Around 3:30, Saturday afternoon, a Dodge pick-up on Florence Road was being backed out of the driveway, when an explosion under the hood destroyed the vehicle.

The Monticello Fire Dept. and Drew County Sheriff’s Dept. responded to the call.

The cause hasn’t been determined, but a local mechanic told MLive that the battery was likely the source, based on the description of the scene.

No one was injured in the explosion.

In a shocking turn of events, the City Council voted yes to building a new fire station on the W.C. Whaley lot. During Thursday night’s meeting Mayor Allen Maxwell asked MEDC Executive Director Nita McDaniel to present the slide show to the Council that was shown to the public during the ISO Rating Meeting (posted below).

Each slide highlighted which sections of town would be covered, depending upon which location was shown for the new central fire station. With W.C. Whaley providing the highest percentage of coverage to the City, and it having access to multi-directional roads, and the lot being large enough to build storage for the ladder truck, the property came out on top, according to the City Planner, for top ISO ratings.

Mrs. McDaniel told the Council that they had exhausted every option when searching for the right location saying, “We tried to find every piece of property in the central part of town..” that would work both financially and logistically.

Later, Mrs. McDaniel said to the Council, “I would challenge anyone, if you find a better location, tell us,” stating that they had “scowered the city for available properties.”

“What ISO wants to see is you’re covering the greatest number of streets in that optimal response time as possible.” – McDaniel

Mayor Maxwell added, “The ladder truck is a big part of expanding the ISO rating.” It was explained that the Fire Department currently gets no credit from ISO on having a ladder truck because it must be stored outside. To get credit, the new station must provide an inside storage option for the truck.

The Mayor told the Council, “We’re trying to improve from a five to a four. [ISO rating] Warren has a four, Crossett has a four… here we sit with a five.” “We’ve turned over every stone we can turn.” “I don’t know what other stone to turn over if this city’s going to build a fire station.”

Al Peer made a motion to build the new fire station at the W.C. Whaley location. Sherrie Gillespie seconded the motion. Voting resulted in Josh McKiever, Carolyn Brown, and Claudia Hartness voting no. Sherrie Gillespie, Raymond Hubbard, Al Peer, Beverly Hudson, and Tim Chase voted yes.

The motion passed to build the fire station at Whaley, followed by applause from the nearly-filled room of on-lookers, and Mayor Maxwell said, “We will get to work on that as fast as we can.”

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City Council Members Interviewed on Fire Station Location
DSec. 5, 2011

MonticelloLive’s Mandy Moss attempted to interview all 8 Monticello city council members on their opinions for the location of the potential new fire station at the Whaley property.

Today, we conclude with the interviews with responses from Carolyn Brown and Claudia Hartness.

Carolyn Brown

Claudia Hartness

Alderperson Carolyn Brown answered:
QUESTIONS FOR CITY COUNCIL – FIRE STATION AT WHALEY
1. Did you vote yes or no?
(1) No

2. What factors contributed to your decision?
(2) The city council will meet in December to hear budget request. Theoretically, the council is held responsible for a true and sound balanced budget.

Mayor Maxwell made the council aware that water mains on North and South Main Street were serviced through the original pipe placement that is speculated to be over seventy years old. The council was advised that this would be a very serious commitment.

In addition, the Sadie Johnson Community Center was destroyed by fire and will be rebuilt in 2012. Unfortunately the insurance coverage for the Sadie Johnson Community Center will not meet the expenses for reconstruction at today’s prices. Bids will not be let until 2012.

Also to be considered is street overlay and street repair for wards 1, 2, 3, and 4. This is a yearly expense.

Another concern is composting or simply disposing of yard debris. Many of our residents do not have the ability to dispose of limbs that fall through the year as well as shrub pruning, grass clippings, and garden debris. In effect, unsightly yard trash devalues property. Additionally, this is the year to redistrict the four wards. The trend shows that the north and west area has gained population.

I contacted six of our local insurance agencies to learn about our ISO rating. I learned according to the Arkansas regulations there are many variables that are considered for policy holders. The result measured very small minimum reduction in premiums. I understand in 2010 only twenty nine cities in Arkansas have a rating of three (3). Presently, our city holds a five (5) rating. Hopefully, we will soon achieve a
4 rating due to the accomplishments already made.

3. What steps did you take to speak to the people-in your ward on what they wanted for the Whaley/Fire Station issue?
4. Did the “experts” opinions come into play when you made your decision?
5. If not Whaley, where do you think the best site for the fire station is, and why?
(3,4,& 5)Please refer to my comments expressed in item (2) made on the questionnaire. For response to question 3, 4, & 5.

6. Have you spoken to the Fire Chief or firemen of the city to determine what their opinions are on this issue? What did you gather from them, without using any names.
(6) Our fire chief Mr. Faulkner indicated that he favored the Whaley property for the fire station site.

I support updating the fire station. I regret the deteriorating condition that has resulted in bringing this issue to public appeal.

My concern today is how far our tax dollar can spread to address the needs for all citizens of Monticello.

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This note was sent in to council member Claudia Hartness:
“Thank you for sending the survey. I will not comment at this time. There are many pending factors.”

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City Council Members Interviewed on Fire Station Location – Part 3
November 30, 2011

We began the series Monday, on the left side of the council room with Josh McKiever and Sherrie Gillespie. Tuesday, Raymond Hubbard and Al Peer’s interviews were posted. Today, we continue with the interviews with Beverly Hudson and Tim Chase.

Beverly Hudson

Tim Chase

“Questions for City Council – Fire Station at Whaley”, as answered by Beverly Hudson

1. Did you vote yes or no?
I voted yes to locate the new fire station at WC Whaley.

2. What factors contributed to your decision?
Probably the most important issue that contributed to that yes vote was the previous study that was done by a council committee and the fire chief. That study determined that the best coverage for the entire city could be provided from that site. The recent study that was conducted by the MEDC and the ISO representative confirmed that decision. This info has been provided to the public. Also I felt that the other site that was being considered and that being directly across the street from the existing fire station, was not desirable for the long term. It is extremely congested at all times.

3. What steps did you take to speak to the people in your ward on what they wanted for the Whaley/Fire Station issue?
I very carefully listened to members in my ward and also residents in all other wards. Most were for and some against. Those that were against were concerned about the building itself. They do not want an unattractive metal building located near the beautiful historic building.

4. Did the “experts” opinions come into play when you made your decision?
Absolutely. I was chairperson of the location committee that had early conversations with ISO representatives, and also seriously considered the State Fire Marshall’s opinion that Whaley was the best location.

5. If not Whaley, where do you think the best site for the fire station is, and why?
The location near the Chamber of Commerce, the old Ryburn Motor Co. property would provide an ok location. However the Whaley property still would give the best coverage, and the city owns the property.

6. Have you spoken to the Fire Chief or firemen of the city to determine what their opinions are on this issue? What did you gather from them, without using any names.
The Fire Chief provided most of the information that the Council Committee obtained in the first study.

Alderman Tim Chases’ responses were:
1. Did you vote yes or no?
No

2. What factors contributed to your decision?
My main concern is that the Whaley property is not adjacent to a major street in town. It’s only a few blocks away from one, but that slows down response time. Therefore, I feel locations adjacent to major through streets should be considered

3. What steps did you take to speak to the people in your ward on what they wanted for the Whaley/Fire Station issue?
Many people spoke with me about this issue. Some folks from my ward, some from other wards. I listened to them all and then told them what I thought as well, I thanked them for sharing their thoughts and opinions. The vast majority of people who spoke with me were not in favor of the Whaley site for the new station.

