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2023-24 Fall/Winter NewsletterWinter 2023-2024 City of Montic e l l o City of Monticello DirectoryCity of Monticello Directory 2023-2024 Winter Newsletter3 City Council Message from the Mayor | City Meetings 4 Election Information Presidential Primary | Polling Locations 5 2024 Tax Levy & Budget Information 2024 Proposed Budget | Property Tax Levy Information 6 Project Updates Safe Routes to School | BCOL Athletic Park | EAB 7 Project Updates Downtown | Water Treatment Facility | Safe Streets 4 All9 2024 Proposed Local Sales Tax Connect With Us | Local Sales Tax Information and FAQs 10 Public Works New Public Works Facility | Seasonal Reminders 12 Parks, Arts, & Recreation Needs Assessment & Master Plan | The Dragonfly Effect 13 MontiArts What’s New? | Monticello Senior Center 14 Community Events & Activities MCC | Hi-Way Liquors | DMV16 Public Services Fire Department | WCSO | Library 18 Housing Resources Housing Study | Salting Smarter 19 Preparing Your Home For Winter Seasonal Reminders | Sidewalks: Snow & Ice Removal 20 City Services Garbage & Recycling | Snow Plow Safety City Directory Animal Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (612) 859-6989 203 Chelsea Road, Monticello, MN 55362 Facility Hours: 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. (Monday - Friday) Email: animal.control@ci.monticello.mn.us City Hall . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (763) 295-2711 505 Walnut Street, Monticello, MN 55362 Hours: 8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. (Monday - Friday) Email: info@ci.monticello.mn.us Parks, Arts, & Recreation. . . . . . . (763) 295-2711 505 Walnut Street, Monticello, MN 55362 Hours: 8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. (Monday - Friday) Email: parks.info@ci.monticello.mn.us Community Center . . . . . . . . . . . . (763) 295-2954 505 Walnut Street, Monticello, MN 55362 Hours: 5 a.m. - 9 p.m. (Monday - Friday) 7 a.m. - 8 p.m. (Saturday), 7 a.m. - 6 p.m. (Sunday) Email: mccinfo@ci.monticello.mn.us Website: www.monticellocommunitycenter.com Dept. of Motor Vehicles . . . . . . . (763) 295-2712 118 West 6th Street, Monticello, MN 55362 Hours: 8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. (Monday - Friday) 8 a.m. - 12 p.m. (Saturday) Email: deputy.registrar2@ci.monticello.mn.us FiberNet Monticello . . . . . . . . . . .(763) 314-0100 118 West 6th Street, Monticello, MN 55362 Hours: 10 a.m. - 12:30 p.m./1:30 - 4 p.m. (Monday - Friday) Phones: 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. (Monday - Friday) Email: service@fibernetmonticello.com Website: www.fibernetmonticello.com Hi-Way Liquors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (763) 295-5222 545 Highway 25 North, Monticello, MN 55362 Hours: 9 a.m. - 8 p.m. (Monday - Thursday) 9 a.m. - 10 p.m. (Friday - Saturday) 11 a.m. - 6 p.m. (Sunday) Email: randall.johnsen@ci.monticello.mn.us Public Works . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (763) 295-3170 909 Golf Course Road, Monticello, MN 55362 Hours: 7 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. (Monday - Friday) Email: public.works@ci.monticello.mn.us Fire Department Emergency . . . . . . . . . . . . . 911 Non-Emergency . . . . . . . . (763) 295-4111 Wright County Sheriff’s Office Emergency . . 911 Non-Emergency . . . . . . . . (763) 682-1162 Trailblazer Transit . . . . . . . . . . . .1 (888) 743-3828 Hours: 6:30 a.m. - 5:30 p.m. Daily | Handicap Accessible $2/Ride in city limits | $4/Ride less than 25 miles Monticello City Council The Monticello City Council has a Mayor and four Council members. The Mayor is the presiding officer and serves an elected two-year term. The Council members serve four-year staggered terms, so there are two seats up for election every two years. City Council Members:• Mayor Lloyd Hilgart ◦Lloyd.Hilgart@ci.monticello.mn.us ◦Term Expires December 31, 2024• Council Member Charlotte Gabler ◦Charlotte.Gabler@ci.monticello.mn.us ◦Term Expires December 31, 2026• Council Member Tracy Hinz ◦Tracy.Hinz@ci.monticello.mn.us ◦Term Expires December 31, 2026• Council Member Lee Martie ◦Lee.Martie@ci.monticello.mn.us ◦Term Expires December 31, 2024• Council Member Sam Murdoff ◦Sam.Murdoff@ci.monticello.mn.us ◦Term Expires December 31, 2024 As a group, the Council is responsible for the efficient operation of the city government through policies and ordinances. They are also responsible for budgeting, taxation, and management of city property. Message from the Mayor City Council Meetings • Meetings are the 2nd and 4th Mondays of the month at 6:30 p.m. at the community center • The agenda is available at the meeting, or at www.ci.monticello.mn.us/AgendaCenter • We have a City Council guide that tells you what to expect when you attend: www.ci.monticello.mn.us/241/City-Council • Watch live from our website or cable channel 12/180. The recordings are replayed on cable or anytime on our website. • Have a question or concern? You can speak during Citizen Comments to address the council about topics not on the agenda. Each speaker is allowed three minutes to speak to the Council. • Highlights from the City Council meetings are posted to the City blog via our website at: www.ci.monticello.mn.us/Blog.aspx • Archived agendas and minutes are available on our website or by contacting the City Clerk at (763) 295-2711. Winter | 2023- 2024 | Page 3 We’ve wrapped up a busy summer of local activities. We had a wonderful season of Music on the Mississippi, the Monticello Farmers Market, Riverfest, and the second annual Let’s Chalk event. With these summertime favorites, our community also had the unique opportunity to experience The Wall That Heals, a replica of the Vietnam Memorial brought to Monticello through the work of local volunteers. It was an incredibly moving experience, and I’m grateful to have been part of it. Mayor Hilgart trying the ‘jaws of life’ at the MFD Open House Thank you to the businesses and volunteers who donated time or resources to make these events possible. An active, engaged community is one of the best parts of Monticello, and we can never take that for granted. I also want to thank everyone for your patience with the construction projects and detours in place. Minnesota has a short construction season, so it’s always a challenge to fit in the work before the ground freezes and the snow flies. Despite the challenges, I’m happy to see so many projects taking shape and becoming part of Monticello. Notable projects on that list are the progress on the Block 52 project with main-floor commercial spaces and upper-floor apartments, new single-family houses being built in the Edmonson Ridge, Featherstone, and Haven Ridge neighborhoods, new senior villas being constructed along 7th Street west, and the new WiHa Tools industrial building on 7th Street east. These projects reflect our commitment to responsible development in all sectors as defined by our Monticello 2040 Comprehensive Plan. We’ve also seen momentum on the larger projects we’re working on with regional partners. The I-94 Coalition successfully secured funds to expand I-94 to three lanes in both directions between Albertville and Monticello. This is much needed and will help with congestion on the interstate. Also, the Central Mississippi River Regional Planning Partnership (CMRP) is engaged in a project to determine the best transportation solutions between Highway 10 and Highway 25. These projects will help us adapt as our city grows, but our goal is to have them add to the character of our community rather than change it. And, as we saw this summer at all of the events, people are what make a community. Together we can keep our small-town Monticello spirit even as our area evolves. I’m excited be part of the growth and the spirit of our town. - Mayor Lloyd Hilgart Page 4 | www.ci.monticello.mn.us MONTICELLO’S FOUR POLLING LOCATIONS FOR THE 2024 ELECTIONS MONTICELLO P-1 POLLING PLACE LOCATION – Monticello Community Center Gymnasium, MONTICELLO P-2 POLLING PLACE LOCATION – Resurrection Lutheran Church, MONTICELLO P-3 POLLING PLACE LOCATION – Monticello High School Fieldhouse (Gym), MONTICELLO P-4 POLLING PLACE LOCATION – Kindred Hearts Event