Council Votes Against Raises
The Monticello City Council at its regular meeting Tuesday agreed to go with a new website developer to host the city’s website. Since the press was not given any information, it is unclear who the host is. The city has postponed this vote for three months, and this month went with the company City Manager Angela Redding recommended. The press has asked for the documents that show the cost, but as of 11 a.m. Wednesday they were not available.
The council voted down a raise for themselves. At the April meeting, council voted to raise the mayor’s salary from $900 to $1,200, the mayor pro-tem from $650 to $900, and the council members from $450 to $750. It was advertised for three weeks, as required by law. Mayor Bryan Standifer said that it would have a minimal effect on the budget, and the council has to attend so many extra meetings.
Mayor Pro-tem Gail Harrell, who voted for it to start with, said she had received several calls from citizens who opposed the raise. Therefore she did not support it Tuesday. When it came up for a vote, Councilman Larry Thurman made the motion to approve, seconded by Cynthia Miller. The vote was those two for the raise, and Mrs. Harrell, Councilman David Wease and Councilwoman Jenny Murphy against.
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The city voted to award the paving bid for Funderburg Drive to the “lowest qualified bidder,” according to the City Manager. Again the press was not afforded the information to say how many bids there were, or the amount of the bid. It will be paid for with Local Maintenance and Improvement Grant (LMIG) monies, and Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax (SPLOST).
The council approved the use of the square for Monticello High School alumni and parents on Friday, May 28, from 4 to 6 p.m. They also approved a reservation for Sands Drive Park for June 12, a request made by Commissioner Sheila Gantt-Jones according to what was publicly presented.
The council briefly discussed the trees around the Square, as there has bene concern expressed that they are tearing up the sidewalks, and they block the front of the businesses, making them less visible from the road. Mayor Standifer suggested it would be a great project for a council member to take on, and Councilman David Wease agreed to be that council member. Mayor Pro-tem Harrell offered her assistance.
The council also appointed Jennifer Stanley to the Monticello Downtown Development Authority (DDA) after hearing from executive director Michele Celani on its monthly update and desire for Ms. Stanley to be named to the board. She also said the DDA has a new website, and has a social media presence
David Thompson, speaking on behalf of being a resident, expressed his concern about the old Washington Park School and debris lying around. He also said doors were open. Council informed him it is privately owned. He suggested the council educate the public on what code enforcement is, and what to expect when it starts soon.
Later Mr. Thompson spoke on behalf of the Historic Preservation Commission (HPC) offering an update. He said the commission had to turn down a garage on Frobel Street, is working with a property owner on Eatonton Street who plans to build a house, and is working with the owners of the former Edgey’s Ice Cream about a sign.
Adam McGinnis told the council he just wants transparency, and asked for a copy of the proposed budget. He said it makes no sense that he can’t get it. (It is a public record.) He said his biggest question is the city is advertising for a financial administrator, and questioned how the budget was created with this void.
The city recognized Kendra Hicks who has completed Human Resources training through the Georgia Municipal Association.
Council members were told there was updated information in their folder on the budget. Several council members questioned the Electric Cities of Georgia (ECG) update, wanting to have good numbers for the budget. Mrs. Redding said the study is not yet complete, and staff had just sent more information Friday. She said that they can do away with the PCA for May and June, but that it is too soon to know the numbers for next year’s budget. Council agreed to wait on numbers.
Mayor Standifer said the cost of removing the PCA for a year is $650,000, and the budget can absorb it. Councilman Wease said he has to have real numbers before eh takes action. He said he wants to reduce rates, but “we must be responsible. We’re in a time crunch to get this done.”
At the end of the meeting, during council comments, Councilwoman Miller said she wanted to speak to council. She said, “Keep in mind, you are representing the whole city. You may get calls; don’t let certain individuals or groups dictate what you do,” apparently referring to council voting down the proposed raise.