4. Did the “experts” opinions come into play when you made your decision?
I don’t think all possible sites were considered several years ago when the State Fire Marshall was consulted. I know nothing was considered at a downtown location. So the “experts” opinions were considered as I made my decision.

5. If not Whaley, where do you think the best site for the fire station is, and why?
I hope we will be able to discuss several sites in detail before we have to take any more votes on a location. We should actually look at the advantages and disadvantages of each site and then make a logical choice based on those factors. The City of Monticello has to live with this decision for a long time so we have to make sure we choose the best possible location.

6. Have you spoken to the Fire Chief or firemen of the city to determine what their opinions are on this issue? What did you gather from them, without using any names.
I have spoken with the Fire Chief and several firemen. I think their biggest concern is getting a new facility that meets their needs. That is exactly what we will do at which ever site we determine will best serve the citizens also.

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City Council Members Interviewed on Fire Station Location – Part 2
Nov. 29, 2011

MonticelloLive’s Mandy Moss attempted to interview all 8 Monticello city council members on their opinions for the location of the potential new fire station at the Whaley property.

We began the series Monday, on the left side of the council room, and now continue around the room.

Al Peer

Raymond Hubbard

Alderman Raymond Hubbard, of Ward 3 responded:
1. Did you vote yes or no?
Yes

2. What factors contributed to your decision?
Because the property was purchased for that reason. The residents in that area deserve a good clean environment there. We could put more municipal buildings there, and keep expanding if we needed to. We have to look 50 years down the road, not just until tomorrow when we make a decision as to where to build.

3. What steps did you take to speak to the people in your ward on what they wanted for the Whaley/Fire Station issue?
One or two called me to say they were opposed, and I can understand some of their reasons; but many more calls came in supporting it.

4. Did the “experts” opinions come into play when you made your decision?
Yes – all of them said that’s where the fire station should be built.

5. If not Whaley, where do you think the best site for the fire station is, and why?
I think it should be at Whaley – that’s where it belongs. If this city is going to grow, we need to expand parking on the square and see if we can alleviate some of that problem.

6. Have you spoken to the Fire Chief or firemen of the city to determine what their opinions are on this issue?  What did you gather from them, without using any names.
Most of them have indicated they would really like to see it go at Whaley.

Ward 1 Council member Al Peer answered this way:
1. Did you vote yes or no?
Yes

2. What factors contributed to your decision?
The City of Monticello purchases the property for the consideration to build a new fire station.

3. What steps did you take to speak to the people in your ward on what they wanted for the Whaley/Fire Station issue?
Many people called me and e-mailed me about the Whaley/Fire Station issue.

4. Did the “experts” opinions come into play when you made your decision?
Yes

5. If not Whaley, where do you think the best site for the fire station is, and why?
At the time, several different sites were visited for the Fire Station, and the experts recommended Whaley as the best site for Fire Station.

6. Have you spoken to the Fire Chief or firemen of the city to determine what their opinions are on this issue? What did you gather from them, without using any names.
Yes, and the best site was the Whaley property.

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City Council Members Interviewed on Fire Station Location – Part 1
Nov. 28 2011

Josh McKiever

Sherrie Gillespie

Alderman Josh McKiever did not respond.  All members were contacted at least twice, and have had more than 2 weeks to respond to 6 identical questions.

Council member Sherrie Gillespie’s answered the questions with these responses:
1. Did you vote yes or no?
I voted “yes.”

2. What factors contributed to your decision?
(1) The city purchased the property at W.C. Whaley for the purpose of building a fire station.
(2) The Fire Station Committee, made up of City Council members, found that W.C. Whaley was the best possible location because it did not have an adverse affect on the rest of the city’s ISO rating.
3. What steps did you take to speak to the people in your ward on what they wanted for the Whaley/Fire Station issue?
I have attended and participated in town hall meetings and entertained telephone calls from all other wards, as well as my own. I have also had personal and public contact with several persons in the community.

4. Did the “experts” opinions come into play when you made your decision?
Yes.. the “experts,” in conjunction with the findings from the Fire Station Committee.

5. If not Whaley, where do you think the best site for the fire station is, and why?
W.C. Whaley is the best site.

6. Have you spoken to the Fire Chief or firemen of the city to determine what their opinions are on this issue? What did you gather from them, without using any names.
I have spoken to several firemen, and they are in support of placing the fire station at W.C. Whaley.
I truly hope their jobs are not in jeopardy for voicing their opinions.

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Fire Dept. Analysis Report: Please Don’t Call ISO Consultant
Nov. 17, 2011

Due to professional standards, the ISO consultant who presented the evaluation of Monticello’s fire plan is not allowed to release comments about his appraisal to members of the public.

Citizens are being asked not to call him, but if theywant copies of the report that he provided, please come by the MEDC office and pick up a copy, or call their Alderman or City official.

The videos of the report are posted below.

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ISO Consultant Recomends Whaley Site for Central Fire Station, & Opening 3rd Station at Training Center
Nov. 15, 2011

MEDC Director, Nita McDaniel, along with City Inspector, Brian Rodgers (a former firefighter) presented ISO rating information to the public during a meeting held Monday night. She stated that all information presented would be statistical facts collected by the city’s consultant, Charles Albert. None of the information would be based on opinion.

The purpose of the information gathered was to help the city make a long-term plan for better fire protection, and also to increase its ISO (Insurance Services Organization) rating. Increasing the ISO Rating would result in an improved Class Rating for Monticello and possibly lower the cost of insurance rates for both commercial and residential properties within city limits. ISO evaluations are conducted every 10 years. The last evaluation done on Monticello was in 2003.

There are three major sections used by the ISO to determine ratings.
1. Receiving and Handling Fire Alarms
2. Location of the Fire Department
3. Water Supply

Due to the fact that our city dispatches for multiple agencies, the number of dispatchers needs to be increased from 1 to 2. This has already been addressed by the City, with the renovation of the old dispatch room. It has been expanded and completely revamped to allow for CAD (computer-aided dispatch) and its increased size easily accommodates two dispatchers.

The City is also in the process of addressing the water supply issue by ordering new water meters and making plans to replace old water lines. The more accurate water meters will increase revenue, which will in turn fund the new pipes.

It is recommended that any 2-way hydrants should be replaced with at least 3-way hydrants that have both a pumper connection and hose connections.

Other issues that are more easily resolved are training hours needed by the Fire Department and more utilization of its engines and training facility.

The issue not yet resolved by the City is the location of the fire station.

According to Mr. Albert, to receive the best ISO ratings, the fire station needs to be located at or near a multi-directional intersection. It also needs to provide coverage to the greatest number of buildings within the city limits. An ideal station also has the ability to house a ladder company. The acceptable response time is only measured within 1.5 miles of the fire station (street distance) with an engine company. With a ladder company, the acceptable response time is measured within 2.5 miles. This gives the City credit for much greater coverage.

McDaniel stated that one simple step the City could take to improve its ISO rating is to get a central station that can house a ladder truck. This would expand coverage into areas of the city that are not currently covered – improving the rating.

According to Fire Chief Steve Faulkner, the ladder truck owned by the City is 42 feet long. McDaniel stated that the ladder truck will not fit in the current block in which the fire station is located.

Several different locations for building a new station were shown on the map and discussed during the meeting.

1. Walgreen’s Property – This property allows for easy access to the major highways, HWY 425 and HWY 278. However, building at this location would mean losing coverage for most of the eastern side of Monticello, including Hood Packaging, War Eagle, Pepsi Cola, (former) Drew Foam, and the Airport.

Percentage of addresses covered not yet calculated for the Walgreen’s property.