Center, 505 Walnut St., Monticello, MN 9300 Jason Avenue NE, Monticello, MN 5225 School Boulevard, Monticello, MN 1549 Broadway East, Monticello, MN Presidential Nomination PrimaryPresidential Nomination Primary The State of Minnesota will hold a Presidential Nomination Primary election on Tuesday, March 5, 2024. Only presidential candidates from major parties will be listed and each party will have its own separate ballot. There are three major parties: Democratic-Farmer-Labor Party, Legal Marijuana Now Party, and the Republican Party of Minnesota. City of Monticello residents can vote at their polling place on presidential primary day or vote early at City Hall beginning January 19, 2024. A voter can also request a ballot be mailed to them. A voter must request the ballot of the party of their choice. If a voter refuses to select a party, they will not be able to vote in the presidential nomination primary. A voter’s choice of party ballot will be recorded and is private data. The information will not be part of the voter’s registration record but will be part of their voting history and provided to the chair of each major political party. How a voter voted on a ballot is secret. Precinct caucuses and local and state nominating conventions will still take place to conduct other party business. Thank you to our polling place hosts and election judges for their help! Winter | 2023- 2024 | Page 5 On Monday, December 11, City Council approved the 2024 budget and property tax levy at a public hearing. The total combined levy amount is $13,525,000 or an 8.6% increase. This includes the City of Monticello tax levy and the Housing and Redevelopment Authority (HRA) levy. The adopted city levy is $13,034,000, an increase of $1,024,000 over the 2023 city levy. The HRA levy for 2024 will be $451,000, or $49,000 more than 2023. The HRA Levy is used to fund the activities of the Economic Development Authority (EDA), primarily housing and redevelopment projects within Monticello. After lengthy discussion, Council decided to remove some funding to the Capital Fund, dropping the City’s portion of the levy from 9 to 8.5%. The levy was influenced by a variety of factors. This year, the city’s largest property taxpayer, Xcel Energy decreased in value shifting a greater part of the levy onto other taxpayers. Therefore, residential, commercial & industrial, and apartment properties will see a greater increase in property taxes regardless of the levy amount approved. City Council held several budget workshops from July through September of 2023 to weigh budgetary needs with the associated tax burden on property owners in the community. Their goal was to ensure consistent levels of services and programs the community has enjoyed in the past, while addressing the following increased or new costs:   • Increases in the cost of local law enforcement • 3 elections in 2024: Presidential Primary, Primary, and General • Inflation and rising operational costs • Response to the spread of Emerald Ash Borer (EAB) in Monticello • Maintenance needs for assets like local pathways, which were cut from previous years’ budgets  What are my Property Taxes used for? About 1/3 of the funds are used to make the City’s debt payments, fund capital projects, and support the Monticello Community Center. The remainder of the levy is put into the General Fund. The General Fund pays for city services like public safety, including the contract with Wright County Sheriff’s Office; snow and ice removal; and funding city departments. The tax levy funds larger projects over time as well as complete our day-to-day operations on behalf of the public. It’s divided as follows:  • 30% of the general fund goes to public safety  ◦This includes building inspections, the fire department, and law enforcement  • 24% goes to public works  ◦Public Works covers things like snow and ice removal, street maintenance, and the water department  • 21% funds general government ◦For example, planning and zoning, finance, and administration  • 17.9% goes to recreation and culture  ◦This includes park maintenance, and the City’s contribution to the senior center and MontiArts  • 7% for sanitation  Additional information about the City of Monticello’s budget and levy process can be found on our website at www.ci.monticello.mn.us/631/Levy-Budget. You can view the full presentation for the 2024 Budget and Property Tax Levy on the City’s website in the Agenda Center or watch the recording online.   2024 Tax Levy & Budget Information Page 6 | www.ci.monticello.mn.us Project Updates Safe Routes to School Project UpdatesNearly four and a half years ago, the City of Monticello and Monticello School District created a Safe Routes to School Plan. The goal was to use the plan to apply for grants to fund infrastructure improvements to make walking, biking, and rolling more accessible while encouraging health and safety for Monticello students and all members of the Monticello community. Since then, we’ve successfully acquired grant funding for a variety of projects. Most recently, the City of Monticello and Monticello School District were awarded a MN Department of Transportation (MnDOT) Safe Routes to School 2022 Infrastructure Grant. The grant funding was used for safety improvements near Pinewood Elementary School and along School Boulevard. School Boulevard Project:As part of the School Boulevard project the trail from Cardinal Hills Park to Fenning Avenue has been extended. Improvements were made to the High School entrance including a refuge island for pedestrians. The Eastview Education Center’s sidewalk was widened to assist with drop-off and pick-up times. Radar feedback speed signs, additional lighting, and Rapid-Flashing Beacons (RRFB) will also be installed at 3 enhanced pedestrian crossings. Pinewood Elementary Project:Sidewalks and RRFB have been installed at various locations around Pinewood Elementary, as well as 3 enhanced pedestrian crossings and refuge islands. Bertram Chain of Lakes (BCOL) Athletic Park - Phase II Improvements Project Construction of a new phase of improvements at the Bertram Chain of Lakes Regional Athletic Park started this fall. The project focuses on improving site access with additional parking, accessibility, potable water, irrigation, and pedestrian safety upgrades. The project also includes expanding the existing gravel parking lot and a new gravel parking lot to the south of the pond, with security lighting and additional roadway connections the existing park drive around the west side of the pond and to connect to the park’s main entrance road to the south. The project also includes the expansion of the existing trail system, three drinking fountains, a concrete pad for restrooms, tree planting and native seeding. Improvements at BCOL are part of a phased approach to building the Bertram Chain of Lakes Athletic Park. Adult EAB beetle. Photo by: Brian Sullivan, USDA APHIS PPQ, Bugwood.org Emerald Ash Borer Management Plan In response to the discovery of Emerald Ash Borer (EAB) in Monticello’s ash trees, the City has initiated a comprehensive strategy for maintaining our urban tree canopy. Using a grant from the DNR, we are completing a city-wide inventory of all public trees. The inventory the City’s community trees, including their species, size, and condition. The counts will identify future tree planting locations on public property. As we work to diversify tree species in the community. These efforts will help consider where and how lost ash trees can be replaced throughout Monticello. The City also applied for additional funding from the MN DNR to support the city tree inventory, EAB Management Plan, updating the city tree ordinance, a storm preparedness plan, city tree watering methods, tree injections and inspection, ongoing maintenance, and replanting. Over time, staff treat large legacy trees in our community and plant new trees. Our goal is to increase public awareness of EAB and the importance of our community’s urban canopy, preserve and protect our canopy, and educate residents about the importance of planting diverse trees. If you’re seeing symptoms of EAB and would like to request an inspection of your ash tree, please contact