Council Approves Expenditures
The Monticello City Council begrudgingly approved the expenditure of more than $35,000 to run three-phase electrical lines to the new hospice on Eatonton Street.
Mayor Pro-tem Bobby Jacobs talked about why spot zoning was such a bad idea. But, there was a lot of pressure on the council, back in 2000 or so when the hospice wanted to locate there to allow it, because it will bring jobs, he said.
City Manager Peggy Billerman pointed out that no one brought into the discussion back then that the electrical system would have to be expanded, or it could have been part of the agreement. As it is, the city must bear the cost itself. The facility will bring jobs and visitors to the city, so there will be money associated with it, but the up front expense is all the city’s.
Now the city has to pay a contractor $27,575 for work the city cannot do, and provide the materials which total more than $8,000.
The funds will come from the Municipal Competitive Trust Fund as they are no where in the budget.
(The hospice is a conditional use in the residential area, it is not zoned commercial.)
The city also approved the purchase of a combustible gas indicator/carbon monoxide detector. The one the city has went down last week, and they really need a back up said the city manager. Gas Department supervisor Richard Martin said it is used a lot and the department really needs two. The money is in the budget, as the city is just two weeks into the budget year, and has not yet spent any funds.
The council also approved an expense of nearly $5,000 to fix a part on the generator. Those funds are also in the budget at this time.
The council agreed to get another opinion on fire safety equipment that is needed. A private company inspected and offered to sell the city upgrades. The city manager agreed to get another opinion and said she would seek two.
Ann Mercer spoke to the city about the Transportation Enhancement grant that the Historical Foundation applied for, asking the city merely to be the fiscal agent. Councilmen agreed to have their attorney read the agreement and make recommendation.
