Council Highlights 7_26

Monticello City Council Highlights - July 26, 2021

MONTICELLO CITY COUNCIL HIGHLIGHTSCity of Monticello

July 26, 2021

EDA Annual Update

Economic Development Manager Jim Thares presented the annual Economic Development department update.

EDA ANNUAL UPDATE: Presentation intro slide“The 2020-2021 workplans included six components: downtown redevelopment was the top goal or priority for the EDA. Promoting industrial and commercial development was the second priority, housing development was third. The IEDC’s priorities were labor force development and business retention and expansion. In 2020 the CARES Act came to the city and money was provided to the EDA and that’s where the COVID-19 emergency response efforts were established,” said Thares.

He then elaborated further explaining that Block 52 was the top priority of the Downtown Redevelopment work plan as well as the Façade Improvement Program. One highlight was that the façade improvements to the Agosto building were completed in late 2020, with three new applications submitted this spring/summer, all of which are on Block 35.

According to Thares, there were 38 EDA CARES Act grants approved for $5,000 each. Eight additional City CARES Act grants were also approved for restaurants and microbreweries in the community.

Riverfest Recap

Riverfest 2021 was a huge success according to Riverfest City Liaison Tom Pawelk.

“Overall, it was a good turnout. Second highest gross sales that the Riverfest committee has ever seen, so that’s pretty good. Record beer sales… and duck adoptions were basically sold out, so that’s 5,000 ducks sold,” said Pawelk.

The first night [Thursday] kicked off at Pioneer Park, with a Monticello firefighter showing up strong for a second year in a row and winning the pie eating contest. Mayor Hilgart teased that may only be because he’s “not invited back” to the pie eating contest after winning twice.

“Friday night, the talent show had 22 acts and we followed it up with a wonderful fireworks display, sponsored by the City of Monticello. The Lions Bean Bag tournament on Saturday had 49 entries,” said Pawelk.

Pawelk added that while Sunday’s parade was shorter than past years, with no royalty candidates or visiting royalty; the shorter parade might have been preferable given the heat. He joked that the kids didn’t seem to mind because they still got plenty of candy.

Online Building Permits

City of Monticello is now offering online building permits for permits that do not require a plan review. Visit our website to check it out! 

Council Approval

  • Council approved Special Event Permit
    • City Council approved a Special Event Permit and temporary liquor license for the Rotary’s Taste of the Towns event. The event will be held on Thursday, September 16 in the commuter lot on Deegan Ave. 

  • Council approved new restrooms for Ellison Park
    • City Council approved the purchase of modular restrooms to replace the existing restrooms at Ellison Park. The project will also include ADA improvements in the area around the bathroom.
  • Council approved proceeding with bids for DMV relocation
    • City Council approved notifying the State of Minnesota of intent to move the DMV from its current location to the Prairie Center building at 118 W. 6th Street. Council also approved proceeding with bids for the improvements necessary to remodel the first floor of the building for the DMV. City Council will consider officially ordering the improvements at a future meeting.

WATCH A CITY MEETING

Citizens are welcome to attend City Council, Planning Commission, and Economic Development Authority meetings, but we understand that attending in person is not always an option. As an alternative, we offer the following options to stay engaged with your local government:

  • Meetings are broadcast live on cable channel 12 (FiberNet and TDS subscribers) or channel 180 (Charter subscribers).
  • Meetings are streamed live online. View the live stream on the Monticello Live Stream website.
  • Meetings recordings are available online to watch when it's convenient for you. View the meeting recordings on the Monticello Live Stream website.
  • Meetings are rebroadcast throughout the week on cable channel 12 (FiberNet & TDS subscribers) or channel 180 (Charter subscribers).

 

Oct 04

[ARCHIVED] City Council Highlights - August 23, 2021

The original item was published from October 4, 2021 3:00 PM to October 13, 2021 6:19 PM

Monticello City Council Highlights, August 23, 2021

Recognition of Bill Tapper

After over 27 years of service, to the City of Monticello and to the greater Monticello community, William “Bill” Tapper announced he would be leaving the EDA.Bill Tapper (2)

A long-standing business owner in the community, Bill began his service to Monticello with the Industrial Development Committee. The IDC, as it was known then, was formed by a group of business owners committed to growing manufacturing and industry in Monticello. The IDC later became a board of the City – the Industrial & Economic Development Committee, where Bill remained a steadfast member. As a member of the IEDC, Bill lent his wisdom and support to issues critical to the creation and retention of business and employment in Monticello.

