DATE:           March 17, 2022

                      For Immediate Release

CONTACT:  Rachel Leonard

                      (763) 295-2711 | rachel.leonard@ci.monticello.mn.us

Spring Axle Weight Restrictions Begin March 18

Monticello, MN – Spring Weight Restrictions on city roadways will take effect at 12:01 a.m. on Friday, March 18. The City of Monticello places spring road restrictions consistent with Wright County.

Axle weight restrictions are used to protect roadways during the annual spring thaw. The limits help prevent premature deterioration of pavement as the ground thaws. Typically, from March through May the gravel under the roadbed has high moisture content that can weaken the carry capacity of pavement and make the roadbeds more susceptible to damage. By restricting axle weight, the life of the roadways can be prolonged.

Posted axle weight limit signs govern the vehicle weights on posted roads. All restriction limits are gross axle weights. Local governments are granted authority to implement these restrictions by Minnesota Statute 169.87.

The exact dates of the restrictions vary from year to year, so communication is released when they go into effect and when they are lifted. Additional information can be found on the MnDOT and Wright County websites:

• Wright County website
• MN Department of Transportation website

The City of Monticello does not issue any over limit permits. Questions? Please contact Monticello’s Public Works Department at 763-295-3170.

DATE:           Nov. 9, 2021

                      For Immediate Release

CONTACT:  Rachel Leonard

                      (763) 295-2711 | rachel.leonard@ci.monticello.mn.us

City Council Approves Land Purchase for Future Public Works Facility
 

Monticello, MN – On Monday, Nov. 8 City Council approved the purchase of approximately 70 acres of land along School Boulevard. The land was purchased with the intent to construct a new public works facility on a portion of the site. The City will make a future decision about how to best use the balance of the property. 

The purchase agreement specifies a sale price of $2.8 million dollars which will be paid from a fund created specifically for this project. The fund contains the necessary balance to complete the purchase. City Council noted the site is an ideal location and provides flexibility for the final facility configuration, including office space, vehicle storage, and cold storage for larger equipment.

The City’s current public works facility is located at 909 Golf Course Road. It’s an aging property that was originally constructed in 1975, and the most recent addition was added in 1995 for vehicle storage. Over the summer, the City completed an assessment of the existing facility that highlighted nearly $3 million dollars in repair and maintenance costs, which only addresses current capacity. 

A previous study also showed the existing facility no longer has adequate space for the personnel, equipment, and supplies necessary to operate the department. The existing buildings don’t provide adequate space for storage, resulting in vehicles and other equipment being stored outside or at alternate storage sites in the community. This limits efficiency and increases maintenance needs. In addition, the current site is located on only 4.5 acres, which limits the ability to expand at that location. 

During the planning process, the City explored several options for relocation of public works. The most important site factors were convenient location and access as well as approximately 20 acres to bring all aspects of the facility onto a single site. The selected site on School Boulevard meets the necessary criteria and provides a quality location for a long-lasting investment. 

The City anticipates closing on the property by the end of the year. With the location finalized, the next step will be to determine how to best utilize the site and design the facility. The City is optimistic for a potential groundbreaking in 2023 or soon thereafter.