Committee hopeful on future of fountain

     Many have wondered about the future of the water fountain next to the Aquatic Center, a staple in Monticello.

     Diana Stadtmueller, who serves on the fountain committee, addressed the Monticello City Council during their July 16 meeting, providing an update on what the committee has discussed thus far.

     Stadtmueller said the initial committee started some time in 2012, with the task of making a recommendation to the council as to what should be done to the fountain area. Also at that time, the chamber and another committee began raising money for the downtown pocket park project, and the fountain park took a backseat.

     “The fountain still doesn’t work,” reported Stadtmueller. “It’s an entrance to the city and it looks terrible.”

     Stadtmueller said after Casey Reyner, former Parks and Rec superintendent resigned, the fountain committee has not met. (Reyner served as a point person between the fountain committee and the city.)

     Stadtmueller shared the committee members have differing opinions as to what should be done to the fountain area.

     “Do we simply fix the fountain versus expanding it as another city park?” she proposed. “There’s a lot of bottom-line money involved.” Figures fluctuate between $60,000 and $80,000, depending on the lighting.

     She said the group is still working on securing grants to hopefully help cover some of the costs. The only issue, most of the grants require the physical work on the fountain to be completed by the end of this year. Stadtmueller said she’s not sure the committee and contractors could pull that off in time.

     “It’s important that the city council stand behind our decisions because you were elected by the people and you answer to the public,” said Stadtmueller. “They voted for you.”

     City Administrator Doug Herman said another meeting would be scheduled soon to fine-tune the drawings/plans and cost estimates.

     “We are watching the money figure,” Stadtmueller informed the council of being cognizant of the cost associated with the project. “We want this to be something that looks attractive for a long time.”

In other city business:

     • The council approved the ninth pay request from Schaus-Vorhies in the amount of $14,411.25 related to work on the ten-T hangar at the Monticello airport.

     • The council approved a 50/50 pay request from Snyder & Associates related to the Monticello airport hangar project.

     The city and Snyder previously agreed on a set figure related to the project; however, Snyder requested the city pay an additional $8,800 for work above and beyond the agreement. The council’s approval includes a $4,400 payment to Snyder.

     Herman said there were various issues associated with the hangar project that was out of Snyder’s hands. “Snyder & Associates incurred significant additional time,” he said. “The issues were largely related to the contractor.”

     The council’s initial motion to pay Snyder in full failed 1-4.

     • The council approved the sixth pay request from Taylor Construction, Inc. in the amount of $15,681.23 related to the E. First Street Bridge replacement project.

     The council also approved the first change order in the amount of $1,344 related to additional mobilization and concrete cold weather protection.

     • The council approved a new pole sign request from Karde’s C-Store on Highway 38 North. The new sign will brand the local franchise with BP, similar to Karde’s 151.

     • Police Chief Britt Smith addressed the council about the possibility of a new position on the Monticello Police Department, in connection with the Monticello School District: a School Resource Officer.

     Smith said Superintendant Brian Jaeger reached out to him regarding the opportunity. Smith said it’s all part of the state legislature’s new school safety requirements.

     “It was pitched 10 years ago went no where,” Smith said.

     As of now, the full and final details of the position have not been ironed out, including salary and job description. Smith said the MPD/city would likely form a mutual aid agreement with the school district.

     “The finances will be the biggest hurdle,” Smith said. “That will be the determining factor whether or not we move forward on this.”

     Council member Tom Yeoman felt the opportunity was worth looking into.

     Smith said should the middle school addition pass the vote in September, it will add to the district’s safety with the central campus concept.