Published: March 11, 2008 03:50 pm            

City will draft resolution to keep Doughboy downtown

Monticello — Monticello City Council will draft a resolution in support of keeping

the Doughboy in the center of the Public Square. That action came during a

meeting of the council Monday evening, as they discussed a recent public

meeting that was held in regard to proposed streetscaping plans that could

move the Doughboy to another downtown location.

Councilman Alvin Sexton made a motion to draft a resolution in support

of the Doughboy remaining where it is, and he said he would like for it to

be sent to state officials who are currently involved in the streetscaping

plans for downtown Monticello.

"Personally, I don't want to see it moved," stated Sexton. "It wouldn't

be Monticello without it."

While the motion for the resolution was approved, Councilman Dan Daffron

stated that he would like to see the Doughboy moved to a downtown location

where people could more easily access it. As a former business owner in the

downtown area, Daffron said he recalled seeing people trying to make their

way through traffic in the square area in order to read the names on the

monument.

"Having it there is a disservice to all those wonderful people who died

for our freedom," stated Daffron.

Councilman Phillip Duncan said that he would agree to a suggestion made

by some of the veterans who attended the previous public meeting. They would

like to see some type of committee formed so that all parties could get

together and discuss the matter.

"I do not think it needs to be taken away from us as a downtown

attraction," said Duncan. "I do think with all we have going on with the

downtown project, it would greatly enhance that project."

Mayor Kenneth Catron once again stated that he does not feel the city

can take any action in regard to the Doughboy, since the actual property

where the monument is located is owned by the county. He said that the

citizens actually own the Doughboy.

Also during the meeting, the council approved the second reading of an

ordinance to create a maintenance supervisor's position. Dwight Gregory, who

is employed with the Street Department, will become the maintenance

supervisor.

Gregory has been providing routine maintenance work for city vehicles as

well as facilities. Catron stated that Gregory has saved the city

significant money with many of the repairs he has made, including the

cooling tower at Monticello City Hall.

In other action, the council:

€ Approved the appointment of Stewart York to the 911 Board.

€ Agreed to provide a five percent match for the Monticello Fire

Department's AFG grant application.

€ Agreed to contact State Highway Department officials regarding the

need for a traffic light at Creekview Drive and Main Street.

€ Approved the request for a street light on Crawford Street.

        

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