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2023 Spring/Summer NewsletterSpring & Summer 2023 City of Montic e l l o City of Monticello DirectoryCity of Monticello Directory 2023 Spring & Summer Newsletter3 City Council Message from the Mayor | City Meetings 4 Legislative Update Message from the Administrator | Water Treatment Facility 6 Local Option Sales Tax What is a Local Option Sale Tax | About the Projects 8 Public Improvement Projects Downtown | Safe Routes to School | Flashing Yellow Arrows 10 Spring & Summer Events Community Events and Activities12 Parks, Arts, & Recreation Looking to the Future | Upcoming Projects 13 MontiArts MontiArts | Senior Center | Monticello Public Library 14 Monticello Community Center What’s New? | Summer Recreation 15 Public Works New Facility Update | Stormwater Reminders 16 Public Services MFD | WCSO | DMV | Hi-Way Liquors18 Keeping Our Community Beautiful Seasonal Blight & Nuisance Reminders | No Mow May 19 Helpful Information for Pet Owners Best Practices for Pet Waste | Animal Control Reminders 20 Garbage & Recycling Waste Management’s Direct Line | 2023 Calendar City Offices 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. - 5 p.m. (Saturday), Closed Sundays (Memorial Day Weekend through Labor Day) 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 includes the Mayor and four Councilmembers. The Mayor is the presiding officer and serves an elected two-year term. The Councilmembers serve four-year staggered terms, so there are two seats up for election every 2 years. 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. Additional information about the City Council, including an updated list of council members and their contact information, is available at: www.ci.monticello.mn.us/241/City-Council A Message from the Mayor City Council Meetings • 2nd and 4th Mondays of the month at 6:30 p.m. in the community center. • The agenda is available at the meeting or at www.ci.monticello.mn.us. • What to expect when you attend: www.ci.monticello.mn.us/241 • 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. Spring & Summer | 2023 | Page 3 In January I had the honor of being sworn in as Mayor for a second term. Thank you for the renewed chance to serve and contribute to our growth and development. Helping projects come to life is one of the most satisfying aspects of being mayor. As part of the City Council and the Economic Development Authority (EDA), I get to see the investment people are making in our community. I also get to offer ideas and cast my vote for projects the city initiates to build a strong, successful future. In 2023 you’ll see many of these private and public projects taking shape around Monticello, including: • More momentum toward Downtown Revitalization. The new commercial and residential building on Block 52 will continue to take shape throughout the remainder of the year. In addition, Monticello and Wright County are making roadway and pedestrian improvements downtown. The City’s project will include new streetscape elements as envisioned by the Downtown Small Area Plan. • New and expanding commercial and industrial businesses. Monticello is welcoming Scooters Coffee, Take 5 Carwash, and SunnyDays Therapy as they construct new locations here. We’re also proud that Suburban Manufacturing is expanding their facility, and WiHa Tools is building a new facility in the city. • New residential development adding housing options in Monticello. This includes new market-rate and senior housing projects as well as the build out of single-family residential developments. • The continued excavation of the lake at The Pointes at Cedar. This excavation is occurring at no cost to the community as the City works with private contractors to coordinate removal of materials, creating the lake feature at the heart of the area. • Investment in the Bertram Chain of Lakes Athletic Park to support increased activity. This summer additional access roads, parking, gravel trails, and accessibility improvements will be made at the athletic park, an essential project for existing park users as well as the future development of the athletic fields. It’s also been a busy spring for Monticello at the State Capitol. City staff and I testified in support of funding for our proposed Water Treatment Facility, authorization for a local sales tax, and on behalf of the I-94 Coalition for the completion of the interstate expansion between Monticello and Albertville. We’re grateful to Senator Anderson and Representative O’Neill for their support of these projects. I hope you’ll take a few minutes to read about the work we’re doing on behalf of the community in the rest of the newsletter. From plans and projects to community events and activities, it’s an exciting time to call Monticello home. -Mayor Lloyd Hilgart Page 4 | www.ci.monticello.mn.us Message from the Administrator Why Did I Get This Public Hearing Notice? One of the most direct ways the City of Monticello influences the growth of our city is by making decisions about how land will be developed. Monticello officials adopted a subdivision ordinance and zoning ordinance to regulate land use in the community. This helps us maximize the potential of the land and limit conflicts between uses. While the ordinances provide structure for future growth, public input remains an important part of the process. MN state statutes require local jurisdictions to prepare public hearing notices when land use controls are proposed to change; in some cases