Melodie Phelps, News Editor
Wayne County Outlook
Monticello
Mon, May 12 2008
—
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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