The City Council held a regular meeting on Monday, January 27, 2025. 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
DMV Trailer Registration
Trailer registrations are due in February. This includes vehicles such as campers, motor homes, and utility trailers. Stop by the Monticello DMV at 118 W 6th Street to complete registration.
Spring Tree Sale
The City’s Spring Tree Sale will be here soon! Keep an eye on the City’s website, social media, and utility bills for more information.
Farmers Market Vendors Needed
We are seeking vendors to be part of the 19th season of the Monticello Farmers Market. If interested in becoming a vendor, applications will be available in February on the City website.
MCC 25 Year Celebration
February marks a special milestone as we celebrate the Monticello Community Center opening its doors in 2000. Since then, we’ve hosted everything from epic pool parties to fitness firsts, the start of lifelong friendships to the occasional “I Do’s”.
The MCC offers a wide variety of services and events for our community. It provides space for fitness classes, recreational sports like flag football and pickleball, an indoor Farmers Market in the winter, and spacious rental facilities. It is a community hub with fantastic amenities, including a pool, waterslide, spas, gym, and indoor walking track. The Community Center is also home to City Hall, the Senior Center, and the National Guard.
We will be marking this occasion with a special celebration on Saturday, February 8, at the Monticello Community Center (505 Walnut Street, Monticello). Here’s what’s in store:
- Doors Open at 7 a.m.: The first 25 guests will receive a free Family Day Pass that can be used anytime in 2025!
- Win a 3-Month Membership: Enter to win a 3-month MCC membership from 7 a.m. to noon. The winner will be announced at noon (no need to be present to win).
- Indoor Farmers Market: Enjoy a variety of vendors and live music from 9 a.m. to noon.
- Senior Center Open House: Join us for treats & coffee from 9 a.m. to noon.
- Family Swim & Slide: Open 9 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. (MCC day pass or membership required).
- Climbing Wall: Open from noon to 7 p.m. (MCC day pass or membership required).
We can’t wait to celebrate with you at the MCC. Here’s to the last 25 years and the many more that lie ahead!
Council Liaison Updates
Council Liaisons are members of the City Council that serve as representatives for the City on various city boards or regional organizations. The primary purpose of the liaison is to represent the City’s interests and community concerns, while communicating relevant issues to City staff, Council, and these entities.
Council Liaisons provided updates on activities of their assigned boards. Updates were provided for the Central Mississippi River Regional Planning Partnership (CMRP), Parks, Arts, and Recreation Commission (PARC), Economic Development Authority (EDA), and the I-94 Coalition.
Department Updates
Department of Motor Vehicles
Monticello’s Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) gave an annual update at the meeting. The DMV was represented by the DMV’s manager and staff. The DMV provides essential services for the City of Monticello in coordination with the State of Minnesota. The office is located at 118 W 6th Street and is open Monday-Friday 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. and Saturday 8 a.m. – 12 p.m. (noon.
The DMV serves our community and the surrounding area, including 73 dealerships. Services offered include:
- Vehicle Titles, Registration, and Plates (including a wide selection of special plates)
- Recreational Vehicle Registration
- Duplicate Driver’s License (if lost or address changed)
- Fishing and Hunting Licenses
- Notary Services
The DMV hit a milestone this year by collecting over $1 million in revenue. This is a significant milestone, as a portion of the DMV’s excess revenue is often reinvested into our community. In 2024, the DMV contributed $402,000 to the installation of new playground equipment in West Bridge Park, expected to be installed late Spring 2025.
Hi-Way Liquors
The City’s Finance Director and Hi-Way Liquors Assistant Manager presented the annual update for the City’s municipal liquor store. Hi-Way Liquors is located at 545 MN-25 and is open Monday-Thursday 9 a.m. – 8 p.m., Friday – Saturday 9 a.m. – 10 p.m., and Sunday 11 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Hi-Way Liquor’s mission is to promote the safe, responsible sale of alcohol in the greater Monticello area. They are committed to providing customers with a clean, professional, fun atmosphere to enjoy a memorable shopping experience. Hi-Way Liquors also supports community engagement and investment in the future of Monticello, represented by their slogan: “Pouring Profits back into the Community.” In 2024, Hi-Way Liquors provided additional funding for public improvements in the Downtown Pedestrian & Roadway Improvements Project.
For 2024, there was a decrease in sales, which may be attributed to new trends in the industry as well as traffic impacts during the year. However, the average transaction amount at the store increased in 2024. Over half of total sales came from beer sales, with liquor sales at 32%, wine at 12%, and miscellaneous items (such as mixes, gift bags, barware and more) were 4%.
Hi-Way Liquors hosts several sales and events throughout the year that feature special guests. Follow Hi-Way Liquors on Facebook or subscribe for e-deals for the latest updates.
City Council Decisions
Coalition of Greater Minnesota Cities Membership
The Coalition of Greater Minnesota Cities (CGMC) is a non-profit advocacy organization focused on legislative policies that benefit cities located outside the seven-county Twin Cities metro area.
Historically, Monticello has not been a member of the CGMC, due to the tax impact from the Monticello Nuclear Plant, which disqualifies the City from Local Government Aid. However, recent legislative actions have posed risks to local control, particularly affecting cities in greater Minnesota. In the 2024 legislative session, Monticello focused on advocating for the preservation of local control, aligning its efforts with CGMC’s initiatives. To strengthen these advocacy efforts, City staff recommended that Monticello formally join CGMC to support policies and legislation that affect our community.
I-94 West Corridor Coalition Membership
The City Council approved renewal of Monticello’s membership in the I-94 West Corridor Coalition for 2025. This organization is dedicated to enhancing the I-94 corridor between Maple Grove and St. Cloud through both short-term and long-term improvements. The Coalition has been instrumental in advocating for important projects, such as securing $78 million for the I-94 Gap Project between Albertville and Monticello, expanding capacity along the highway.
As members, the City of Monticello participates in efforts to ensure the completion of these funded projects and advocates for future improvements, including the Fish Lake interchange and additional interchanges along the corridor.
Conditional Use Permit Approved for Vehicle Sales and Rental Use
A Conditional Use Permit was approved for Vehicle Sales and Rental Use at a previously developed lot located at 216 Sandberg Road, previously the location for General Rental. The Planning Commission held a public hearing and recommended approval of the application at their regular meeting on January 7, 2025.
Golf Course Road Trail
The Golf Course Road Trail Project is part of the Safe Routes to School (SRTS) Plan, which aims to improve safety for students and residents. The pathway is currently planned along the north side of the road between Elm Street and 7th Street. Monticello was awarded $800,000 in Transportation Alternatives grant funding by MNDOT for the project.
Wright County’s Transportation Plan indicates this section of road qualifies for a new two-way left turn lane on Golf Course Road (County Road 39). This necessitates the acquisition of additional right-of-way from five parcels between Elm Street and 7th Street to construct the pathway. The City is working to contact property owners about land acquisition for the trail. Acquisitions need to be completed this spring to allow the project to receive MnDOT approval for construction authorization by June 1, which is a requirement of the funding.
If the City is unable to acquire additional right-of-way by the deadline, the grant funding will be returned to MnDOT. The City Council directed staff to continue good-faith efforts to acquire the property needed for the pathway. The outcome of these efforts will determine if the project can proceed as planned or if it will be postponed for future consideration.