2. Old Ford Motor Company – This location offers multi-directional street access, but loses optimal response time to Tanglewood 1 and 2.The Old Ford Motor Company location would cover 90.5% of addresses in city limits.

3. Gabbert Street – This location also loses Tanglewood 1 and 2, along with Spring Branch.

The Gabbert Street location would cover 89.98% of addresses in city limits.

4. W.C. Whaley – This location provides multi-directional street access and not only keeps the same existing coverage already held by the current fire station, but expands the coverage further.

The W.C. Whaley property would cover 93.28% of addresses in city limits.

“All we can do is present it as it’s been put together. The statistics are what they are.” – Nita McDaniel

On the final page of the information put together by Consultant Charles Albert, he states, “Central Station will need 1 engine company, 1 ladder company, and 1 service company. Station 2 will need 1 engine company, and Station 3 will need 1 engine company. The location of the reserve engine is not specifically prescribed, but it will need to be housed inside a building.”

Mr. Albert also states: “In review of station distribution maps provided by the City and according to available data as per ISO guidelines, the most effective location for maximum coverage for both engine and ladder companies would be the suggested Whaley site. This site does provide for the largest coverage by the engine company and by the ladder company that equates to greater point potential in the rating.”

In closing, Nita McDaniel said, “We have got to plan well for our future.”

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City Announces Fire Dept. ISO Info Meeting
Nov. 2, 2011

Public Meeting to Present ISO Evaluation

The Monticello Economic Development Commission and the Monticello Fire Department will hold a Public Meeting on Monday November 14 at 6:00 pm in the court room of the Old Post Office Building located at 211 West Gaines Street.

The purpose of the meeting is to present the recent evaluation of the Monticello Fire Department conducted by Charles Albert, ISO Consultant.

The evaluation includes current facilities, equipment, personnel, training, record keeping, processes and procedures. Service areas of ladder companies and engine companies will be presented in GPS mapping format by staff of EFS GeoTechnologies.

The format of the presentation is based on geographic statistics, current fire department services and ISO Consultant recommendations to improve Monticello’s ISO rating.

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City Council Votes Against Building Fire Station at Whaley – Video
October 21, 2011

The Monticello City Council split their votes 4-4 over building the proposed fire station at the W. C. Whaley property.  Mayor Allen Maxwell then abstained from voting, causing the motion to build there to fail.

Council members voting in favor of the Whaley location were; Sherrie Gillespie, Raymond Hubbard, Al Peer, and Beverly Hudson.

Council member opposed to the Whaley site were: Josh McKiever, Carolyn Brown, Tim Chase, and Claudia Hartness.

Al Peer said in response to the outcome, “It’s sad that we have come this far, and we’ve not done anything.”

“We need to take the emotion out of this and do what’s best for the city.” “I want to build a fire station. I want you to tell me to go build a fire station.” “I want the city to unite… and quit fighting about this. This has gotten way out of hand.” – Mayor Maxwell

Audience response was then allowed, and Joe Meeks addressed the Mayor by saying, “If you really wanted this done, you should have voted.” The Mayor responded by saying he wanted the council to decide this issue.

After much discussion between the public and council, the Mayor closed the meeting by saying, “We will have some public meetings to discuss this.”

After the meeting, Chief Faulkner with the Monticello Fire Department gave this statement to MLive, “I just wish they would make a decision.”

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New Fire Station at Whaley?? Tonight’s the Night for City Council Vote

Oct. 20. 2011

After approximately 12 years of “back and forth” decisions, the Monticello City Council is set tonight to make a decision on building the city’s new fire station at the W. C. Whaley property.

The council voted as a committee, last week, 4-3 to make the decision at tonight’s monthly council meeting.  Several residents have said they plan to attend the meeting, to see if their council members vote the way their constituents feel is best.

At last week’s meeting, council member Tim Chase suggested buiding the new fire station across Church St. (in front of the current station).  Mayor Allen Maxwell told MonticelloLive that there are some water and/or sewer lines under Church Street, but that they could be moved.

Exchanging the city’s “old bus barn” for James Gathings’ building on South Main St. (and the empty lot behind it) has also been considered.

The meeting is open to the public and starts at 6 pm at City Hall.

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Voter Says, “Call Your City Coucil Representatives, Tell Them Your Opinion on Fire Station Location”
Oct. 18, 2011

With one of the most important decisions coming up, Thursday night, that they will likely face, on an issue that the Monticello City Council has taken 12 years to deal with, a local resident has sent a “letter to the editor” to MonticelloLive.com expressing his opinion, and issuing a challenge for everyone else to call their Alderperson.

MLive encourages you to do so, as well, regardless of which side of the issue you feel is best, let your council member know which fire station site you feel is best.

The city’s website (click here) lists the coucil member’s phone numbers. NOTE: Please don’t call Judge Bond.  That positon is now held by Josh McKiever, 723-0685.

Comment – “The square is too congested to build a bigger building. Keep the historical aspects of the square (which needs work) and build on Whaley! Build on an empty lot, don’t close another street, don’t tear down another building, don’t loose more parking!

WE HAVE TO CALL THE COUNCIL AND TELL THEM HOW WE FEEL!!!! Go to the council meeting next Thursday and hold a sign showing you are for Whaley.

Everyone knows how I feel. I put a sign in my yard and called my council members. Do they know how YOU feel?”

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More Yard Signs In Favor of Fire Station of Whaley
Oct. 15, 2011

Even more yard signs are appearing in favor of  building the proposed fire station at the city’s W. C. Whaley property.

Appearantly when a couple of residents on North Main Street and North Hyatt Street put up signs, Wednesday, showing their support for the Whaley location, other Whaley supporters were inspired to follow their lead with more signs, especially in the North Main and North Hyatt Street areas.

At Tuesday night’s special called meeting of the Monticello City Council as a committee, the council voted 4-3 to hold a vote at next Thursday’s council meeting about building the new fire station on the W. C. Whaley property.

North Main / North Hyatt Signs Show Support for New Fire Station at  Whaley Property
October 12, 2011

Following Tuesday night’s special called meeting of the Monticello City Council as a committee, where they voted 4-3 to hold a vote at next Thursday’s council meeting about building the new fire station on the W. C. Whaley property, residents on North Main Street and North Hyatt Street have put up signs showing their support the the Whaley location.

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City Council Agrees to Vote on New Fire Station Being Built on Whaley Property at Next Council Meeting, October 20
October 11, 2011

During Tuesday night’s special meeting, the City Council was presented with new proposals by Mr. Gathings in regards to the “land swap” that has been discussed in previous meetings, and after a long, heated discussion, agreed to vote on locating the new fire station at the W. C. Whaley property at their next meeting.

Instead of the previous offer of $25,000 plus his two lots/properties, Gathings is now offering the properties plus $35,000. The Council has discussed using the property as the site of a new fire station.

During discussion on the proposal, Al Peer asked, “Why are we selling the bus shed at all?” “We’ve got property at W.C. Whaley… if we want to build a fire station, let’s build it on the property we already have.”

“This council has twice turned down building on W.C. Whaley.” “After all of these years and all this time I want to get a fire station built.” – Mayor Maxwell

Al Peer then asked Mayor Maxwell if he could address Fire Chief Steve Faulkner from the audience. “Where do you think is the best place to put a fire station?”

Before Chief Faulkner could answer, Tim Chase asked, “Can we do this without ever having to consider the Gathings property? I’ve come to the decision (based upon his own measurements) that we can build it right here and never have to touch the Gathings property.” “We’re going to lose parking if we do this, so the logical thing to do would be buy the Gathings property and turn it into a parking lot.”

