Monticello Live

The City Council also discussed, at their recent special called meeting, new road construction to alleviate traffic congestion in the areas between Drew Memorial Hospital and Barkada Road. The City had applied for a $1 million road improvement grant from the federal government through the Arkansas Highway and Transportation Department.

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The City Council called a special meeting, recently, to discuss water tank repairs on the Burlington Tank on HWY 278 East.

The Burlington water tower’s repair issues have been an ongoing source of concern for the City of Monticello. Recently Mayor Maxwell contacted Utility Service Co. Inc. about repair and maintenance of the tower. An employee of Utility Service Co. was present at the Council meeting and discussed services the company can offer the City of Monticello.

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Proposed phasas of water main replacement project

Samples of current failing water mains

Mayor Alan Maxwell concluded the monthly meeting of the City Council with an update on the City water project. The final cost of the water project, which includes 4,200 meters and approximately 93 miles of water pipes, is $10 million.  Maxwell pointed out that this is a “performance based contract”, which means the city is guaranteed to recover all of its expenses on the project

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Tuesday evening at their regularly scheduled monthly meeting, the Monticello City Council reviewed an ordinance that would establish guidelines for owning and controlling dangerous dogs in the City.

The ordinance would not ban any specific breed from the city. It would, however provide requirements for owners of Pit Bulls that go beyond the requirements for owners of other dog breeds.

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At Thursday evening’s monthly School Board meeting, Superintendent Johnston gave an update on the vandalism issue. The students apologized to the School Board at last month’s meeting. (more…)

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The City Council voted unanimously to pass an ordinance requiring that dumpster pads be installed in front of all dumpsters serviced by the City’s garbage and recycling collection trucks.

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Cindy Hilburn has been selected to serve as the new Elementary School Principal for the Monticello School District.

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An Ordinance to amend the hours liquor can be served in private clubs in the city limits of Monticello was presented to the City Council at the Council’s meeting Thursday evening.

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The groundbreaking ceremony to mark the start of construction of a Public Rail Access Facility in the MEDC Industrial Park was held Tuesday afternoon.

When completed the new rail spur will hook to the existing (soon to be improved) spur at Hood Packaging, and switch to a rail that will send freight cars into the Industrial Site for loading and unloading of cargo. This will likely begin with lumber.  Currently Price Lumber and occasionally Maxwell Hardwood load rail freight at the Jackson Street crossing.

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At Monday’s Quorum Court meeting, Judge Robert Akin brought up the matter of what to do about the tree on the north side of the courthouse. There is concern that the tree will cause foundation damage to the courthouse, and one recommendation was that the tree be removed.

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Jessica Wishard, a senior at Drew Central High School, received recognition at their recent school board meeting for advancing to finalist standing in the National Merit Scholarship Program of 2013. She was awarded a certificate by Ms. Melissa Vincent, Principal of the high school.

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Wednesday evening Entergy Arkansas held a public open house at UAM to discuss the installation and construction of a new 230 kilovolt electrical transmission line being planned for Drew and Desha counties. In addition to providing information and answering questions, attendees were invited to complete questionnaires and express their comments and concerns regarding this installation.

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During the personnel segment of the Drew Central school board meeting, the Board accepted the resignation of Superintendent Mike Johnston.

Mr. Johnston, who has worked in education for 44 years, and served at Drew Central for 32 years, will leave effective July 1.

At Thursday’s Drew Central school board meeting, Mary Hobbs received special recognition for earning the National Board Certified Teacher certificate. She is one of only two Drew Central teachers to achieve this prestigious level of certification.

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Discussion of the need for a 3% water rate increase was brought before the Council by Mayor Allen Maxwell.

Because of an aging water system, maintenance, repairs and replacement costs are increasing significantly. It was pointed out that Monticello has some of the lowest water rates of any of the surrounding cities. Data for last year’s costs will be compiled and this matter will be discussed at upcoming meetings.

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Also in the meeting, the Mayor advised the Council about the circumstances surrounding the Mt. Zion Water Association. It was decided that no further action would be taken until representatives for Mt. Zion appear before the Council.