City Council Minutes 01-31-2025 WorkshopMINUTES
MONTICELLO CITY COUNCIL WORKSHOP
Friday, January 31, 2025 —12:00 p.m.
Academy Room, Monticello Community Center
Present: Lloyd Hilgart, Kip Christianson, Charlotte Gabler, Tracy Hinz, and Lee Martie
Absent: None
Staff: Rachel Leonard, Jennifer Schreiber, Sarah Rathlisberger, Angela Schumann, Tom
Pawelk
1. Call to Order
Mayor Lloyd Hilgart called the workshop to order at 12:00 p.m.
2. 2025 Strategic Planning — Council Goals and Priorities
Rachel Leonard, City Administrator, led the discussion on League of MN Cities handout
Effective Governance and Council Roles, the Thin Book of Trust, and strategies and best
practices.
The City Council was provided with a copy of a City Council Manual, which included
information on roles and responsibilities, being an effective council member, meetings
and meeting procedures, and engaging with the public. Included in the manual was a
Code of Conduct to be discussed by council members. The Council discussed the merits
of signing a Code of Conduct, such as it being proactive and an agreement between
council members. After a brief discussion and words of support, there was consensus
that the Code of Conduct should be brought to a City Council meeting for approval.
Ms. Leonard led the City Council through an exercise to determine what type of role
they play on the City Council. The exercise results were that each council member
played a different role, which can be good for a Council as a whole.
Sarah Rathlisberger, Finance Director, presented the City Council with a breakdown of
the levy. There was discussion on debt and what the City Council can change and/or
control. Ms. Leonard expressed to City Council that they have very big decisions to make
in the future. These include the new Public Works facility and Fallon Avenue project. She
added that if both projects move forward and are levied, the City won't have much
discretionary funding.
The City Council discussed their priorities regarding operations, private development,
maintenance, and improvements. Ms. Leonard questioned the City Council on what
there priorities would be aside from maintenance. Mayor Hilgart stated that it would be
helpful to City Council if they new what the cost would be of maintenance that is non-
negotiable. Staff responded that these exact costs could fluctuate based on the policies
of the City Council. Road maintenance was used as an example. The level of road the
City wants to maintain will correlate to maintenance costs. Ms. Leonard added that
City Council Workshop Minutes —January 31, 2025
once City Council determines where their support is, staff will be able to determine
"must" versus "could" projects and obtain clearer costs.
There was Council consensus that current priorities are the new Water Plant, new Public
Works building, and Fallon Avenue Project. Other projects will be determined at a future
time.
The Council did express that no other funding besides sales tax revenue should be
allocated to Bertram Chain of Lakes Athletic Park.
3. Adjournment
By consensus, the meeting was adjourned at 5:15 p.m.
Recorder: Jennifer Schreiber , c�qvalxv
Attest:
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City Council Workshop Minutes —January 31, 2025