when local government reviews a proposed land use, and when project funding includes potential assessments to benefiting private properties. Public hearing notices are posted to the City’s website and published in the City’s official newspaper, the Monticello Times. They are also sent directly to property owners in the project vicinity. This means that from time to time, you may receive a public hearing notice by mail. If you choose to participate, you’re providing an additional local perspective to the process. Before voting, city leaders receive background information, analysis of the proposal, and details about local regulations; but the hearings are the public’s opportunity to speak directly to local officials. Public hearings are a formal process to confirm Monticello follows all state regulations, but we strive to provide helpful information, so the public feels welcome participating. If you receive mailed notice of a public hearing, it will tell you what the subject is, when the hearing will occur, and where you can find more information. We also encourage you to use the resources on our website or reach out to staff at city hall if you have additional questions. A decade ago, when I began my career in local government, I stumbled upon a passage someone had written about the crucial connection between cities and the people they serve. It’s a handful of words that provided clarity and purpose to a young leader excited to serve the community. “Citizens often feel a thousand miles away from city leaders who are just a few blocks down the road. My job is to bridge that gap.” I wrote it down. I typed it up. I carried it with me and ultimately tucked it into my office when I became city administrator. Every day I’m part of a team that makes thousands of decisions, big and small, that directly impact the future of our community. We plan, we strategize, we analyze, and we support the elected and appointed leaders as they make decisions about how Monticello will grow and develop. Everything we do is on behalf of the community. Yet the quote above reminds me that working on behalf of the community is not enough. I have to actively strive to bring the community closer to the work we do. Using the many tools available to us, we strive to listen, engage, educate, and build relationships with the people of the community. We incorporate paper copies, digital tools, and in-person events to meet people where they are. From formal items like meetings and minutes to informal items like blogs and Instagram, we want you to be part of our contribution to Monticello. But we can’t do it alone. I invite you to join us. Find the resources that work the best for you, ask us questions, give us your feedback. Sign up for our monthly e-news, visit our website, follow our official social media accounts. Send us an email, give us a call, or chat with us at an event this summer. We’d love to share what we do, and we’d love to hear from you. After all, I don’t want you to feel like we’re a thousand miles away. We’re just a few blocks down the road. - Rachel Leonard, City Administrator Credit: Eric Haugen, League of MN Cities Spring & Summer | 2023 | Page 5 Legislative Update - Water Treatment Facility Monticello’s drinking water comes from 5 municipal wells that are fed from underground aquifers that range from about 150 to 300 feet below the surface. City staff are responsible for making sure the water meets all federal and state water quality standards, routine testing, and maintaining the infrastructure that distributes water throughout the city. In addition to the regulatory requirements all drinking water systems must meet, the Safe Drinking Water Act requires that every 5 years the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) issue a list of 30 unregulated contaminates to be monitored in public water systems. This helps the EPA learn more about potential risks and evaluate future regulations. The City of Monticello participates in the monitoring of unregulated contaminates. Of the 30 contaminates tested, Monticello’s manganese levels stood out in concentrations higher than the recommended guidelines. While manganese occurs naturally in drinking water and people need some to stay healthy, too much can be harmful. Scientists are still learning about the impacts of high levels of manganese, but based on existing studies the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) established a recommendation for the maximum concentration of manganese in drinking water. This remains a guideline rather than a mandate, but Monticello is proactively working to address the manganese levels in its water. Reducing Manganese in Drinking Water City staff are working with MDH to pursue short-term and long-term options. Initially, the municipal well with the highest level of manganese was taken out of service. In addition, we began sending out educational materials to homeowners about the potential effects from high levels of manganese and at-home solutions like water filters that can help. Learn more about how you can reduce manganese in water on our website: www.ci.monticello.mn.us/224 While these are effective short-term solutions, Monticello also elected to complete a feasibility study for a water treatment plant. The study recommended the construction of a centralized water treatment facility to treat drinking water before it is distributed throughout the community. Legislative Initiative The construction of a water treatment facility is estimated to