Monticello Council O.K.s Controversial Convenience Store

The Monticello City Council approved an application for a retail malt beverages license for John W. Carter for the operation of a “Park Avenue C-Store” to be opened and operated in the location of the old BP service station 317 W. Greene St., with the stipulation that an agreement be signed that that there be no neon beer, cigarette, or lottery advertisements displayed on the windows.

The council heard from the owner of the location as well as the Vice President of the company and each assured that the intention was to modernize the store, and make it a functioning, “good neighbor” for the city of Monticello. Mr. Carter told the council that he would be willing to work with them, however that beer and wine are 30 percent of their sales. He also noted the decline in service stations, and the increase in convenience stores.

There was some discussion about the location being directly across from Monticello Baptist Church, which was addressed and the agreement of signage reached.

{{more}}

Both Mayor Pro-tem Bobby Jacobs, and councilwoman Katherine Alexander attested to attending the church and noted that the city standard is 100 feet from a church for distilled spirits. Mrs. Alexander commented that “business is what we are striving to bring into the city.”

She told the other council persons that the store would be an asset compared to another deteriorating building.

The infiltration of an additional business will help the citizens, she said. Councilman Randy Strozier commented that the citizens would be helped if the power cost adjustment was dropped off of the current electricity bills. The approval for the store’s license was approved 4-1, with Mr. Strozier opposed.

The Council also unanimously approved the Statewide Mutual Aid Agreement. This agreement entails that should there be a disaster in the city/county or surrounding city/county that mutual aid will be offered and received being that the necessary resources are available.

Melissa Slocumb, Jasper County Emergency Management director addressed the Council and accepted their approval. She also mentioned that there would be a need of funds in the near future as a new radio system was necessary to be installed in the county by the end of the year. No action was taken on this, it was simply an information.

During the City Manager’s report the council was asked to choose two citizens and place their names to be on the ethics board. City Manager Bob Schwartz asked that each council member choose two citizens to be placed in the hat (for a total of 12 names) for the board.

Mr. Schwartz also noted that there had not been a convening of the board for at least the last four years. Councilman Cornell Williams asked why this matter of an ethics board was just being brought to the council’s attention, and Mr. Schwartz responded that this was just the second meeting, and it had to be taken care of. He also noted that it had just come up.

Mr. Strozier commented that “with all of the ruckus that had went on with the previous council and the ethics committee had not been called, then it must not be working.”

The council heard from Monticello Police Chief Bobby Norris that the department had collected $3,455 in fines for January and part of February. (There was no city court in January as Judge Ray Lanier had a conflict). He also said that there were 65 citations given and the department responded to 255 calls. They had also taken one bench warrant.

The chief was asked by the council to bring a proposal to the March meeting to add additional officers and possibly for the detective/investigator position. Chief Norris explained to the council that the current city investigator, Roberta Anderson had asked to leave some time ago, but she was just hanging in there for him [the Chief].

Mr. Strozier asked was there enough in the city for a full-time investigator, to which the Chief replied “no doubt.”

Councilwoman Alexander commented that there was more crime and incidents to investigate than the council would ever know. She said that “we need a full time detective.” Mr. Norris commented that if there was one employed with the MPD, then investigation would be the first priority, but that office and paperwork could come second.

Mr. Williams asked if the job has been getting done previously. Mr. Norris responded that Ms. Anderson was doing a great job, but that she has too many hats. Mr. Jacobs asked the chief to consider those laid off before by the city with priority, which he said that most of them already have jobs, but he would.

Mr. Williams asked what patrolmen Mr. Norris had on the weekends. The chief replied that he had four part time patrolmen, that they were all part-time. That there were three part time on Saturdays and Sundays from 4 p.m. to midnight. Mr. Williams asked about from midnight to 8 a.m. on Sunday and the Chief replied that the Sheriff’s Department covered those hours.

Mr. Strozier finally asked the chief how many he would need for adequate coverage and he answered “four officers in addition to the current ones.”

In other action at Tuesday’s meeting, the council:

•Passed a motion to advertise and sell the vehicles and equipment already declared surplus and put the monies toward the purchase of new vehicles to replace the worst of three (two in the budget, and one with a blown engine).

• The council voted to approve McLees, Boggs and Selby Architectural Firm of Macon for interior improvements to the Civic Center as a part of the Historical Foundation project.

• Approved the bid of a portion of the sewer repair project to CaJenn Construction of Hoboken as recommended by Robert Jordan, city engineer.

• Discussed the TSPLOST and the roughly $56,000 that may be received for roads.

• Discussed painting turning lanes on Southern Street between Hamilton State Bank and the Post Office. Councilman Jacobs said that the cost would be minimal being that the City already had the paint and the work could be done inhouse. The decision was tabled until further exact costs could be presented.

• Discussed the cost and interest in attending the Georgia Municipal Association (GMA) convention in Savannah July. Mr. Schwartz said that the budget would have to be amended and that the price to go per Councilperson was approximately $1,300. Mr. Strozier that if the monies were not budgeted then they obviously could not afford to go. Mayor Standifer still polled the Council to see which might be interested in attending.