Recognition of Marcy Anderson
Mayor Lloyd Hilgart recognized Marcy Anderson for her years of service to the City of Monticello and our business community. Marcy has been the executive director of the Monticello Chamber of Commerce and Industry for over a decade. Marcy has accepted the role as President & CEO of the Pierre Area Chamber of Commerce and will be moving in June. The mayor thanked Marcy for her countless hours serving on the City’s Industrial & Economic Development Committee (IEDC), and the thriving partnership she helped cultivate between the Chamber and City staff and officials.
Finance Department Update & Audit
Council received an annual update from the City’s Finance Manager Liz Lindrud. The Finance Department manages every financial transaction of the City including financial assets and investment portfolios. They track the City’s debt/bonds and grants, as well as create and manage financial plans, the annual finance reports, and the City’s annual Tax Levy & Budget. They also pay invoices, process payroll and manage utility billing, which is how most members of the public interact with them.
Council Accepted the 2023 Comprehensive Financial Report
Council received an overview of the City’s 2023 financial audit results from Bonnie Schweiger, partner for Abdo, the City’s auditing firm. Abdo issued an unmodified opinion on the city’s financial statements (the highest opinion that can be issued) and found no instances of noncompliance with internal controls or with state and federal requirements. Interest earnings, intergovernmental aid, and licenses and permits revenue were higher than what was budgeted in 2023. Additionally, Public Works expenditures were under budget in 2023, most notably for snow and ice removal costs due to the mild weather in early winter. Because of the favorable budget variances, the City was able to transfer funds to our capital reserves, which will be used to help pay for future capital improvement projects.
Construction Update
- Downtown Roadway & Pedestrian Improvements Project
- The project along West Broadway is still underway; they finished the final asphalt paving on West Broadway and reopened the road on May 23.
- Crews are working on landscaping and irrigation along Broadway and installing the retaining wall along West Bridge Park.
- Crews will be closing the parking lot on Block 51 (between Monticello Dentistry and Bliss Salon) at the end of May through June 5. They will be working to complete the installation of a sidewalk and final paving on River Street.
- The project is expected to be completed in early July (weather permitting).
- East Broadway Improvements & 7th Street Retaining Wall and Sidewalk Project
- Crews are in the final stages of updating the ADA ramps in the project area, replacing curb and gutter as needed, and some minor storm sewer repairs.
- Once work along the outside lanes is complete, the single lane closure will switch to the inside lanes for work on the medians.
- The milling and paving of the roadway are anticipated to begin at the end of June.
- Crews plan to begin the improvements on 7th Street in mid-to-late June.
Business Along Broadway
Block 34 Property Agreement
Council approved a lease agreement with Civil Engineering Site Design, LLC (CESD) for the former DMV office building located at 119 3rd Street East. This lease is a required term of the EDA’s Purchase Agreement for CESD’s property at 118 Broadway East, ensuring the company has a future business location after vacating its current building.
After closing, CESD will remain in its current office and lease it from the EDA. In the event of a future redevelopment project in Block 34 downtown, CESD will move to the former DMV office. This supports the EDA’s strategic goals for downtown redevelopment while providing an existing business with a future location.
Downtown 205 Pine Street (the Old Chamber Building)
Council continued their discussion from a meeting in April regarding the old Chamber of Commerce building at 205 Pine Street. Mayor Hilgart said he initially brought it up because he didn’t want to see another empty building downtown and wanted it to either be utilized or taken down. City Administrator Rachel Leonard explained the staff recommendation was to retain ownership and allow a temporary use, while being considerate of the kind of operations allowed to maintain flexibility for the future and not increase costs or required investment into the building. She also noted staff’s recommendation was not to demolish the building due to the costs that would be associated. Council was supportive of the recommendation, so staff will move forward with seeking a tenant for Council approval.
Lease Approved for Nature-Based School at Bertram
Council approved a lease agreement with the Monticello School District for continued use of space at Bertram Chain of Lakes Regional Park for nature-based education during the 2024-2025 school year. The program was started 6 years ago and has been successfully expanding to provide an alternative education option for Monticello families.
Wright County Parks & Recreation and the Monticello Parks Department share a maintenance shed near the Bertram Lake Chalet. The school district will use the heated part of the shed for small groups of students during the school year.
This is one of many partnerships at Bertram. There is also a long-term lease with the YMCA of the Greater Twin Cities that draws youth from across the metro to the regional park. The City also coordinates with several athletic associations – lacrosse, soccer, football, and more – serving Monticello and surrounding communities.
Plans Approved for Panera
City Council approved the land use decisions to allow a Panera Bread restaurant with outdoor patio seating and a drive-thru lane at Union Crossings (near Target). The site is zoned for regional business and restaurants are permitted, but a drive-thru requires a Conditional Use Permit (CUP).
Summer Events
Riverfest
Council approved a temporary Liquor License for the Monticello Lions for Riverfest celebrations. Riverfest kicks off on Friday, July 12 with fun-filled activities through Sunday, July 14. To view the full event schedule, shuttle stops, and additional information, go to www.MonticelloRiverfest.com.
Monticello, Let’s Chalk 
Council approved making the Let’s Chalk Festival a private event rather than a city event. For the past two years Let’s Chalk has been run as a city event completely funded by donations. The change is effective immediately and makes Let’s Chalk similar to Riverfest, where they will operate and fund the event separately, but would partner with the City of Monticello to coordinate event set up and location requirements, and request staff assistance when submitting a special event permit. Let’s Chalk will be on August 24 & 25 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.