cost at least $25 million. To achieve the necessary funding as quickly as possible, we’re DOESN’T THE CITY OF MONTICELLO ALREADY HAVE A WATER TREATMENT PLANT? Monticello has a Wastewater Treatment Plant located on Hart Boulevard along the Mississippi River. Once the Water Treatment Plant is constructed, the two plants will operate independently of each other with different purposes. Yet both will be important infrastructure for serving the public. seeking assistance from the state and federal government. During the 2023 legislative session Representative Marion O’Neill and Senator Bruce Anderson introduced bills on the community’s behalf seeking $22 million to fund construction of the water treatment plant and related utility infrastructure. In addition, Senators Amy Klobuchar and Tina Smith submitted funding requests to the Senate Appropriations Committee. Support from the state and federal government are critical to accelerating the timeline for constructing the plant for our community. As we continue to advocate for funding support, we’re also using long-term financial planning to project how to sustainably increase utility rates over time to fund construction and ongoing operations. 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. Stay up to date on all things Monticello! Monthly information is put inside of your utility bills, or you can follow us on: • Twitter• Facebook• LinkedIn• Instagram Subscribe to one of our RSS Feeds, City Alerts, the City’s YouTube channel, or our monthly E-News! SCAN HERE TO LEARN MORE: Page 6 | www.ci.monticello.mn.us Local Option Sales Tax Local leaders are continually planning for how to extend the strength of Monticello today into success tomorrow. Our blueprint for these efforts is the Monticello 2040 Vision + Comprehensive Plan. It identifies how we can support private development as well as make public investments for the future. In support of the Comprehensive Plan, City Council identified priority projects to build our economy and add to our quality of life. To accomplish these priorities, we need identify a variety of funding sources. In 2023 we initiated a process to propose a local sales tax. Local sales taxes work well in communities with a regional draw, like Monticello. The tax would allow us to leverage local commercial activity into funding for existing priority projects. It also provides us with an option to receive revenue contributions from both local and non-local taxpayers, unlike property taxes. The Projects City leaders strive to maximize our existing assets with the most valuable use of vacant land and established infrastructure to create long-term economic stability and diversification away from dependency on Xcel Energy’s Monticello Nuclear Generating Plant, which currently represents almost 50% of Monticello’s tax base. Since local sales tax applies to people who live outside the city limits, the revenue is only eligible to be used for projects with regional significance. Monticello has two projects that qualify: 1. Bertram Chain of Lakes Regional Athletic Park: The athletic park meets a regional need for active play fields and stimulates valuable economic growth. Monticello developed a Master Plan for the athletic complex in 2016 and is now developing the park in phases. 2. 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 development perimeter. Committing sales tax revenue to fund these two projects ensures phased completion for the community and the greater region. The Proposal & Process for ApprovalTo implement a sales tax, cities need approval from the MN Legislature, the City Council, and the citizens of the community. Initially, Minnesota requires cities to request special legislative approval to bring the proposed tax to their voters. The request must include the proposed tax rate, length of time, and how the sales tax revenue will be used. Monticello is requesting a ½ cent sales tax for 20 years. The MN Department of Revenue estimates this would generate approximately $30 million over the 20-year term. The $30 million in revenue is proposed to be divided evenly between the two projects. Monticello submitted our legislation request in January, and we have bills in the House of Representatives and the Minnesota Senate. Our bills were authored by Representative Marion O’Neill and Senator Bruce Anderson. If Monticello receives legislative approval, the City Council will be asked to consider adopting a resolution authorizing the proposed tax to be included in the 2024 General Election ballot. The ballot would include a separate question for each project but would only authorize one comprehensive sales tax. Local ImpactsMonticello engaged the University of Minnesota Extension Center to complete a local sales tax analysis for the community. The Extension Center’s study is a common tool used by cities in Minnesota to estimate the revenue contribution of residents vs. non-residents. Using the most recent sales data available from the Department of Revenue, the analysis estimates 68.631.4% of sales tax revenue would come from Monticello residents and 68.6% would come from non-residents. The analysis estimates each resident would contribute $30.41 per year, and the City of Monticello would receive $1.4 million annually to fund phases of the Bertram Athletic Park and The Pointes Recreation Area. Next StepsWe will continue to provide information to the community about the proposed tax. If we receive legislative approval this year, City Council will consider adding the