Monticello Council Meets
A full panel of Monticello City Council members had a full agenda which made for a busy and lengthy regular meeting last Tuesday that saw two motions fail before a third passed on a conditional use zoning variance permit that will make way for apartments on the Square.
Adam McGinnis had asked council for a conditional use variance permit for 133 West Washington Street to remodel and use as apartments. The application had been presented to and approved by the City of Monticello Planning and Zoning Commission.
During the Citizen’s Comments section that came at the start of the meeting, Wanda Cummings raised the issue of parking availability and garbage involved with the application. Stephanie Puckett also pointed to the parking issue and suggested that the city purchase a vacant lot in an effort to convert it into increased parking for downtown. She also spoke to the issue of the sidewalk at West Greene and College Streets being blocked by overgrown shrubs and the need for stormwater drainage off Hwy. 16.
During the public hearing for the conditional use zoning variance, Mr. McGinnis said that the idea for the building is to be mixed use with lower level devoted to commercial and the upper level to residential. He said that there would be no more than three apartments with a maximum of two adults per unit. David Thompson also spoke in favor of approving the permit.
Mrs. Puckett also spoke during the hearing noting that she was not opposed to the apartments but that parking was the issue. She said that several open lots had been identified as possible solutions.
When it was time to act on the matter, the first motion to approve the permit made by David Wease and seconded by Jenny Murphy. The motion failed by an even vote of 2-2 before Mr. Wease withdrew his motion to approve.
Cynthia Miller then motioned to deny the permit but that motion failed as well.
Following a two minute break from the meeting, the council reconvened with further discussion with the applicant. Mayor Pro Tem Doug Currie asked the applicant if the city increased the size of the dumpster behind the building, in order to accommodate the trash issue, if he would cover the extra cost of the dumpster. With a yes from Mr. McGinnis, the council took its third vote on the issue with a three vote approval with Wease and Miller abstaining.
Also approved was a rezoning permit for Janice Lam at 209 Church Street from institutional/office to medium density single family residential.
Council members approved a quote from Pro Fence of $8,775 to construct a fence at Sands Drive Park. Only two quotes were received for the project as it was not put out to bid.
Council members approved moving forward with a review of the lead and copper lines within the city in order to be in compliance with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Lead and Copper Rule Long-term Revisions. A representative of Carter & Sloope Consulting Engineering firm was present to review the project to the council. Waymon Cody, Water and Sewer Superintendent, assisted with the presentation and noted that the cost for the project had already been provided for in the department’s budget.
Three Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax (SPLOST) 2024 projects were identified and approved. They include a water project from Hunter’s Ridge to Hillsboro Street Loop to increase water pressure; a new public works storage facility; and a project to review downtown parking, new sidewalks, and stormwater repairs. All are projected to cost approximate $950,000.
The City of Monticello 2023 holiday schedule was reviewed but not approved however the addition of one new holiday, Juneteenth, was added . The motion passed with three votes from Wease, Thurman, and Miller. Also approved were the 2022 holiday employee appreciation initiatives.
Other actions approved:
•Alcohol license for new resident and business owner Keis Patterson for his business Blaque Butterfly at Reese Hall located at 421 East Greene Street.
•Appointed Tamela Alexander and Larry Mooney to the Ethics Committee.
•MEAG excess capacity sales to the City of Adel.
•Waste management increase of $2.65 per month per household beginning January 2023.
•Reservation of Sands Park Drive for Drive Your Dream event in honor of County Commissioner Sheila Jones’ birthday.
•Election forms for off-system sales margins and voluntary deposits into Municipal Competitive Trust.
•Tabled was action on the bid policy procedure for services under $5,000 and the base/rate fees for utilities while a motion to approve new expenditure limits for purchasing policies of goods and services failed 2-3.
•City Manager LaThaydra Sands provided the council with a quarterly update and policy updates for safety, seatbelts, fuel cards, vehicle tracking, cellphones and drugs.
•COC Director Jordana Pope provided an update that included a review of the Deer Festival. She introduced Becky Hilsman as the new Tourism Director.
•A Christmas tree decorating project, revolving loan fund committee appointments, and travel policy were discussed.
During Citizen’s Comments, Sheila Jones asked about funds for infrastructure in the city as Sanders Heights Street is caving in. William Gibson revisited the issue with the basketball nets at Funderburg Park and commended the city council for their cooperation. David Thompson asked the council to look into parking space for the city.
The council entered into executive session for real estate, personnel, litigation, and Local Option Sales Tax (LOST) mediation.
