City Council Discusses Draw Down Authorization

The regular meeting of the Monticello City Council ended in record time Tuesday with little action taking place, however, several items garnered much discussion.

A resolution was introduced to change how fund draw downs from the Municipal Electrical Authority of Georgia (MEAG) competitive trust funds are made.

The resolution states that any withdrawals from the fund shall require a majority vote of the Mayor and City Council. Before a vote could be taken, Councilman Bobby Jacobs suggested that the resolution, rather than a majority, might should require a “super majority” vote to withdraw funds.

Councilwoman Katherine Alexander made a motion to table the vote on the resolution until the council’s next regular meeting in view of the fact council members Mollie Pompey and Bryan Standifer were not in attendance. The city attorney also added he needed to look at the legalities of any resolution regarding MEAG.
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They voted unanimously, 3-0, to table the issue. Mayor Pro-tem Russell Gross included his voice with that of Mr. Jacobs and Mrs. Alexander. Mayor Glenn Newsome only votes to break a tie.

The Council unanimously approved a resolution that Mayor Newsome will serve as the city’s voting delegate on the Municipal Gas Authority of Georgia’s Election Committee, with authority to cast all votes to which the city is entitled, with City Manager Bob Schwartz as an alternate voting delegate.

The mayor also signed a proclamation from the U.S. Department of Agricuuture/Rural Development proclaiming June as Home Ownership Month in the city.

During the presentations portion of the agenda, Ken Kocher presented two Historic Preservation Committee Awards. The Margaret Jordan Award was presented to Joe Gasses for painting in the city, and also to the Jasper County Historical Association for the restoration of the Apollo Sculpture planned to be put on display in the old Monticello High School by this time next year.

In the City Manager’s report, Bob Schwartz, announced he had completed a one-on-one meeting with each council member and found that each of them really cares about the city.
Monticello Police Chief Bud Smith reported his department received 558 calls for the month of April and total fines/forfeitures from April court were $14,223. He also reported 144 citations had been issued for May court.

During the Citizen’s Input item, Chris Matthews and Tina Ward announced and answered questions about a new business concept for a new type of restaurant planned for a building on Frobel Street. The two claimed to have been working on the project for two years and plan to open the middle of July and use produce and other supplies from local producers.

Before going into closed session, the mayor asked for council comments. Mr. Jacobs thanked everyone for being there and wished good luck to the new restaurant owners. Mayor Pro Tem Gross told the restaurant’s owners he would be at their beck and call to help in any way he could. Ms. Alexander also wished the restaurant owners well. She also thanked Rev. William Gibson for his prayers and thanked the Historical Society for all they did.

After coming out of executive session the mayor announced the city had accepted the resignation of the City Clerk Belinda Whirley, and the appointment of Gail Harris as the Interim City Clerk.

Also, a work session was held prior to the regular meeting where Mr. Schwartz presented a first draft of expenditures for the new budget, which showed $902,216 currently needs to be cut.