Published: April 15, 2008 04:02 pm            

Donald Thompson is newest member of city council

Monticello — Donald Thompson is the newest member of Monti-cello City Council.

Thomp-son was appointed to the council during a meeting on Monday evening,

after Dan Daffron resigned his seat.

Daffron, who entered a guilty plea on two drug-related charges in

federal court last week, sent a letter to the council which was read during

Monday's meeting.

"I will forever be grateful for the opportunity of being part of the

forward movement into that Œbright future' as led by this mayor and seated

council," stated Daffron in his letter.

A 19-year veteran of City Council, Daffron said he had witnessed steady

growth in all aspects of city government during his tenure, including the

911 emergency system, the fire department, the water and sewer system, the

park and the efforts to revitalize downtown Monticello.

"It has been an honor," Daffron concluded. "I thank all of you for your

ongoing support and I now join the citizenship of constituents who will

never forget to encourage and align with those future changes necessary for

the betterment of Monticello‹the right city for a bright future."

Catron expressed his appreciation to Daffron for his service to the

city.

"Dan Daffron always had the people and the City of Monticello first in

mind," said Catron. "He did an outstanding job."

After the resignation was read, Councilman Scott Flynn made a motion to

nominate Thompson to fill the vacancy. Thompson will complete Daffron's

unexpired term, which runs through the end of 2008.

In other action Monday, the council agreed to donate 3.94 acres of

property, located behind City Hall, to the Monticello Independent School.

School officials approached the council several months ago regarding their

ideas for the property.

In a motion made by Councilman Jeffrey Edwards on Monday, he noted that

the property, which school officials plan to use for construction of a

softball/baseball field, could be used for community events, when it is not

being used by the school.

Vicki Davis, a member of the Heart of Lake Cumberland SpringFest

committee, spoke to the council during the meeting, explaining some of the

plans for a Kids Zone at this year's event. She noted that last year many of

the vendors who sponsored games for children charged expensive fees to

participate. She said that made it difficult for some children to be able to

afford to play, so this year the committee is looking at setting up some

free inflatables for children, as well as some inexpensive games they can

participate in while at the festival.

Davis said it will cost approximately $4,000 to provide the Kids Zone

and she asked that the city consider a $2,000 sponsorship. She indicated

that the county will also be asked to consider a $2,000 sponsorship.

Council members said they would consider the request.

Also during the meeting, the council:

€ Approved a resolution related to the TEA 21 grant for the

Streetscaping Project in downtown Monticello.

€ Recognized new police officer Jason Phillips, who joined the

department in the last month.

€ Heard a report from MUC System Manager Gene Jones, who noted that the

AML project in the eastern portion of the county is finished except for a

little cleanup. Jones said the downtown project is on schedule and that the

raw water intake replacement project at the water plant is complete.

€ Heard the first reading of an ordinance amending the Fiscal Year 2008

budget.

        

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