Parks.Info@ci.monticello.mn.us. Updates & Proposed Projects Winter | 2023- 2024 | | Page 7 Downtown Updates In partnership with Wright County, the Downtown Roadway & Pedestrian Improvements Project includes improvements to River Street between Locust and Highway 25, Walnut Street between River Street and Broadway Street, and Broadway Street between 500 feet east of Jerry Liefert Drive to Pine Street (TH 25). The improvements along River and Walnut Street include several pedestrian safety enhancements, including the addition and widening of sidewalks, traffic calming measures, flashing pedestrian signals, way-finding signage and lighting improvements. Parking enhancements and underground placement of utility lines are also components of the project. The reconnection of Walnut to River Street and the widening of the turning radius at the northwest corner of Broadway and Pine Streets are proposed to improve vehicular travel in this area of downtown. Construction started in the middle of August 2023. Last month (November 2023) crews filled the medians and sidewalk gaps with gravel for the winter season, with final pavement scheduled for 2024. The final layer of street paving, utility under-grounding, landscaping, and striping will occur in 2024. The area between the sidewalk and curb will be partially filled in with gravel and/or soil for the winter and completed in summer 2024. Streetscaping in the medians will also be completed in 2024. New Water Treatment Facility Update In May 2023 the City of Monticello received $11 million for construction of a new water treatment facility through the 2023 Bonding Bill passed by the State of Minnesota. State funding was critical for accelerating the timeline for building the facility and its associated utility infrastructure in our community. While the municipal drinking water meets all federal and state regulatory requirements, tests have shown Monticello’s five municipal wells have higher levels of manganese than what is recommended by the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH). The City completed a feasibility study to determine the most cost-effective way to treat Monticello’s drinking water to ensure our citizens have safe, reliable drinking water. This study recommended the construction of a convention gravity filtration system water-treatment plant. Flashing Yellow Arrows Project The City of Monticello looks for opportunities to improve local roadways. This year we applied for and were awarded a grant to add flashing yellow arrows to traffic signals at 9 intersections in town. The proposed flashing left turn arrows are intended to provide better vehicle spacing entering State Highway 25 and I-94 and a better level of service by reducing vehicle delays and potentially reducing turning vehicles on red lights. Construction is anticipated to start in Spring 2024. These intersections will have flashing yellow arrows added: • Trunk Highway (TH) 25 & Chelsea Road • TH 25 & School Boulevard • TH 25 and I-94 Westbound Ramp • TH 25 and I-94 Eastbound Ramp • County State Aid Highway (CSAH) 18 and I-94 Westbound Ramp • CSAH 18 and I-94 Eastbound Ramp • CSAH 18 and CSAH 39/CSAH 75 • CSAH 75 (Broadway) and the Hospital/Middle School • CSAH 75 and Highland Way SCAN HERE FOR MORE INFO:The new facility will be constructed at a city-owned site on Chelsea Road that houses existing utility infrastructure. The state funding contribution will not cover the full cost of construction, estimated at $28 million. However, it is a vital financing component that will reduce the amount Monticello needs to bond for and repay through utility rates. City leaders also continue to seek funding support from additional sources, including assistance from the federal government. Providing safe drinking water to the public is one of our fundamental responsibilities to the public, and we’re committed to enhancing this service so you can feel confident every time you turn on the tap. • Click on the round green “Projects” button at the top of the page to see a list of current projects across several departments.• Use the “Our Government” Tab or the “Agendas & Minutes” button to check out the Council’s page.• You can also check out our blog to find the latest news from the City of Monticello. Using any of these links will bring you to pages on the site with more detailed information. Still can’t find what you’re looking for? Try out our search bar at the top right corner for a faster way to scan our website’s resources! We want to hear from you!An agenda for all public meetings is posted to the city’s website in advance. You can review the items and let us know your thoughts in a couple of different ways: • Email us before 4 p.m., the day of the meeting. We will print your comments and have them ready for the board members at their meeting. Include your full name and address for your comment to be added to the board’s information.• Attend a meeting and talk with the board or City Council during Citizen’s Comment. If there is a public hearing scheduled, you can comment or question during the public hearing for the agenda item. • Call us! City staff are happy to talk with you and answer questions you have about construction or development happening in our community.• You can call City Hall at: (763) 295-2711. The departments available at City Hall include Administration & HR; Finance and Utility Billing; Community & Economic Development; Parks, Arts, & Recreation; the Dept. of Building Safety & Code Enforcement; Communications, and IT. ◦You can call Public Works at: (763) 295-3170. The departments available at Public Works include Engineering, Water & Sewer, and Streets. ◦Please note: if you have any questions or concerns about I-94 or Highway 25, those roads are managed and maintained by MnDOT who can be reached at (218) 828-5700. ◦If you have any concerns about Broadway (Wright County Road 75) that is managed and maintained by the Wright County Highway Department who you can contact at (763) 682-7383. Watch a City MeetingWe’re proud to be able to provide citizens with the ability to watch City Council, Planning Commission, and Economic Development Authority meetings live or by recording. • Stream the meetings live or watch a recording on our Live Stream website. ◦Go to the “I Want To...” tab on the City’s website and select the “Watch a City Meeting” page. • Watch the meeting live on local cable channel 12 (channel 180 for Charter subscribers). The meetings are also replayed throughout the week. Page 8 | www.ci.monticello.mn.us Connect With UsConnect With Us Have you ever wondered how you can find out about all the things happening around town? Or what’s coming next? We’ve got lots of places you can find out! Visit our website www.ci.monticello.mn.us: Our website has a lot of information right on the home page.• Click on any of the buttons, or the ‘latest news’ scrolling bar to see what’s new in Monticello• Keep scrolling down to view our City Calendar. There you’ll find our upcoming meeting schedule, events, and more! SCAN HERE FOR MORE INFO: Safe Streets 4 All - Action Plan In January 2023, the City was awarded $200,000 in federal funding to complete a Safe Streets 4 All (SS4A) Action Plan. One of the primary goals of Monticello’s Comprehensive Safety Action Plan will be to help identify roadway improvements to increase multi-modal transportation safety with the goal of eliminating serious injury and fatality accidents in Monticello. A Comprehensive Safety Action Plan will provide a framework of strategies and implementation actions to reduce fatal and serious crashes for ALL roadway users. Once the plan is complete, we plan to apply for grant funding to employ low-cost, high impact strategies to improve safety while adopting and incorporating innovative technologies, projects, and strategies to ensure equitable investment in safety for Monticello’s residents. Visit our website to learn more! https://bit.ly/SafeStreets4All Winter | 2023- 2024 | Page 9 Local Sales Tax Inforomation for the November 2024 ElectionWHY IS MONTICELLO CONSIDERING A LOCAL SALES TAX? Monticello is looking forward to continued investment in two regionally valuable projects: The Pointes at Cedar and the Bertram Chain of Lakes Regional Athletic