Published: July 15, 2008 02:25 pm      

Council to change flow of traffic along Cave Street

Monticello — An emergency ordinance approved Monday night by Monticello City Council

will change the flow of traffic along Cave Street. The street, which runs in

front of Monticello School, will change from one-way only to partial one-way

and partial two-way.

Cave Street, from its intersection with West Columbia Avenue, will

become a two-way street for 455 feet to the intersection with Monticello

Elementary School's parking lot. From the parking lot entrance to the

intersection with College Street will remain a one-way street.

Mayor Kenneth Catron noted Monday that city officials had met with

Monticello School officials to come up with this plan to help improve

traffic flow in the area of the school. Monday night's reading of the

ordinance was only the first by the council, but Catron noted that this

action needed to be in place before the first day of school for Monticello

on August 11.

"We want to have this in effect by the first day of school," stated

Catron.

The council declared an emergency and approved the change, which becomes

effective after publication of the ordinance.

Also during Monday's meeting, the council heard the second reading of an

ordinance eliminating two parking spaces on South Main Street. But after the

reading the council opted to table action on the ordinance and proposed a

change.

The ordinance will prohibit parking on South Main Street in front of the

library and at 201 South Main Street from the intersection of College Street

and continuing south for 15 feet. Previously the ordinance prohibited

parking for 50 feet from the intersection.

There will be a second reading of the amended ordinance at the next

meeting.

The council approved the purchase of a used John Deere tractor for the

street department. The tractor currently being used by the street department

for mowing is in poor condition and has required several costly repairs,

according to Dwight Gregory. Gregory said this tractor is in good condition

and can be purchased for $12,500. He said it could be outfitted with a

bushog for about $6,800.

The purchase was approved by a 4-2 vote of the council.

Catron reported on several matters of business during the meeting. He

noted that the police department would be stepping up ticket writing for

littering. He also said that the city has been using letters to aid in

enforcement of the cleanup ordinance and so far results have been good.

But Catron noted that there are approximately 10 property owners who

have been contacted repeatedly, but have not taken the necessary action to

clean up the problem. Starting next week, Catron said a police officer will

be visiting these properties and writing tickets.

Also during the meeting, the council:

€ Approved the appointment of Kevin Jones to the 911 Board. This is a

joint appointment made by the Mayor and the County Judge-Executive. It was

previously approved by fiscal court.

€ Approved the placement of street lights on Limestone Street and Wells

Drive.