The City Council of the City of Monticello, Florida, met in regular session on
January 6, 2009 at 7:00 PM at City Hall. The following members were present:

Tom Vogelgesang, Acting Mayor

Idella Scott

Linda Butler

John Jones

George Evans

Others present were:

Fred Mosley, Chief of Police

Bruce A. Leinback, City Attorney

Steve Wingate, City Manager

Emily Anderson, City Clerk

Acting Mayor Tom Vogelgesang called the meeting to order, offered the invocation, and led the Pledge of Allegiance.

APPROVAL OF COUNCIL MINUTES – On motion of John Jones, seconded by Idella Scott, the Council unanimously approved the minutes of the December 2, 2008 meeting.

ADMINISTRATION OF OATH OF OFFICE TO GEORGE EVANS, COUNCIL MEMBER, GROUP 1 County Judge Robert Plaines administered the Oath of Office to George Evans, City Council Member Group 1.

WATER LINE EXTENSION PROJECT IN INDUSTRIAL PARK City Manager Steve Wingate reported that the site of a new business in the Industrial Park needs a water line. The County has offered to pay all costs of the 500 foot line extension and the hydrant and permitting and has asked the City to provide the labor for installing the line.

He estimated it would take two to three days to install the line. On motion of John Jones, seconded by Linda Butler, the Council voted unanimously to authorize the city providing labor to install the water line.

DISCUSSION OF PROPOSED ORDINANCE INCORPORATING CITIZENS’ COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATIONS FOR MODIFICATION Clerk Anderson discussed the draft ordinance. The Council authorized the proposed Ordinance 2009-01 to be placed on the February agenda for first reading.

UPDATES ON CURRENT GRANT PROJECTS/APPROVAL OF CHANGE ORDERS City Engineer Robert George discussed Change Order No. 1 for Pearl Street Park which reduces the contract construction price by $812.04. Since grant funding is remaining, the engineer requests approval of Task Order No. 12 outlining the scope of work and fees for surveying, engineering and landscape design. On motion of John Jones, seconded by Idella Scott, the Council unanimously approved Change Order No. 1. On motion of Idella Scott, seconded by Linda Butler, the Council unanimously approved Task Order No. 12. The Council requested that the project receive a thorough final inspection to ensure no problems will arise later. The engineers were thanked for their work.

Mr. George also reported that a final inspection has been arranged for the downtown landscaping project, and the final reimbursement should be forthcoming.

CITY PROCUREMENT POLICY Clerk Anderson presented a proposed City Procurement Policy which incorporates the old policies, but changing the procurement ranges and adding a policy which allows preference for local bidders whose bids are within 3 percent. On motion of Idella Scott, seconded by Linda Butler, the Council adopted the Procurement Policy.

OLD BUSINESS

Council Member Idella Scott requested the status of the Monticello Park purchase. Clerk Anderson noted the engineers are waiting on a survey cost so to be able to calculate the total closing costs for park purchase.

REPORTS FROM COMMITTEES AND DEPARTMENTS

*Police Chief Fred Mosley reported that Sheriff Hobbs donated an unmarked vehicle to the Police Department. Chief also noted that he has been given three defibrillators from the Bureau of Alcohol and Tobacco. He has also received a loan of a defibrillator from the Jefferson County Fire Department. He has also received some other safety equipment.

*City Manager Steve Wingate requested permission to purchase a small John Deere tractor for cleaning the sludge drying beds at the sewer plant. He has priced the tractor under the existing state contract. On motion of Idella Scott, seconded by John Jones, the Council authorized the purchase of the John Deere tractor.

Mr. Wingate reported that a goal this year is to have employees cross-trained to work various tasks.

*City Clerk Emily Anderson announced Arbor Day activities will be January 16^th.

NEW BUSINESS

*Council Member John Jones asked about the vacancy on the Legislative Committee with the resignation of Gerrold Austin. The Council discussed the problem with the meetings occurring on Wednesday mornings. After indicating he would be willing to serve, Acting Mayor Vogelgesang appointed John Jones as Legislative Committee member. There was also discussion of the difficulty in attending daytime meetings for part-time council members.

*Council Member George Evans expressed his appreciation for the Council appointment.

*Council Member Linda Butler asked about pick up of Christmas trees. She also complained about the amount of potholes in the city.

*Acting Mayor Vogelgesang noted the successes of the Downtown Landscaping Project and Pearl Street Park.

ELECTION OF MAYOR AND VICE MAYOR Acting Mayor Tom Vogelgesang opened the floor for nominations. Council Member Idella Scott nominated Tom Vogelgesang for Mayor and John Jones for Vice Mayor. With no other nominations, Tom Vogelgesang was unanimously elected as Mayor, and John Jones was unanimously elected as Vice-Mayor.

PUBLIC COMMENT

C. P. Miller noted that although he is no longer a member of the Economic Development Council, he encouraged continued funding by the city.

County Commissioner Hines Boyd expressed thanks for the Council working with the County on the Industrial Park utility expansion.

There being no further business before the Council, the meeting was adjourned.

Respectfully submitted,

Emily Anderson

City Clerk/Treasurer

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Tom Vogelgesang

Mayor

NOTE: These proceedings were mechanically recorded. See Tape No. 2009-01 (2 tapes)