'franchise fee'

Monticello, MN – On Monday, October 27, 2025, the City Council adopted an ordinance to implement a gas energy franchise fee on CenterPoint Energy Minnesota Gas. This new fee will provide a dedicated funding source for the City’s pavement management program and reduce reliance on large property assessments for street maintenance projects.

The City Council held a regular meeting on Monday, October 27. Here are the highlights:

• Outdoor Pickleball Coming to Bertram: The City was awarded a $254,170 DNR Outdoor Recreation Grant for improvements at Bertram Chain of Lakes Regional Athletic Park, including eight pickleball courts, parking, lighting, landscaping, and trail access. The grant is matched in funding by the Local Option Sales Tax (LOST).
• Gas Franchise Fee for Street Maintenance: A new gas franchise fee is expected to take effect February 1, 2026, generating about $735,000 annually to fund street maintenance, reducing the City’s reliance on costly assessments to residents and businesses. 
• Park Designation in Progress: The city is pursuing regional park designation to highlight The Pointes at Cedar Recreation Area as a year-round recreational destination, qualify for state grant funding, and guide future park improvements.

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), channel 997 (TDS), or channel 180 (Charter subscribers). The rebroadcast schedule is available here.