City Council Minutes 10-13-2025 SpecialMINUTES
MONTICELLO CITY COUNCIL SPECIAL MEETING
Monday, October 13, 2025 — 5:00 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, Bob
Ferguson, Jim Thares, Tom Pawelk, and Stephanie Trottier
1. Call to Order
Mayor Lloyd Hilgart called the special meeting to order at 5:00 p.m.
2. City Property and Land Broker Discussion
Community Development Director Angela Schumann gave an overview of City -owned
properties. The properties discussed did not include those held by the EDA or those
used for City operations. The following properties were discussed:
• Jefferson Commission, one parcel - an approximate 7-acre property. Ms.
Schumann noted that this is the only property listed with a broker. Currently a
childcare facility is pending for this property, with shared access and stormwater
needs.
The City Council discussed future land use of the remaining area which was
previously envisioned for commercial or recreational uses.
Staff requested feedback on whether to retain the broker given the limited
market interest and cost to the City. It was noted that there were minimal
developer inquiries in the past year. There was no direction on broker usage.
• Pointes at Cedar which includes three parcels (2.98, 3.75, and 35.69 acres) near
the central water feature/stormwater pond. Ms. Schumann noted that staff was
exploring land acquisition or trade options to secure areas needed for ponding.
It was mentioned that City Council previously directed staff to seek grant
opportunities for park/recreation land.
Staff and City Council discussed land valuation and potential trade options.
Comparable land values range from $100,000—$135,000 per acre (depending on
stormwater and fees).
Developer (Charlie Pfeffer) expressed interest in clarifying property lines or
pursuing a land swap as his property is included in the Pointes at Cedar and has
City Council Special Meeting Minutes — October 13, 2025
remained inactive for several years. Mr. Pfeffer noted strong motivation to sell
and willingness to consider swaps for City -owned parcels, including land off
Edmonson Road that could be marketed for residential use.
Council reached consensus to have staff explore all agreeable options and bring
back information.
• South School Boulevard Parcel, one parcel — 43.463 acres. The southwest parcel
is currently used for stormwater. Ms. Schumann questioned the City Council on
whether to keep it zoned residential or rezone/market differently. The Council
reached consensus that staff wait until the Public Works building is completed
before making a decision.
• 200 River Street West (Drawers of Davlee). Ms. Schumann noted that the lease
with Drawers of Davlee expires in 2026. The City Council and staff discussed
short-term lease renewal (one year at a time) and potential long-term vision for
the property. It was decided that staff will discuss future plans with the tenant
and consider City's broader redevelopment goals for the site.
3. Tree Grant Discussion
Parks and Recreation Director Tom Pawelk gave a brief overview of the Minnesota
Department of Natural Resources Forestry Grants — 2025 ReLeaf Program. He note that
there are two $0-match grants available, each up to $500,000. The first focuses on
assisting homeowners with diseased tree removal and the second aids a community
tree planning within designated census block. He added that the City has funds for
public tree removal. This grant would extend assistance to private property owners.
Mr. Pawelk stated that one of the City's responsibilities include development of a form
and application for residents to request tree removal.
If the City is selected, one contractor will be hired to complete the removals.
If awarded early in the year, work would begin around April 2026 and end spring 2027.
4. Adjournment
By consensus, the meeting was adjourned at 6:15 p.m.
Recorder: Jennifer Schreiber
Attest:
City Administrator
City Council Special Meeting Minutes — October 13, 2025