Monticello Council Votes on Finance Director

The Monticello City Council voted to hire a finance director at a pay rate of $60,000-$75,000 close to the end of the meeting on Tuesday, Sept. 13. The item was not on the agenda, as it came up during the city manager’s update provided by City Manager Lathaydra Sands.

The last full-time city manager had also asked for a finance director and someone who works with the city has also recommended the action. However, previously council agreed there was not enough funds for a separate finance director and thought the manager should handle it. This time as soon as it was brought up a motion was made by Councilwoman Cynthia Miller and seconded by Councilman David Wease, as Mrs. Sands encouraged the council to take action now to have someone in place by the end of the year. Council voted 4-1 to seek a finance director with Councilwoman Jenny Murphy dissenting.

That was not the only item that was brought up during city manager’s comments that the council went ahead and voted on. Typically, under previous managers, action items are listed on the agenda, so the public is aware of what may happen at the meeting, and the manager’s update is information only. For example, Mrs. Sands said she wanted to update several policies, and received some input about them from the council, which basically agreed for her to work on revamping the policies. There was much talk about the park policy, including the need for users to have sanitation services, SafeServe if food is being offered, security, and insurance.

Another item brought up during the manager’s comments was the need to purchase 35 power poles immediately. That will take care of current projects underway.

Earlier in the meeting, the council held a public hearing for Keith Smith, owner/applicant who requested a rezoning of 100 Poplar Street from R20 Medium Density Single-Family Residential District to R15 Medium Density Single-Family Residential District.

A neighbor to the project, Rami El-Jourbagy expressed his concerns. He said the zoning ordinance is to protect the neighborhood. He said if you grant a variance for everything that asked for, there’s no point in having an ordinance. He said the city is experiencing growth. He said we need smart growth, and to be best stewards. He said the home Mr. Smith gives a claustrophobic feel. He said the neighborhood is against this.

Greg Holder, who lives down the street, said we are all very upset. Code situations need to be followed. A lot of people are concerned, he said. Connie Hughes, another neighbor, said it looks like the house is hanging on the side of the road. She talked about how unfortunate it is for the next door neighbor to have a new neighbor that close. She said she feels sorry for them.

Mayor Pro-tem Doug Currie said there is a housing shortage in Monticello, and sometimes growth can be painful. He said after he bought his house a road was put in behind it. He said he didn’t like it.

The council voted unanimously to approve the rezoning request. Then the council talked about annexing a portion of Hwy. 83 north to include Oak Ridge Subdivision and the property across the highway which is already owned by the city. Attorney Joe Reitman said he would get to work on the process, and since the city is the applicant, that it shouldn’t take more than a couple months.

Brandi Seawright, Visitors’ Center Manager, introduced the new Monticello-Jasper County Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Jordana Pope, and told what is happening with the Chamber She told of the upcoming events through October, which includes a lunch & learn today, Sept. 22, golf tournament October 5, reception honoring State Rep. Susan Holmes, October 4, Scarecrow Contest throughout October, and Haunticello on October 31. The council welcomed Miss Pope.

Council members discussed the ethics committee to which members must be reappointed every two years. Members Wanda Cummings, Carole Norris, and Judy Hunsucker agreed to be reappointed, and member Joyce Wallace asked to be replaced. Mayor Gail Harrell had not yet been successful in contacting the fifth member, Charles Forsythe.

The council voted to change the purchasing threshold for the city manager from $2,000 to $5,000 that can be authorized without waiting on council approval. The purchase would have to have two signatures, as do most city checks. Mayor Pro-tem Currie said he feels there are times purchases need to be made in a timely manner, and the low threshold hinders the process. That motion passed 4-1 with Councilman Larry Thurman dissenting.

Mayor Pro-tem Currie brought up the need for board appointments for Planning & Zoning, 911, Board of Health and Downtown Development Authority. Councilmember Miller expressed concern, saying she didn’t know anything about these appointments before that night’s meeting. The Board of Health appointments are re-appointments, and they moved forward with that—reappointing Councilman Wease to that board. The remaining appointments were tabled.

They discussed financing the Grapple truck they had agreed to purchase, and Councilwoman Murphy questioned why they are now discussing financing…which would cost something. The had previously agreed to buy it out right. The council tabled that action as well.

Council held a “first reading” to change the alcohol ordinance. “The City hereby approves the revision of Section 6-191 ‘Location requirements for applicant’s premises’ to change from present clause of ‘and beyond 100 yards from the property line of any church,’ to instead read ‘and the front door of the applicant’s premises is beyond 100 yards from the front door of any church.’”

The council approved a license for Marissa Nimmala dba 786 Monticello to sell beer, wine and spirits.

The council discussed several upcoming events, including the showing of “The Curse of Bridge Hollow” movie on the Square sometime around Halloween. They also discussed a fall festival for the Get Ahead House on October 22, and an Oktoberfest event for Shawn Norwood on October 29.

Mrs. Sands presented a quote for professional photos for the website. When questioned if she got more than one quote she said she reached out to someone out of state and they did not respond. The council tabled any action.