The Finance Committee for the City of Monticello met on Thursday, June, 22. Committee Chairman Mark Tiner called the meeting to order with a quick prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance.
Monticello Chief of Police Carlos Garcia came before the committee to inform them that the Monticello Police Department had applied for and been awarded a $96,000 grant that would be used to purchase Cellebrite equipment. This equipment is used to extract sensitive data from electronic devices, and will be a major asset in future investigations. Garcia needs the approval to purchase the equipment as the grant will be a 100 percent reimbursement of the purchase.
Garcia also discussed trading in six used vehicles that the police department has obtained over the years. The plan is to trade these at Ryburn Motor Co. for a brand new Dodge Durango. The Durango will be utilized by detectives, so it will not need to outfitted with all of the typical bells and whistles.
Monticello Fire Chief Eric Chisom discussed the building of a 60x40 six inch thick concrete slab at the Monticello Fire Training Center. Tim Allison has estimated the job to cost $15,950. The project would be paid out of the Central Fire Station Addition Funds. There is still $25,000 in the budget for this line item.
Wayne Morphis, Monticello Water Operator, discussed bids that had been put in to do repairs on Well Pump No. 4. There were three bids, and Morphis suggested that Ideal Pump and Service be selected to perform the work. Ideal has agreed to cap their bid at $83,482.82. The price may come in lower once the extent of the repairs is known, but it is guaranteed to go no higher.
Morphis also discussed the need to do repair work on a valve on the County Barn Tank. The valve is leaking around the threads, and there is concern that either the pipe or the valve could give way and cause serious damage to the surrounding area. As it stands, the valve cannot be turned off, and the tank can’t be isolated. Core & Main have given a price of $14,223.60 to come in and put a “Hot Tap” on the line. This would allow the line to be closed and allow isolation of the tank if samples were needed.
Mayor Jason Akers said that the city had received a deed for 338 S. Edwards St. from the state. The proposal is to put a community park on this lot to help make the area more appealing and to give the local children something to do.
Charlie Hammock, Public Works Superintendent, and Darion Buffington, Inventory Warehouse Manager, came before the committee to discuss some of the costs and logistics of moving the city warehouse into the old armory. Tiner suggested that the men get all of the data and prices compiled so that the city will know how much it will cost upfront rather than having to constantly come up with more money. The committee adjourned, and this information will be presented to the City Council on Tuesday, June 27.
When the City Council convened on June 27, they opened with the approval of the minutes from May’s meeting. All members of the council except for Craig McRae were present and voted to approve the minutes.
Mayor Akers introduced the items listed as unfinished business next. The first item on the agenda was to hold the third reading of the Ordinance Supporting Quality Growth/ Pre-Annexation Agreement. After the ordinance was read by City Attorney, Whit Barton, the council voted to approve the ordinance. This ordinance pertains to the fees associated with building structures outside of the city limits, but requesting to tie said structures into the city’s water and sewer infrastructure. The Pre-Annexation agreement will be signed by the property owners and essentially says that they agree to allow the city to annex their property into the City of Monticello, if the city so chooses, in return for use of the city’s infrastructure.
The council also heard the third reading of the Food Truck Ordinance. This ordinance was also approved by the council.
The council heard a second reading of the ordinance that would amend the solid waste rates. Several of the council members agreed to wait until the third reading before taking action, just in case some amendments needed to be made.
At this point in the meeting, Mayor Akers moved to the agenda items that had been covered in the previous Finance Committee meeting. The council approved Chief Garcia to make the $96,000 purchase of the Cellebrite equipment, and also authorized him to trade in six used vehicles that are in varying states of disrepair. The value of these vehicles will be put toward the cost of the new Durango, with the balance to be paid out of the “Drug Fund”.
The council also approved Tim Allison to pour the new concrete slab for the Fire Department’s Burn House.
Ideal Pump and Service was approved to perform the maintenance on Well Pump No. 4, and K.J. Parker Construction has been approved to work on the Merrydale to Davis drainage project.
The council voted to accept the deed to 338 S. Edwards St. which was given to the city by the state of Arkansas.
The council stood behind the decision of the Finance Committee to not move forward with relocating the city warehouse until the staff could compile a “wish list” and get a “worst case scenario” number to present.
City Property Inspector Brian Rodgers brought forth resolutions to place liens on three properties that owe the city money for services rendered. The council voted to accept all three resolutions.
Rodgers also brought for a resolution declaring 1268 E. Watts St. a nuisance, which was also accepted by the council.
Steve Henderson, President at SeaArk Boats spoke in the public forum section of the meeting to discuss their upcoming service project with Options Domestic Violence Shelter. On July 6, they will be bringing a large crew to work on the shelter and make needed improvements. Henderson invited everyone to come lend a hand, or just take the opportunity to snap a few photos.
