Monticello addresses flooding issues

by David Boyle
News Director
Members of the Monticello City Council explored a drainage study, considered a new electric vehicle charging station at the welcome center and got good news on the Loyds Lake trail project at their latest meeting.
Members of the Monticello City Council visited a proposed drainage study to look at flooding issues on the south side of town as part of their July 28 meeting.
City Manager Kaeden Kulow shared that much of the city’s current drainage systems were designed over 80 years ago and can no longer handle even moderate rainfall.
Council directed staff to seek bids for a study to cover areas south of Center Street including high-priority areas including Clay Hill and Abajo Drive.
Early rough estimates said the expanded scope of the study could reach $50,000. The city has about $600,000 budgeted for street projects, with staff noting the professional study would be a long-term investment and avoid wasting resources.
With council directing staff to look at a bid beyond the project original scope of Abajo Drive, some council members asked for formal bids before committing.
Members of the city council also formalized a memorandum of understanding with San Juan County for Alert Sense alerting. The agreement allows the county to send emergency notifications to devices on behalf of the city. Officials described it as a policy hole identified during the Babylon Fire. Council and staff also reviewed the emergency zoning maps used during the fire.
City council also reviewed a pending contract with Tesla to install charging stations at the city Welcome Center. The agreement, if approved, would involve Tesla leasing parking stalls from the city for a monthly fee, potentially generating around $5,000 in annual revenue. Kulow noted that existing UDOT-owned chargers at the center are aging and will soon require replacement. The contract for the project is undergoing review from the city attorney to ensure the city remains protected.
City council also got good news on the Loyds Lake trail improvement project with the three metal bridge replacements costing about $84,000 total rather than the original $70,000 per bridge estimate.
City council also approved the appointment of Bill Worley to the airport committee, approved a letter of support for San Juan County EMS and discussed possible updates to the fee schedule including changes to airport fuel pricing and culinary water rates for those outside city limits.
Council members also took some time to thank city staff for efforts in organizing a successful Pioneer Day celebration with an emphasis on maintenance of the parks and organizing events and a particular shout-out to the fire department for a great firework show.