Council Discusses Much, Does Little

The Monticello City Council convened longer than usual Tuesday evening to discuss various topics that did not meet with any official action on the part of the governing body.

‘Council Tuesday’ began with Mayor Susan Holmes, Glenn Newsome, Jackie Smith, Scott Sauls, and Bryan Standifer participating in a half hour work session with Municipal Electric Authority of Georgia (MEAG) representatives Stuart Jones and Bob Johnston presenting details about the Municipal Competitive Trust.

The program is intended for availability to MEAG cities in 2009 and its purpose is to provide ways to accumulate funds for dealing with the effect of changes in the electric industry involving competition for power supply.

During the regular session, council tabled action until December authorizing approval of a resolution involving the MEAG program.

Discussion about a request to close Merry Lane occupied a significant amount of time Tuesday.

The city street is listed as one of six possible Dept. of Transportation pavement projects in 2007. As two of 10 residents on that street, Greg Holder and Scott Kelly requested that the street not be repaved but rather be closed to outside traffic from Magnolia and Poplar Streets that connect to Merry Lane.

Mr. Holder cited concerns with increased traffic at higher speeds if the road is resurfaced. If the street could not be closed all together or closed to the adjoining streets, he suggested that the lane be made a one way with speed bumps installed.

Merry Lane residents Bill Hughes and Laverne Smith were present to voice support of keeping the street open.

Virtually ruling out the possibility of closing the street, Mayor Holmes suggested that area residents work as a committee to develop a solution for making the street safer.

Merry Lane wasn’t the only city street placed in the spotlight, residents of Wilburn Lane brought their concerns before city council Tuesday. The street, located next to the back parking lot at the current high school, has become a source of woes for area residents, according to Wilburn Lane resident Cathy Notestone.

With parking occuring on both sides of the street when parents pick-up their children in the afternoon, Mrs. Notestone said it poses problems for traffic trying to navigate the street. In addressing the issue with School Supt. Jay Brinson, she said the possibility of allowing only one side for parking was discussed.

The mayor again suggested forming a study group for the project with council agreeing to designate one side as a no parking zone with the posting of signs to be enforced by local law enforcment.

In regard to the purchase of two Monticello Police Department (MPD) vehicles through a U.S. Dept. of Agriculture (USDA) grant, city manager Hugh King informed council that federal funds were placed on hold until Congress passes a budget. Therefore previous grant commitments could not be provided as of yet.
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The USDA grant would provide 75 percent of the cost of completely furnishing two MPD police units.

Council member Smith asked that council make provisions to purchase one vehicle immediately since funds for such had been included in the budget. She noted observation of at least one police unit which is in need of dire repair.

Mr. Standifer, councilman and Public Safety Committee representative, said that the committee would work on the issue during their next meeting and bring something back to the council for review.

At the request of the council, city attorney Robby Kelly researched the possibility of annexing about 317 feet on Hwy. 212 in front of Washington Park School. The attorney advised that he didn’t think the city could annex the property at this time. The annexation would be required for Eric Stanfield to develop an active retirement center through the Economic Development Authority.

Taking official action on little else, council voted unanimously to grant city court judge Charles Newberry a pay increase from $350 to $500 per month beginning January 1 while voting 3-1 to issue a 60-day termination notice on the contract with Georgia Probation Services.

Judge Newberry has been serving as judge of city court, which meets once a month, since 1996. He said that the increased longevity of the court session along with the increased participation of attorneys for accused violators prompted the request for a raise.

Judge Newberry also weighed in on the use of a probation company to collect local fines. He said that the current company had done a good job since his employment and that he felt it neccessary to keep the court, police, and probation all separate.

Mrs. Smith, who called for the motion to terminate the contract, said that the contract calls for hardship on the payees who end up paying 40 percent in excess fees.

Police Chief Dan Norris reiterated the same message by explaining the financial distribution of fines. The chief said that the probation company costs violators some additional $30 per month for the duration of their probation, often times causing hardship which sometimes can lead to unneccessary job loss.

Council voted to terminate the contract without determining an alternative solution. Mr. Sauls cast the dissenting vote.

Also, council approved establishing an account at the Bank of Monticello for water/sewer retainage funds on the new high school project and October payables in the amount of $958,907.

CITY MANAGER’S REPORT

Mr. King’s report included an update of the city’s water system that included an increase of 12 inches over the past two weeks in the reservoir. He said that the water treatment plant was being operated on the combination of Popes Branch and wells.

Other information reported included:

• Swearing in of Russell Gross as mayor pro tem on Monday, Nov. 20 at 1 p.m. in City Council Chambers.

• Reviewed funds owed the city by Hardee’s for past utility bills. More than $15,000 is trying to be recovered from the bankrupt corporation.
•2007 audit is currently in progress.

•Review of October 24 traffic accident regarding a city truck and trailer. The property was declared a total loss by the adjuster.

•Review of DOT public information session held November 2.

Finance director Belinda Whirley provided a budget report on the first quarter finances and Chamber of Commerce director Nancy Arnold expressed thanks to the council and MPD for their cooperative services during the 40th annual Deer Festival.

During Citizen’s Input, Bobby Jacobs gave “kudos” to the city and chamber on the deer festival events before inquiring about any progress at West View Park. Mr. Jacobs asked to be named to a park improvement committee.

Mrs. Smith invited him to join the Funderburg Park Committee which is now expanding its focus to oversee improvements at all city parks. The committee currently meets Wednesdays at 7 p.m. in City Council Chambers.

In response to issues previously discussed, future councilman Gross was against utilizing private probation services and wanted to keep the service in-house. He also expressed concerns with safety at West View Park.

Mr. Newsome made the sole council comment informing participants that the Perimeter Road project, according to DOT officials, is slated for construction in 2012.