the Advertising and Promotion Commission’s budget to account for salary changes. This is in preparation for the A&P Commission hiring a new administrative assistant.
The council approved a resolution to apply for Arkansas Community Assistance Grant Program funds to make repairs and renovations to City Hall and Monticello Fire Department buildings. The grant funds would total $344,074.50 if granted.
The council then passed a resolution authorizing the city to apply for an Arkansas State Police Full Step Grant. The amount requested will be $47,520 and will be used to cover overtime pay on statewide mobilizations.
The council approved an ordinance for setting fees to connect to the city’s water system. These fees had already been set, but they were done through a resolution. City Attorney Whit Barton noted that nothing is changing, this is just to add this to the books as an actual ordinance.
With nothing further on the agenda, the Monticello City Council adjourned at 6:30 p.m.
