The City Council held a regular meeting on Tuesday, November 12, 2024, due to the Veterans Day holiday on Monday. 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.
Public Service Announcements
Winter Parking Restrictions
Monticello’s Snow Ordinance goes into effect on Friday, November 15. It is in effect until April 1. During this period, parking is prohibited on city streets from 1 a.m. to 6 a.m. Parking is also restricted during snow events with over 2 inches of accumulation and during plowing operations. Parking restrictions are enforced by the Wright County Sheriff’s Office.
The City may declare snow events outside of the ordinance period as needed. Alerts will be communicated using the City’s website, opt-in text or email alerts, social media, and local news outlets. To subscribe to text or e-mail alerts, visit the City Website.
Winter Coat Drive
The City of Monticello’s Coat Drive continues until November 30. New or clean, gently used coats or winter accessories can be donated at a drop-off location, including City Hall, the Community Center, the DMV, and Hi-Way Liquors.
Council Liaison Update
Planning Commission
The Planning Commission held a regular meeting on Monday, November 4, 2024. Council Member Gabler provided an update.
The Planning Commission considered an amendment to local regulations and zoning code for Cannabis land uses, subject to local adoption of the provisions and mandates of Minnesota State Statute. The State of Minnesota legalized recreational adult-use cannabis in 2023, creating a new landscape for cannabis businesses. The state has established the Office of Cannabis Management (OCM) to oversee the regulation and licensing of these businesses.
While the state provides overall industry regulations, cities have the authority to implement zoning ordinances that dictate how cannabis businesses can operate within our community. Currently, the City has a temporary moratorium on cannabis businesses until January 1, 2025. This provides time to study the new law, its impacts, and develop local ordinances. The proposed ordinances aim to create clarity and structure around cannabis operations in the City.
The Planning Commission recommended approval of the proposed cannabis zoning regulations, which include amendments to the following:
- Title XV: Land Usage, Chapter 153 – Zoning, providing for the regulation of time, place and manner for the cannabis business license types authorized by the State of Minnesota.
- Title XI: General Regulations, Chapter 96 – Public gathering, providing for the standards of cannabis events.
The City Council will consider the adoption of the zoning ordinances at the regular meeting scheduled for Monday, November 25, 2024.
The Planning Commission’s November 4 meeting agenda and minutes can be found online here.
Industrial & Economic Development Committee (IEDC)
Council Member Murdoff provided an update on IEDC activities from their last meeting on November 6, 2024.
- The IEDC received updates on the Planning and Environmental Linkage (PEL) Study related to the proposed future Mississippi River Crossing. The purpose of the study is to help Wright and Sherburne counties better understand the ways people use the Highway 25 corridor and area transportation network, and what potential improvements will be most beneficial in the future. The study is progressing and recently collected public comment online as part of the remaining steps to finalize the PEL study.
- The IEDC also reconsidered its organizational structure. A total of 18 members are authorized in the IEDC, with 2 of those spots reserved for Monticello High School students. Student involvement in the IEDC has been very low since the Covid-19 pandemic. The IEDC has recommended an amendment to its guidelines to remove the student seats and allow for up to four new appointments of business professionals, to fill the student spots plus two currently open seats. City Council approved the amendment at the November 12 meeting.
The IEDC’s November 6 meeting agenda and minutes can be found online here.
Department Updates
Animal Control Update
The City’s Animal Control Officer shared an annual report indicating that 2024 statistics are consistent with those from 2023. Here are the key points from the report:
- Shelter Capacity: The animal shelter remains at full capacity, with a year-to-date intake total of 528 animals. This includes 146 animals from the City of Monticello and 318 from outside the city. The City contracts with 24 other cities and townships to provide Animal Control services.
- Reclaim Rate & Adoption Efforts: Animal Control sees a reclaim rate of 39%. They actively partner with private rescue groups to facilitate the adoption of animals that go unclaimed.
- Complaints & Reports: Animal Control works with the Wright County Sheriff’s Office to address incidents involving potentially dangerous dogs. Citizen reports of dogs at-large and excessive barking are slightly increased for the year.
- Future Goals: Looking ahead to 2025, the goal is to increase educating the public about responsible pet management.
- Financial Overview: This year, revenue from impoundments, boarding, licensing, and contract fees reached $58,510.22.
Construction Update
Downtown Project
The Downtown Roadway and Pedestrian Improvements Project is nearly completed with only a few minor landscaping tasks remaining for next year. Lighting along Broadway and Walnut is expected to be installed by the end of the year.
