The City Council held a regular meeting on Monday, September 9, 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
Absentee Voting Begins September 20
A reminder that absentee voting begins Friday, September 20. This allows citizens to vote in advance of Election Day with an absentee ballot. For information on absentee voting, please visit the city website.
Council Liaison Update
Industrial & Economic Development Committee
Jim Thares, Economic Development Manager, highlighted that the Industrial & Economic Development Committee (IEDC) will be hosting a Manufacturer’s Week Appreciation Breakfast on Friday, October 11. Manufacturers within the city will be invited to attend as we acknowledge the critical contributions they make to the economy and the community.
Department Updates
Senior Center
Pam Loidolt of the Monticello Senior Center provided the annual report of services and programs offered at the facility. The Senior Center continues to serve a significant number of seniors from around the region with assistance from volunteers and community partners. The center provides access to the HOME program which provides outdoor maintenance assistance, a weekly lunch program supported by local restaurants, and a variety of other programs like technology assistance, fitness classes, and consultations with a social worker. Loidolt also highlighted a recent grant to provide new, free art classes.
The Senior Center will host a Breakfast Fundraiser on Sunday, October 27, 2024, at the Monticello Community Center. More information will be available on their website.
Construction Update
- Highway 25 project (MnDOT)
MnDOT continues to work on the Hwy 25 project. There will be temporary overnight bridge closures to allow repaving of the northbound lanes. The days and times are expected as follows but subject to change:
- 8 p.m. Wednesday, September 18, to 5 a.m. Thursday, September 19
- 8 p.m. Thursday, September 19 to 5 a.m. Friday, September 20
- 8 p.m. Monday, September 23 to 5 a.m. Tuesday, September 24
- 8 p.m. Tuesday, September 24 to 5 a.m. Wednesday, September 25
City Council Decisions
Accepting Ownership of Emergency Sirens within Monticello
Xcel Energy will be retiring their emergency siren system and moving to a cellphone-based emergency alert system. Municipalities that have Xcel-owned sirens within their boundaries have been offered ownership of the sirens for continued use during severe weather events and other emergencies. Council members discussed the lifespan of the sirens, maintenance costs, and overall value to the community. The City Council approved ownership of the sirens within Monticello.
On-Street Parking Restrictions on School Boulevard
The City Council approved a resolution restricting on-street parking on School Boulevard from Highway 25 to Country Lane. There are small areas available for on-street parking within that area; however, with the addition of the proposed roundabouts, the roadway will not provide adequate width for parking.
West Bridge Park Playground to be Replaced
The City Council approved replacing the West Bridge Park playground equipment. Parks, Arts, & Recreation Director Tom Pawelk presented the project to the City Council, showing a rendering of the new playground that will feature a river theme, a range of equipment for different age groups, more swings, larger slides, ziplines, rubber playground surfacing, wheelchair-accessible playground equipment, a shade structure, and seating.
In addition to authorizing the replacement of the playground, the Council approved the funding for the project. The Monticello Lions Club generously committed to donating $250,000 toward the cost and the remaining $400,000 will be paid for with revenue from the Monticello DMV.
The project will begin later this fall with the removal of the old playground equipment, which was installed in 2000 and has needed ongoing repairs to maintain a safe play space in recent years. The new playground equipment will be installed in spring 2025. It aims to bring fresh and engaging play experiences to our community, while focusing on accessibility.
The Council expressed their gratitude to the Lions Club for their help in making this project a reality and showed their excitement at seeing the new playground and the joy it will bring the community.
