Monticello Mayor Jason Akers called the September meeting of the Monticello City Council to order at 6 p.m. on Tuesday, September 24. All of the Aldermen were present for the roll call. There was a brief invocation and recitation of the Pledge of Allegiance.
In old business, the council revisited last month's ordinance establishing licensing fees and insurance requirements for any contractor that will be boring holes, digging up sidewalks, or obstructing roads. The council members heard the second reading of the ordinance and waived the required third reading, invoking the emergency clause, which made the ordinance effective immediately.
In new business, McClellan Engineering discussed the upcoming water line relocation on Main Street. McClellan stated that two bids had been opened earlier in the day and that both came in significantly higher than original projections. The actual numbers of the project, the amount of the bids, and the selection of a contractor will take place on Thursday, September 26, at the Finance Committee Meeting.
Mayor Akers also made two appointments for commissioners. Brittany Washington was appointed to the city's Advertising and Promotions Commission, and Jeff Taylor was appointed to the Intermodal Authority.
A resolution was passed authorizing the city to apply for an Arkansas State Police Full Step Grant for $58,307.76. These funds will cover overtime pay for officers asked to work unscheduled shifts during state mobilizations.
The council also revisited a resolution declaring 1232 E. Railroad St. a nuisance. After receiving the requested laws and ordinances, the council was better prepared to discuss the matter. The family who owns the property stated that there is currently nothing planned for the property, but they want to keep it and asked for more time to come up with a plan. The council extended the family six months to develop a plan of action.
400 E. Oakland St. was also presented to be declared a nuisance. It was decided that the city would clean the yard and revisit the property next month.
In his closing statements, Mayor Jason Akers stated that the final project of the city's 10-year Plan has almost been completed. The city is scheduled to finish the plan six years ahead of schedule.
Mayor Akers also noted that the city is looking to begin emailing water bills to customers. If someone wants the paper bill they will pay an additional fee for the service. This is not only a convenience for staff and customers, it also cuts significant expenses for the city. These monies can be taken and used for projects that benefit the citizens of Monticello.
The Mayor also added that at some point the council will have to begin dealing with rundown and dilapidated houses in the city.
"We have to start taking these rundown structures seriously," Mayor Akers said. "Nobody is going to build a structure and invest that kind of money next to a bunch of boarded-up homes. We've got to clean these neighborhoods up. The citizens and your constituents are tired of seeing this. We can't keep kicking the can down the road. These are hard decisions that no one wants to make, but we have to address this moving forward.
With no further items on the agenda, the meeting was adjourned at 6:45 p.m.
