The City Council held a regular meeting on Monday, October 14, 2024. Below are the highlights from 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.
2024 Proclamation for Manufacturing Month
Monticello Mayor Lloyd Hilgart proclaimed October as Manufacturing Month, in recognition of the critical importance of manufacturing to the state and local economy. On October 11, 2024, Monticello’s Industrial and Economic Development Committee hosted a Manufacturer’s Appreciation Breakfast. The event featured speakers Lori Hanson, Monticello High School’s Principal, and Sarah Sundine, Chief Operations Office of Ultra Machining Company (UMC). The Manufacturers Appreciation Breakfast highlights the essential role that local manufacturers play in Monticello’s economy and fosters connections between future talent and existing industry leaders.
Public Service Announcements
Direct Balloting Begins October 18
A reminder that direct balloting begins Friday, October 18. This allows citizens to vote in advance of election day by submitting an absentee ballot into the ballot box machine located at City Hall. For information on absentee voting, please visit the city website.
Council Liaison Update
Planning Commission
Council Member Gabler provided an update on the Planning Commission’s recent activities. A joint meeting was held on October 1 with the City Council to discuss local Cannabis regulations and enforcement, pending further state guidance.
Following the joint meeting, the Planning Commission held their regular meeting. Planning Commission members held public hearings and recommended approval of two amendments to the Big River 445 Planned Unit District (PUD) to the City Council. The amendments allow the addition of a Les Schwab Tire Center and Valvoline Instant Oil Change facility. The addition of these businesses is consistent with the original PUD proposal.
The Big River 445 Planned Unit Development consists of eight commercial parcels between Chelsea Road and I-94, west of Fenning Avenue. The first two parcels are currently under construction for a coffee shop and quick-service restaurant. Each parcel to be developed in the Big River 445 PUD requires further review, a public hearing, and approvals.
The Planning Commission’s October 1 regular meeting can be streamed online here.
Economic Development Authority (EDA)
Council Member Hinz provided an update on the Economic Development Authority’s recent activities. Prior to the regular meeting on October 9, the EDA held a special meeting to consider a Façade Improvement Forgivable Loan Pre-Application from Monticello Family Dentistry. This program intends to promote investment and redevelopment of key properties and parcels in the Downtown area. The revitalization of Monticello’s Downtown is an essential part of the Monticello 2040 Vision + Plan. This loan program is a tool to assist in property investment, further facilitating the comprehensive plan’s goal for a vibrant and thriving downtown.
The EDA held a regular meeting on October 9. EDA members considered and approved a Tax Abatement Pre-Application from Broadway Plaza for the proposed 76-room Grand Stay Hotel, with a convention center and restaurant. The pre-application process allows for staff and EDA members to conduct a preliminary review to determine if the request warrants further consideration as a final application.
The EDA also approved an amendment to the Block 52 Tax Increment Financing (TIF) Development Contract, to assist the developer in final public improvement costs such as parking lot excavation and paving, internal sidewalk and landscaping, street sidewalks, and concrete and landscaping. By approving this amendment, the improvements will be made sooner, and the developer will forgo submitting a Façade Improvement Loan request, allowing those program funds to be used for other qualifying projects.
The EDA’s October 9 regular meeting can be streamed online here.
Department Updates
Construction Update
Highway 25 project (MnDOT)
MnDOT’s continues work on the Highway 25 bridge project. Crews are working on the center median currently. The City expects to receive an announcement from MnDOT when the next phase will begin. During that phase, it is expected all four lanes will be re-opened during peak hours.
Downtown Project
Crews continue to work on the underground electrical. Progress is being made and buildings should be connected next week. Once poles are removed, remaining landscaping will be done. Crews will continue to complete the remaining items on the punch list.
Temporary Median Closure at Broadway & Walnut St.
Barricades were placed to temporary close the median at the intersection of Broadway & Walnut St. to prevent traffic from crossing or turning left. This is a safety measure due to recent accidents at the location. The median is expected to re-open once the Highway 25 bridge is complete so that more data can be collected. This data will inform any future decisions regarding the median.
City Council Decisions
Accepting Donation for the Monticello Community Center’s Romp & Stomp
Cargill made a $5,000 donation to the City to help fund the purchase and installation of Phase 2 of the MCC’s Romp & Stomp indoor playground. The first phase was completed in 2022. The second phase will add additional crawl tubes, a swirl slide, and protective rubber surfacing. Installation is expected to begin in December 2024.
Thank you to Cargill for their donation.
Accepted Addendum to 2023 Housing Needs and Market Demand Report
In June 2024, the City Council, Planning Commission and the Economic Development Authority met in a joint workshop to review the 2023 Housing Needs and Market Demand Report. The report provides context to the housing conditions within the community and beyond, as well as essential data, since the last report in 2020.
At the workshop, members discussed the report in detail, confirming key points from the report and providing direction to staff on housing priorities and policy development. This collaborative effort resulted in the creation of a 2024 Housing Summary to be added as an Addendum to the 2023 report. Together, these documents serve as a valuable resource to inform and direct future policy recommendations, to achieve a range of housing options for the community.
The City Council, Planning Commission, and the Economic Development Authority have formally accepted the Addendum, reinforcing the City’s commitment to addressing the housing needs of our residents.
Approval of Orderly Annexation Agreement Amendment & Extension
The City Council approved an amendment and extension to the Monticello Orderly Annexation Agreement between the City of Monticello, Monticello Township, and Wright County. The existing annexation agreement will expire on January 1, 2025, prompting Township and City representatives to review the agreement with input from Wright County. All parties agreed that the agreement has functioned well overall but required a series of minor modifications for clarity.
The Monticello Township board approved the amended Orderly Annexation Agreement on October 7, 2024. Following the approval of the Monticello City Council, the agreement will be forwarded to Wright County for consideration. Once all jurisdictions approve the agreement, the amendment is submitted to the State of Minnesota. This will extend the agreement to January 1, 2040.
The Monticello 2040 Comprehensive Plan relies on the Orderly Annexation Agreement to facilitate the responsible growth of our city. It helps transition land from Monticello Township into the City, focusing on areas that are next to our current municipal boundaries. This ensures that development is sensible and well-planned, with the necessary utility and transportation systems in place. While our growth policy emphasizes developing vacant land within our existing city limits, we recognize the benefits of incorporating land previously in Monticello Township into the City of Monticello. This approach not only supports the city’s growth but also enhances public and private opportunities for growth and development.