The City Council held a regular meeting on Monday, October 28, 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.
Public Service Announcements
West Bridge Park Playground Equipment Removal
The existing West Bridge Park playground equipment is scheduled to be removed this week. A project page is available on the city website for more information. A sign has been installed at the park to provide visitors with information and highlight the partnership with the Monticello Lions Club. The new playground is set to be installed in spring 2025.
Additional Early/Absentee Voting Hours
The City of Monticello will hold additional early voting hours outside of regular business hours. City of Monticello residents may vote early during the following additional voting hours at City Hall:
- Tuesday, October 29 until 7 p.m.
- Saturday, November 2 and Sunday, November 3 from 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.
- Monday, November 4 until 5 p.m.
On Election Day, precinct locations are open 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. Voters must be in line by 8 p.m. to vote.
PEL Study Open House
Wright and Sherburne Counties are hosting a public open house this Tuesday, October 29, at the Monticello Community Center from 5:30 - 7 p.m. for the Highway 25 Planning and Environmental Linkages (PEL) Study. The study aims to identify cost-effective transportation improvements along the corridor between I-94 and Highway 10. The range of alternatives will be available for public input until November 12, 2024, on the project’s website: https://arcg.is/1qaWPz0.
Fall Leaf Pick Up
Fall Leaf Pick Up is this Saturday, November 2. This is a free service for City of Monticello residents. Please have bagged leaves at the curb by 7 a.m. Only leaves are accepted – no yard waste. Compostable bags are required, either ASTM D6400 labeled plastic or compostable paper bags. If you have any questions, reach out to Public Works at 763-295-3170.
Veterans Day City Hours
City Hall, Public Works, and the DMV will be closed on Monday, Nov. 11, in observance of Veterans Day. Hi-Way Liquors and the Monticello Community Center will be open their standard hours.
Due to the holiday closure, the next City Council meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, November 12, at 6:30 p.m. in the Mississippi Room of the Monticello Community Center.
Council Liaison Update
Economic Development Authority (EDA)
The EDA held their regular meeting on October 23 at 7 a.m. Council Member Hinz provided an update from that meeting.
- The EDA approved a letter of support for the Wright County Economic Development Partnership’s (WCEDP) Childcare Grant submittal to MN-DEED. This $600,000 grant seeks to support the effort by Kids’ Haven Daycare and Preschool to establish a new daycare facility in Monticello. Their current facility in Buffalo is full, with approximately 42 Monticello families driving to their Buffalo facility. The grant, if awarded, would also support upgrades and facility projects at several existing childcare facilities in the county. The City Council gave final approval of the letter of support at the council meeting.
- The EDA approved a Façade Improvement Loan to J&J Properties (Monticello Family Dentistry) in the amount of $13,172. J&J properties will be required to contribute a minimum 5% match in the amount of $640. Planned exterior improvements include new staining of the exterior brick façade, concrete repairs, a new door and signage facing Walnut Street, and an updated rear entrance to match the brick exterior. The building has had little exterior change to its 1900s brick construction. The Downtown Façade Improvement Program supports the Monticello 2040 Vision + Plan by promoting investment and redevelopment of key properties and parcels in the City’s core area. It provides a financial resource for businesses within the qualifying area in the form of a forgivable loan. If specific property ownership conditions are fulfilled, the loan effectively transforms into a grant for the recipient, with forgiveness occurring in installments over a three-year period. With this program, the EDA supports the Comprehensive Plan goal for “a vibrant and thriving Downtown that contributes to the City’s economic development and housing objectives” (Chapter 5, 2040 Plan).
The EDA’s October 23 regular meeting agenda and minutes can be found online here. Visit the EDA webpage for a meeting schedule and recordings information.
Department Updates
FiberNet Quarterly Report
FiberNet presented the council with a quarterly report. This report includes an update on their subscribers, budget, and marketing. The presentation [RL1] is available to view in the meeting agenda.
Construction Update
Downtown Project
Crews are coordinating with Xcel to remove the overhead electrical poles in the area. Concrete work is expected to begin behind Lucille Murray’s Dance Studio and Sleep Concepts Mattress Store. Additional improvements will be installed in the coming weeks.
East Broadway Improvements & 7th Street Retaining Wall and Sidewalk Project
The major remaining item for this project is a railing to be placed on top of the retaining wall. It is scheduled to be installed in late November.
City Council Decisions
City Accepts Central Minnesota Arts Board Grant for MCC Mural
MontiArts received a $10,550 grant from the Central Minnesota Arts Board to support a new mural project at the Monticello Community Center. This project is an exciting opportunity for MontiArts to collaborate with a talented local artist, Aryn Lill, who will transform the plain, white hallway leading to the MCC’s meeting rooms. This new public art will create a more welcoming atmosphere, adding to the building’s role as a hub of civic and community activity.