Park. The amenities in these two public spaces will serve Monticello AND draw visitors and businesses to our community. Given their regional significance, these two projects are eligible to be funded by a local sales tax. A sales tax distributes the project cost among all people who shop in our community, not just people who pay property taxes. A 2023 study by the University of Minnesota Extension Office estimated we could generate $1.4 million in revenue annually. The study also estimated that 31.4% of the revenue would come from residents. The other 68.6% would be paid by non-residents. • If approved by voters, the proposed half cent tax would go into effectin 2025 and last for 20 years, ending in 2045. • Monticello is one of the county’s regional retail centers, generating23% of Wright County’s total sales. • Roughly 69% of sales tax revenue is expected to be paid by non-residents. • Each resident would contribute an estimated $30.41 per year. DETAILS OF THE PROPOSED SALES TAX The Projects: Bertram Chain of Lakes Regional Athletic Park: Bertram provides a place for the community to gather and play! The Master Plan for Bertram envisions a regional athletic complex with fields for soccer, lacrosse, football, softball, baseball, and more. The plan also includes a variety of amenities to support regional and even state-wide tournaments at the park. The Pointes at Cedar Recreational Area: The Pointes builds on Monticello’s identity as a destination for recreation. The project is anchored by three interconnected small lakes surrounded by pathways, art, entertainment, and gathering spaces. The lively public space in the middle will drive new residential and commercial activity around the edge. FAQs: • What is the tax? Monticello is proposing one sales tax to fund two projects. It would be a ½ percent sales tax that would be in place for a maximum of 20 years. • When will the tax be considered? Each project will be on the ballot individually. Voters can approve the sales tax funding for both projects, one project, or neither project. The questions asked of voters will be if they approve of funding the projects using a sales tax. If the community would prefer not to use a sales tax, the projects would be developed in phases over time with funding from the City’s tax levy. • If we vote yes for the Sales Tax, does it stay forever? No, the City is proposing a maximum of 20 years, ending in 2045. If approved, the tax will automatically sunset after 20 years or earlier if the requested funding amount achieved. Additionally the money from the proposed tax can only be used for the specified projects. • What happens if the Sales Tax is not supported by voters? Both projects are already included in the Monticello 2040 Community Vision + Comprehensive Plan, and are included in the City’s annual budgeting process. If the voters do not support the local option sales tax, City Council will continue to plan and budget for the two proposed projects utilizing the City’s existing financial resources and strategies. Committing sales tax revenue to fund these projects means they can be built over time for the community and greater region while reducing the burden on local tax payers. Why is Monticello Considering a new Public Works Facility? The divisions of public works need a safe, efficient, and functional facility from which to serve the public. The City’s current public works facility is located at 909 Golf Course Road. The current facility was built in 1975; the most recent update was in 1997. Long-term facility needs for the public works department has been a consideration for more than two decades. Monticello has been examining how to address issues with the existing site since 2007. Two needs studies have been completed, one in 2007 and the latest in 2019. Both studies recommended constructing a new facility on a larger parcel than the current facility sits on. A renewed effort began in 2021 due to two important factors: the condition of the existing facility, and the limitations of the existing site’s size and shape. This is because of the following factors: • The existing Public Works facility needs millions of dollars in upgrades to comply with current building standards. • The current facility is too small, requiring the city to rent storage space and have equipment and materials stored in areas throughout the City. • The existing lot size limits the expansion of the existing facility. Page 10 | www.ci.monticello.mn.us Public WorksPublic WorksContinuing the Design of a New Public Works Facility Monticello Public Works Department is responsible for providing essential services to the community. As we think about the future of our city, a significant priority is to replace the aging public works facility so the department can continue to serve residents efficiently and effectively for years to come. Public Works Facility Project Purpose: Monticello initiated steps to plan and invest in a new facility that will meet the current and future needs of our community. The new facility is proposed to be constructed along School Boulevard near the water tower site on property that was purchased in 2021. The City of Monticello is working with Oertel Architects to design the facility for: • Engineering, Streets, Water & Sewer, Facilities Maintenance, and Public Works Administration. • Office space, vehicle storage, fleet maintenance area, workshops, cold storage, fuel island, salt storage, etc. • It is also proposed to be used for an election precinct and IT infrastructure. Construction of a new City facility is a significant, long-term investment. City leaders are carefully considering how to best utilize the site, design the facility, and fund construction. The goal is to ensure a facility that serves the community for decades. Seasonal Reminders HYDRANT FLUSHING Every fall the City flushes out its water mains through the fire hydrants. This clears the water mains of sediment and minerals that settle in water mains over time. Staff also verifies the hydrants are in good working order. It’s common to see a drop in water pressure while crews are doing work in your area. During flushing, deposits from water lines may create a yellowish to brownish discoloration of water in homes near flushing areas. While this water is safe for drinking, it may discolor laundry. If you’re experiencing discolored water, we advise you to hold off from doing laundry and run water until lines run clear. If this discoloration lasts longer than two days, residents are asked to call the Utility Department at (763) 295-3170. Staff will start on the east side of Monticello and work their way to the west. Flushing is expected to end in early November, but timelines are subject to change. WINTER PARKING Beginning November 15 through April 1 there is NO PARKING allowed on city streets from 1 a.m. to 6 a.m. The overnight parking restriction allows crews to perform snowplow operations efficiently and effectively throughout the winter. In 2022 the City opted to limit on-street parking only during declared snow events but found the consistent nightly restriction was more effective at keeping public streets free of parked cars during snowfalls. The city will continue to declare snow events as needed outside of the November 15 or April 1 timeline, or if large accumulation requires parking restrictions outside of the standard 1 a.m. to 6 a.m. window. The snow event alerts will include the time frame for no on-street parking, and the news will be communicated in a variety of ways, including the City’s website, opt-in text or email alerts, social media, and local news outlets. ICE CONTROL City crews apply a salt brine to primary streets before a storm arrives. This helps prevent snow and ice from bonding to the pavement. Following a storm, crews use a sand/salt mixture on icy areas. This doesn’t guarantee totally ice-free streets, so please drive carefully even where sanding is evident. Priority areas, such as hills or intersections with high traffic volumes, are sanded first. All other areas are done as time permits. BOULEVARD TREE TRIMMING Public Works performs routineboulevard tree trimming duringthe fall and winter as time allows.This is a complimentary serviceto