Police Patrol Cars Needed

Public safety as it relates to the Monticello Police Department vehicle fleet was heavily debated at the December meeting of the City Council Tuesday.

City manager Hugh King provided an update on the release of the U.S. Dept. of Agriculture (USDA) grant funds that are to be used for the purchase of two police vehicles. He said that typically the funds would not be available until the federal budget is signed by the President, which could likely be in May.

However after having spoken with Stone Workman, USDA Director, Mr. King reported that the grant funds could become available in January but that it was not certain. He told council members that Patricia Simmons with USDA would be at the January meeting to present the final paper work.

Councilwoman Jackie Smith reiterated her concern for the city’s public safety now, like she has in meetings prior. “I’m concerned with not having money for public safety,” she said.

Councilman Bryan Standifer, who serves on the Public Safety Committee, said that the city is in dire need of a police vehicle but that the committee understands money is an issue at this time.

Mayor Susan Holmes told council that the city were assured of getting the money for the two cars and that the city could not be reimbursed if the cars were purchased before the grant money was received.

Police Chief Dan Norris was asked to attest to the current state of the police fleet. He said that the department has one good patrol car in its fleet with two others that were recently “patched up” so as to remain drivable. The chief said the department needs at least three good vehicles.
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When asked by mayor pro tem Russell Gross whether the department’s administrative vehicles could be placed into patrol rotation until the grant funds are available, Chief Norris said there would be no problem with that if those two cars were up to standard.

After much banter back and forth about the condition of the police vehicles and the city’s finances, Mrs. Smith told everyone that “the bottom line was public safety.”

“We’ve patched on those cars and patched on those cars. The expense of a car versus the liability of the city if public safety is in jeopardy does not compare,” she continued.

Councilman Scott Sauls was in agreement with Mrs. Smith and told council that a price could not be put on safety. He said that things sounded serious enough to go out and buy a car and questioned whether the city could get a loan from the local banks.

Mr. King explained that the city already has a vehicle loan for the one good patrol car that will have to be renegotiated next month. He also informed council that last year when the city tried to secure a car loan for the organization it was turned down.

However, the city manager explained that the city finances are in better shape now, compared to then. He told council that he would contact the Georgia Municipal Authority (GMA) this week in an attempt to lease/purchase the car already being paid on and to acquire a new lease. Council members would be contacted as soon as possible with his findings.

During old business discussions, council approved a financial policy to allow the city manager and city clerk to sign checks $500 and under beginning in January.

In new business issues, council members approved paying Carter & Sloope Consulting Engineers $29,036 for work completed on the water system upgrade design and construction project. Bids for the project are expecting to open Spring 2007 with an expecting completion by December 2007.

Also, approved were 2007 liquor licenses for Hide-A-Way Package Shop, McMichael’s Package Shop, and T & T Package Shop in addition to November payments of more than $430,000 to various vendors.

Discussions continued this month about the city’s use of probation services which will not be conducted in-house this year. Mr. King said that the current company had been notified that their services would be terminated after February but until that time probation officer Margie Greene would still serve.

Requests for proposals are to be sent to the 43 state wide providers of probational services.
Pastor Donna Calix of St. James A.M.E. Church informed council members that the church was submitting a request to annex 4.51 acres located on Hwy. 11 south into the city limits. The request will be reviewed at the January meeting.

CITY MANAGER’S REPORT
Mr. King’s update included updates on Merry Lane which were discussed during the November meeting of the council. Since that time a study group of six including the city manager, public works director, and four area residents met to discuss possible options.

Enforcement and emergency service issues have been discussed with Chief Norris and Emergency Services Director Ed Westbrook and it appears closing the adjoining streets off to Merry Lane is not a real option.

Mr. King did say that the street would be removed from the Dept. of Transportation paving list for next year. A recommendation was made to make the street one way and install speed humps.

With regard to parking on Wilburn Lane, no parking signs have been installed on the residential side of the street. School superintendent and police department personnel have been made aware of the change, said Mr. King.

Other city concerns reported on included the city’s water reservoir level which has risen from 11 to 24 inches over the past month; a rash of recent power outages that were caused by unbalanced circuits that resulted in the lift station automatically shutting down the power; and an update on the gas system.

Mr. King said that the sale of the sewing plant to the Development Authority was complete and that the $169,000 had been placed in the water/sewer bond account.

Christmas holidays for city offices will include a noon closure on Friday, Dec. 22 and complete closure on Monday and Tuesday, Dec. 25-26.
Also, David Owens provided an update on the hospital’s new x-ray equipment and Sage Edwards provided council with an end of the year report on Better Hometown.

Council tabled taking any action on the Municipal Competitive Trust.

During citizen’s input council heard from Monticello Garden Club member Mary Ann Wilson about trying to preserve the oak tree on the Square. Bertha Montfort was complimentary of the city services.

Bobby Jacobs informed council he was forming a West View Park subcommittee for renovations. He shared his visit to the Get Ahead House with council members and with regard to patrol cars suggested that the city check with surrounding cities.

Council comments included Mr. Standifer remarking on the public safety committee meeting and wishing everyone happy holidays; Mr. Gross thanked voters for confidence in his ability to represent them while noting that he wants to work toward reducing utility rates and upgrading the police equipment; Mrs. Smith welcomed the new mayor pro tem and provided an update of the Monticello Recreation Committee; and Glenn Newsome commended Captain Bobby Norris on his election to the Board of Education while commending Stacey Standifer on her years of service.

Council members held a brief executive session on personnel before adjourning.