Monticello’s fountain needs to be restored

     On March 29, 2017, the Express ran an article outlining options the Monticello City Council could take toward the longevity of the city fountain.

     The fountain was built in the mid-1950s near the intersections of S. Cedar Street and S. Main Street, next to the Aquatic Center. Many have grown accustomed to referring to the area as “Fountain Park.”

     The city was facing excessive costs to keep the fountain running on a continuous basis due to massive leaking issues.

     To add to the park’s beauty and welcoming stature, the Monticello Federated Garden Club donated their time and talents toward planting colorful flowers and plants throughout the grounds. The Garden Club, as explained in a Letter to the Editor in last week’s Express, are asking when the fountain will be brought back to life.

     In the recent past, the Monticello Public Works Department was making an effort to keep the fountain running, refilling the fountain pool 24/7. Due to the leaks, it needed a constant flow of water.

     Three options were presented to the city council during their April 3 meeting. One option, keeping and maintaining the fountain as is, was going to cost between $40,000 and $50,000.

     Another option was to design a three-tiered fountain, much like what is seen inside the downtown pocket park. This design would not produce the large, vibrant flow of water many people have grown accustomed to at Fountain Park. No cost estimate was given for this option, though City Administrator Doug Herman said it would require more up-front costs to purchase a new fountain, but less long-term maintenance costs.

     A third option would entail complete removal and rebuilding of the fountain, at a cost of $250,000 to $300,000.

     With three options on the table, the council invited the public to attend the April 3 meeting to offer insight, but no one showed up. Again, the March 29 article explained the process.

     The council was split the night of their April 3 meeting between a three-tiered fountain or one similar to the current look. They gave direction to city staff to secure bids for both options to be approved at a future council meeting. Nothing has been done to date.

     As the letter in last week’s Express stated, “we would like to see a solution that would restore the fountain to its former glory.” If the city is waiting to allow the public to offer input, be sure to attend a future council meeting and speak to the situation during the Open Forum. Nothing happens without the community support behind it. (K.N.B.)