DDA Seeking To Fill Vacant Board Seat

As the Downtown Development Authority (DDA) board members have grown in number so have their initiatives. The current board of six was joined by its newest members Nanette Manning and Daniel Jeffries as the board now seeks to replace another resigning member.

Dayana Barragan is leaving her position on the board amongst the two newest members joining chairman Wendell Yoder, vice-chairman Judy Hunsucker, Gail Harrell, and Towonder Dennis. Board members heard from two individuals, Tasha Williams and Jennifer Stanley, Monday evening seeking the newly vacated seat.

Mrs. Williams told the board that she formerly operated Monticello Mail & More on the Square for 15 years and that she was an original member of the DDA when it was first formed years ago. The lifelong Monticello resident noted that she had raised three sons here and now that they were grown there was plenty of time to serve on the DDA board in the community that she loves.

Mrs. Stanley, who formerly operated her Cotton Lake customization business at The Shoppes, shared with the board that while raised in Covington she spent her summers in Monticello. After living in California, she expressed appreciation for small town living. Mrs. Stanley also said that she would like to make creating evening dining and events for the youth and the elderly a priority in the city.

The board did not make a selection for the newly vacated position.

The Shoppes of Monticello Director Wanda Cummings provided a brief update including that the organization is in the process of planning sales promotions for Mother’s Day, graduation, and senior citizens during April and May.

DDA Executive Director Michele Celani reported that 65 individuals attended the Stakeholders Meeting held last month at Jasper County High School. The director also reported on the following initiatives:

•Upcoming Young Entrepreneur meeting.

•DDA Board Retreat held in March.

•Older Americans Day celebration set for May 21 for which $200 in Downtown Dollars will be passed out. .

•New DDA website is up and running.

•New DDA letterhead and envelopes ordered with the new address.

•Art Alley mural project has begun.

•Presentation to the Monticello Garden Club.

The DDA board had much discussion during Monday’s meeting about several business items. Most notable was the committee setup and structure that currently exist on the board with the members distributed over four committees—Administrative, Economic Development, Design and Promotions. After much discussion, the board opted to disband the committees except for the Administrative which all members will serve on.

Any extraneous committees are to be created as needed with appointments to each made by the chairman who will attend discussions but not vote on matters.

Daniel Jeffries was nominated and voted as the board’s new treasurer as Mr. Yoder is relinquishing that duty.

Board members discussed conducting a local job fair as many businesses are need of employees. The plan is to have the fair prior to the close of the school year as to make it available to students seeking jobs as the summer and graduation approaches. Mrs. Dennis was appointed chairman of that project.

The board also discussed exploring the concept of setting up an electric charging station for vehicles in the city. Mrs. Hunsucker said that educator Dr. Tyson Harty had suggested pursuing a grant to fund the station. She said some research had been done and that it could be a viable option for increased tourism in the city. Mrs. Manning volunteered to lead that exploration initiative.

DDA board members entered into a brief executive session for the purpose of personnel and real estate. After leaving that executive session, the following approvals were given:

•Approved purchase of mural paint for the Art Alley project in the amount of $585.75.

•Approved the final design of the welcome mural to be painted on the side of the DDA building.

•Approved the DDA making application to Ameris Bank for a debit card linked to the organization’s checking account in the chairman’s name with monthly reconciliation to be made by the treasurer.

•Approved $2,000 for executive office equipment.

Board members also discussed onboarding packets, merchandising, offering broadband support, trees on the Square and adding trash can receptacles in the city.