Community Leaders

Monticello City Council members Clint Herbst, Tom Perrault, Glen Posusta, and Susan Wojchouski. I contacted Clint Herbst asking about some key issues of current residents in our community. Clint was more than considerate in helping me out with some issues. On their agenda right now is the current construction of sidewalks on west river street, Width of Walnut parking lot, the sidewalk extension between Locust street and Highway 25. The most controversial topic was an off-street sidewalk along West River Street. The residential property owners did not feel there was enough traffic for the sidewalks to be needed, business owners did not feel there was enough foot traffic to make it worth while. I asked if there was any state aid for any of these projects or funds available? Clint Herbst expressed there are some state aid due to the fact it is a State-Aid route. The current projects would entail 25% residents, 75% city. The Chestnut street project improvements would total 137,000 dollars, the Park pathway lighting-35,000-45,000 dollars (within the park), Sidewalk extension from Locust to HWY 25 -54,100-115,500 dollars total for each project. Would you anticipate any problems with the other projects mentioned? There was a city counsel meeting held February 22, 2010 with all in favor of the projects. If I had questions about my portion of the cost who would I contact? The person to contact would be Tom Kelly he handles the financial portion and can better handle those questions? If I were concerned about the snow plowing being done in my cul-de-sac properly would I contact you? The contact would be the public works depatment for this issue they can better help you. If I had any other concerns or questions would you be the best person to contact? I would be more than happy to help in anyway I can.

Economy

A couple of my friends were affected by the economy. My girlfriend and her husband got laid off from their jobs a week apart of each other they lost their house and are now renting and living off their savings. They are trying to find jobs but have been unsuccessful at this point. My sister was also informed that her town home she is renting, the whole development went into foreclosure and she has until June to find a new place to live she lives in Monticello. My girlfriend also lives in Monticello. My girlfriend said they will only have enough money to get through the end of the summer they are hoping that one of them can find something to help them out before then. My sister has not been able to find anything as of yet either.

Meeting place

In my community there are several different places that people discuss a variety of things going on. The main place is the community hall. The discussion that was at hand that day was to have better road conditions going through main street. The place was set up with the members of the counsel up front of the room 3 members sitting at a long table, the residents of the community were in the chairs facing the table. There were a variety of questions: one " What is this road project going to cost us?" the city counsel member Jim responded to this question with he was not sure exactly what the cost but responded "it is needed does everyone agree?" The majority agreed that it had to be done. There was a vote on the subject to see how many apposed, I did not get that exact number but was told from another counsel member Bill that the majority won, and the project is set to start next spring. The next day I had run to the grocery store and Nancy my neighbor happened to be there, I approach her and asked how she was doing and asked what she thought of the whole road project " She explained it was a toss up for her she thinks it definitely needs to be done but she is not looking forward to the increase in cost. I told her I agreed. There are a lot of people i town feeling the same way.