MonticelloLive

The Monticello Economic Development Commission met last week at UAM.  Several items of business were discussed.

There is a grant available, that if it were to be approved, would contribute up to $75,000 for the farmer’s market to use to hire a director, who would be able to promote programs, encourage “networking” among agencies that may be able to use the market as a supply source for food programs, and training of farming techniques and management skills.

The Ridgeway Project was updated, and George Harris has successfully completed the grant application, and it has been accepted by the Home Loan Bank, in Dallas.

Groundbreaking is expected to start on the handicapped-elderly housing project on the Jackson Street Complex.

The usage of the city’s timberland near Lake Monticello was mentioned, and every one seemed to be impressed with the way that this will maximize the benefit of the land to Monticello, by providing monetary gains now, as well as retaining the best value of the property.

Dr. Jack Lassiter mentioned the Wellness Fair that was taking place that afternoon, noting that it had been a 20 year long project of UAM, which brings in outside sources to work with students on well-being, as well as health tests, and health tips.

Dr. Lassiter also discussed Julian Bond’s upcoming appearance as a part of the Rockefeller Lecture Series, and told about “Monticello’s Own” Doug Blackwell’s upcoming program, also a part of the lecture series. 

Monticello Fire Dept.’s new ladder truck was also a topic of discussion, and may help Monticello to qualify for a lower ISO rating, which could possibly drop insurance rates, in some cases, as much as 9 %. 

Truman Hamilton mentioned how much response that the boat plant in Clinton that was destroyed by a tornado recently had received from Monticello industries in the same field.  Hamilton complimented the positive reflection that this had given of Monticello.

Dave Dickson spoke on behalf of the “20 for the Future” group that just returned from Washington D.C.  He told those present, ”It will be awhile before we know if it helped this year.”  He added, “Just getting to know the Congressional Delegation better makes the trip a success. It will certainly pay off down the road.”

Everyone who went on the trip seemed to agree with his statement.

The MEDC voted to have the director look into, and implement the hiring of a part-time worker, if needed, to keep the Workforce Training Center open extra hours, if that would allow family members of the 39th National Guard Unit to use the facilities computers to contact their family members while the unit is away.

The possibility and need for defibrillators for area schools was also brought before the board, with more research needed before any action can be taken.