residents as it’s necessary toensure public safety. All trimming is performed at thedirection of certified arborists.Trees may look bare aftertrimming, as they’re typicallytrimmed high to accommodatefire trucks, garbage trucks, andother large vehicles. The tree willbegin to look normal the nextgrowing season with a healthierform and structure. The Boulevard Tree Trimming page on our website has some helpful FAQs and shows the appropriate tree clearance over streets and sidewalks. www.ci.monticello.mn.us/188 SNOWMOBILE REGULATIONSSnowmobile trails in the city limitsare clearly posted with signs, andmaps are available on the City’swebsite. Snowmobiles are prohibited from operating in the following areas:• Interstate highways or freeways• Sidewalks, pathways & boulevards within public right-of-way• Public property, including city parks and school property• Private property without consent• Between 11 p.m. and 7 a.m. within 300 feet of a residence• At speeds exceeding 15 MPH CHRISTMAS TREE PICK UP Christmas tree pickup isscheduled for January 8 & 9. Please place your tree curbside by 7 a.m. on Monday, January 8, 2024. Trees must be un-bagged and free of stands, ornaments, metal objects, wires, lights, etc. Wreaths are not accepted. If you are unable to have your tree at the curb by the pickup date, you may drop it off at the Public Works Facility at 909 Golf Course Road. Questions? Please call Public Works at (763) 295-3170. Winter | 2023- 2024 | Page 11 Parks and Recreation is a key part of what makes Monticello special. Our community has invested in playgrounds, green spaces and gardens, sports fields, and the arts to give people places and programming to enjoy. Now we’re looking to the future of parks, arts, and recreation. The City of Monticello strives to provide a welcoming, fun and safe environment. While providing facilities and programming that our community wants and needs. To ensure we’re meeting this goal, we’ve planned a two-phase process for updating the Parks Master Plan. The first phase is a Comprehensive Needs Assessment to evaluate existing infrastructure (buildings, athletic fields, parks, etc.) and programming, survey the community, and evaluate national trends in parks and recreation. The assessment is nearly complete and ready to be used in the second phase of the project, the development of a Parks Master Plan. The key takeaways from the assessment process are: • Overall, public satisfaction with the system is high • People want better connectivity for recreation and access for walking and biking • We can improve promotion of system. Maps, web-based information, way-finding, etc. would be beneficial • Improved access to restrooms and shelters is desired • Playgrounds are important, highly utilized assets. Life cycle tracking and replacement planning is key to meeting future needs • Expanded access to natural areas is desired (passive recreation opportunities, and access to the river specifically) • MontiArts is an energized asset with growing momentum The Master Plan is intended to be a long-term vision for parks and recreation in Monticello. When complete, it will be added to the Monticello 2040 Community Vision + Comprehensive Plan which provides a blueprint for our community over the next two decades! The PAR Master Plan is intended to be a robust document that can guide maintenance and development of the parks system over the next 15+ years. It will identify and prioritize future capital improvements, planning, programming, and initiatives. It will also provide a budget forecast for comprehensive park and pathway improvement plans, identify gaps within the parks system, highlight partnership opportunities, evaluate options to reduce redundancy, and align proposed investments with the needs of the community. Throughout the 2024 PAR System Master Planning effort, residents will have the opportunity to engage with the planning process by attending various community events and pop-up meetings at community parks. We welcome your input to help shape the future of your Parks, Arts, and Recreation System! To learn more about the project and future engagement opportunities please visit: bit.ly/Our-Parks-Our-Places Unveiling of a New Sculpture | The Dragonfly Effect The beautiful floral landscaping of East Bridge Park has attracted thousands of pollinators and people alike for decades. Now, another addition is paying tribute to the park’s significance! In September city staff, MontiArts, members of the Parks, Arts, & Recreation Commission, the volunteer East Bridge Gardeners, and the Dragonfly Society of MN gathered at East Bridge Park to welcome Parker McDonald and celebrate his latest creation for Monticello: a new sculpture of a dragonfly, grasshopper, and a ladybug on long stalks. Monticello’s growing arts and entertainment options provide a variety of experiences for all ages! Connectivity through creativity is the core value behind the Monticello Arts Initiative (MontiArts). What started as an initiative in 2018 to help make the downtown area a vibrant, invigorating space where people enjoy spending time and being active has grown into a thriving group that connects local creatives to one another. Whether you enjoy the over 30 pieces of public art in Monticello (sculptures, murals, etc.), participate in the GLOW parade, High School Art Club, or their weekly events like open mic night or open studio; MontiArts has something for everyone! This activity is made possible by the voters of Minnesota through a grant from the Central MN Arts Board (CMAB), thanks to legislative appropriation from the arts and cultural heritage fund. Page 12 | www.ci.monticello.mn.us Parks, Arts & RecreationParks, Arts & Recreation Winter | 2023- 2024 | Page 13 MontiArtsWhat’s New at MontiArts? We know it was a bit confusing and frustrating navigating the construction downtown, but rest assured, MontiArts is still operating! We’re working on ideas for many fun events. We are in talks with a number of accomplished artists interested in teaching courses in watercolors, mixed media flower painting, colored pencil drawing, block printing, needle felting, and mosaics. We’re also hosting socials and other events where you can learn some techniques, and just have fun in a room full of other people getting their creative groove on. And of course, our Adult Open Studios are still happening every week; Tuesdays from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. and Wednesdays from 6 to 9 p.m. In addition to a new sculpture, we also unveiled Phase 1 of a new mural downtown! With the help of local artist Brian Larson, community artists/volunteers, and the MontiArts interns, we turned an empty building on East Broadway into a brick mural. We’ll continue this mural next spring. Special thanks to CMAB for the grant that made this possible! We’re determined to keep infusing Monticello with creative positive energy throughout this challenging time of change and growth downtown. We will be sprinkling in all kinds of creative activities over the next few months. The best way to stay up to date is to go to www.montiarts.com and sign-up for our monthly newsletter. Stay curious and creative! Monticello Senior Center The Monticello Senior Center is located in the Monticello Community Center at 505 Walnut Street. The senior center is open Monday-Friday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Saturdays from 8 to 11 a.m. Stop by the senior center to pick up a monthly newsletter or access it online at monticelloseniorcenter.org or on our Facebook page. Questions? Give us a call at (763) 295-2000. Noon Dinner ProgramNoon meals are served at the Monticello Senior Center Tuesday through Friday. Tuesday meals are provided by Chin Yuen, Wednesday meals by American Legion Post 260, Thursday meals by VFW Post 8731, and Friday meals by the Cornerstone Café. Meals cost $5, anyone age 55+ and their spouse (regardless of age) are welcome to dine at the center. To participate, you must sign up at the senior center at least one day in advance (by noon) and must pay for the meals ordered. HOME ProgramThe senior center HOME Program offers a variety of services for people ages 60 and up. Including personal technology assistance, handy-person