Dr. Chase’s plan would include building a new station around the existing one, closing the current one way road and turning it into a cul-de-sac in front of The Computer Guy’s business, and having a direct exit from the bays to the square.

When discussions surrounding the current congestion and parking issues then began, Raymond Hubbard stated, “We should be planning for the next 50 years, not the last 50 years.” “We the city obtained the property… to me a new, nice fire station in that area [W.C. Whaley] would be an asset to that neighborhood.” “It would be terrible to build a new, nice fire station where nobody would see it.”

“If you build it the way I propose, you would see it.” – Tim Chase

“I agree with Mr. Hubbard that we should build on W.C. Whaley.” “We have the money, and we won’t do it.” – Sherrie Gillespie

Mrs. Gillespie then said, “The bus shed is insured for $400,000. I think that means it’s worth $400,000… I don’t think we should ever sell it!” It was verified that this estimate was accurate, and is insured for this price alone, not including any trucks.

“Let’s take a vote and take it back to the council to build the fire station on W.C. Whaley.” – Al peer

A motion to take the possibility of building the new fire station on W.C. Whaley was made and passed 4 to 3. Tim Chase, Carolyn Brown, and Claudia Hartness voted no, while Josh Mckiever, Sherrie Gillespie, Al Peer, and Raymond Hubbard voted yes. Beverly Hudson was not in attendance.

The next regular council meeting will be held on Thursday, October 20, at 6:00pm.

In closing Mayor Maxwell told the council, “You need to be through with your discussion here so you can make a decision.”

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City Council Meeting to Discuss Fire Station Location, Gathings Land Swap, & Electronic Water System Proposal. Tuesday
October 5, 2011

Tuesday starting at 6 pm, the Monticello City Council will meet as a series of committees to discuss a series of issues facing the city; incuding an electronic water system, composting, and a variety of suggestions pertaining to land issues, sales, swaps, and the possible locaiton of the proposed new Monticello Central Fire Station.

They will first meet as the water committee to see a presentation from Faulkner Pipe about the proposed digitizing of the Monticello Water Dept.

If this presentation leads to full implementation of the project, water leaks could be easily detected, and water meters could be read electronically.

After the water meeting, the City Council is then scheduled to meet as the composting committee at 7:30 for a composting presentation.

Following that session, the ongoing topic of the location of the proposed new fire station, the proposed land swap with James Gathings for the S. Main Street building, the offer from DCDDC to purchase the old bus shed, and any other property related issues that may come from City Council members, will be discussed.

The agenda also provides a time for the council to meet in Executive Session, following the series of meetings, that night.

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DCDDC Proposes to Buy City’s Bus Shed; Special Meeting Asked for by Council to Discuss “Fire Dept.; Land & Location Issues” Only – Date to be Announced.
Sept. 16, 2011

The city’s bus shed, currently being considered for a “swap” with Mr. James Gathing’s building on Main St. for the proposed new fire station, is now being sought after by another group.

Sandy Patrick, Executive Director of Drew County Developmental Disabilities Council, stated that they are a non-profit organization that has 300 employees, a $7 million a year budget, and services in 15 southeast Arkansas counties. Drew County Disabilities has a new, $3.5 million building that will be completed in 8 months, according to Ms. Patrick.

Ms. Patrick stated that the bus shed connects to their property and, “We do have busses that have to sit out in the open and they have been taken on “joy rides” by students in the past and vandalized. We would like the council to consider letting us buy the property for the appraised value.”

Mayor Allen Maxwell asked Ms. Patrick to “present the city a proposal, a formal proposal, of what you want to do and we present it to the council and let the council make their decision.”

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Tim Chase responded, “I have an idea I would like for us to think about. I would like to have a committee meeting, not a special called city council meeting.. where we sit down and listen to their proposal… discuss it amongst ourselves, about this proposal, about the proposal we heard the other day from Mr. Gathings, about the possibility of a fire station and where we’re going to put it. We need to talk.” “… get this stuff squared away so we can quit hashing it over and over again.”

A committee meeting, to be open to the public, was voted by the council to be held as soon as possible for the purpose of discussing all potential fire department land issues. No voting or resolutions will occur at the meeting.

Robin Johnson of Robin Davis-Johnson Appraisals sent an appraisal to the Mayor, per his request, of the lot to the West of Mr. Gathing’s building on Main St. It states that the property is 1,968 S.F. and the estimated market value of the property as of September 12, 2011 is $1,000.

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Fire Chief has Concerns About New Fire Dept. Location; Gathings & Appraiser Address Council
Sept. 8, 2011

MonticelloLive on Vimeo.

Mr. James Gathings attended the meeting to answer questions from the council pertaining to his property.  Robin Johnson presented appraisals to the City Council during a special meeting Tuesday night on both properties being considered for the “swap” for the new fire department. According to Mrs. Johnson, the city’s property has a total property value of $60,900, while Mr. Gathings’ property appraised at $20,500.

Mr. Gathings stated to the council that if the swap does occur, he will use the property for storing his personal automobiles, the ones he currently owns and any acquired in the future, along with storing his fleet of pick-up trucks. He said he would not use it for anything commercial.

“So, no plans for an auto dealership…?” – Tim Chase

“No, I’m content where I am at and I’ll be on [HWY] 425 as long as I have a car dealership in Monticello.” – James Gathings

Fire Chief Steve Faulkner was asked for his input on the possible location of the new fire station, which would be directly across from the current station.

“I’m skeptical if this is going to be a better situation or not… we’re going to outgrow it and be in the same situation we are now.” “Certain days we’re not going to be able to get these fire trucks out of here.” – Chief Faulkner

Chief Faulkner went on to explain that on court days, they are unable to get the larger fire trucks out of the station and must use smaller trucks due to the way cars are parked.

Mayor Maxwell stated that the engineer had planned to put in a fire lane, creating “no parking zones” around the new fire station and the path to exit to the main road. There would also be no parking on parts of Main Street, due to state laws stating that no vehicle can park within 20 feet of the driveway entrance to any fire station and on the side of a street opposite the entrance to any fire station within 75 feet of the entrance when properly signposted. (A.C.A. 27-51-1302)

Chief Faulkner was also concerned that the design of the new station would sometimes have the trucks driving backwards on the one-way street, meaning if the fire truck were to strike a vehicle, the fire department would be liable.

Further discussion of the possible property swap and new fire department plans will occur at the next scheduled city council meeting.

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New Fire Station & South Main Land Swap Expected to Draw More Criticism from Council Members, at Meeting Tonight
Sept. 6, 2011

MonticelloLive on Vimeo.

At the last city council meeting multiple council members were concerned, one to the point of saying they would vote against the proposed land-swap with James Gathings, for the city’s “old bus shop” maintenance area, in exchange for the property and building between South Main St and the current fire station, where the proposed new fire station could be built.

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Preliminary Drawings Submitted for New Fire Station, Between South Main & City Hall
July 11, 2011

ETC Engineering has submitted preliminary drawings of the new Monticello Central Fire Station to the city of Monticello.

The current proposed location will place the fire station facing City Hall, being built between the back of Beth’s Bistro and LA Graphics and the railroad track.  The drawings show the new structure to be where employee parking is currently located, and also where the Computer Guys are located.

The fire trucks will enter the station from Main Street, and will exit by traveling north on Church St. to Gaines St., or by going behind the police station to Chester St.

According to Mayor Allen Maxwell, parking on S. Main St. will not be affected, actually additional parking spaces are expected be added by the construction.

Plans call for offices and meeting rooms to be built on the bottom floor of the new facility, where the Computer Guy’s currently stands.  The second floor, directly above the office will provide the living quarters for on-duty firemen.

The new fire station will include three 15×60 ft. bays, to house fire trucks and rescue vehicles.

