Council plans renovations to Fountain Park

     Fountain Park in Monticello has come to be a community staple. People are used to seeing the fountain running every spring and summer, into the fall.

     The Federated Garden Club members volunteer their time to plant colorful flowers throughout the grounds.

     But now, the time has come for the city council to take into account the excessive costs to keep the fountain in operation.

     “The flow of water into the fountain is nearly constant due to plumbing problems and the structure itself,” noted City Administrator Doug Herman.

     He went on to explain that the water in the fountain pool, though enclosed in the base, leaks all of the time. “The problems are significant,” added Herman. He said once a week when the fountain is in operation, the Public Works Department is tasked with refilling the pool, almost to the point that it takes a constant flow of water 24/7.

     The public is encouraged to attend the Monday, April 3 city council meeting to offer feedback on a couple of options the city is considering when it comes to the longevity of the city fountain at Fountain Park.

     Of the two options, both would entail keeping the fountain in place, at a range of $40,000 to $50,000.

     “This would be a shared project between the city and a contractor,” noted Herman.

     With Fountain Park on city property, it would be maintained by the Public Works Department.

     A third option, though, would mean total removal and rebuilding of the structure at a cost of $250,000 to $350,000.

     “The third option could also include a splash pad feature,” offered Herman.

     The first option for the fountain would include a design similar to the current fountain. On the downside, it would cost more for the new pumps and jets, as well as more for maintenance.

     Option two is designed as a three-tiered fountain, much like what is on display inside the downtown pocket park. It would be located within the center of the pool of water, but produce less of vibrant flow of water. Herman said the second option would require more up-front costs for the purchase of the fountain piece, but require less long-term costs.

     With both options, the pool surrounding the fountain would be significantly smaller in size. There would be a gap between the current perimeter and a new base used as a planter, with the interior wall about a foot taller than the exterior.

     In addition to water leaking heavily from the fountain, Herman said the underwater lights within the pool have come to be “a huge maintenance issue.

     “It’s tough to keep them working,” he said. “They’re old and inefficient with high electrical usage.”

     The council is looking to move on this fountain project sooner rather than later.

     “We’d like to see renovations done before the start of the fair,” said Herman, “with a new fountain in place by fair week.”

     City tax dollars on hand will pay for renovations and a new fountain.

     If a group of citizens would like to see something more done to the fountain area, raise additional funds for a splash pad-type feature, Herman said the renovations this year would be put on hold. The fountain would also not be in operation this year.

     For more information, plan to attend the April 3 city council meeting at 6 p.m.