Monticello Council Meets

The Monticello City Council, with all members present, met for more than two hours Tuesday evening, including an “executive” session, but took little action overall.

Council, and others present, learned that Mayor Bryan Standifer will not seek another term, and as such, he suggested that the council increase the pay for council as well as improving the retirement benefits. Council did not vote on this, but will do so next month, most likely. The raise would not take effect until next year, after the election in November.

City Manager Angela Redding discussed with council the prospect of outsourcing code enforcement services. She said that would prevent the city from paying benefits and paying when an employee is out. The service could begin much sooner, if no training is required, she indicated. Council agreed for her to seek proposals.

Ms. Redding also told council she and City Clerk Karen Pennamon had been researching options for website hosting, and recommends a company that will charge $24,741 for five years. The company can put items on the website, but so can city personnel. Ms. Redding indicated she thought it would fit the bill. Councilman David Wease said he would like to review all three proposals himself, and asked if this item could wait until budget time.

Council learned that when they voted last year to abandon Church Street where it adjoins the Monticello Baptist Church property they did not properly advertise and have a public hearing. That will be done, then the road can be turned over to the church.

Ms. Redding said she had received three quotes for the new electric building on Post Road.

She also said she would seek a request for proposals for a new auditing firm beginning with the 2022 fiscal year.

Council agreed to add a sign to Blue Ruin Street in memory of Officer Robert Lee Gotel, an officer who, according to Mayor Standifer, was the only local officer to be killed in the line of duty.

Council heard from Downtown Development Authority (DDA) Director Michele Celani who reviewed the stakeholders meeting, and told of all the projects ongoing with DDA. She talked about the mural project, and the homework involved. She is in talks with the Creek and Muscogee Native Americans for one of the murals.

Also, later in the meeting, the council appointed Daniel Jeffries and Nanette Manning to the DDA.

Council also heard from Mandi Tanner about the activities the Chamber of Commerce is involved with. She reported the annual meeting, with only 150 people allowed, will be Wednesday, April 21. She said the Market on the Square will open on Saturday, May 22.

After an executive session for personnel and litigation, no action was taken, and the meeting was adjourned.