services, home safety checks, housekeeping, snow removal, and more. The HOME Program offers affordable services with rates based on the participant’s monthly income and ability to pay. The service area includes The Monticello Senior Center’s Bike Club posing together. The Wednesday night Open Studio Crew. Open Mic Night | MontiArts during Construction - We’re still here! Phase 1 of the new brick mural on East Broadway. Monticello and a number of surrounding communities. Defensive Driving CoursesThe Monticello Senior Center has partnered with the Minnesota Safety Council to provide four-hour refresher defensive driving courses at the center. People ages 55 and up completing a refresher course are eligible for a 10% auto insurance discount. The course costs $25. You must sign up and pay at the senior center in advance by cash or check. No refunds will be given for no shows. Contact the center for class dates and times. Caregiver ServicesIf you’re helping an older adult in your life, you are a caregiver. Licensed Social Worker Becky Allard can help you get the support you need to sustain your ability to provide help and maintain your own life balance. Contact Becky at 612-804-0968 to make a one-on-one appointment for individualized support, guidance, or advice. You can also attend a Caregiver Support Group at the senior center on the second Thursday of each month from 10:30 a.m. to noon. Upcoming Community Events & Activities MONTICELLO INDOOR FARMERS MARKETThe Indoor Farmers Market is back on select Saturdays! Join us inside the Monticello Community Center from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. on January 13, February 10, and March 9! The same vendors you know at the outdoor market come indoors to offer a great variety of canned goods, baked goods, meats, honey, maple syrup, mushrooms, hand-crafted items, and more! SWIMMING LESSONSWinter Swimming Lessons have been scheduled! Registration opens Wednesday, December 13 for MCC members and Friday, December 15 for everyone. ANNUAL FATBIKEFESTJoin us on Saturday, Feb. 17 for the Annual FatBikeFest! There are four race classes: Women’s Rec or Advanced and Men’s Rec or Advanced; with awards going to the top three in each class! Register via CivicRec at https://secure.rec1.com/MN/monticello-mn all proceeds go toward future events and the continued development of the trails at Montiview Park! 2024 GLOW FESTSaturday, February 24 marks the return of the 2024 GLOW Fest, presented by MontiArts! Because of construction, the GLOW Fest might look a little different this year, but we will still make it a memorable, good time for all! Start getting those glow costumes ready! Stay tuned for more information! SPRING EGG DIVEJoin us at the MCC on Friday, March 15 for our Annual Spring Egg Dive! There will be three sessions: session one will be from 9-10:30 a.m. Session two is from 4:30-6 p.m. Session three is from 6:30-8 p.m. Pre-registration is required. Monticello Community CenterMonticello Community Center WE’VE EXTENDED OUR HOURS! • Monday through Friday – 5 a.m. to 9 p.m. • Saturdays – 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. • Sundays – 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. • Check out our amenity hours online at: www.monticellocommunitycenter.com MCC Members have access to the pool, water slide, spas, locker rooms, climbing wall, gymnasium, fitness center, indoor play area, supervised playtime for children, group fitness classes and skating at the Moose Sherritt Ice Arena. Resident, Military, and MERSC discounts available! Check out our website for our upcoming fitness class schedules, recreational leagues, and more! Need holiday gift ideas? MCC Gift Cards are awesome stocking stuffers! Gift cards can be purchased in any amount, and can be used in a variety of ways, including for concessions! Stop by Guest Services to learn more and purchase your gift cards today! Event Rentals - MCC has a room for any needs! MCC’s Mississippi banquet room is ideal for weddings, larger family gatherings, memorials, holiday parties, and meetings. The room has attached kitchen facilities exclusive for the banquet room renters. The Community Center also has meeting rooms available to rent for smaller gatherings, meetings, and events. Our poolside birthday party room offers two different packages. Check out our CivicRec account at https://secure.rec1.com/MN/monticello-mn to make your reservation! Page 14 | www.ci.monticello.mn.us The best home internet around. Symmetrical speeds up to 1Gb/1Gb Powerful, reliable internet Managed WiFi options to cover your home From a company created by Monticello, for Monticello. Ask about our Gig Price for Life! FiberNetMonticello.com Based on service area; some restrictions may apply. ©FiberNet 2022 763.314.0100 118 6th Street W, Suite A, Monticello Live life connected, PREMIUM BROADBAND Winter | 2023- 2024 | Page 15 The best home internet around. Symmetrical speeds up to 1Gb/1Gb Powerful, reliable internet Managed WiFi options to cover your home From a company created by Monticello, for Monticello. Ask about our Gig Price for Life! FiberNetMonticello.com Based on service area; some restrictions may apply. ©FiberNet 2022 763.314.0100 118 6th Street W, Suite A, Monticello Live life connected, PREMIUM BROADBAND What’s New at the DMV? The Monticello DMV (118 West 6th Street) offers a variety of services ranging from hunting & fishing licenses, vehicle registration renewals, special plates, and for just $3, we offer a notary service. If you have a change of address or have lost your Drivers License or ID, stop by the Monticello DMV for processing. If it’s time to renew your Drivers License or ID, Elk River or Wright County Government Centers can assist you. New Plates Available January 1, 2024• Professional Sports Plates - plate fee plus minimum $30 annual contribution• Honoring Murdered Indigenous People – plate fee plus $20 minimum annual contribution• Blackout Plates – white lettering with black background – plate fee plus $30 minimum annual contribution Upcoming Holiday Hours We will be closed Monday, Dec. 25, 2023 in observance of Christmas Day; Monday, Jan. 1, 2024 in observance of New Year’s Day; Monday, Jan. 15, 2024 in observance of Martin Luther King, Jr. Day; and Monday, Feb. 19, 2024 in observance of President’s Day. 2024 Fishing License InformationFishing License renewals are available March 1, 2024. The 2024 fishing opener is May 11, 2024. Don’t forget to stop by the Monticello DMV to register your boat and purchase your fishing license. Shopping LocalShopping Local Makes Cents at Hi-Way Liquors! When you shop at Hi-Way Liquors, you support your community. Profits from the store help fund local projects around the city! We’re open seven days a week: • Monday-Thursday from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.• Friday-Saturday from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m.• Sunday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Upcoming Holiday Hours Hi-Way Liquors will be open from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Christmas Eve (Dec. 24, 2023). We will be closed Christmas Day (Dec. 25, 2023). We will be open from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. on New Year’s Eve (Dec. 31, 2023) and from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. on New Year’s Day (Jan. 1, 2024). Hi-Way Liquors will be closed for inventory on Sunday, January 14, 2024! This happens once per year, and we will be back to our standard hours on Martin Luther King Jr. Day (Jan. 15, 2024). Follow Hi-Way Liquors on Facebook and sign-up for e-deals to learn about discounts, products, and events! Learn more at: www.ci.monticello.mn.us/162/Hi-Way-Liquor-Store Page 16 | www.ci.monticello.mn.us Subscribe to one of our RSS Feeds, City Alerts, the City’s YouTube channel, or our monthly E-News! SCAN HERE TO LEARN MORE: Fire Prevention Month We’re excited that our dedicated firefighters were able to visit Monticello schools to share essential fire prevention education. These visits go beyond the classroom, creating interactive and memorable experiences for our young learners. Our firefighters brought along firetrucks for kids to explore, but the highlight of these visits is our