City projects move forward

by Buckley Jensen
Staff Writer

Despite sub-zero temperatures, snowdrifts and less than ideal conditions, construction crews are moving ahead with two new city projects in Monticello.

An 8, 0000-square-foot steel building is going up at the corner of First West and First South (across the street east from the old Hyland Hotel). It will house the City’s Fire and Public Works Departments.

The million-dollar price tag includes the funding for drainage; a newly constructed parking lot south of Wagon Wheel Pizza and all the site work that occurred in the summer and fall of 2008.

Sources of funding for this project include a $300,000 interest-free loan from the Community Impact Board (CIB); a $ 465,000 grant from the CIB, $100,000 from the USDA for the fire protection portion of the project; and another $100,000 from the USDA for the public works part. The balance comes from $80,000 in interest that has accrued to the city from the money invested on these funds until the total amount was obtained and construction could begin.

The project is being built by the Dennis Lierd Construction Company of Lehi,UT.

Upon completion of the new complex, the old firehouse and the old public works building will be leased or sold.

The new pavilion being built in the northeast quadrant of Veteran’s Memorial Park will be done in stages as money becomes available. The building will include a covered area for public gatherings, modern rest rooms and, perhaps other additions and amenities as funds become available in the future.

Contractor on this project is Tri-Hurst Construction of Blanding. Funding comes from a $103,000 Community Development Block Grant and $1,500 from the City Parks and Recreation fund.

In other news, City Manager Myron Lee reports that the huge new multi-year water system upgrade project is finally complete. In addition, the utility lines upgrade which kept Main and Center streets a maze of orange barrels most of the summer, is also complete.

Building permits for 10 new homes were issued and Monticello continues to grow as the number of new utility hookups continues to climb.