Monticello Council Honors Mrs. Holmes
Monticello City Council members breezed through their agenda Tuesday evening following the issuance of a proclamation honoring former mayor, the late Susan Dykes Holmes.
Her husband and son, John Paul Holmes, Sr. and John Paul Holmes, Jr. were there to accept the honor on behalf of the family.
“I thank council and the mayor for this honor,” said the Senior Holmes who also gave accolades to Walter Smith and Stone Workman who were in attendance. The two served with Mrs. Holmes for many years—the former as the first city manager and the latter on council. This is the second proclamation issued by the council for fallen mayors this year—the first was for the late Bryan Standifer.
While many of the agenda items were postponed until budget discussions can continue (which depends upon the approval of the county’s tax digest), council did approve an alcohol license for Blackbird Restaurant. The venture will be located at 237 West Washington Street where Rusted Roots currently operates. Tambra Mitchell said the new commercial venture will operate Thursday through Saturday 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. and on Sunday from 11 a.m. until 1 p.m. She said there was a building permit already and that she is seeking a Department of Health permit.
Council member Gail Harrell asked how many people the business would employ. Mrs. Mitchell responded about 8-10 depending on how the shifts are created.
Council member Jenny Murphy, who abstained from the vote, added a stipulation that the business keep the same hours not surpass midnight as several of her constituents were concerned about hours. Council member Tim Womack echoed the same sentiment about the hours. The motioned passed 3-0.
Also approved was an invoice for $5,852 from Freedom Auto Repair LLC to repair the code enforcement vehicle which needed a new transmission.
Monticello Day’s park reservation request was approved for August 31. Mr. Womack said that he would like the Sheriff Department to approve it first as he remembers there were issues last year. He was informed that council has to approve or deny it before it proceeds to the Sheriff Department.
Action on park improvements were postponed until the city ratifies a budget and the adopt-a-planter program was postponed until August for more information.
Discussion items on the agenda included the travel policy and a new meeting submission policy. No action was taken on either.
During Citizen Comments, Stephanie Puckett spoke on integrity and ethics coming into play with the council. She referred to the purchase of furniture discussed during the city’s retreat two weeks ago and went on to question the purchase of park equipment. Citizens need more information when the council is voting on items and the city needs to check on code enforcement at the College Street home construction, she advised.
Wanda Cummings asked about the persons walking through the city wearing yellow jackets. She was informed they were Historic Preservation surveyors.
Ian Polka spoke to the issue of growth in Monticello. He said that “growing up means not being petty” and “if Monticello is growing we all need to grow too.”
Melissa Polka asked the city to be fair and equitable when looking at businesses. She noted the city just approved a new gas station and questioned if they asked about hours for it.
The City Manager’s update included a commitment to the city offices remaining transparent. LaThaydra Sands reminded citizens that open records request are available to everyone. She announced the city’s health & wellness day is July 23 and asked council to submit events for the monthly calendar for August.
