The City Council held a regular meeting on Monday, August 25, 2025.
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
Special Primary Election Day
The Special Primary Election will be held Tuesday, August 26. Polling locations will be open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. City of Monticello residents may visit the Elections webpage to find their polling place and other election information.
Labor Day Hours
City Hall, Public Works, the DMV, and the Monticello Community Center will be closed on Monday, September 1, in observance of Labor Day. Hi-Way Liquors will be open 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
MCC Regular Hours
The MCC’s summer hours end after Labor Day. Beginning Tuesday, September 2, the MCC will be open for its regular hours:
- Monday through Friday from 5 a.m. to 9 p.m.
- Saturdays from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.
- Sundays from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Farmers Market
The Monticello Farmers Market will switch to its fall hours in September. The market will be open from 3:30 to 6:30 p.m. in the Library Parking Lot starting September 4. The last outdoor market of the season is September 25.
Department Updates
Construction Update
- School Boulevard Improvement Project: Construction continues to progress on the Edmonson Avenue Roundabout. Curb concrete work is wrapping up, with the first two asphalt lifts scheduled for next week. The roundabout is expected to open to traffic in about three weeks, following landscaping and site restoration. Weather delays pushed the overall completion timeline.
City Council Decisions
Lease Renewed for MontiArts Garage
Since 2018, MontiArts has used the “Garage” at 349 West Broadway, as a project workspace and informal pop-up venue for activities. The space is leased by the City of Monticello Economic Development Authority to the Parks, Arts, and Recreation Department for MontiArts’ use. The agreement supports one of the goals of MontiArts: to bring creative activity to underutilized spaces otherwise waiting for a redevelopment opportunity.
The lease, originally set to expire on August 31, 2025, has been extended through August 31, 2027.
Various Amendments to the City Zoning Ordinance
The City Council approved updates to the City’s Zoning Ordinance to align with the Monticello 2040 Vision Plan.
These amendments clarify language to ensure consistent code application and reduce interpretation errors. Over six months, staff identified areas needing improvement, including outdated language, grammatical issues, and evolving development trends.
View the Ordinance 855 agenda item.
Block 35 Shared Dumpster Management
The City Council directed staff to update the shared dumpster enclosures in Downtown’s Block 35 and for the City to assume responsibility for managing the trash removal services. Block 35 is home to local businesses such as Hair Obsession Salon, Belde Chiropractic, Hammer’s Hair Lounge, Brand-New Nails & Alterations, Liquor Lounge, and Clancy’s Outdoors.
The dumpsters serve both residential and commercial tenants and are centrally located with screening to support a clean, welcoming Downtown.
Previously, tenants contracted directly with the service provider. To improve maintenance and security, the City will now oversee the service. A change to the fee schedule has been approved, allowing the identified residents to sign an agreement with the City at rates for the shared dumpster service.
Parks Turf Conversion and Hardwood Seeding Project
The Parks Department will be working with Minnesota Native Landscapes to begin work on three new sites: Groveland Park, County Road 75, and the Fenning Avenue Roundabout.
Groveland Park will receive about 2.5 acres of direct hardwood seeding, while a small section along County Road 75 and the Fenning Avenue Roundabout will undergo prairie conversion.
Replacing turf grass with native plantings reduces maintenance costs and environmental impact. Turf requires more water, pesticides, and staff time, while offering no habitat for pollinators, birds, or wildlife. Native prairies and hardwoods support biodiversity and sustainability.
The project is funded by a $16,000 Wright County Aggregate Tax Fund Grant and $4,621.25 from the Parks Department’s operating budget. The department anticipates annual savings of $500 to $1,000.
This initiative supports the Monticello 2040 Vision Plan, which prioritizes a diverse and environmentally responsible park system for our community.
Visit Parks Turf Conversion for more information.
Public Hearings
Vacation of a permanent easement for 85th Street NE Haven Ridge Plat
The City Council tabled the request for a permanent easement for the Haven Ridge Plat. The proposed developer/applicant continues to work through matters related to the final plat and proposed development of Haven Ridge West. At the time the Haven Ridge West final plat consideration progresses, action to call for a new public hearing will be brought forward, including a new notice of the hearing according to statutory requirements.