City Council Minutes 07-14-2025 SpecialMINUTES
MONTICELLO CITY COUNCIL SPECIAL MEETING
Monday, July 14, 2025 — 5 p.m.
Monticello Community Center
Present: Lloyd Hilgart, Charlotte Gabler, Kip Christianson, Tracy Hinz, and Lee Martie
Absent: None
Staff: Rachel Leonard, Sarah Rathlisberger, Angela Schumann, Matt Leonard, Mike
Haaland, Tom Pawelk
1. Call to Order
Mayor Lloyd Hilgart called the special meeting to order at 5 p.m.
2. Discussion on Public Works Facility
City Administrator Rachel Leonard gave a brief overview of the Public Works Facility
Project. She commented on the needs of the existing Public Works Facility and the need
for a plan to move forward. She requested input from the City Council on project and
timing for budgeting in the Capital Improvement Plan.
Finance Director Sarah Rathlisberger distribute four bond scenarios of differently priced
buildings and the annual payment that the City would be responsible for.
The Council discussed the financial aspects of the project. Mayor Hilgart mentioned the
potential funding from a gas franchise fee and state aid funds to continue with road
maintenance and pavement program.
The City Council discussed the needs at the current facility which includes addressing
drainage issues, HVAC replacement, and updates to the bathrooms and locker rooms. In
addition, there isn't enough room to address current space needs. After some
discussion, there was consensus of the group that the City should build a new facility,
instead of upgrading the existing facility.
Public Works Director/City Engineer Matt Leonard gave a handout of a modified building
layout for review. There was significant discussion on the size of the vehicle storage
area. Mayor Hilgart found the space to be quite large and questioned whether a cold
storage area could be built for some of the equipment. Council Member Christianson
agreed and questioned the difficulty of constructing a smaller building and adding on
the future. Mr. Leonard noted that remodels are hard, and costs could be much higher.
Rachel Leonard commented that she would like the architect to weigh in and explain the
needs for the amount of storage that was presented.
City Council Special Meeting Minutes —July 14, 2025
The City Council discussed the cost options presented by Ms. Rathlisberger. The options
were $25 million - $40 million. There was agreement that the $40 million option will not
have the support of Council. Council Member Martie spoke in support of a building that
cost $25-$30 million. Both Mayor Hilgart and Council Member Christianson want to see
a number that is lower but meets the City's needs. Both were discouraged about the
large size of heated storage. Council Member Gabler disagreed and noted that the City
should build for future needs.
The group also discussed the timing of the project. Ms. Rathlisberger stated that, the
current plan is to build the facility in 2027 with first bond payment in 2028. However, if
interest rates drop, there is the possibility of building in 2026 with first bond payment in
2027. In addition, it was mentioned that the annual payment is as significant a number
as the total amount of the project.
3. Adjournment
By consensus, the meeting was adjourned at 6:15 p.m.
Recorder: Jennifer Schreiber/RJ Ah
Attest:
City Administrator
City Council Special Meeting Minutes —July 14, 2025