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The Monticello City Council convened for a meeting on Tuesday, January 28, with all council members present. Several important resolutions were discussed and passed, while some issues were tabled for future consideration.
The meeting began with a motion by Council member Clarissa Pace to approve the previous meeting’s minutes. The motion was seconded by Council member Craig McRae and passed unanimously.
The second reading of an ordinance to approve a private club permit for Superior Crab was discussed. Council member Mark Tiner motioned to waive the third reading of the ordinance. The motion was passed, despite opposition from Council members Cedric Leonard and Craig McRae.
A resolution to adopt a Code of Ethics for the city was introduced by Council member Michael James. Tiner recused himself from the vote due to a potential conflict of interest. The resolution passed.
A resolution authorizing the city to conduct business with Union Bank and Trust was presented by Council member Mike Wigley. No objections were raised, and the resolution was passed.
The council also reviewed a resolution to establish procedures for the continuation of government functions during emergency situations. Introduced by Council member McRae, the resolution was tabled after a brief discussion. It will be revisited at the next meeting.
Council member James introduced a resolution introducing a new insurance policy for city employees, particularly for new hires. The policy, which was read in full, will no longer provide family coverage for new employees. Employee-only insurance will be offered, citing rising costs. Mayor Jason Akers emphasized the need to protect coverage for current employees while managing costs.
One of the most contentious items on the agenda was a discussion involving the Second Chance Fur Dogs organization. Kathy Lou Englekes, a representative for the group, explained that Second Chance had saved the city significant costs on euthanasia services over the past decade. She highlighted the time, effort, and funds the organization invested in rescuing, vetting, and transporting dogs out of Drew County.
The mayor addressed the council and clarified that the city had never had a formal contract with Second Chance and that this arrangement must be addressed going forward. He also pointed out that the city had been providing water to the organization free of charge. The mayor noted that a review of the organization’s tax returns from 2019-2023 revealed that Second Chance shows revenue in excess of half a million dollars.
During the discussion, the city’s dog catcher provided details on the city’s process for handling stray dogs. Following an outburst from an audience member, the mayor reminded everyone that the meeting was a professional setting and urged respect.
This issue was partly triggered by the city’s decision to relocate the city warehouse from McCloy Street to the old armory building. Council members were given the opportunity to ask questions and offer suggestions to Englekes.
The meeting was adjourned with no further items for discussion.
