Monticello Council Considers Options

The Monticello City Council convened for a work session Monday evening on three main topics. The first was how to go about streaming council meetings on Facebook Live, followed by the procedures, rules and regulations of conduct, and lastly, Mine Lake property.

Jasper County Commissioners have been using Facebook Live much of the last year, primarily because of Covid protocols, but the city has not done that. Some citizens have asked for the city to livestream theirs. City Manager Angela Redding said that it would require another employee at the meeting which would result in overtime. Mayor Bryan Standifer said that even as time and a half is paid, it would total less than $60 a meeting. Councilwoman Jenny Murphy suggested the employee could take comp time off rather than get overtime. Councilwoman Cynthia Miller asked couldn’t the clerk do it, then take her notes from the feed.

City Attorney Joe Reitman said that Watkinsville uses ring central, and said they had much trouble with it to begin with. Mayor Pro-tem Gail Harrell said each city and county does it differently. After some discussion, council agreed to investigate further over the next month before making a decision.

Mrs. Redding indicated she first wanted to be sure the council was on board before investigating further, as it was just brought up by the mayor pro-tem at the last meeting.

Next the council discussed a resolution brought by the city attorney, considering the “procedures, rules and regulations of conduct.” This resolution would replace the current Code of Conduct for Mayor and Council. One reason a new resolution was presented was that the old one had no reference to the amount of time citizens could speak at the meetings. The council instituted a three-minute per person time limit some time ago, but it is not in the resolution.

The city attorney drew up a new one, based on a sample from Watkinsville, that he said originally came from the Carl Vinson Institute. Councilwoman Miller took issue with the resolution, and asked who wanted a new resolution. She said that the resolution reads like they are trying to control her. She said she disagrees with the document that she feels her rights are being taken away. It’s almost militant, she said.

Attorney Reitman responded that it was just a starting document, like a menu, the council could take what it likes and drop what it doesn’t like.

Councilman David Wease said that his initial reaction was similar to Councilwoman Miller’s, but that he agreed with the attorney, that as council members they are held to a higher standard, and this helps to keep that standard. The rules encourage council persons to look at the speaker and to avoid using body language that would suggest disinterest.

Councilwoman Miller said “I cannot be held responsible for how people feel I think.”

Mr. Reitman said having a welcoming body is good for spokespersons. He said the resolution is a resource to be used as desired.

Councilwoman Miller said she had no problem with change, but if it’s working now, why change it? She said you rush and do something you might regret it. She said they should just add the public speaking part.

Mayor Standifer said we will look at it, and get back together.

Mrs. Redding said that the council may want to consider language about residents and non-residents speaking, and an overall time limit. Also, the draft said persons would only speak on agenda items, and council members weren’t sure if they wanted that.

Lastly, council discussed Mine Lake. Mayor Standifer said that the council needs to make a decision on its direction on Mine Lake.

Mayor Pro-tem Harrell presented her printed proposal, saying she had done her due diligence and reached out to constituents. She said that 75 percent of the respondents said the city should do something significant with the property. The other 25 percent said hold onto it. She mentioned the 750 acre lake, and said there is opportunity for profitable development, and it could be a new revenue source. She suggested a mixed-use development, perhaps a walkability community or a destination. She said that they need efficient use of the land, and it should be pedestrian friendly. She suggested a master planner to entice developers to Monticello.

Councilman Wease said that he heard from constituents who would like to be able to fish out there. Beyond that, he said he had a different vision. He said the county was in a severe drought just before the city purchased the land, and he has a vision for future water use, but said he is open to other things.

Councilwoman Murphy said her constituents said don’t spend any more money out there, and several suggested selling the property.

Councilwoman Miller said whatever the city does that it should maintain the rights to the water and some of the adjacent land.

Mayor Standifer mentioned Stanton Springs, and the vision that persons had 25 or 30 years ago. He said that now we’re thankful someone had the vision. He said it’s an investment, and the potential is tremendous. He suggested council be thinking about long term visions and goals.

The city manager suggested consulting a master developer who would come in and develop the property and market it. She said such an arrangement could be made where the developer gets an option on land after the development is complete.

Council agreed to take the next 30 days to explore options then come back together and discuss it further. Councilman Larry Thurman was not present at the meeting.