City Council Approves DOT Agreement
The Monticello City Council, during its regular monthly meeting Tuesday, unanimously passed a resolution with the state Department of Transportation (DOT) stipulating the DOT would bear 100 percent of the estimated cost of $159,973 covering the cost for the city’s water, sewer, gas and electrical facilities relocations in the widening of a section of Hwy 16 West.
The section of Hwy. 16 scheduled for widening, and possible sidewalks on each side, is from Conner Street to about the location of the Ingles supermarket. According to City Manager Bob Schwartz, the project could be as far as a year away.
Mr. Schwartz also gave the Downtown Development Authority report in the absence of Chairman Dave Dammann, reporting the authority continues to do well and that both of their bank loans had received their annual approval for continuance, and that their payments on the $10,000 loan from the city are current.
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In addition, Mr. Schwartz gave an update on the Community Development Block Grant concerning sewer repairs, reporting the cured in-place pipe repairs are complete, four to six manhole repairs are scheduled for this week or next, and that in three weeks the city will advertise for bids on the next phase of the sewer project.
Councilperson Katherine Alexander made a motion that the city reduce the cost of its business licenses by 25 percent as a step to attract more businesses to the city. The cost of these business licences are $50 for one employee and rises as the number of employees increase, and represents an annual income to the city of approximately $38,000. However, Ms. Alexander was forced to withdraw the motion after being advised by City Clerk Peggy Billerman that this action would require preliminary administrative action, after which Mayor Glenn Newsome announced the item would be taken up by a committee next month.
Other actions taken by the Council include the following:
•The Consent Agenda (items previously discussed) was passed unanimously.
•An application for a Retail Malt Beverage License for The Petro Food Mart at 142 Frobel Street, which is changing ownership, was unanimously approved.
•The purchase of a used chipper truck at a cost not to exceed $20,000, after much discussion, was approved by a three-two vote with Councilpersons Molly Pompey and Bobby Jacobs dissenting.
•Unanimously approved a proclamation making October 20-30 as Drug Awareness Week.
Before adjournment, Mayor Newsome reminded everyone that the regular meeting scheduled for Tuesday, Nov. 8, has been rescheduled for November 15, because November 8 is election day.