live search and rescue demonstrations. These captivating displays help familiarize students with the appearance and actions of firefighters in full gear, turning them into everyday heroes in the eyes of our children rather than something to fear in an emergency. Fire prevention education is embedded in Monticello Fire’s mission and is critically important to reduce the number of fire incidents that put our community in harm’s way. These efforts equip children with life-saving skills where they recognize fire hazards, identify methods to escape, and ask their parents about a safe meeting space outside the home if they don’t already have one in mind. The commitment of our fire department to educate Monticello’s youth underscores our dedication to creating a safer, more prepared community. We believe that teaching fire prevention at a young age not only saves lives, but also builds a foundation of responsible citizenship. Monticello Fire wants to thank the Monticello VFW Post 8731 for their sponsorship for this year’s fire prevention. Be a Hero - Adopt a hydrant! Monticello Fire Department is encouraging residents to “adopt” a fire hydrant this year with an informal adoption program. We are requesting residents to select a fire hydrant and use snow shovels (not snowblowers) to clear away 3 feet all around the hydrant, ensuring visibility from the roadway. If you notice a damaged fire hydrant, please call Public Works at (763) 295-3170. Buried or hidden hydrants cause dangerous delays for firefighters and keeping them clear can make the difference of saving someone’s home. We also encourage residents to consider their neighbors, who may have health conditions or impairments when choosing a hydrant to adopt. Remember, when firefighters are digging, time keeps ticking! Wright County Citizen Alert System Wright County launched a new Citizen Alert service via Smart911 that allows you to receive notifications based on your location via phone, text, or email for emergency alerts, severe weather, and more! How it works Create an account and add your contact and location information into the Citizen Alert system. When Wright County issues a notification about a potential safety hazard or concern, you will receive a message on the voice or text communication methods that you have registered. All information you provide will be kept strictly confidential. You can stop receiving alerts at any time by removing your contact information from your profile. To learn more, visit: www.co.wright.mn.us/297 or sign up at https://bit.ly/3LTExFp. Monticello Fire DepartmentMonticello Fire Department • Twitter • Facebook • LinkedIn • Instagram Stay up to date on all things Monticello! Monthly information is put inside of your utility bills, or you can follow us on: A Message from the Wright County Sheriff’s Office: Seasonal Reminders Winter is right around the corner, and we as Minnesotans are preparing for the shift in seasons. This is a good time for a few annual reminders! • The sunrise is getting later and the sunset is coming earlier: • Check that your headlights are working properly and being used when it is dark out or snowing. • Wear bright-colored clothing when you go out for a walk, so you stand out and vehicles can see you. • The change in seasons means upcoming changes to the weather and road conditions: • Monitor the weather and give yourself extra time if road conditions will be affected as you go to and from work/school/activities. • Drive for the conditions and give extra following space to cars in front of you. • Give plow drivers room so they can do their job and clear the roads of snow/ice. • Have an emergency kit in your vehicle along with a blanket. • Make sure to keep your car filled with fuel. SCHOOL RESOURCE OFFICER PROGRAM UPDATE The Wright County Sheriff’s Office (WCSO) is committed to providing a safe learning environment for students enrolled in schools throughout Wright County. The Sheriff’s Office has decided to continue having School Resource Officers in the schools, and the new law enacted will minimally affect what they can and cannot do while working directly with the school(s). We have an excellent School Resource Officer program which has been a model program for many other law enforcement agencies throughout the nation. The Monticello School District pays to have two licensed deputies in their schools, one assigned to the Monticello High School and the other assigned to the Monticello Middle School. The two deputies work together to also provide coverage and a presence in the Monticello Elementary schools. SCHOOL BUS SAFETY It’s important to watch for school buses all year! As a reminder, it’s against the law to travel through a school bus stop arm and WCSO takes this violation very seriously. Pay attention and be prepared to stop and wait for buses as they load/unload children. WCSO is committed to the safety of our children. More information on school bus safety can be found on the MN Department of Public Safety – Office of Traffic Safety website: https://dps.mn.gov/divisions/ots/school-bus-safety/Pages/default.aspx The Wright County Sheriff’s Office would like to thank everyone for your ongoing support of our office and deputies. WCSO is an amazing place to work, and we are happy to report we are currently fully staffed! Without the support of our community and residents, we would have a much harder time finding candidates to fill our open positions. We are always looking to hire, and if you or someone you know is interested in learning more about the Wright County Sheriff’s Office, please feel free to reach out to our office, ask questions, and learn more about us. Winter | 2023- 2024 | Page 17 Public Services PROTECT OUR LAKES AND STREAMS BY SALTING SMARTER THIS WINTERWhen snow and ice melt, the salt goes with it, washing into our lakes, streams, wetlands, and groundwater. While salt and other deicing chemicals can be helpful and sometimes necessary to remove ice during the winter, they also contain chloride which is harmful to plants and wildlife in the receiving waters. One teaspoon of salt will pollute five gallons of water, so less is more when it comes to salt application. Tips to reduce salt usage and other best practices: • Remove snow as soon as possible before it gets compacted • Rock salt doesn’t work below 15 degrees Fahrenheit, use sand when it’s too cold for salt (remember to sweep up extra sand once ice melts) • Scrape or chisel ice when possible • Aim for 3 inches between salt granules • One pound of salt should cover more than 250 square feet, use less when possible (more salt does not mean more melting) • Keep salt and other deicing materials in covered storage • Sweep up excess salt For more information on snow and ice removal please visit: www.mwmo.org/learn/preventing-water-pollution/snow-ice-removal Reference: “Fight Snow and Ice, Pollution-Free” Mississippi Watershed Management Organization, www.mwmo.org/learn/preventing-water-pollution/snow-ice-removal Housing ResourcesHousing Resources Page 18 | www.ci.monticello.mn.us Housing comes in all shapes and sizes in Monticello because “home” looks a little different for each of us. From a first apartment to single-level senior living, Monticello is striving to be a place everyone can call home. A range of attainable housing options is so important to residents that it is a core value in the Monticello 2040 Plan, our guide for how the community should grow over the next 20 years. One of the most common questions we hear is, “Why are we seeing so many new apartments?” Continued community population growth, rising new construction costs and increasing interest rates have made rental units an achievable housing choice for many Monticello families. The City’s 2020 Housing Study outlined demand for over 350 new apartment units for new residents. Since that time, 379 multi-family units have been approved and over 280 units are under construction. Even with the addition of these new rental units, low vacancy rates in multi-family housing indicate that we need to continue to monitor rental unit availability. The construction of new apartments has added to the variety of housing choice in Monticello, but it is only one puzzle piece in a larger