Council Reverses Vote, Plans Work on Zoning

The full body of the Monticello City Council covered a lot of ground Tuesday night taking action on a plethora of agenda items prior to meeting with new attorney Chris Miranda for the purpose of litigation and personnel, after which more action was taken.

The first action following the executive session was to amend their agenda to take action.

That unanimous vote was followed by a 3-2 vote to approve the Blaque Butterfly for an alcohol license for six months with two conditions—modify the zoning of the property once the city revamps its zoning ordinances within the next six months and no activity after 10 p.m. Mayor Pro Tem Doug Currie and council member Tim Womack cast the dissenting votes.

The third action following executive session was to unanimously approve the city attorney to locate a planning & zoning consultant for a revamping of the local zoning ordinances.

At the top of meeting, the council heard from Gabrielle Merrell about hosting a charity walk for cerebral palsy at Funderburg Park on March 25. She explained that her son was diagnosed at age 2 with the disorder and that her family took up the cause following that.

March is Cerebral Palsy Month and she said hosting a local walk is important, not just as a fundraiser but to also increase awareness. In addition to approval for the park request, she sought possible sponsors and any assistance. Council approved the park request and event.

Two public hearings were conducted on planning and zoning applications. A variance request at 136 Harvey Street was approved for the rebuilding of a 900 square foot home, which is the same size of the former home that stood there, said the applicant.

A rezoning request was approved for 210 West Greene Street to sell cars, but not without some discussion. Z & R Autos LLC applied for the rezoning request. The applicant said that at least two other venues in the city were selling cars on their lots without proper rezoning. Mr. Currie said that he had no problem with the applicant selling cars on that lot but that he doesn’t want it to go with the property if the owner leaves or sells the property.

Another action item that came with much discussion was the purchase of two swing sets at $6,198 to replace the sets currently in West View and Funderburg Parks. Isaac Nesler, Maintenace Director, said he had been reviewing the issues at the park since they have been on the 30 days closure and the swings at West View needed replacement and the set at Funderburg was not as bad, but not good either. He said that the swings suggested were metal and could be cemented into the ground. He also suggested that the merry go round at Funderburg Park be removed, as it is dangerous.

Citizen Stephanie Puckett asked the price of the swings, as it was not listed on the agenda, and Mr. Nesler did not mention it in his presentation initially.

“I’m interested because it’s taxpayers money being spent.”

Mr. Nesler suggested keeping the parks closed until the problems are settled.

Council voted 4-0 to order the new swings, take down the current swings at West View, leave the parks open for now and to shut down the parks when the new equipment arrives for installation. Council member Jenny Murphy did not vote.

Council approved hiring the firm of K & S Financial Services as the city’s finance director for the 2025 fiscal year at $115 per hour.

Council also agreed to seek audit bids for the 2023, 2024 and 2025.

Council discussed allowing city employees to perform a Mine Lake clean up event while taking part in some recreational fishing in an attempt to survey the property for a possible future open event.

Other items approved included:

•Park reservation request for Bridging Monticello’s Jasper Jubilee from April 13 until April 19.

•Final reading of the building regulations.

•Road repair approvals in the amount of $12,500.

•Increase in waste management cost by 4.8 percent taking prices to $18.73 for individuals and $22.30 for commercial.

•Approved city manager to attend a mid-year training in Lawrenceville on February 26-27.

•Established three possible work session dates to discuss the revolving loan fund and waste water. Dates include Thursday, Feb. 20, Monday, Feb. 24, or Tuesday, Feb. 25.

Mrs. Puckett was the only citizen making commentary. She called the council’s attention to purchasing $6,000 swings in the name of kid safety but then approving the city employees for fishing at Mine Lake, which could be a safety hazard. She also asked about audit completion dates.

The city manager reported that the grass on the Square needs maintenance and Cities Week is in April.