Monticello City sets priorities for repairs

By David Boyle
News Director
The Monticello City Council made plans for a new garbage truck, appointed new members a city committee and celebrated the city Christmas festivities at their latest meeting.
Members of the council discussed their capital asset/general maintenance list at the December 13 meeting.
The working document requested by the council will allow the city to prioritize repairs and replacements.
The list features 14 items. Three items are at the top with a higher urgency, including the leaking roof above the museum at the city welcome center, sewer pump repair at the Hideout, and a new $11,000 meter reader.
In informal discussion, members of the council moved up the urgency to replace the city garbage truck
City Manager Kaeden Kulow said Public Works Director Nate Langston had found a new garbage truck available for $352,000. Unknown in that calculation is whether the city will trade or sell an older garbage truck to pay some of those costs.
Kulow also shared a concern that while the city has funds to pay for the truck, the purchase is not budgeted for this year. Despite that, the council may move on the purchase in the next few weeks in part because of availability.
While Langston had previously reported that orders are often one-year out, Reading Truck Equipment has two trucks ready to go.
City staff is finalizing the financial portion of the purchase, including options for the older truck. Once ready, the council is expected to move on the purchase.
The Monticello City Council also appointed Marci Bothwell and Thomas Wiggington to two vacancies on the recreation committee.
City staff and council celebrated the City Christmas Festivities held on December 9 and 10. The Hideout Pro shop had several thousand dollars in sales and vendors at the events were successful. 
Highlights included a tree lighting ceremony, horse carriage rides and a visit from Santa.
Kulow also reported the city has received a few applicants for the new assistant city manager position. The city hopes to interview applicants before the end of the month.
Mayor Bayley Hedglin reported hearing good feedback on the city selection of Kate Goble as Monticello Citizen of the Year. Hedglin said the city may reconsider how to receive nominations to increase input.