East Broadway Improvements & 7th Street Retaining Wall and Sidewalk Project
Installation of the railing to be installed on top of the retaining wall has been slightly delayed. The railing is still being fabricated.
City Council Decisions
New Planning Commission Member Appointed
The City Council approved the appointment of a new Planning Commission member, Richard Kothenbeutel, effective November 12, 2024, until December 31, 2027. We welcome Mr. Kothenbeutel to his new role and thank him for choosing to serve the City of Monticello.
Safe Streets 4 All
The City Council approved an amendment to a Professional Services Agreement with Stonebrook Engineering for additional deliverables and services to enhance the Comprehensive Safety Action Plan. This initiative is part of the Safe Streets 4 All (SS4A) federal grant program and focuses on identifying essential roadway improvements aimed at boosting multi-modal transportation safety.
In collaboration with Stonebrooke Engineering and the Safe Streets Task Force, the City has been developing the Monticello Comprehensive Safety Action Plan. Following the initial draft, it was determined that additional deliverables would benefit the plan’s use and implementation. These include an extra community engagement event, project prioritization mapping to showcase safety improvements and policies, an interactive project story map, and an update to the City’s Pathway Connection Map.
The City remains committed to enhancing safety across all areas of Monticello. The comprehensive plan provides for ongoing evaluations of street improvements concerning safety, intersection design, and congestion management. This Comprehensive Safety Action Plan services to prioritize where safety enhancements can be most effectively implemented within Monticello’s transportation network.
Assessments for 7th Street Retaining Wall, RRFB, and Sidewalk Improvement Project
A public hearing was held for assessments related to the 7th Street Retaining Wall, Rectangular Rapid Flashing Beacon (RRFB), and Sidewalk Improvement Project. The City’s assessment policy indicates sidewalks are assessed 50% for developed commercially zoned parcels, and 25% for developed industrial zoned parcels. Any vacant industrially zoned parcels are assessed 100% for the cost of the sidewalk. However, at a City Council work session, there was a consensus to modify the sidewalk assessment policy to $50 per linear foot, which will be included in the fee schedule ordinance in 2025 and modified annually based on construction costs.
For this city project, the change would result in an increase for one of the properties that would be assessed. For that property only, the City Council followed the current policy. All other properties will be assessed at the $50 per linear foot cost. City Council approved the assessments over a 10-year term with a 6% interest rate.
School Boulevard Public Hearing & Construction Agreement Approved
City Council acted on two items for the School Boulevard Roundabouts Project, which plans to improve safety and traffic flow. This project seeks to construct two roundabouts on School Boulevard: one at the intersection with Edmonson Avenue and the other at the intersection with Cedar Street.
A public hearing was held to discuss the necessary improvements for the School Boulevard Intersection Improvements Project. The project is planned to begin next year. A feasibility report was conducted and confirmed the proposed improvements are necessary, cost-effective, and beneficial to the surrounding properties. The total estimated project cost is $3.6 million, including engineering, right-of-way acquisition, construction, legal services, and contingency. Of that amount, $1,385,600 will be paid for by federal grant funds. The City’s Capital Projects Fund will contribute $1,251,230, and $380,000 will come from the Street Lighting Fund. An amount of $483,170 is proposed to be assessed per the assessment policy and will be assessed late next year. Following the public hearing, City Council approved the resolution ordering the improvements.
City Council also approved an agreement with MnDOT for Advance Construction of the School Boulevard Roundabouts and Reconstruction. This agreement defines the City’s and MNDOT’s project responsibilities and grant agreement. As these projects will be executed together in 2025, the advance construction agreement is needed due to the federal grant funding for the School Boulevard/Cedar Street roundabout falling within a future federal fiscal year.
This project will improve safety and efficiently along School Boulevard, which aligns with the goals of The Pointes at Cedar Master Plan, an adopt appendix to the Monticello 2040 Vision + Comprehensive Plan.
Canvassing of Returns and 2024 General Election Results for City of Monticello Offices
City Council approved the local office election results and canvassing of returns. Here are some key takeaways:
- Total Voters: 7,872 residents participated in the election.
- Registered Voter Participation: 88% of registered voters in Monticello.
- Early Voters: 3,425 individuals took advantage of early voting, making up 43% of all voters.
- Mayoral Races: 84% of voters cast their ballots for a mayoral candidate.
- Local Option Sales Tax: 92% voted on the sales tax question for the Bertram Chain of Lakes Regional Athletic Park and 91% voted on the sales tax question for The Pointes at Cedar Recreation Area.
We would like to recognize city staff and election judges for their hard work, as well as a thank you to local candidates for their willingness to serve our community.