The Monticello City Council had all members present at the regularly scheduled monthly meeting Tuesday night. A Finance Committee meeting was held just before the Council meeting began. Money for repairs to the Monticello Economic Development Commission building were discussed heavily. The City of Monticello owns the old post office building beside City Hall where the MEDC holds office space.
During the council meeting, regular reports were given by Department Heads.
Meal delivery at the Barbara Abston Senior Center are up from previous months and the employees are working hard to stay within budget despite rising food and fuel costs.
According to Charlie Hammock, Public Works Department Head, 22 leaks were fixed around the City this month and poles were placed at the lake in preparation for the installation of the water curtain.
Police Chief Jason Akers noted that the Police Department building had been struck by lightning in one of the recent storms and Fire Chief Eric Chisom stated that the construction at the Fire Department was going well.
MEDC Director Nita McDaniel addressed the council with a report of how much grant money the MEDC has been responsible for obtaining since 1999. $14,054,371.54 has been obtained for various infrastructure improvement, career opportunities, and more.
In her monthly report, she stated that Burkes Outlet is scheduled for a grand opening in June and she is continuing to work with a prospect for the Intermodal Facility.
Diana Shelton with the Arkansas Martin Luther King Commission was present to inform the council of a “Unity for the Community” event scheduled for July 1 at McCloy Park. The event will begin at noon and there will be fun for all ages and there is no admission fee. As more information becomes available, the Advance-Monticellonian will publish a list of events and times.
Two bids were sent in for repairs to the old post office building where the MEDC holds office space. A resolution to accept a bid from Arkansas Strong Roofing, LLC for $11,925.00 was accepted. This job is for interior repairs to the building that were caused from the previous leaking roof. Repairs to the roof have been completed.
“I am going to vote for this expenditure tonight but I recommend moving forward that we do not spend any additional funds on that building until we get an understanding of what we are going to do between this office and that office,” Council member Mark Tiner stated. “It is a big building. We need space here. The Police Department needs space. This administration needs space.”
Craig McRae made a motion to accept the resolution. It was seconded and passed unanimously.
Permission was granted to advertise bids for the lake trail project, a new meter at well No. 9 and to get Baffle System at the East plant.
A resolution declaring 604 Florence Rd. A nuisance was approved unanimously. City Inspector Brian Rodgers said he had received many complaints about over grown grass and trash and has had a busy month.