“In 2007, Bill also offered his expertise to the Economic Development Authority, where he has built a legacy of thoughtfulness and mentorship. His work to support industry in Monticello has been instrumental in the growth of leading manufacturers like Bondhus Corporation, Dahlheimer Distribution, UMC, and many more,” said Mayor Lloyd Hilgart. “His work with the EDA also broadened to include support for workforce housing and the revitalization of downtown Monticello. We will miss Bill’s dedication and his depth of knowledge. We are so grateful and appreciative for his years of service,” he added.

“Thank you very much for this honor and giving me the opportunity to serve on the EDA and other economic development committees for all these years. As you know, economic development takes a village, but I would like to recognize Angela and Jim for their never-ending effort to move Monticello forward, and their always outstanding meeting prep work,” said Bill.

Council also approved the appointment of Hali Sittig to the EDA to complete the remainder of Tapper’s term, which ends on Dec. 31, 2021. Tapper was part of the selection process and was looking forward to her being sworn in as the commissioner.

“I have had a chance to meet and interview the candidate for my position, I’m very impressed and think she will do a great job of helping Monticello move forward,” said Tapper.

Fire Department UpdateMonti FD

Fire Chief Mike Mossey provided an annual update which included information on total number of calls, types of calls, the new fire station, the new command truck, training, public relations, donations, fire inspections, and future plans for the department.

“This year we’ve been really busy… it’s been busy and on top of that we’ve had some really big calls,” said Mossey.

From Aug. 1, 2020 to Aug. 1, 2021 the Monticello Fire Department has responded to a total of 292 calls. They also track the number of interstate calls, and so far in 2021 they have responded to 29 calls in 2021. This will be the second year of the fire inspections program. Fire Marshal Dan Klein has completed 670 inspections, and Chief Mossey says the goal is to have every business inspected at least once by Dec. 31.

Perks of the New Fire Station

In addition to all the compliments they receive from the public on the new station, Mossey says there are additional benefits, such as a faster response time, easier access to the interstate with the new location, and an upgraded ISO rating for the department.

“Long story short, we did get an upgraded rating which is really important for our townships that we serve. Those properties will actually see a reduction on their property taxes because of this rating.”

Open House PanoDonations

The Ellison family donated a large sum for multiple items, including the department’s custom-made rehab trailer. The department was also able to order a pump skid using community donations.

“That is basically pump, hose reel, and the water tank that goes in the back of our utility truck to fight wildfires,” Mossey. “We have some amazing donors in this community,” he noted.

Council Approvals

  1. Council adopted resolution 2021-63, approving donations for both the Monticello Fire Department and the MontiArts program
    1. City Council approved a donation from UMC in the amount of $2,477.06 for the Fire Department to be used for new tires for the Ranger ATV and exercise equipment and $10,000 from the Monticello Lions for the fish sculpture, “The Gathering,” at East Bridge Park Arboretum.
  2. Council approved appointment of the new EDA commissioner
    1. City Council approved the appointment of Hali Sittig to the EDA. Sittig will complete the remainder of Bill Tapper’s term which expires Dec. 31, 2021.
  3. Council approved the construction contract for the new DMV location
    1. City Council approved a contract with Kraus-Anderson Construction Company for the DMV Relocation Project in the amount of $284,179.

 

Watch a City Meeting

Citizens are welcome to attend City Council, Planning Commission, and Economic Development Authority meetings, but we understand that attending in person is not always an option. As an alternative, we offer the following options to stay engaged with your local government:

  • Meetings are broadcast live on cable channel 12 (FiberNet and TDS subscribers) or channel 180 (Charter subscribers).
  • Meetings are streamed live online. View the live stream on the Monticello Live Stream website.
  • Meeting recordings are available online to watch when it's convenient for you. View the meeting recordings on the Monticello Live Stream website.
  • Meetings are rebroadcast throughout the week on cable channel 12 (FiberNet & TDS subscribers) or channel 180 (Charter subscribers).