Chairman Dan Boice called the monthly meeting of the Monticello Planning Commission to order at 6 p.m. on Tuesday, August 8. Other members present were Kathy Campbell, Lou Lambert, Bubba Groves, Nick Akers, and Daniel Courtney.
Following roll call, the July minutes were approved.
Dale Jones, Monticello Fire Marshall, reported that in June there were 21 permits approved which amounted to $1,593.40 in fees. In July there were 41 permits which brought in fees totaling $6,896.36. This account ended with a balance of $55,670.38
During last month’s commission meeting, McClelland Engineering gave the commissioners a list that showed all of the infrastructure projects in the city. McClelland suggested that the Planning Commission revisit this list and prioritize the projects, or remove the ones that have been completed. Groves volunteered to go through the list and consult with Mayor Jason Akers to see what projects the city needs most.
Boice also addressed coming up with a Master Street Plan for the city. Boice said that the last street plan was done 63 years ago, so the city was beyond due to look into this. Boice has asked Courtney to assist him on this project, and there are many areas that need to be addressed. Street safety is a major concern. Boice hopes that through this process, there can be a good community discussion at some point.
Boice also said that per Mayor Akers’ request, he has drawn up a sample draft of an ordinance addressing truck routes. Several examples from across the state of Arkansas were used to craft the sample. He said that he needs to look into a few things a little further, and will have a more polished draft to present at the next meeting. This ordinance will restrict truck to certain roads and prevent them from damaging roads and streets that weren’t designed to handle them.
With no further business, the commission was adjourned until the September meeting.
