City Holds Hearing on Water Source

The city of Monticello held a public hearing Tuesday evening on the Mines Lake project.

Tyler Hewitt, who was later appointed city engineer, explained the process by which the city determined it needed more water, and why it concluded the Mines Lake property offered the best solution to a long-term problem.

Mr. Hewitt explained that the city was looking for a solution to enhance the reliability of the water system, and to provide for growth.

Mines Lake that the city ultimately purchased has a 58 acre lake and six groundwater wells. The wells were permitted by the Environmental Protection Division (EPD) of the Georgia Department of Natural Resources. They will have to have work done before they can provide drinking water, but the city determined it was the least expensive way to expand its water supply.

Mr. Hewitt said the city has been in touch with the EPD all along, and will adhere to all state and federal regulations.

After hearing from Tyler Hewitt, those present heard from John Hewitt who said the city had studied the issue, and no rate increase is anticipated based on this project. He said the city would have a tight budget for the next two years, until some debt is paid off.

He explained that as a way of showing USDA they could pay it back, they combined utility revenues, and are pledging them against debt service. That will give the city the lowest interest rate, and may give the city a break on reserve requirements.

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After about 20 minutes of explaining the project and funding, the floor was opened to those for and against. Ken McMichael with the Jasper County Water and Sewer Authority (JCWSA) said that in 2005 a study was done and it was recommended the city buy five acres, and wondered why the preferred option was not chosen.

Mr. McMichael then read a letter from A&S Environmental Services, Inc. which recommended the area to be protected as it is a ground water recharge area. He said the possibility of contamination was unacceptable. “It is too important a resource to risk contamination,” he said.

Jasper Charter Schools Superintendent Mike Newton spoke in favor of the project, saying water is a fundamental and vital resource, and that the school’s 2,400 students and 300 staff members depend on the city for water. It impacts families, businesses, and industry, he said.

Greg Holder said the city needs to protect the aquifer. And, he said his concern is his pocketbook. He said he doesn’t like the utilities being on the hook for repayment of the loan. He said “I don’t like the idea…it should have been put to the voters on a referendum.”

Mary Patrick said she never saw when the project might come online, and wanted to know how many wells there actually are. She also expressed concern abut fees and interest the city is paying, and said it is an expensive proposition.

No one else wanted to speak in favor of the project, but some had questions which they were told to submit to City Hall, and they would get answers. Mayor Bryan Standifer said “We want to be transparent on this project.”

He then closed the public hearing as it was time for the regular meeting.

The council heard from Rev. William Gibson whose house burned down last year. Rev. Gibson urged everyone to be sure they have working smoke detectors, and encouraged everyone to also have a fire extinguisher.

A swearing-in ceremony was on the agenda, but Mayor Bryan Standifer and Council members Larry Thurman and David Wease were actually sworn in Monday by the Probate Judge. They did gather for a photo. All three were re-elected without opposition.

Council reappointed Doug White as city manager, Lathaydra Sands as city clerk, and Joe Reitman as city attorney.

They heard from Pam Mayer with the Chamber of Commerce and Downtown Development Authority (DDA)who told them abut the annual dinner next Tuesday, and said she hopes to see each of them there. She also gave a report on the DDA saying they had a meeting Monday, and talked about goal setting, and said they want to host quarterly family events. She also said DDA was under budget for its first six months.

She said business owners had asked her to express their concern about the sidewalks on Forsyth Street, and council members told her they are part of the sidewalk grant, so it will be taken care of when that work is done.

After that Mayor Pro-Tem Stone Workman announced that City Hall is open 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily with a professional staff that can answer questions and take care of businesses.

The council then agreed to move froward with annexing the Mine Lakes property into the city through the legislative process.

The mayor reminded council that they would be having a retreat this Saturday, Jan. 13 at the lodge on the Mine Lakes property. Jim Dove and Mott Beck from the Northeast Georgia Regional Commission will facilitate the retreat where the council will hear from department heads about their five year plans.

Mr. Workman expressed his desire to move forward with doing something about blighted properties. That was taken off the January agenda to be included on the February one. All the other council members said they were looking forward to 2018, and the mayor expressed condolences from the council to Council Woman Cynthia Miller whose father died recently.