Monticello City Council Highlights - July 26, 2021

MONTICELLO CITY COUNCIL HIGHLIGHTS

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. 6^th 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).

Nov 18

[ARCHIVED] City Council Highlights - October 11, 2021

The original item was published from November 18, 2021 1:48 PM to November 18, 2021 1:49 PM

Monticello City Council Highlights, October 11, 2021

Welcome Back Bill Fair!

We'd like to extend a warm welcome back to Bill Fair! On Monday, Oct. 11 City Council approved the appointment of Bill Fair to the vacant council seat. Mr. Fair has come back to the City Council to fill the remainder of Brian Hudgins' term. Mr. Hudgins resigned in October due to a move out of state. Mr. Fair has previously served the community as both mayor and as a councilmember.

Manufacturer’s Appreciation Week in Monticello

October is Manufacturing Month in Minnesota. Did you know Monticello manufacturers employ 23.4 percent of city’s entire workforce? On Monday, Oct. 11 Mayor Lloyd Hilgart proclaimed the week of October 11-17, 2021, shall be observed as Minnesota Manufacturing Week in Monticello.

Monticello is home to a variety of manufacturing and industrial businesses that contribute to a healthy and growing economy that benefits our community and beyond. On Thursday, Oct. 14 several city officials, manufacturers, and business owners gathered at the Monticello Community Center to celebrate Manufacturers Appreciation Week with a Manufacturers Recognition Breakfast, hosted by the IEDC; and sponsored by the Monticello EDA, Xcel Energy, WSB & Associates, Sherburne State Bank, and RiverWood Bank!

Preparing the City’s parks for winter operations

Winter Park Prep Newsflash Tom Pawelk, Director of the Parks, Arts, & Recreation Department gave an update on the department’s winter preparations.

“Parks staff will be turning off water hook ups at parks, including Bertram Chain of Lakes and Riverside Cemetery, by Friday, Oct. 15. The only exception is the West Bridge Park Community Room,” said Pawelk.

Additionally, staff will be removing the basketball hoops at West Bridge Park the week of Oct. 25 in preparation for the outdoor skating rink. The city rinks will be flooded as soon as the temperatures are consistently freezing. Staff will also be adding stakes along various pathways and sidewalk routes in preparation for snow removal.

Council Approvals

Council accepted a grant from the Central Minnesota Arts Board Creative Support for the Community Portraits project
1. Council adopted Resolution 2021-76 accepting a grant of $6,269 from the Central Minnesota Arts Board Creative Support for Community Portraits project.
Council approved appointment of Bill Fair to City Council
1. Council approved the adoption of Resolution 2021-77 declaring a vacancy on the City Council and Resolution 2021-78 approving appointment of William Fair to the vacant City Council seat.
Council approved the partial prepayment and redemption of the City’s outstanding bonds.
1. Council approved Consideration of adopting Resolution 2021-80 providing for the prepayment and redemption of a portion of the City’s outstanding General Obligation Bonds, Series 2014A. Cities use general obligation bonds, which are paid from the tax levy, to help pay for significant investments with a long useful like to the community. To save approximately $700,000 in interest, the City Council is using available funds to call a majority of the 2014A bonds early. This gives the City the ability to apply for future bonds at lower interest rates with a smaller impact on taxes for residents.
Council approved a quote and authorized a service agreement with WSB to pursue ‘Shovel-Ready’ certification with the state of Minnesota.
1. Council approved the consideration of accepting Otter Creek Business Park (OCBP) Shovel-Ready Certification quotes and authorizing a service agreement with WSB & Associates in an amount not to exceed $29,500.
2. A shovel-ready site will give the City a competitive edge in marketing and attracting business startups, expansions or relocations because the most time-consuming technical and regulatory aspects of development will already be complete, which in turn stimulates our local workforce and economy.

Watch a City Meeting

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).

Tag(s): Parks, Meeting, Highlights, Council, City Council, Arts & Rec