Council Offers A Counter

By SUSAN JACOBS

Monticello City Council members brisked through the agenda items Tuesday evening before heading into executive session with Attorney Chris Miranda to discuss matters with the sale of Mine Lake Property.

After roughly a 20 minute session with the attorney, the council resumed the meeting to vote to make a counter offer to the high bidder, Land Holding Company with a bid of $3.7 million. No details about the counter offer were provided.

Council also voted to enter into a three year lease at $400 per month with David Leach for use of the Forsyth Street parking lot.

In other business, the council approved several expenditures for the electric department and water plant. Approved for the electric department were invoices from Gresco Utilities for work at TNT Doors in the amount of $57,570 for underground transformers and $7,900 for underground wiring. An invoice of $8,400 from Utec Construction, Inc. was also approved for excavation.

Council also approved the purchase of a zero turn mower for $8,800 and computer software replacement for $13,443 at the water plant.

New speed bumps will be placed on Dolly Drive at the request of several residents that live in the area, including Eddie Goolsby and Monica Kemp who spoke in favor of installing them.

Two memorandum of operations (MOU) were approved by the council. The city’s agreement with the Chamber of Commerce was approved as the city provides space for the COC office. The Get Ahead House was granted $30,000 in annual funding.

Other approvals included:

•Requesting quotes for a grant writer that will be implemented when the city retains grant application status with the past audit reviews being brought current.

•Appointed Zach Middleton to the Downtown Development Authority.

•Approved City Appreciation Day for July 3.