The “Gathing’s Building”, a longtime storefront on Main Street, will be removed, and used as an entrance to the facility.

Mayor Maxwell expects environmental studies to begin soon, which will detect any issues that may be involved in the project.  Also, a fuel storage tank at the “old but shed” will be removed by the city.

The Mayor’s report is presented to the City Council at the end of their regular council meetings.  The next City Council meeting is scheduled for Thursday, July 21.

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New Proposed Site for Fire Station, Between South Main & City Hall, on Gathings Property
June 22, 2011

A new proposed location for the long awaited Monticello Central Fire Station is big considered.

Last week’s city council agenda included a public forum for James Gathings to present to the council a possible “land swap” between the city and  Gathings.

Gathings would give the city ownership of his South Main St. property, along with the parking area behind it, which borders City Hall’s Church Street location.  The deal also would be based on Gathings’ ability to  obtain ownership of the “Computer Guy’s” building, formerly a bail bonding office, which would be included in the deal.

In exchange, the city would give Gathings ownership of their current sanitation dept. garage, on South Hyatt Street, know to many as “the old bus shed.”

Earlier this week, Mayor Allen Maxwell described both parties as being, “still interested” in the proposed venture.  Mayor Maxwell added that a special called city council meeting is possible, since the city has “wrestled with the fire station issue long enough.”

One of the potential reasons the location behind the police station and MEDC is no longer being considered is due to a water main located under the street, which would then be under the new building.

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Mayor’s Report – New Fire Station Possible Cost $750,000, Would Close Street Behind City Hall
April 26, 2100

The Mayor’s report to the council addressed the new fire station location.

Maxwell’s proposal for the new fire station’s location would build it behind the current district court and MEDC office.

“The street will be city use only, and the building will block the street.”

Maxwell told the council that the engineer’s  proposed ”high estimate” for the  new fire station is could be as much as $750,000.

Mayor Allen Maxwell told city council members, “I want you to be comfortable with this new proposal for the fire station, and if you’re not, I want to know about it.”

Full size drawings of the proposed building are availabe for viewing at City Hall.

“I’d like to start on the fire station this year. We’ve dealt with this fire station for so long, it needs to be done.”

Maxwell plans to get started on the new station this year, if funds become available.

He also plans to re-build the Sadie Johnson Center this year, and repair the roof to the City Hall complex.

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The Mayor’s report also updated the sewer pond situation,  ”We’re making good progress at the sewer ponds, and we are now working on the backside of the levees.  We just need a few days of dry weather, and will be going north and south.”

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Mayor’s Report – Fire Station – Sewer Ponds – Councilman Chase Comments on Stop Signs vs. Stop Lights
Posted March 22, 2011

MonticelloLive on Vimeo.

The meeting closed with the Mayor’s report.

The repairs to the sewage pond levees is progressing very well. The mayor reported that free concrete and dirt is being used, and City employees are doing the work. The Mayor said he is impressed with the work they are doing. The project will have to be finished by the end of the dry season. He reported that there is a problem with releasing sewage from the west pond because of the low water level of Ten Mile Creek. They will meet with ADEQ next week to discuss options for doing a release.

The Mayor discussed the proposal submitted by ETC Engineering for the construction of the new Fire Department building. By closing off the street, the building can be constructed without buying any new property. ETC Engineering proposed that the old fire station’s foundation and exterior and lower level are in excellent condition and can be renovated into meeting rooms and connected to the new building. No costs for the project has been submitted. Optimal locations for the Fire Department were discussed.

Before the meeting adjourned, Ald. Tim Chase brought up the resolution of the City Council from several months ago, requesting the state highway department reconsider installing stoplights on the Monticello City Square.

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Probable Re-location of the Fire Station Discussed at Meeting – Council Member Criticizes City Council for Lack of Action
Posted March 10, 2011

During a recent meeting with Mayor Allen Maxwell and a group of approximately 30  people wanting to know the time frame of replacing the Sadie Johnson center that was destroyed by fire last year, Mayor Maxwell detailed several priority problems that are currently facing the city, including the probable re-location of the current Central Fire Station.

Mayor Maxwell told them, ”Most likely, will have to tear the fire department (building) down.”  He added, “We could possibly move it to the MEDC building, which is a historic building,”  which brings in limitations as to what can be done there.

Alderman Sherrie Gillespie commented, “The fire station problem could be solved, if the City Council would make the decision.  We’ve got money appropriated for a new fire station.  We have property at the old WC Whaley to build it, and the city owns the land.  But we’ve just got to decide to put it there. We’ve had people come in and do studies, (referring to a soon after the property was purchased, and the state fire marshall’s visit in late 2009).  The money is there.”

Maxwell then commented about the former elementary school site, “I don’t like the access in or out (of the property)” and added “moving to WC Whaley won’t improve our ISO rating.”   He then commented, “In my opinion the best site in town would be behind the Walgreens store, with access to both 278 and 425.”  Gillespie responded, “When we looked at (WC Whaley), it was the best location, and we wouldn’t lose anything.”  Maxwell then replied, “We wouldn’t lose, but we wouldn’t gain anything.”   Gillespie then asked why the city should spend money on land at another location, when the city Council has already voted to purchase Whaley for that purpose.

When the issue of the fire station again came up later in the meeting, Mrs. Gillespie commented, “The money to do this is already there.  Because a few people on Main Street don’t want the fire station there, the City Council doesn’t have enough guts to do it.  We bought the land to put the fire station down there, and the money is already there, but the City Council just will not do it.  We could solve that problem.”

With the decision on the location of the new Central fire Station being forced on the city because of the condition of the current station, the ongoing battle of opinions, which is continued for 10 years, may finally come to an end.

In reference to the condition of the police department, Maxwell said that a good location would be the old Walmart building on Highway 425 South, which could house the police department, District Court, and MEDC.  This would allow the fire department to move into the current MEDC building.  But one department must be moved before we can even start working , either the fire department or the police department .

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City Council Tours Fire & Police Departments – VIDEO
Posted Nov 12, 2010.

As a part of the Monticello City Council meeting, the City Council was given a tour of the current Fire Dept. and Police Dept.

Here’s the video of the event.

Council members who toured the entire building included Beverly Hudson, Sherrie Gillespie, Tim Chase, Al Peer, and Raymond Hubbard.  Clifton Bond left prior to the tour for family reasons.  Council members Carolyn Brown and Claudia Hartness began the tour, but got separated from the main group.

MonticelloLive on Vimeo.

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Posted October 22, 2010

Mayor Asks Council to Advertise for Bids on Fire Station, Council Says “No”

MonticelloLive on Vimeo.

City Council Votes “No” to Consider Bids for New Fire Department
by Mandy Moss

Mayor Joe Rogers asked the council for permission to begin advertising for bids for the purpose of building a new fire department on the W.C. Whaley property during Thursday night’s meeting.

Sherrie Gillespie made a motion to start advertising bids, but before a second could be made, Tim Chase said, “I know our present facility is substandard…but, to be quite honest, at this point, what we’re being asked to consider, it’s not a wise decision.”

Dr. Chase went on to say that the W.C. Whaley site would not increase the fire department’s coverage over the city, or decrease anyone’s insurance rates and that, “the citizens of Monticello will get nothing for it except a nice, new station.”

He went on to suggest that renovations of the current department seriously be considered, and open fire station #3. In the future, he would like a new station to be built west of town due to growth of the city in that direction. Chase said, “We’ve got to do something about our current station..” but he did not feel that building a new station on the W.C. Whaley lot was the correct option.

Claudia Hartness – “I agree. I’m totally opposed to this.”

