MonticelloLive

Many thanks to the Monticello Economic Development Commission for providing minutes of its March 13 meeting:

The Board of Directors of the Monticello Economic Development Commission met at noon on Tuesday, March 13, 2007, at the Monticello Country Club. The following directors were in attendance: Carolyn Brown, Ron Echols, Rich Goddard, Bettye Gragg, Bobby Harper, Tommy Maxwell, Mike Reeves, Bennie Ryburn III, and Al Womack. The following directors were absent: Dave Dickson, George Harris, Chris Lampkin, Jack Lassiter and Bill Wisener. The following members and guests were in attendance: Kathryn Collier, Damon Lampkin, Nita McDaniel and Mayor Joe Rogers. Derrill Pierce of the staff was also in attendance.

President Bennie Ryburn III called the meeting to order at 12:25 p.m., noted that a quorum was present for the conduct of business and presided. Upon motion made, seconded and adopted minutes of February 7, 2007, meeting was approved as printed, and the treasurer’s report was accepted.

Derrill Pierce presented the staff report, noting that:

• Centers for Youth and Family expect to break ground this spring, creating a million dollar annual payroll. The facility is on target and as soon as the details of acquiring the site have been completed a public announcement, including the creation of more than thirty new jobs is anticipated;
• Mayor Rogers has been in touch with principals of the distribution company expressing interest in a Monticello location, and are expected to return to Monticello in the very near future.
• Principals of the construction services firm considering location in Monticello remain interested in Monticello and plan a return visit in the near future.
• Heavy equipment sales, service and parts operation is seeking a location in the Monticello area. A suitable facility meeting their requirements has been identified and a return visit is anticipated in the near future.
• A Call Center project has contacted ADED seeking a suitable location. Monticello will reportedly be recommended along with two other Arkansas communities.

It was also reported that Ron Echols has expressed interest in establishing an on-going community clean up campaign, which initiated an enthusiastic round table discussion. It was agreed that MEDC would initiate an effort to result in a discussion among community leaders of ways and means of sustaining such an effort.

Pierce also reported that the Donald W. Reynolds Foundation has a new interest in assisting smaller communities to establish community centers, broadly defined. Planning grants that could lead to project funding are currently on an invitation only basis. It was reported that there are two Foundation directors in Arkansas who might be able to arrange such an invitation for Monticello: Neal R. Pendergraft, Esq. practicing in Fayetteville, and Barbara H. Hannah a resident of Fort Smith. Pierce asked that anyone having established contact with either contact the MEDC office. Kathryn Collier asked to be called later about this subject, indicating that she has a contact in Fort Smith who probably knows Barbara Hannah.

Ryburn presented an overview of the recently completed Washington Mission sponsored by Twenty for the Future. While acknowledging that federal funding for local projects is increasingly rear because of our commitments in Iraq, discussions were held concerning the following items:

• Arkansas Forest Resources Center & The University of Arkansas at Monticello
• Southeast Arkansas Intermodal Authority & the Port of Yellow Bend
• New City of Monticello Governmental and Community Center
• Ridgeway Hotel Affordable Housing Projects
• New Southeast Arkansas Regional Library and Technical Support
• Support of a New North-South Bypass
• Drew Memorial Hospital Expansion & Technology Upgrade
• Completion of I-530 (I-69 Connector)

Kathryn Collier reported that while some applications are being processed for housing up-grades and new affording housing units more applications are needed. A new 10 unit complex for the handicapped has been approved for Monticello as well. Ryburn and Collier reported that the properties adjacent to the Ridgeway Hotel are being reviewed by Lee Jones as possible renewal project sites.

It was noted that director Al Womack is participating in an effort to involve churches in the purchase of U.S. flags to be flown at the Intersection of US 278 and 425, three checks from area churches were delivered to MEDC at the meeting, and were much appreciated.

Ryburn referred to a good faith offer made to principals of Centers for Youth and Family for the community to supply an appropriate site at no cost to the company. An acquisition price of $50,000 appears likely after the timber is harvested from the site. Ryburn asked for Board approval of an MEDC contribution of up to $25,000 to make good on the promise made. Upon motion made, seconded and adopted the expenditure was approved.

Plans are being made for the Community Design Center (CDC) planning team to return to Monticello to review and explain the results of their work in Monticello. In the meantime, the book completed by CDC for Monticello has been posted on the MEDC website.

Ryburn reported that following the recent tornado actual clean-up costs in Dumas are approximately $5,000 per day. He suggested that Twenty and MEDC work together to develop a fund to assist our neighbors in Dumas.

Ryburn reported that a customer of a local company is in need of storage space. While it now may be too late to be of assistance he suggested that MEDC agree to lease the Spec Building where and as is for fifty cents per square foot per year. Upon motion made, seconded and adopted the proposal was approved.

There being no further business before the Board the meeting was adjourned at 1:15 p.m.