The City Council held a regular meeting on Monday, March 24, 2025. Below are the highlights of the meeting.
To view the agenda, and minutes when available, visit the Agenda Center.
To watch the recorded meeting, stream it online or tune in on cable channel 12 (FiberNet & TDS subscribers) or channel 180 (Charter subscribers). The rebroadcast schedule is available here.
Public Service Announcements
Compost Facility
The City’s compost facility will open for the season on Tuesday, April 1. The compost site is available 7 days a week, from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. until November 30 for city residents. An access card is required to enter the facility. We issue 1 access card per property address upon request. Request forms are available on the City website at MonticelloMN.gov, or residents can stop by Public Works or City Hall to complete the form.
For more information: Compost Facility
Water Tower Cleaning
The City’s Water Department will complete the annual maintenance of the water towers beginning Monday, March 31. One tower will be cleaned each week. Residents in the area may notice a drop in water pressure and water discoloration while the work is being completed.
Climbing Wall Extended Hours
Spring break is here for local schools! Through Friday, March 28th, the MCC offers extended climbing wall hours daily from 1 p.m. to 8 p.m. The climbing wall is included with MCC memberships or with the purchase of a facility pass.
For more information: Climbing Wall
Department Updates
Economic Development
The City of Monticello’s Economic Development Manager Jim Thares provided an update on Economic Development activity to the City Council.
The Economic Development Manager works closely with the City’s Economic Development Authority (EDA) and Industrial and Economic Development Committee (IEDC) to promote programs, policies, and activities that improve the economic well-being and quality of life for Monticello. The Economic Development department works to implement the Monticello 2040 Vision + Plan economic goals, through an economic development “tool kit”.
The “tool kit” is a variety of support mechanisms offered through the City of Monticello or Economic Development Authority that help support development. These include tax increment financing, tax abatement, revolving loans, and land acquisition. The City also uses collaborative partners, marketing, and outreach to share what Monticello has to offer. The city’s Economic Development department can also assist with identifying state and federal assistance programs for prospective businesses.
In 2024, the City saw several projects supported by the Economic Development department:
- Block 52 Public/Private Project Detail
- Senior housing on 7th Street (Tax Increment Financing)
- Fairfield Inn & Suites (Tax Abatement)
- Hair Obsession Salon (Greater Monticello Enterprise Fund Revolving Loan)
- Façade Improvement Forgivable Loans
- Lucille Murray Dance Studio
- Bliss Salon
- Monticello Family Dentistry
- Retention and Expansion Visits to Local Businesses
Learn more: City of Monticello Economic Development
City Council Decisions
New IEDC Member Appointed
The City Council appointed Greg Schultz, business banker at National Bank of Commerce, to serve a 3-year term on the Industrial Economic Development Committee (IEDC). The committee position was formerly held by Randy Skarphol, who recently retired from Riverwood Bank. With the ratification of Mr. Schultz’s seat, all vacancies on the board have been filled.
The Industrial and Economic Development Committee is a volunteer organization appointed by the Monticello City Council. The committee’s mission is to advocate for industrial and economic growth within the City of Monticello by promoting awareness and communication efforts on behalf of the business community.
For more information: Industrial and Economic Development Committee
Central Mississippi River Regional Planning Partnership (CMRP) Membership Update
The City of Monticello has been a member of the Central Mississippi River Regional Planning Partnership (CMRP) since its inception in 2016. The CMRP began as a joint powers entity focused on regional transportation improvements in the Highway 25 corridor between Highway 10 and I-94.
CMRP recently transitioned to a non-profit organization to better align with its future planning efforts. The purpose and work of CMRP will remain consistent, under its new name, Central Mississippi River Partnership (CMRP) and structure. The City’s CMRP membership allows the City the opportunity to play a proactive role in regional planning initiatives, as outlined in the Monticello 2040 Vision + Plan. The City Council adopted Resolution 2025-23 to support the CMRP mission and join the new organization as a Government Partner. Membership dues remain unchanged.
CET Grant Extension for County Road 39 West Utility Extension
In 2024, the City received a $1 million Community Energy Transition (CET) grant through MN DEED for the municipal trunk sewer and water extension along County Road 39 to support development in the city’s northwest area.
Due to the timing of the funding award announcement and grant agreement execution, the City requested to extend the grant expiration date for an additional 12 months, from June 30, 2025, to June 30, 2026. The City Council approved the grant amendment at the Monday, March 24, meeting.
This extension allows time for right-of-way negotiations and project bidding in 2025, with construction expected through late fall 2025 and final wrap-up in spring 2026. Additionally, the amendment simplifies the project budget, with the full grant amount going toward construction while the City covers related costs from local utility funds. The related items include a utility rate study, project bidding, and project engineering.
Learn More about the Project: CSAH 39 West Utility Extension
Planning Commission Items Approved
The City Council unanimously approved all four land use application items on Monday night’s agenda. These items were recommended for approval by the Planning Commission on March 4, 2025. The items include:
- Mastercraft, Agenda Item 2J: Development and final stage planned unit development and rezoning request for an industrial service and industrial self-storage use (Mastercraft) in the Oakwood Industrial Park. The lot is located on the east side of Fallon Avenue NE, just south of the Fallon Ave NE and Chelsea Road roundabout.
- Active Adventures, Agenda Item 2K: Conditional use permit for a proposed entertainment/recreation indoor facility (Active Adventures) at 207 Dundas Road. The project repurposes a portion of an industrial building for this new use. The remainder of the building will continue to be used for building material sales and warehousing.
- Discount Tire, Agenda Item 2L: Conditional use permit for a proposed minor auto repair facility (Discount Tire), to be located between E 7th Street and I-94, across from St. Henry’s Catholic Church.
- Nordic Tap House, Agenda Item 2M: Conditional use permit for a cross-parking agreement for the restaurant/bar facility, which will be located at 106 Walnut Street in Downtown Monticello.
A list of new development projects coming to Monticello can be found on the Projects page. New information and projects will be added as they receive City Council approval and move forward in the process.
Consideration of New Citywide Refuse and Recycling Services Contract
The City Council is considering a new citywide residential garbage and recycling services contract with LRS of Minnesota, LLC.
In 2020, the City renewed its five-year contract with Advanced Disposal for solid waste and recycling services. During the contract term, Advanced Disposal was acquired by Waste Management.
The City contracts for citywide refuse and recycling collection because it allows residents to receive competitive rates. It also reduces the wear and tear on city streets by minimizing the number of heavy vehicles traveling along roadways.
With the current contract expiring on May 31, the City reviewed proposals from multiple haulers to evaluate cost and service options for the next contract term. Six proposals were received. City staff reviewed the proposals, and the City Council discussed the proposals on March 10, 2025, at a Council work session. The City Council directed staff to contact LRS of Minnesota, LLC, to negotiate a 10-year contract. A long-term contract will allow for more stability in future price increases.
The City Council postponed the decision to approve the contract to a later date, at a public special meeting scheduled for March 31, 2025. The City will provide any updates to residents through utility bills, e-news, social media, and MonticelloMN.gov.