Clifton Bond then pointed out, “All the Mayor is doing is asking for bids..” saying that taking in bids does not mean the fire station will ever be built. It is just to see if it is even possible to accomplish with the current budget.

Mrs. Hartness went on to say, “I think we should put it off until January, for new administration.”

Mayor Rogers addressed the council, “At this point and time, Whaley is the best location. Why did you buy the property?” “It’s time we do something to use that property.”

A second to the motion to advertise for bids was given, and voting was as follows:

Clifton Bond – Yes
Sherrie Gillespie – Yes
Raymond Hubbard – No
Al Peer – Yes
Beverly Hudson – No
Carolyn Brown – No
Tim Chase – No
Claudia Hartness – No

Due to the voting of the council, no bids will be accepted for the proposed new fire station at W.C. Whaley.

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Town Hall Meeting for Proposed Fire Station & Possible Location – Report & Video

Posted September 15, 2010.

MonticelloLive on Vimeo

Last night’s meeting gave the chance for two opposing sides to state their opinions, once again, over the decision as to where the proposed new fire station should be built, and over 16 residents spoke up to share their opinion.

Larry Doggett moderated the meeting, allowing each person that wished to speak a 5 minute time limit. He started the conversations by saying, “Say what you mean, mean what you say, don’t say it mean.”

Fire Chief Steve Faulkner was the first to speak, expressing his concerns over the current fire station and urging the city to act quickly to improve the working conditions for all of their men and women.

Chief Faulkner stated that the current fire trucks barely fit into the stalls, and that fire trucks are getting larger and larger. The city has already budgeted for the station to receive a new fire truck in March or April of 2011, and the Fire Department doesn’t know where they will store it when not in use.

The living quarters of the current fire station were said to only measure approximately 10.5 x 9.5 feet, and the office measures only 9.5 x 12 feet. Chief Faulkner said that the living quarters are simply too small for anyone to spend a full 48 hours there, and his office space barely holds his current equipment.

“It would take a lot of money to remodel it… it’s too far gone in my opinion.” – Faulkner

Chief Faulkner is in favor of the W.C. Whaley property as a building site, stating that “It is the only city owned property.” [In comparison with other suggested sites.]

Next to speak was Gloria Wright with the North Main Street Residents Association.

“We know and we understand that we need a new fire station. We’re asking that the new fire station be built somewhere besides the historic district.”

Mrs. Wright stated a major concern she had with the proposed W.C. Whaley site is that there seem to be more questions surrounding this location than answers.

“Has there been a study by an architect to see if the current station could be remodeled?”

Gloria Wright also mentioned the 60 newly built apartments on the west side of town asking, “Does this provide provisions for them?”

Mrs. Wright pointed to a poll in the local newspaper that showed that the majority of readers voted to “wait” for the decision and construction of the new fire station and let the new Mayor and council decide.

Later in the meeting, a firemanresponded to the comment about the newspaper poll by saying, “The poll is not accurate. I voted 5 times, how many times did you vote?”

Next up was insurance agent Connie Mullis.

“Being in insurance for a long time, it seems to me that moving to W.C. Whaley will mean increased insurance rates.”

Mrs. Mullis went on to express her concern about the Fire Department’s current working and living conditions, then praised them saying, “We are blessed with our Fire Department.”

Volunteer fire fighter Joe Meeks stood to speak next. In response to keeping Main Street historic, he pointed to the fact that When First Baptist Church built their new parking lot, they had to tear down two homes. He also mentioned the new library tax, and how building the new library would also cause a lot of traffic, and since he lives on N. Main, he would be able to see it from his home.

Meeks stated that N. Main is a state highway, and big trucks travel it often. He is in favor of the W.C. Whaley site for many reasons, and said that the land was purchased 8 years ago for this purpose, and all needed studies have been done that also point to W.C Whaley as the most appropriate site.

In response to the idea of waiting for the new mayor to take office Meeks said, “Wait for a new mayor? We’ve been waiting for 8 years.” “I drive by that lot everyday and I see Center Point Energy… I’d hate to have that view.”

Ex-Fire Chief Raymond Chisom spoke and said,  “I still believe it’s [W.C. Whaley] the best location.”

Mr. Chisom mentioned several eye-sores in the nearby area, including 3 different homes that were dilapidated, and one that has a tree that’s fallen through it.

“How could this be anything but an improvement to that neighborhood?” – Chisom

Fire Fighter Michael Barnett then spoke saying, “The decision has already been made.” He then praised Chief Faulkner.

“The Chief has busted his butt and done everything that’s been asked.” (In reference to studies and surveys.)

“It’s not about Main Street, or the Fire Department, it’s about what’s best for the city of Monticello.”

Next a Main Street business owner, Leslie McKiever stood to speak. She stated that her main concern with the W.C. Whaley site is the increase of traffic problems, when the current traffic, at certain times of the day, is so congested.

An audience member stood up and asked, “Aren’t you the one that owns the building that’s falling down on the square?”

McKiever responded saying she knew that when she spoke she’d be criticized for the problems with the building, and she did say that she has been continuously working on trying to remedy the problem. She spoke of increased taxes to pay for a new building and said, “Maybe I could afford to do something about my building if I didn’t have to pay so many taxes!”

In response to concerns about increased taxes to build the new fire station, Mayor Joe Rogers said, “We’re not asking for a tax increase. The money has already been budgeted by this city council.”

Susan Sharp Smith then came to address the audience,  “When there is historical preservation it resounds a feeling of town pride and respect.”  “I agree that we need a new fire station, and I agree that we need a new police station, but I strongly urge you to seek out other options.”

Next was Fire Fighter Charlie Hammock who asked the question, “If we don’t build on it [W.C. Whaley] and try to sell it, who is going to pay $45,000 an acre for it? The city owns it, go ahead and use it.”

Fire Fighter Bobby Sawyer followed asking the audience, in response to the “narrow streets” argument to, “compare that street to our current street. We have to find people at court to move their vehicles so we can get out.”

Sawyer went on to say, “We’re not on Main Street, it’s on Chester. It sounds to me that you [addressing the City Council] don’t appreciate us.”

Fireman Sawyer then spoke of what could possibly happen to the W.C. Whaley lot if it were sold to an individual. “Someone else buys that and they could put up chicken houses or a trailer park, or whatever they wanted. There are no zoning laws.”

He addressed the noise concerns by saying, “When we go through town at night with no traffic, we don’t use our sirens. We’re supposed to but we don’t, because we have enough respect for Monticello. We do all we can for the city.”

Monticello Police Department Dispatcher Tolley Harrod then spoke saying,

“I’m the one that takes your calls in the middle of the night. “My house is on fire! My son is drowning!” “

Mrs. Harrod spoke of the conditions of their current work environment stating that there was a terrible roach infestation, that cannot be corrected due to the condition of the building, mold, and even asbestos.

“Please, help them. [Fire Department] You wouldn’t want to work there. No one should have to work like that.”

“Our mayor is only trying to give the Fire Fighters what they need. Just give us what you told us you were going to give us.” – Harrod

Ex Fire Chief Chisom then addressed the audience again saying,  “When I was Fire Chief I put into the budget every year for remodeling. It was always used for something else. We’ve always been the step-child of the city.”

Gloria Wright then said, “This city has never turned down the Police Department or the Fire Department if they had the money. We were just too poor back then.”

Joe Meeks responded, “We do have the sales tax money now, we do have the land now, so maybe now’s the time to do it.”

Durning the meeting, it was asked if incoming Mayor Alan Maxwell was present, or if he had sent a statement.  Gloria Wright responded from the crowd that he had spoken to her about the issue, leading those present to infer that he had prepared a statement to be presented on his behalf, since he was in Washington D.C..

