Monument, Ethics, and Utility Rates Questioned
The Monticello City Council Tuesday heard from DeAngelo Norris, a native of Monticello who now lives in the Atlanta area, who suggested that the Confederate monument in the middle of the Monticello Square no longer defines Monticello and Jasper County.
They also heard from Adam McGinnis, a Monticello business owner, and resident of Jasper County, who outlined to the council how it could cut utilities. He also filed an ethics complaint about a member of the council, Cynthia Miller, using the city’s Mine Lakes property.
Before those men spoke, Mayor Pro-tem Gail Harrell who presided over the meeting in the absence of Mayor Bryan Standifer, laid the ground rules for speakers. Those on the agenda, such as Mr. Norris, got six minutes to speak, and those signed up for citizen comments, such as Mr. McGinnis, got three minutes.
Mr. McGinnis outlined portions of the city budget, saying it was padded, and there are funds enough to cut utility rates. He pointed out how the electric department funds all departments.
He further presented an official verified complaint for an ethics violation. He alleges a council member used the Mine Lake property both on Memorial Day weekend and Fourth of July weekend. With his complaint he copied the Monticello City Council minutes from August 2, 2018, when council agreed there is no entry to the property.
City Attorney Joe Reitman explained to Mr. McGinnis for his complaint to be legitimate he had to have it notarized and attested to.
Mr. Norris presented council members with a brief history of the monument. He said he is there to assist in the relocation of the memorial. He pointed out that the Monticello city limits are marked from the monument out.
He said he had three suggestions. He suggested the city could remove the statue, or form a citizen committee, and follow its recommendation, or put it on the ballot. He said the council can give the people what they want. He encouraged the council to be on the right side of history.
Mr. Norris also said he was a part of a group of attorneys who work to help communities move Confederate monuments, and that he would be happy to help the city once it decides. He stressed however, he was speaking as a native son, not as a member of the legal group.
After Mr. Norris spoke, Attorney Reitman outlined seven options for the city, and handed a “written resource document” to the council members.
Council heard an update from Judy Hunsucker, chairman of the Downtown Development Authority (DDA), who said that the economic vitality committee is exploring its options for 139 West Washington Street, the property owned by the DDA, and the design committee is working on getting murals put up around town, and an interactive art project. She said six of the seven board members will attend virtual training on August 5 and 6. She went on to say the DDA decided to offer the director’s position to an individual, and she had met with that individual Tuesday. He/she did not immediately accept the position. Mrs. Hunsucker said she hopes to have someone in that position by August 1, so that person may also attend the training.
The new city manager Angela Redding thanked the council for its vote of confidence and allowing her to serve as city manager of this great city. She reviewed janitorial bids received, and recommended that the contract go to Wildfire Industries. Council approved.
Council also agreed to buy a new pick-up truck for the electric department. It is not in the budget that was approved last month, but Supt. Michael Boykin said he needs it. The old one has quit working, and they are in desperate need. Upon questioning they said the old truck was not even worth a trade-in.
In other action at Tuesday’s regular meeting, council:
•Went into closed session to discuss personnel, taking no action when they came out.
•Authorized Mrs. Harrell to sign the Blockstream agreement.
•Voted to defer payments on the GEFA loan for six months, at it was offered to them. There will be no interest charged during the six months, and Attorney Reitman said he saw no down side to doing it.
•Had the second reading of the oath code amendment, and passed the amendment unanimously.
•Learned that GIRMA risk control will visit the Mine Lake property on July 27, to assess it for risk.
•Was reminded they have a meeting on code enforcement with county officials next Monday.
•Approved the consent agenda which included minutes of June meetings, and payables.
After the council came out of executive session, two residents said they had signed up to speak and were not called on. They were both in favor of keeping the monument like it is.
