City Officials Vote To Issue Mine Lake Counter Offer

During a brief regular meeting last Tuesday, Monticello City Council members voted to submit a counter offer to Land Holdings, the high bidders for the Mine Lake Property.

The council decided to purchase the 705 acres property in May 2017, for $3.6 million, with the hopes of it being a viable water source for the city and a place for industrial development. The property was put up for bid last year with the high bid of $4,001,000 million awarded to American Natural Resources, LLC, but that deal fell through. The council decided to seek bids for the property again earlier this year. During a May 8 work session, the council reviewed the three bids received. The two lower bids were automatically denied and the high bid selected.

Following an executive session with City Attorney Chris Miranda on Tuesday, the council decided to issue a counter bid to the high bidder. No details about the offer or counter offer were revealed at the advice of the city attorney.

At the top of the meeting, the council issued a proclamation for the late former Mayor Bryan Standifer before several members of his family (see the picture on page 3.)

The former mayor’s wife, Jeanette; two sons, Quentin and Quincy; and nephew Alton were in attendance.

Council approved three work invoices over the amount of $5,000 including Gresco Utilities Supply for electric department poles in the amount of $9,890; Murell’s Tree Service for street department clean up for $22,000; and Sapp Engineering Services, LLC for gas department leak survey for $8,078.