When asked at the end of the meeting if there was such a statement, Wright replied that it was a personal conversatin with him, and that she didn’t want to voice it publicly, without his permission.

Moderator Larry Doggett agreed that wouldn’t be appropriate, and moved on to ask if anyone else wished to be included on the program.

In closing Mayor Rogers expressed his favor of the W.C. Whaley site, thanked everyone that attended, and said, “I’m not going to stop. I’m going to keep going.”

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Posted Sept. 10, 2010

A TOWN HALL MEETING HAS BEEN SET FOR SEPTEMBER 14TH, 2010, AT 7:00 p.m. AT THE SADIE JOHNSON COMMUNITY BUILDING, 182 NORTH LARKIN STREET, CONCERNING CONSTRUCTION AND PLACEMENT OF A NEW FIRE STATION.

Members of the public are encouraged to attend, and express their opinions about the need for a new fire station in Monticello, as well as their preferred possible location for it to be located.

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Posted August 23, 2010

MonticelloLive on Vimeo.

A date was set for a special meeting at the Sadie Johnson Building for the purpose of discussing construction of a new fire station. It will be held on Tuesday, September 14 at 7:00pm.

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City Council Declines to Discuss Date for Town Hall Meeting for Proposed Fire Station

Posted August 4, 2010

MonticelloLive on Vimeo.

Mayor Joe Rogers placed a discussion on the agenda for the city council to select a date for a “town hall meeting” for the public to have the opportunity to speak about the proposed new fire station.

Rogers told the council, “We’ve drug our feet since 2001,  It’s time we at least try to get something started.”.  Council member Beverly Hudson discussed the need for a plan.  Carolyn Brown suggested having “a plan among ourselves,” then possibly hold a public meeting.

Council member Tim Chase recommeded having this discussion placed on the next regular meeting’s agenda, and “decide whether we’re going to have a town hall meeting.”

That regular meeting is scheduled for August 19, at 6 pm, at City Hall.

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Posted August 3, 2010

City Council to Discuss Date for Town Hall Meeting about Proposed Fire Station

During a special called meeting of the City Council to decide on possible funding of a local industy expansion, the Monticello City Countil will also discuss a possible a date for a town hall meeting concerning the fire station.

MonticelloLive on Vimeo.

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Posted July 28, 2010

Let Your Council Member Know What You Think About the Fire Station & Other Issues

Monticello’s Fire Station location committee held a meeting last month and recommended the old W.C. Whaley property as the location for the new central fire station; then met the next day and changed their decision, based largely on phone calls from concerned citizens. (See videos below.)

Everyone understands that a public website like MonticelloLive may not always be the best place to post your name and comments on what may be considered political issues; but you still should let you City Council members know how you feel.

Since phone calls apparently will be considered a deciding factor in the fire station issue, MonticelloLive encourages you to contact your elected representative to tell them how you feel they should view the issue.

The City of Monticello has a webpage the has all of the city council member names, wards, and phone numbers listed, so that residents can contact them to express your concerns, especially when important issuees are to be decided.

Please call them, or go see them, and express your opinion, whatever your opinion is.

Remember, they work for you, and are deciding your city’s future.

Here’s the city’s elected officials web-site, http://www.monticellocityof.org/elected.html

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Mayor’s Letter to City Council & Citizens About Fire Station

Posted Juloy 19, 2010

To: The Monticello City Council and the Citizens of Monticello
From: Mayor Joe Rogers
Reference: Fire Station

In the last few days, there has been a great deal of media coverage concerning a new fire station for the City of Monticello. I would like to take this opportunity to point out some of the events leading up to this point in time and to explain why I feel that it is time to build a new station and why we should build at the former Whaley location.

According to the minutes of the City Council Meeting, on Thursday, September 20, 2001, the Monticello City Council by a vote of 7 to 1 authorized Mayor Harold West “to bid, with no ceiling on the bid, to purchase the W.C. Whaley Elementary School property and building.” Voting yes were Councilors Bond, Gillespie, Peer, Hudson, Wright, Ouellette and Hartness. Thornhill voted No. The purchase price of the Whaley street property was $140,000.00.

According to the minutes of the City Council Meeting, approved November 15, 2001, “The next order of business was a resolution to ratify the Mayor’s action to purchase W.C. Whaley school building and grounds from the Monticello School District. Councilor Wright introduced the following proposed resolution and the City Attorney read in full, distinctly and aloud in the hearing of the council as follows: A RESOLUTION RATIFYING THE MAYOR’S OFFER TO PURCHASE THE W. C. WHALEY SCHOOL BUILDING AND GROUNDS FROM THE MONTICELLO SCHOOL DISTRICT. Councilor Bond, seconded by Councilor Gillespie, moved to adopt said resolution. The bid was $140,000.00.” The resolution was accepted and became Resolution # 01-35.

According to the minutes of the City Council Meeting, on Thursday, November 15, 2001, “The next order of business was permission to advertise for bids to construct a building for the Fire Department on the W.C. Whaley property. Councilor Ouellette, seconded by Councilor Wright, moved to allow Mayor to advertise for bids for construction of building for Fire Department.”

According to the minutes of the City Council Meeting, on Thursday, January 17, 2002 “Councilor Wright introduced the following proposed resolution and the City Attorney read the resolution in full, A RESOLUTION REJECTING BIDS FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF A BUILDING TO HOUSE FIRETRUCKS AT THE WHALEY SCHOOL FACILITY.” By unanimous vote of the councilors in attendance, the measure was adopted. Resolution #02-04 states in part, ”Whereas, it is found that the bids of the different vendors were bid in such a manner to make it impossible to compare bids to determine the lowest and best bid submitted and that said bids should, therefore, be rejected and the project re-advertised for bidding.”

According to the minutes of the City Council Meeting, on Thursday, February 21, 2002, “Police Chief Pryor and Fire Chief Chisom discussed the necessary work to be completed to enable the Police Department, Fire Department, Municipal Court and 911 to move into the W.C. Whaley building purchased recently by the city.” Additionally the minutes state, ”Councilor Wright, seconded by Councilor Ouellette, moved to receive a report regarding the loan to purchase the College St. school and property and W.C. Whaley school and property.” A loan for $350,000.00 was secured at Union Bank to purchase these properties.

According to the minutes of the City Council Meeting, on Thursday, April 25, 2002, “Councilor Wright introduced the following proposed resolution and the City Attorney read the resolution in full, distinctly and aloud in the hearing of the council as follows:

A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR TO EXECUTE A CERTAIN CONTRACT WITH WITTENBURG, DELONEY AND DAVIDSON FOR ARCHITECTURAL SERVICES FOR THE W.C. WHALEY COMPLEX.”

Resolution 02-15 was adopted by a unanimous vote of all councilors.

According to the minutes of the City Council Meeting, on Thursday, June 27, 2002, “Finance Director Kimberly Fletcher reviewed the funds available for renovations to W.C. Whaley; total funds available are $323,022.90 with one bill pending, $5000.00 for the architect.” “The total project will be around $1,144,630.00.” $412, 800.00 was the projected cost of the fire station. “Councilor Thornhill, seconded by Councilor Wright, moved to proceed with renovations to W.C. Whaley Building in phases….after discussion, the chair put the question all the councilors voted YES.”

According to the minutes of the City Council Meeting, on Thursday, July 18, 2002, “Councilor Thornhill stated that the W.C. Whaley committee met with Architect Tom Adams to discuss how to proceed in phases on remodeling the W.C. Whaley building.” Additionally, the minutes state that, ”Councilor Hudson, seconded by Councilor Wright, moved on behalf of the committee that the city move forward with the remodeling of the W.C. Whaley building and hire the architectural firm of Wittenberg, Delony & Davidson Architects and pay their fee of $35,000.00 to develop a pricing package that would describe the work to be accomplished in general.”

