City Planning Commission moving forward

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The Monticello Planning Commission met Tuesday night for their regularly monthly meeting.

Chairman Dan Boice opened the meeting and reminded everyone that the commission is always happy to hear public comments, take questions and listen to concerns. He noted that answers to questions and decisions may not always be given immediately. The commission reserves the right to do proper research on any issue that is presented to them. An answer will be given and a decision will be made, it just may not happen at the same meeting.

Fire Marshal Dale Jones gave his report, stating it had been a busy month for permitting. He updated the group on the construction at the Monticello Fire Department with the addition of a new bay. Most of the labor is being done by the firemen.

At the end of his report, he presented one issue to the commission members. A local church built an addition in 2019 and they are now trying to get electricity to the structure. Per City Code, Entergy would not hook up their electricity without a proper permit. After some discussion, it was decided to grant the local church an electrical permit retroactively.

Bubba Groves updated the commission on the upcoming youth trap shoot. Plans are being made and there will be a fundraiser in June. The event is tentatively being planned for September.

The idea for this event came from the Community Catalyst focus group that was help several months ago. This event will be in conjunction with Arkansas Game and Fish Commission, Quail Forever and Monticello Youth Shooting Sports.

Boice handed out copies of the 15 year, city infrastructure plan that was presented at a recent City Council meeting by Mcllenland Engineering. Focusing on water infrastructure updates was the main topic during the discussion among the commission members.

At this time, the Planning Commission has asked for representatives from Mcllenland to attend the next Planning meeting to explain their large and very detailed document further, as to allow the Planning Commission to better build their plan for the City with the infrastructure update as the centerpiece.