housing picture. Rising housing costs were also noted in the 2020 Housing Study. These increasing costs are driving a demand for more homeownership opportunities at an affordable price. Builders in Monticello are offering more homes in a variety of price ranges and styles to meet this demand. As we age, we need safe and affordable housing for seniors, too. The City’s Economic Development Authority (EDA) is using tools like tax increment financing to help create homes at prices residents can afford. Working with a private developer, a new senior living project is underway along 7th Street. The senior neighborhood will offer both twin homes and apartments at affordable rates. Recognizing the value of the 2020 Housing Study and its importance when identifying needed housing options, the City is working on updating the study. We hope to learn more about how the housing market has changed over the last 3 years and the types and cost ranges still needed most in Monticello. The information will help us create safe, attractive neighborhoods that allow residents to stay and grow with us, and invite new residents to call Monticello home. If you are interested in finding more information on the status of housing in Monticello and the specifics of demand for different types of housing, please visit: www.ci.monticello.mn.us/279 Winter | 2023- 2024 | Page 19 Preparing Your Home for Winter The City of Monticello Building Safety Department would like to share the following tips that have the potential to save you money and time once the snow begins to fly. Clean gutters and downspouts: Leaves and other debris can clog gutters. The debris can become wet and may hold moisture that can freeze when the temperature drops. This freeze-thaw cycle can damage the gutters, fascia, and roof. The debris may also result in overflows during thawing periods. The best time to clean the gutters is after the majority of the leaves have dropped from trees. This is also a good time to check the gutters, roof, and fascia for damage. Make sure the downspouts and any extensions are directed away from foundation since saturated soil increases the risk of damaging frost heave and/or leaks in the basement. Prepare exterior plumbing: Turn off the outdoor faucets using the interior shut-off valve and drain the water from the pipe to the exterior. Disconnect and drain garden hoses and sump pump discharge hoses. Hoses connected to the exterior of the home can freeze, and that freeze can follow the hose back into the wall and burst the pipe inside. Prevent this from happening by installing foam insulated faucet covers. Heating checkup: Have your furnace and fireplaces professionally serviced to ensure they are working at peak efficiency. Don’t forget to change the furnace filter! Make sure exterior openings are clean and clear. High efficiency furnaces use PVC vents and intakes that exit the exterior wall near ground level. Check for obstructions like grass clippings or vegetation that may have grown over, and make sure any critters have not built nests in the unused vent. Check metal furnace vents that protrude through the roof. Chimneys and vents should have a UL listed metal rain cap that are in good repair and clear of debris. If the caps are missing or have damaged screening, check for nests and other debris before replacing. Inspect any wood burning fireplaces to ensure there is a spark screen present and in good repair. Make sure the flue operates properly and the chimney is clean and clear—sweep if necessary. Check weather stripping: Visually inspect around doors and windows for worn or damaged weather stripping and seals. Ensure the door fits tightly and there are no gaps. Check that all windows operate and lock properly. If you have an older home with storm windows, remove the screens and install the storm windows. If the windows don’t seal well, try using a plastic window insulation kit. Fix cracks in concrete: Repair/patch any visible cracks on the driveway, your sidewalk, or foundation. Cracks can allow water to leak in and then freeze during the winter, causing further damage. There are numerous products available for sealing concrete, including squeeze bottles, and caulking guns for small jobs and bulk buckets for large ones. Project wrap up and clean up: Wrap up your outdoor permits before the snow arrives by scheduling final inspections. Call the Monticello Building Safety Department staff at (763) 295-3060 between 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. Please have the permit number or address readily available. Permits affected include: re-roofs, re-sides, window replacement, and decks. Sidewalks: Snow & Ice Removal Around Your Home Property owners are responsible for clearing snow and ice from adjacent sidewalks. They must be cleared within 48 hours following a snow or ice event. Please note: removal of snow and ice from private property onto a roadway or onto an adjacent property is prohibited by city ordinance. City crews plow specific sidewalks and pathways as outlined in the Snowplowing Policy. School pedestrian routes are plowed first, and every effort is made to have these routes open by 7 a.m. on school days. If schools are closed, the routes may not be plowed as quickly. Other sidewalks and pathways listed in the policy are cleared after city streets are plowed. The City’s full snowplowing policy is available at www.ci.monticello.mn.us/198 Reminder: 2024 Rental Licenses are due Dec. 31! The City of Monticello Building Safety Department would like to remind rental property owners that applications and payments for the 2024 Rental Licenses are due December 31. Late applications will be charged a late fee. • Applications are available at www.ci.monticello.mn.us.• The property owner must sign the rental application.• Inspections are required for all properties with even numbered addresses and properties with odd numbered addresses that didn’t pass in 2023.• Inspections must be completed by March 14, 2024.• The owner is obligated to schedule the inspection and ensure the property passes. Questions? Call the Department of Building Safety & Code Enforcement at (763) 295-3060. MONDAY: WEDNESDAY: THURSDAY: North of 1-94 and west from the center of Minnesota Street. South of 1-94 and east of Edmonson Avenue. North of 1-94 and east from the center of Minnesota Street to Gillard Avenue. South of 1-94 and West from Edmonson Avenue, including The Meadows East and West Manufactured Home Parks. The Garbage & Recycling Collection Schedule is shown below. Your collection day is determined by your house location as follows: City garbage/recycling carts must be used, and carts need to be curbside by 6:30 a.m. on your scheduled collection day. Garbage is collected weekly, recycling is collected every other week on your garbage day. Weeks with both garbage and recycling are noted in BLUE. Holidays observed by Waste Management are highlighted in RED. Pick up after holidays will be delayed one day for the remainder of the week. Questions? CalI Waste Management at (320) 258-3948 or visit www.wm.com/us/en/location/mn/monticel/o. GARBAGE & RECYCLING COLLECTION SCHEDULE THE FULL 2024 CALENDAR WILL BE AVAILABLE IN YOUR DECEMBER UTILITY BILL! Snowplow Safety Reminders: • Never drive into a snow cloud. • Plows travel slowly, so please reduce your speed. • Don’t pass a snowplow while they are plowing. • Stay well behind plows; they back up frequently. • Keep your distance from trucks spreading sand. • Keep garbage cans on the driveway if it snows on your collection day or the night before. • Stay away from the end of a driveway when you see a plow approaching. • Keep sleds and toys away from the street. • Don’t build snow forts in the snow piles on the boulevard. Plowing begins when snow accumulates to 2 inches or more and stops falling. When snowfall continues for long periods, crews plow main collector routes and streets that connect neighborhoods to state and county roads to keep them passable until all city streets can be plowed. Follow-up passes are made as needed. If strong winds and drifting cause unsafe conditions, plowing stops until conditions improve. The City’s full Snow & Ice Removal policy is available at www.ci.monticello.mn.us/187