DATE:           November 18, 2022

                      For Immediate Release

CONTACT:  Rachel Leonard

                      (763) 295-2711 | Rachel.Leonard@ci.monticello.mn.us

City Council Appoints Lee Martie to Vacant Seat

Monticello, MN – The Monticello City Council has voted on its newest member! At the regular meeting on Monday, November 14, the City Council appointed Lee Martie to fill the current vacant seat. Martie will serve the remainder of Jim Davidson’s term. Mr. Davidson resigned from the City Council in October due to relocation.

Martie was a City Council candidate in the most recent election, and he was also a finalist to fill a vacant seat on the Council in February 2021. He will be sworn in at the next City Council meeting on November 28, and his term will expire on December 31, 2024.

Martie is a long-time Monticello resident and a graduate of Monticello High school. After leaving briefly for college and law school, he returned to the community as he started his career as an attorney.

Please join us in welcoming Lee to the City Council!

City Council Highlights – January 9, 2023

Monticello, meet your City Council! Mayor Lloyd Hilgart (center), L to R - Councilmembers Charlotte Gabler, Sam Murdoff, Lee Martie, and Tracy Hinz.

The Oath of Office was administered at first City Council meeting of the year on Monday, Jan. 9, 2023.

• Mayor Lloyd Hilgart will serve another 2-year term (term expires 12/31/2024).
• Councilmember Charlotte Gabler will serve another 4-year term (term expires 12/31/2026).
• Councilmember Tracy Hinz will serve a 4-year term (term expires 12/31/2026).
• Councilmember Lee Martie was sworn in on Nov. 28, 2022 to fill the seat vacated by Councilmember Jim Davidson. He will serve the remainder of Jim Davidson’s 4-year term (term expires 12/31/2024).
• Councilmember Sam Murdoff is currently serving his 4-year term (term expires 12/31/2024).

Join us in welcoming them to the Monticello City Council!

Understanding Radon

Wright County Public Health gave an update on Radon. Radon is a colorless and odorless gas found in the soil and common throughout Minnesota. Because soil is porous, radon moves up from the soil and into the home. The gas can accumulate in the air we breathe becoming a health concern. Exposure to radon over a long period of time can lead to lung cancer. Radon is the leading cause of lung cancer in non-smokers, and two in five Minnesota homes have high radon levels. 

The MN Department of Health recommends all Minnesotans test their home for radon. You can test your home yourself. Start with a short-term test. Your local health department or government agency may offer test kits at reduced prices. You can also order a short-term radon test kit at mn.radon.com.

If the radon is high, hire a licensed radon professional to install a radon mitigation system. Licensed radon professionals are on MDH’s website at mn.gov/radonpro.

You can find more information on radon, including ordering a radon test kit and how to understand your radon test result, at mn.gov/radon.

DMV Annual Update

 Manager Carolyn Granger gave an annual update for the Monticello DMV. Some highlights included the staff’s dedication to serving customers efficiently and well. Granger noted, “DMV is a connection between the customers and the state of Minnesota, there are things we can do in a matter of minutes that would take customers significantly longer.”

Granger also wanted to remind residents that by renewing their registration locally, it puts money back into their community, whereas if you do it online, the state gets their filing fee.

The Monticello DMV offers a variety of services ranging from hunting and fishing licenses, vehicle registration renewals, special plates, and for just $3, they offer a notary service, which has been an increasingly popular service.

The Monticello DMV is open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. And Saturdays from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m.

 Hi-Way Liquors Annual Update

 Manager Randall Johnsen gave the annual update for Hi-Way Liquors. As the City’s municipal liquor store, Johnsen highlighted that they, “pour all their profits back into the community.” Just last year, they gave one million dollars to the City of Monticello for various projects and improvements throughout our community.

 Hi-Way Liquors had another successful year. According to the Minnesota Office of the State Auditor’s 2021 Report on municipal liquor sales, Monticello ranked 15^th in total sales out of all 177 municipal liquor stores in the State of Minnesota. They were also 3^rd in off-sale single location municipalities, and 33^rd out of 177 in their overall net profit.

 If you stop by Hi-Way Liquors, you may see some new faces this year. The department now has seven full-time staff members and 13 part-time. Johnsen noted they unexpectedly had to add some new staff members this year for better coverage during the store’s hours of service. Johnsen noted the addition has been immensely helpful in keeping the doors open to serve customers during regular operating hours.

 Hi-Way Liquors is open Monday through Thursday from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m., Friday and Saturday from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m., and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.

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

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

1. 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.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. 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

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).