Approved Purchase of Automated External Defibrillators (AED)
The City is partnering with Heart Strong Monticello to purchase four automated external defibrillators (AEDs) to be placed in strategic local park areas with high foot traffic, providing access in the event of a cardiac emergency. The Council approved a proposal from Advanced First Aid, Inc. in the amount of $26,416 for 4 units. Two AED tower units will be installed at the Bertram Chain of Lakes Regional Athletic Park, with the other wall-mounted AED units to be placed at West Bridge and Ellison Parks.
The funding for these units is made possible by Heart Strong Monticello, which raised $28,000 to support the initiative. This project has been a collaborative effort with several community partners, including CentraCare Monticello, Stellis Health Monticello, the Phillip LaValee Memorial fund, and the Monticello Lions. By working together, these organizations demonstrated a shared commitment to creating a “Heart Safe Community” in Monticello.
Council Approves Amendments to Big River 445 Planned Unit District (PUD)
The Planning Commission recommended approval of two amendments to the Big River 445 Planned Unit District (PUD), as detailed in the last Council Highlights. City Council formally approved the two amendments at the council meeting. These two amendments allow for the addition of a Les Schwab Tire Center and Valvoline Instant Oil Change facility. The Big River PUD is located between Chelsea Road and I-94, west of Fenning Avenue.
Approval of Annual Snowplowing and Ice Removal Policy for the 2024-2025 Season
Council approved the Snowplowing and Ice Removal Policy for the season. The policy remains the same as last year, with one minor change. The change includes the removal of the Block 52 parking lot from the policy, since that is planned to be cleared by a private contractor in partnership with the developer and the city.
Monticello’s Snow Ordinance is in effect from November 15 to April 1, prohibiting parking on city streets from 1 a.m. to 6 a.m. During snow events with over two inches of accumulation and during plowing operations, city street parking is also restricted.
These restrictions allow crews to clear streets efficiently and effectively throughout the winter. In 2022, the City limited on-street parking only during declared snow events but found the consistent nightly restriction was more effective at keeping public streets free of parked cars during snowfalls.
The city may declare snow events outside of the ordinance period as needed. Alerts will be communicated in a few ways, including the City’s website, opt-in text or email alerts, social media, and local news outlets. Visit our website to learn more about our communication tools: www.ci.monticello.mn.us/260.
Parking restrictions are enforced by the Wright County Sheriff’s Office. Vehicles in violation during a snow event may be towed without notice at the owner’s expense.
Public Hearings
Assessment Roll for Delinquent Miscellaneous Accounts
The Finance Department presented the assessment roll for delinquent miscellaneous accounts, owed by residents and customers. These overdue balances will be certified to Wright County for the 2025 payable tax year. This process is outlined in the City’s Fee Schedule ordinance.
To collect unpaid balances, the City certifies accounts that are over 60 days past due as special assessments on property tax statements. This process allows the city to recoup debts while ensuring that property owners are given ample opportunity to voice their concerns. A public hearing must be scheduled at least 30 days after the affected property owners are notified, offering them a chance to address the Council and provide context regarding their unpaid charges. No public comments were made during the public hearing.
Following the public hearing, the Council approved the certification. Property owners will have a 30-day window to settle their outstanding balances in full. It’s important to note that once certifications are made to Wright County, an additional administrative fee of $75 will be applied to the customer’s account. This fee covers the costs incurred during the processing of delinquent notices and the certification of account balances. In addition, charges will accrue an interest rate of 6%, starting from the date of the public hearing, as permitted by Minnesota State Statute 116A.17. This ensures that property owners are encouraged to resolve their accounts promptly.
Assessment Roll for Delinquent Utility Accounts
The Finance Department presented the assessment roll for delinquent utility accounts. These include charges for water, sewer, stormwater, and garbage/recycling services. Like the previous item, unpaid utility accounts more than 60 days past due will be certified to a property’s tax statement. A public hearing must be held no less than 30 days after the property owner is given notice, so that they may have an opportunity to address the Council. No comments were made at the public hearing. Council approved the assessment roll for certification to Wright County, with the additional $75 administrative fee to be applied to the accounts and an interest rate of 6%.
Assessments for Downtown Roadway & Pedestrian Improvements
The Downtown Roadway and Pedestrian Improvements Project is nearing completion. The project included improvements to River Street between Locust and Hwy 25, Walnut Street between River Street and Broadway Street, and Broadway Street between 500’ east of Jerry Liefert Drive to Pine Street. During reconstruction of these areas, clay sanitary sewer main lines and private sewer laterals (pipes that connect a home or business to the public sewer system) were replaced up to the property lines.
The City’s assessment policy indicates that sanitary sewer services are 100% assessed to the benefiting property owners. Amounts were adjusted based on the amount of sanitary sewer infrastructure utilized for each property owner. Following the public hearing, the Council approved the assessments over a 10-year term with an amended 6% interest rate, lower than the city’s assessment policy of 2% over the prime rate.
This project is in support of the 2017 Small Area Plan and the 2018 Walnut Street Corridor Plan. These changes are part of an overall effort to connect the City to the riverfront by improving the ability to walk and bike between the community center and West Bridge Park. These connections will help businesses Downtown, encourage more activity in the park, and create a safer and more enjoyable place for all.