The meeting was called to order with three members present. Tammy Stain reported on the 2013-2014 budget. She reviewed last year’s actual vs. this year’s budget.

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MEDC reported that they have had on-going contact with a prospect, and it is still looking positive. They will be meeting with AEDC next week to negotiate incentives.

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Friday morning, the Wilmar Mayor and Aldermen met with project engineers to officially open two new bridges.

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T‘he City Council officially voted to close a portion of West Pauline Street, at their meeting.

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At the Monticello Economic Development Commission’s monthly meeting, Nita McDaniel expounded on the recent city council meeting announcement that Hood Packaging is in the process of going through another expansion, which will add an estimated 12 new jobs, with an estimated hourly wage of $16

Hood will be investing between between $2M and $4M to add an additional product line. This will create 12 new full time jobs. AEDC has committed $250,000 in forgivable loans to help offset the costs of the expansion project, and on July 25th, the City Council approved an additional $100,000 in forgivable loans from the City war chest to assist with the expansion project as well.

As the planning of this expansion is on-going, new needs continue to develop, and the commission will be meeting soon to discuss these new aspects of the expansion.

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At their last meeting, the Mayor addressed the Council about the possible construction of two roads with a grant from the Arkansas Highway and Transportation Department. These roads would run from North Scogin Drive to Hwy. 278 and from Hwy. 278 to Barkada Road, for the purpose of reducing traffic congestion.

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On July 11 the City Council held a special meeting at which Brian Woodring with Utility Services, Inc., presented a proposal to repair the city’s water towers for a cost of approximately $500,000. Their proposal would repair the water towers and establish a service contract, which would allow the City to pay the project out over a five year period as well as keep the tanks maintained.

Here’s the full report from that meeting.

The City Attorney reviewed the contract and determined that due to the nature of the services, it would not be necessary to take bids on the work. To comply with all legal requirements, Utilities Services Inc. would be required to provide a bond. They indicated that would not be a problem. They also verified that the contract was drawn up based on the recommendation of licensed engineers. Under the contract, Utilities Services Inc. will be completely responsible for the care and maintenance of the water towers. The Council authorized the City to accept the contract, once it is updated with a bond.

Once the contract is signed, work will begin with the Burlington water tower in early Fall of this year. Burlington water tower has not been painted or refurbished since 1981.

Court reports by Sarah Spencer
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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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