Monticello Council addresses parking lot questions

by Eric Niven
Monticello City Manager Ty Bailey answered a series of questions about a newly repaved parking lot at the December 13 meeting of the Monticello City Council.
The private parking lot, shared by Monticello Mercantile and Monticello Home and Auto, was recently repaved, with the City of Monticello paying more than $12,000 of the total cost.
Bailey explained that the city had used the private parking lot every day for 10 years to access the old city shop. He added that the daily use of heavy trucks and equipment on the lot had caused damage to the lot and, as a result, it was in need of repair.
The three entities decided to split the cost of the work, which had an original estimated cost of $24,000. The final cost was $32,701, with the overage split four ways. The city took two of the four shares because of additional city property that was included in the job.
Councilman George Rice asked if questions regarding the use of “C” road funds had been resolved. A project budget sheet had stated that the “C” road funds were used to pay for the project. The “C” road funds are to be used for public roadways.
Bailey said funds used for the project were not actually Class C funds. Bailey said the funds had been set aside under a line item designation, for accounting convenience, with a similar name to Class C funds, but not actual Class C funds.
In other matters, Bailey requested that the City extend a Request for Proposal (RFP) for either the purchase or lease of a two-acre lot at approximately 696 North Main Street.
The lot, which was recently received by the City from Woody’s Enterprises via a quick-claim deed, has stood vacant for several years. The property tax assessment estimates the land to be worth $104,000.
After a basic clean up, Bailey said the land could be opened up for economic growth, as opposed to being left vacant and unproductive.
“I have heard several ideas on how the land could be used,” said Bailey. “I heard options of RV parking, a feed and tack store and even a small lumber yard.”
Bailey stressed that the City should include a building schedule in the stipulations to ensure the property is not left vacant. The RFP was approved for distribution.
The city water situation was up next, with a generalized water report by Public Works Director Nate Langston. Langston reports that Loyds Lake is up from last year. Although secondary water use is up from last year, of the 580 secondary water connections, 400 of them paid less than $25.
Langston reports that the water collection system is doing well. The city is working with other entities about monitoring collections. “We are 77 percent of average for culinary, a little above average for secondary, and above in collections.”
When asked about revenue versus costs, Langston said, “We are bringing in enough revenue to cover maintenance.” He concluded, “We are still gaining every day and will be full come April. We are probably better than we’ve ever been.”
An amendment was then considered regarding tie-down rates at the airport. Bailey suggested the city formalize the rates recommended by the Airport Committee.
They are $35 per month and $350 per year. Up to one month is free, but beyond that, there is a charge. This action ensures that tie-downs at the airport will not be abused.
The Council approved and will perpetuate the existing City meeting schedule for the New Year.
Mayor Tim Young congratulated those who worked on the Tree Lighting event on December 3 at Veterans Memorial Park. An estimated 175 people participated.
Young thanked all who were involved and said the new Nativity scene at the park, an Eagle Scout Project by Cameron DeGraw, looked good and would be a great addition in future years.
In closing, Bailey recommended the city undertake a review of all aspects of the water system, including obtaining new water rights, defining existing water rights, storage, irrigation, and more in order to comply with the stated goals of the city and to provide direction to obtain funding in the future.

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