Monticello Council Has Work Session

Monticello City Council held the first of three planned work sessions Tuesday evening to review and address various issues in the city.

Tuesday’s work session tackled the topics including land application system, infrastructure improvements, traffic calming devices, the West Washington and Church Street intersection, and a new business prospect.

Chad Pedon of Carter & Sloope spoke to the issue of land application system. He presented council members with a listing of local properties that may be well suited for the placement of much needed land application systems for the city.

The topic of Mine Lake also came up during the discussion. Mayor DeAshley Thurman asked if the sale of the property doesn’t go through, as currently bid, could portions of the property be sold with the city retaining some of which could be utilized for the land application. Then the question arose of having to pipe the resources to where it may be needed. Waymon Cody, water superintendent, noted that the Department of Transportation would have to be part of the approval process.

Council members agreed for City Manager LaThaydra Sands to address inquiries to the 20 plus property owners on the list about possible land sales to the city.

Under infrastructure, Isaac Nesler provide a list of the roads that have been worked on and those on a list to attend to. The list included Van Buren, Fred Smith, Benton, Webb, Persons railroad tracks, Tinsley, Blue Ruin, Oak, MLK at Cemetery, Burney, South, Mason, Cotton, Sands, Spruce, Paul, Nancy, Ford, North Warren, South, Highland Avenue, Tucker Circle, and Poplar. Also the sidewalks at Short/Funderburg Street and Benton/Funderburg Street were on that list.

Purchasing traffic calming devices for the city limits were discussed. Bids were submitted for solar and battery powered devices which ranged from $3,500 and upward. Mr. Nesler noted that his preference was for a solar powered device which would negate the need for changing batteries constantly.

Council members also discussed a speed change in the city limits from 35 miles per hour to 25 miles per hour.

The Washington/Church Street intersection was a touchy topic for council members. The location is a hotbed for accidents week in and week out.

Council member Jenny Murphy said that the area has been a problem for years and that she didn’t like any of the ideas the DOT had proposed for the intersection. The DOT suggestions included converting Church Street north leg to an one way northbound and the south leg to an one way southbound, or converting both legs into an one-way southbound and install Do Not Block Intersection signs, or just install Do Not Block Intersection signs.

Mrs. Murphy asked the city manager had she reached out to the University of Georgia about possible ideas to curb the problem. Mrs. Sands said she would seek an inquiry this week.

Mrs. Murphy was opposed to making Church Street a one way because it was just create further traffic woes elsewhere.

Councilman Tim Womack said that this problem has been ongoing too long and needs action.

“We’ve been on this 20 years and nothing has been done,” he said.

He encouraged Mrs. Murphy to take the lead on the matter since she doesn’t like any of the DOT ideas and has been on the council nine years. To which she responded, the council is a group and should work on it collectively.

Council agreed to order a do not block intersection sign for the time being.

Council members discussed a new business moving into the old Dexter Axle facility. The business was not named and no particulars were given out, as the company wanted to remain anonymous for now. The council seemed to be in agreeance that the compnay was not offering a lot for what they are expecting from the city.

The council also agreed to light the city for the holidays on November 30 following the Christmas parade instead of on December 7.

The members entered into executive session for the discussion of personnel. No action was taken.

The next meeting of the City Council will be the regular monthly meeting on Tuesday, Sept. 10.