DATE:             May 23, 2023
                         For Immediate Release

CONTACT:      Haley Foster
                          (763) 271-3202 | Haley.Foster@ci.monticello.mn.us

City to Receive State Funding for Water Treatment Facility

The City of Monticello will receive $11 million for construction of a new water treatment facility through the 2023 Bonding Bill passed by the State of Minnesota.

State funding was critical for accelerating the timeline for building the facility and its associated utility infrastructure in our community. While the municipal drinking water meets all federal and state regulatory requirements, tests have shown Monticello’s five municipal wells have higher levels of manganese than what is recommended by the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH).

While manganese occurs naturally in drinking water and people need some to stay healthy, emerging evidence indicates too much can be harmful. Based on what scientists have learned about the effects of high levels of manganese, MDH established recommendations for the maximum concentration in drinking water. This remains a guideline rather than a mandate, but Monticello has been proactively working to address the manganese levels.

After implementing the most immediate short-term response by taking the municipal well with the highest level of manganese out of service, Monticello elected to complete a feasibility study that recommended constructing a centralized water treatment facility. While homeowners have options for at-home solutions like water filters to reduce manganese levels, a treatment facility ensures drinking water is treated before being distributed to the public.

The new facility will be constructed at a city-owned site on Chelsea Road that houses existing utility infrastructure. The state funding contribution will not cover the full cost of construction, estimated at $28 million. However, it is a vital financing component that will reduce the amount Monticello needs to bond for and repay through utility rates. City leaders also continue to seek funding support from additional sources, including assistance from the federal government.

Providing safe drinking water to the public is one of our fundamental responsibilities to the public, and we’re committed to enhancing this service so you can feel confident every time you turn on the tap.

DATE:              May 22, 2023
                         For Immediate Release

CONTACT:       Matt Leonard
                          (763) 271-3271 | Matt.Leonard@ci.monticello.mn.us

County Highway 75 (West Broadway) Closed Beginning May 30, 2023

We’re working hard to enhance Downtown Monticello as a gathering place for the community. As we navigate these changes, we know there will be temporary impacts to the area. As we get ready to kick off summer, we’re also getting ready to kick off construction. 

The west side of downtown is proposed for various construction projects throughout the remainder of the year. There will be evolving traffic impacts and detours on this side of Highway 25, and we encourage residents to prepare to use alternate routes or allow for extra time through the west side of downtown. Our goal is to minimize impacts as best we can, but the extent of the projects will cause disruptions to normal traffic patterns and routes. Thank you for your patience as we work through these improvements to revitalize our downtown!

Beginning Tuesday, May 30, County Highway 75 (West Broadway) will be closed between Walnut Street and Highway 25/Pine Street for utility work. A detour is necessary to complete a water and sewer connection for the Block 52 development and will be posted along 7^th Street West and Elm Street. The work will take approximately 2 weeks. Please plan ahead and drive with caution in the area.

Why Did I Get This Public Hearing Notice?

One of the most direct ways the City of Monticello influences the growth of our city is by making decisions about how land will be developed. Monticello officials adopted a subdivision ordinance and zoning ordinance to regulate land use in the community. This helps us maximize the potential of the land and limit conflicts between uses.  

While the ordinances provide structure for future growth, public input remains an important part of the process. MN state statutes require local jurisdictions to prepare public hearing notices when land use controls are proposed to change; in some cases when local government reviews a proposed land use, and when project funding includes potential assessments to benefiting private properties. 

Public hearing notices are posted to the City’s website and published in the City’s official newspaper, the Monticello Times.?They are also sent directly to property owners in the project vicinity. 

This means that from time to time, you may receive a public hearing notice by mail.?If you choose to participate, you’re providing an additional local perspective to the process. Before voting, city leaders receive background information, analysis of the proposal, and details about local regulations; but the hearings are the public’s opportunity to speak directly to local officials.

Public hearings are a formal process to confirm Monticello follows all state regulations, but we strive to provide helpful information, so the public feels welcome participating. If you receive mailed notice of a public hearing, it will tell you what the subject is, when the hearing will occur, and where you can find more information. We also encourage you to use the resources on our website or reach out to staff at city hall if you have additional questions.