Monticello City Council Highlights - July 26, 2021

MONTICELLO CITY COUNCIL HIGHLIGHTS"City

July 26, 2021

EDA Annual Update

Economic Development Manager Jim Thares presented the annual Economic Development department update.

“The 2020-2021 workplans included six components: downtown redevelopment was the top goal or priority for the EDA. Promoting industrial and commercial development was the second priority, housing development was third. The IEDC’s priorities were labor force development and business retention and expansion. In 2020 the CARES Act came to the city and money was provided to the EDA and that’s where the COVID-19 emergency response efforts were established,” said Thares.

"EDAHe then elaborated further explaining that Block 52 was the top priority of the Downtown Redevelopment work plan as well as the Façade Improvement Program. One highlight was that the façade improvements to the Agosto building were completed in late 2020, with three new applications submitted this spring/summer, all of which are on Block 35.

According to Thares, there were 38 EDA CARES Act grants approved for $5,000 each. Eight additional City CARES Act grants were also approved for restaurants and microbreweries in the community.

Riverfest Recap

Riverfest 2021 was a huge success according to Riverfest City Liaison Tom Pawelk.

“Overall, it was a good turnout. Second highest gross sales that the Riverfest committee has ever seen, so that’s pretty good. Record beer sales… and duck adoptions were basically sold out, so that’s 5,000 ducks sold,” said Pawelk.

The first night [Thursday] kicked off at Pioneer Park, with a Monticello firefighter showing up strong for a second year in a row and winning the pie eating contest. Mayor Hilgart teased that may only be because he’s “not invited back” to the pie eating contest after winning twice.

“Friday night, the talent show had 22 acts and we followed it up with a wonderful fireworks display, sponsored by the City of Monticello. The Lions Bean Bag tournament on Saturday had 49 entries,” said Pawelk.

Pawelk added that while Sunday’s parade was shorter than past years, with no royalty candidates or visiting royalty; the shorter parade might have been preferable given the heat. He joked that the kids didn’t seem to mind because they still got plenty of candy.

Online Building Permits

City of Monticello is now offering online building permits for permits that do not require a plan review. Visit our website to check it out! 

Council Approval

  • Council approved Special Event Permit
    • City Council approved a Special Event Permit and temporary liquor license for the Rotary’s Taste of the Towns event. The event will be held on Thursday, September 16 in the commuter lot on Deegan Ave. 


  • Council approved new restrooms for Ellison Park
    • City Council approved the purchase of modular restrooms to replace the existing restrooms at Ellison Park. The project will also include ADA improvements in the area around the bathroom.
  • Council approved proceeding with bids for DMV relocation
    • City Council approved notifying the State of Minnesota of intent to move the DMV from its current location to the Prairie Center building at 118 W. 6th Street. Council also approved proceeding with bids for the improvements necessary to remodel the first floor of the building for the DMV. City Council will consider officially ordering the improvements at a future meeting.

WATCH A CITY MEETING

Citizens are welcome to attend City Council, Planning Commission, and Economic Development Authority meetings, but we understand that attending in person is not always an option. As an alternative, we offer the following options to stay engaged with your local government:

  • Meetings are broadcast live on cable channel 12 (FiberNet and TDS subscribers) or channel 180 (Charter subscribers).
  • Meetings are streamed live online. View the live stream on the Monticello Live Stream website.
  • Meetings recordings are available online to watch when it's convenient for you. View the meeting recordings on the Monticello Live Stream website.
  • Meetings are rebroadcast throughout the week on cable channel 12 (FiberNet & TDS subscribers) or channel 180 (Charter subscribers).

 

Sep 13

[ARCHIVED] Press Release: New Playground Coming to West Bridge Park

The original item was published from September 13, 2024 12:21 PM to September 13, 2024 3:59 PM

DATE:             September 13, 2024
                         For Immediate Release

CONTACT:      Stephanie Trottier
                          (763) 271-3202 | Stephanie.Trottier@ci.monticello.mn.us

New Playground Coming to West Bridge Park"Design

Monticello, MN – The City Council recently approved upgrading the playground at West Bridge Park, one of Monticello’s most popular parks. This project, made possible through a collaboration with the Monticello Lions Club, aims to bring exciting and engaging play experiences to our community. 

The project will begin late this fall with the removal of the existing playground equipment, which has served the community well since 2000 but is now due for replacement. The new playground will address the need for more multi-age play functionality, alignment with safety standards, and improved accessibility.

In 2022 and 2023, City staff gathered community feedback to identify features families wanted to see included in the park. Based on this input, the new playground will include the recognizable blue color and feature a river theme, a range of equipment for different age groups, more swings, larger slides, ziplines, rubber playground surfacing, wheelchair-accessible playground equipment, shade structure, and seating. 

City staff worked with Webber Recreational Design, Inc. to develop a concept and layout based on community feedback and input from the Parks, Arts, and Recreation Commission (PARC). On August 28, 2024, the PARC formally recommended that the City Council replace the West Bridge Park playground using the finalized design. The City Council decision was the final approval needed to proceed with bringing the new playground to life.

Installation of the new equipment is scheduled for spring 2025. One central feature is a twin tower design for children aged 5-12 and a smaller apparatus for ages 2-5. Other features of the overall existing park will remain, including the basketball court.

This project demonstrates the power of community collaboration and reinvestment. The Monticello Lions Club generously pledged $250,000 to the playground update, covering a considerable portion of the total cost. The Monticello Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) will fund the remaining $402,000 through revenue collected for public services. We are proud to reinvest these funds back into Monticello.

The upgrade also represents the City’s ongoing investment in downtown revitalization. A new playground ensures continued enjoyment of West Bridge Park, located in the heart of the downtown. It contributes to a broader effort, outlined in the Downtown Small Area Plan, to encourage activity throughout the year and celebrate the Mississippi River for its recreational, connective, and economic qualities. The recent downtown improvements included extended street and sidewalk access to West Bridge Park, emphasizing connectivity to public areas. By investing in our parks, we aim to improve the experience of residents and visitors alike, strengthening our sense of community spirit.

We look forward to seeing the new playground and the joy it will bring our community. 

Tag(s): West Bridge Park, Playground, Parks Arts & Recreation, PARC, City Council