Monticello Council sells bulk plant property

by Eric Niven
The sale of land at the old Woody’s Bulk Plant was the first order of business at the April 11 meeting of the Monticello City Council.
The meeting opened with a hearing of the city Municipal Building Authority on the possible sale of land at 696 North Main Street. The 2.09 acre property was deeded to the city in 2016.
Commonly know as Woody’s Bulk Plant, the property has sat idle for about 30 years and has been for sale for at least ten years. Two proposals were received, each offering $25,000 for the property.
The proposal the Council members focused upon was proposed by Sonderegger, Inc. which intends to clear the land and build an office building for possible lease to the engineering firm, Jones and Demille.
Questions in the hearing include the assessed value of the property as opposed to the offered price of $25,000, how the sale would benefit the city, and why the city would sell the property now.
City Manager Ty Bailey said the selling price is below the tax assessment but said there is risk for the new owner, including a possible contaminant clean up bill of up to $40,000.
Bailey said developing the property will bring in tax revenue as well as eliminating idle property.
Councilman Blaine Nekeber asked where money from the sale would go. Bailey said the funds will count as revenue and go to the Monticello Municipal Building Authority budget.
There are no stipulations in the sale designating when construction would commence. The hearing was closed and the Council voted unanimously to accept the Sonderegger bid.
The payment of bills is the next order of business. Recent damage to a police car was discussed. The car struck a tree and was declared a total loss by the City insurance carrier.
Another public hearing discussed renewing the City designation as an Enterprise Zone. This is a designation by the Utah Office of Economic Development which offers tax advantages to new and expanding businesses.
The Council concluded there is no disadvantage other than increased paperwork and approved the renewal. Bailey said this designation, as well as the Business Development Incentives already offered by the City, should encourage business development.
Councilman Steve Duke suggested it would be a good idea to broadcast these incentives to encourage potential businesses.
The Council went into closed session to discuss personnel issues and the sale of property. Following the session, the Council unanimously approved a new contract for the City Manager.
In wrap-up, Bailey informed the Council that organizing the Pioneer Day celebration is going well. The Council was also informed of a sanctioned rodeo at the fair grounds in June and was encouraged to take advantage of the event to promote the City.
A survey to determine the possible expanded use of the city swimming pool is still underway. Copies of the survey are available in the City Office and residents are encouraged to complete them.
Manager Bailey informed the Council that the May 1 meeting will include an update of the city purchasing policy and a public hearing on the new city budget.