According to the minutes of the City Council Meeting, on Thursday, September 19, 2002 “Councilor Thornhill gave a report regarding the proposed renovations on the W.C. Whaley building and stated that we are waiting to receive the asbestos abatement study.”

On December 30, 2002, by check #102, Mayor West paid Wittenberg, Delony and Davidson Architects $29,750.00 for invoice #5136 dated November 4, 2002, for Schematic Design and Design Development. The invoice also included $98.46 in reimbursable expenses for a total of $29,848.46. A total of $35,517.53 was paid to Wittenberg, Delony and Davidson Architects.

In 2001, the Monticello City Council recognized the need for a new fire station and spent $140,000.00 of tax payers’ money to purchase a site that would fill that need.

In 2001, the Monticello City Council selected the Whaley site as the most desirable site for the main fire station.

Since then, Morris Associates was paid $600.00 to complete an asbestos survey.

Arkansas Contractors and Environmental Services was paid $73,558.00 to remove the asbestos and remove the remaining structure. City crews had already removed a large portion of the building. The total cost of the man hours, equipment hours and fuel expended by the city is not available.

The City of Monticello has over $249,675.53 invested in the Whaley property. That is an average of over $44,634.89 per acre.

In 2009, the Monticello City Council recognized the need for a new fire station and set aside $450,000.00 in the city budget to build that facility. That money continues to be available for this purpose. The new fire station can be built for this amount without any increase in fees or sales tax.

The Whaley site has been endorsed by the Arkansas State Fire Marshal. Monticello Fire Chief Steve Faulkner asked the state fire marshal to review possible locations and the Whaley property was chosen as the best site.

Retired Monticello Fire Chief Raymond Chisom reiterated his position on the matter. He remains firm in his selection of the Whaley property as the best site available.

For informational purposes, the ISO rating of a city or a rural fire department coverage area is a primary consideration in calculating the rate a property owner will pay for fire insurance coverage. A lower rating will decrease a policy holder’s premium. A higher rating will increase the policy holder’s premium. To select a new fire station location, it is necessary to consider the response area that station will serve and the relative location of any other fire stations that serve the area. An individual associated with ISO rating confirmed Whaley as the most desirable location available for the relocation of Station #1. Location selection becomes important to every home owner and business owner that could face a substantial increase in their insurance premium should response times be increased.

The argument that Wood Avenue is too narrow is without merit. Wood Avenue between Main and Hyatt is much wider and by far less congested with traffic than Church Street which is currently being used in the immediate area of Station #1. North Main, State Highway 83, is currently a truck route and accommodates heavy trucks. Traffic lanes on North Hyatt are exceptionally wide and will allow traffic to be able to pull to the side to allow emergency traffic. The Whaley location is in the immediate area of some of the older, more likely structures to experience electrical wiring failures and heating system problems, two of the most common causes of residential fires.

Siren noise has been mentioned as a problem. According to Fire Chief Faulkner, currently the Monticello Fire Department only uses sirens when they are necessary. Given the lack of traffic in this area, it is unlikely that sirens would be necessary for most responses.

Given all of this information it is reasonable to say that:

There continues to be a dire need to replace the current 1938 Fire Station #1.

The Whaley property was the location of choice in 2001.

The Whaley location remains the most desirable location.

The City of Monticello has an extraordinary amount of money, $249, 675.53, invested in the Whaley Street piece of property.

The Monticello City Council recognized the need to replace Station #1 in 2009 and set aside $450,000.00 to build a new station.

A significant amount of time, money and effort has been spent in studies and research that have selected the site as the best choice for the safety and well-being of all the citizens in Monticello.

Conclusion: Now is the time to build a new fire station on the Whaley Street property.

Yours truly,
Joe Rogers
Mayor of Monticello

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Posted July 18, 2010

Fire Station Location Addressed at City Council Meeting

MonticelloLive on Vimeo.

Gloria Wright brought concerns to the council about the W.C. Whaley property and the consideration of putting a new fire station there.

“The council has always provided for the police and fire department when the money was there.” “Problems with City Hall and the Police Department will still not be solved. [if fire station is built.]” – Wright

Mrs. Wright expressed concerns over the new apartments being built in HWY 425 and said, “I’m not sure that those 60 units have been considered in the location of the fire station.”

Fire Chief Steven Faulkner said, in regards to the location of a new fire station, “my main concern is giving the same fire coverage that we give now.” He stated that moving the fire department too far in any one location, means less coverage for someone that is now farther away.

Story by Mandy Moss.

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Posted July 16, 2010

In a peculiar twist of timing and location, the Monticello Fire Dept. responded to a Cadillac Escalade on fire at the intersectin of N. Main and Oakland Streets, Friday around 1 pm.

Their last fire call was to a kitchen fire at Turtle Creek Apartments, Wednesday night, around 11 p.m.

They irony is that both of these locations

Around 6 am, Saturday morning, Monticello Police and Fire Depts.were dispatched to a home on North Hyatt, where a large tree had reportedly fallen across a home, with an occupant inside.

According to sources, the lady narrowly escaped injury, and was able to be removed from the residence, and was at a neighbors home.

The residents of  this Rose Street home awoke to smoke and flames, Sunday morning, around 2:20 am, from a fire the reportedly began in the kitchen area of the house.

A couple and a son were asleep in the home, at the time of the fire, but were able to escape, saving only a few personal items, as the flames engulfed the structure, with the fire dept. quickly  arriving.

The man inside the home told MonticelloLive how the refrigerator seemed to “explode” as the flames came close to it.

No one was injured, but the home seems to be a total loss.

The home was vacant at the time of the fire.   A family had recently moved out of the home.

The grant is for $7,802.60 and would be used to build an additional bay onto their fire station for the purpose of housing a water shuttle tanker truck.

The County would not be responsible to provide any funding to the Clear Creek Fire Department.

When they arrived, they were able to extinguish the fire, which was likely caused by the trailer’s wheel bearings, before it spread to the 17 bales of hay that where loaded on the trailer.

Recently during Fire Prevention week, Firemen Michael Barnett and Bobby Sawyer visited the Drew Central 4th graders at the elementary school.

The Firemen spoke with the children about ways to prevent fires, and then the students were allowed to explore the fire and rescue trucks.

Michael Layfield was pleased to present news to the Court about Quality Awards Drew Memorial Hospital has been given. The first award mentioned was the Inpatient Quality Award from Medicaid for meeting certain staff/quality protocols and guidelines. DMH is one of only 35 hospitals in the state to receive the award.

The second was the Infection Prevention Award. It was given due to no central line infections occurring for 18 months. This was a joint project between John Hopkins Hospital and Arkansas Hospital Association.

In other hospital business, Layfield stated that the much anticipated parking lot is now open and ready for use.

Around 12:30 Sunday afternoon, the Monticello Fire Dept. responded to the report to a mobile home fire in the Koala Bear Trailer Park on Scott Street.

The resident of the trailer, Eric Burton Bell, attempted to get close to or enter the burning structure while firefighters were still battling the blaze and was arrested by MPD.  Bell was charged with Disorderly Conduct, Obstructing Governmental Operations, Possession of Controlled Substance, and Resisting Arrest.

The cause of the fire was undetermined, but it appears that most of the damage was done in the living room / kitchen area of the trailer.

Another local resident was arrested after she set her own trailer on fire, and assaulted a family member, earlier this month.