Council Receives Managed Natural Landscapes Update

A new state law passed in 2023 allows property owners to plant their lawns as a natural landscape. Managed natural landscapes are an opportunity to convert traditional turf grass lawns into more sustainable lawn environments.

Managed natural landscapes may include plants and grasses that can grow taller than 8 inches; however, height restrictions for traditional manicured lawns remain in effect. Noxious weeds are also not allowed by this law change, and Monticello will still enforce the local blight and nuisance ordinance. 

There are new resources and grants to help people plan and care for this type of landscape. We’ve been busy compiling resources for residents on our website, including information about where residents can purchase native plants for our area.

Annual update from the Marketing & Communications Department

The communications department manages external communication (social media, website, printed materials, photos, videos, etc.) for the City of Monticello. During this meeting, the department offered highlights from 2023, completed projects, a list of resources for residents, and upcoming initiatives.

The City has several communications channels and resources for residents. Some of the main platforms include:

• Website: The City’s website is the City’s official/primary online presence. Here you can find the City’s blog, information about various departments, projects, news, events, and the meetings calendar.
  • The website also has RSS feeds and the City Alerts program. These elements give residents the ability to get text or email notifications whenever a new agenda is posted, when new blogs go up, events or meetings are added to the calendar, and even public hearings and bid postings.
• Newsletters: The City issues a newsletter twice a year. There are also monthly e-newsletters that residents can sign up for.
  • Monthly e-newsletters: If you subscribe to the City’s e-newsletter, you'll get a preview of events, projects, and meetings right in your inbox at the beginning of each month. The Community Center, MontiArts, and Hi-Way Liquors also have monthly e-newsletters.
  • The Downtown e-news features periodic emails highlighting news, projects, and events happening in Downtown Monticello.
• Social Media: The City of Monticello has 1 official Facebook page for the City and 6 pages for various departments. You can also follow the City on Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn and YouTube.
• Printed Materials: In addition to flyers, brochures, posters, and mailers as needed, the City shares news, announcements, and project information in your utility bills. Utility Bill Inserts go out in your bills every month, the inserts are also posted on the bulletin board across from City Hall inside the Community Center. 

Council accepted a $30,000 grant from the Ellison Foundation for the Community Center’s Romp & Stomp Playground

City Council accepted a $30,000 grant from the Ellison Foundation to support Phase 2 of the MCC Romp & Stomp indoor playground. Phase 1 of the playground was completed in 2022. Phase 2 will add additional crawl tubes, a swirl slide, and protective rubber surfacing. The cost of the second phase is $45,000 - $50,000; the project will start when additional funding is secured to cover the remaining cost. Phase 2 is the final set of improvements to the indoor playground.

Council Approved a Contract for the Turf Conversion (Turf-to-Prairie) Project to Minnesota Native Landscapes

City Council approved a $33,678 contract to Minnesota Native Landscapes for the Turf Conversion (Turf-to-Prairie) Project.

The Turf Conversion Project aims to convert four locations that are currently covered in turf grass into dry prairie. These locations include River Mill, Sunset Ponds, Parkside Park, and the Wastewater Treatment Facility.

One highlight is that this project is completely grant funded! Last September the City Council accepted a $30,000 grant from the Wright County Aggregate Tax Fund as well as a $5,000 donation from the Monticello Rotary to cover the project costs. The remaining $1,322 will be used to purchase signs identifying the areas as native landscapes.

Legislative Update

Before ending the meeting, Mayor Lloyd Hilgart gave a brief legislative update. On Thursday, March 21, Mayor Hilgart, City Administrator Rachel Leonard, and the City Engineer & Public Works Director Matt Leonard met with Representative Urdahl in St. Paul to continue advocating for funds for two of the City’s pending projects: a new Water Treatment Facility and new Public Works Facility. The City continues to pursue outside funding support in response to rapid cost escalations of both projects.

Project History:

• At the City Council meeting on February 26, 2024, Council approved pausing contracts with Oertel Architects and RJM Construction to address funding and timing for the new Public Works Facility Project. Before the pause, the City was scheduled to go out for bids in spring 2024. However, Monticello submitted a state funding request and is working with local legislators to develop a bonding request for the 2024 legislative session. The results of these efforts likely won’t be known until the end of the legislative session in May 2024.  If funds are received, the consultants will need to ensure the plans reflect any state requirements for the facility. To preserve the existing budget, the plans were halted at 90% and will be revisited once funding is secured or finalized.
• In May 2023 the City of Monticello received $11 million for construction of a new water treatment facility through the 2023 Bonding Bill passed by the State of Minnesota. The state funding contribution will not cover the full cost of construction, estimated at $28 million. However, it is a vital financing component that will reduce the amount Monticello needs to bond for and repay through utility rates. 

City leaders continue to seek funding support from additional sources, including assistance from the federal government, in response to rapid cost escalations for both projects.