DATE:           March 14, 2023
                      For Immediate Release

CONTACT:  Haley Foster
                     (763) 295-2711 | Haley.Foster@ci.monticello.mn.us

City Council Approves ‘No Mow May’

Monticello, MN – On Monday, March 13 City Council approved ‘No Mow May’ in Monticello. For the second consecutive year, the City will suspend nuisance enforcement on grass lengths during the month of May. 

No Mow May is a conservation initiative recommended by the Minnesota DNR. The goal is to allow grass to grow unmown during the month, creating habitat and forage for early season pollinators. Pollinators play a critical role in our food supply and keeping our natural resources healthy.

Residents are encouraged to suspend mowing for the month, but it is not required. There are other ways you can help Minnesota’s pollinators if you want to continue to mow. The public can also plant bee flowers and native plants as well as keep plants pesticide free.

During the month of May, City staff will continue mowing around rental structures in the parks, and around City buildings to ensure accessibility.  We’re excited to participate in No Mow May in other ways, like adding native prairie grasses and wildflowers throughout our parks system.

If residents plan on participating, please note that enforcement will resume Thursday, June 1. At that time, all lawns must be maintained per the City’s Code (grass cannot be over 8 inches). We recommend giving yourself a few days to safely manage your lawn. Here are a couple of tips from the University of Minnesota for mowing long grass:

• Adjust your mower to the highest setting, you will have to make more than one pass over the grass.
• After you have reduced the grass height to a more manageable length, change the mower setting by reducing the height of the blade, before making a second pass.
• Do not cut more than 1/3 of the grass blade at a time in a single mowing. This helps prevent root stress and promotes a healthy lawn.

For more information visit the City’s website or check out the University of Minnesota’s Bee Lab for other actions you can take to help our local pollinators.

DATE:           February 16, 2023
                      For Immediate Release

CONTACT:  Haley Foster
                     (763) 295-2711 | Haley.Foster@ci.monticello.mn.us

Monticello Community Center, City Hall to open Friday, Feb. 17

Monticello, MN – On Thursday, Feb. 16 Wright County deputies, and the Monticello Fire Department responded to the Community Center after a vehicle had driven through the east doors near Monticello City Hall. The driver of the vehicle was transported to an area hospital by ambulance for non-life threating injuries. City staff and residents within the building were unharmed. The cause of the crash is still under investigation by the Wright County Sheriff’s Office (WCSO).

City facilities within the Community Center were closed as a precaution on Thursday. Following a preliminary investigation by a structural engineer and the City’s department of building safety, the building appears to be structurally sound and safe for public use. Regular operations will resume at the community center, city hall, and the senior center with standard hours on Friday, Feb. 17.

We would like to thank our firefighters, WCSO, staff, and contractors for their swift response and assistance. A temporary barricade and wall will be in place while we repair the damage. We ask that the public please use the west parking lot and entrances or the entrances off of West 6^th Street (Senior Center) until further notice. 

All inquiries about the investigation can be sent to WCSO.

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!