sales tax to the 2024 General Election ballot. If it is approved by the voters, it will be implemented in 2025. Spring & Summer | 2023 | Page 7 About the Projects Pointes at Cedar Recreation Area Cost The estimated cost (2021 Master Plan) is $63 million phased over time, inclusive of infrastructure improvements. The Local sales tax would fund the public recreation area, including pathways, arboretum and garden areas showcasing Minnesota’s unique natural environments or biomes, a central pavilion for events and activities, and a recreational stormwater feature for water-based recreation. Bertram Regional Athletic Park Cost Total estimated cost is $22 million phased over time. The Bertram of Chain of Lakes Regional Athletic Park is one of the catalyst projects meeting a regional WHY THE POINTES? • Maximizes the vacant land and existing infrastructure within our municipal boundary reducing the need to extend roads and utilities into our orderly annexation area • Builds density valuable in the diversification of Monticello’s economy to support a future economic transition • Creates opportunities for living, working, and recreating in a consolidated area • Enhances stormwater infrastructure for new public recreation opportunities like fishing, paddle boating, ice skating, and more WHY BERTRAM? • Builds fields for a variety of sports in one location for centralized play and efficient operations • Serves youth athletic associations in Monticello and the surrounding communities • Secures funding to build a mix of premiere tournament and regular play fields • Creates a range of play options on fields of different sizes for age progression • Prioritizes childhood health and opportunities for parents to engage in outdoor recreation SCAN HERE TO LEARN MORE: need and stimulating valuable economic growth. 100 acres of Bertram is designated for active recreational play. Monticello completed a Master Plan for the athletic complex in 2016 and is now developing recreational play spaces. The cost of the planned facilities necessitates a mix of funding tools. The City has committed funds to phased planning and improvements, but the Local Option Sales Tax is crucial to ensuring the park develops efficiently. Monticello 2040 Vision Monticello seeks sustainable long-term growth through our Monticello 2040 Vision + Comprehensive Plan. In support of Monticello 2040, the City Council identified priority projects that build momentum toward enhancing our economy coupled with quality-of-life initiatives for the benefit of the public. The public investment necessitates a mix of funding tools. The City has committed capital funds to planning and phased improvements, but the local option sales tax is vital to achieving timely public spaces to complement private development. Visit our website to learn more about the City of Monticello’s proposed Local Option Sales Tax, The Pointes & Bertram’s regional significance, as well as the full report from the U of M analyzing the potential impact of a Local Option Sales Tax in our community. www.ci.monticello.mn.us/593/Local-Option-Sales-Tax Page 8 | www.ci.monticello.mn.us What’s Up Downtown?What’s Up Downtown? Downtown Roadway & Pedestrian Improvements Big changes continue for Downtown! Planned improvements to Broadway, Walnut, and River Streets will support Monticello’s 2040 Plan Vision for creating a vibrant Downtown, and Monticello’s adopted Downtown Small Area Plan, which focuses on creating a more walkable and river-oriented Downtown. Wright County also has a pavement project planned for Broadway Street from Jerry Liefert Drive to Trunk Highway 25. To better coordinate construction, these two projects will be completed together. Some of the changes you’ll see include: • The extension of Walnut Street between Broadway and River Street for both vehicles and pedestrians. • Moving powerlines underground along Walnut.• Intersection improvements at Broadway and State Highway 25.• The reconstruction of River Street, including the addition of parking between Highway 25 and Walnut. • Replacing the watermain on River Street between State Highway 25 and Walnut Street.• Replacing the sanitary sewer on Broadway between State Highway 25 and Locust Street. • Landscaping, lighting, and sidewalk enhancements along Walnut, River and Broadway within the Downtown.• Accessibility improvements to West Bridge Park. The improvements to the public spaces around Walnut & River Street are part of a larger long-range plan for Walnut Street. The Walnut Corridor Plan envisions a Walnut Street with lots of places to stop, sit, gather, hear music, experience art and just enjoy being Downtown. These two projects will impact the access and availability of public parking through the duration of construction. West Bridge Park may also be affected by construction. More information on detours, parking availability, and additional project information can be found on the City website, www.ci.monticello.mn.us/277/Downtown-Monticello. A Bridge to Monticello’s History Monticello grew up along the banks of the Mississippi River. Originally, Monticello’s only way of crossing the river into Sherburne County was by ferry boat, but in 1891 Monticello gained its first river-crossing bridge. It was a wooden bridge constructed near present-day Walnut Street, and the only road connection between Wright and Sherburne counties, providing a vital link for travel and commerce. By the late 1920s, the bridge needed substantial repairs, and was replaced by a new truss bridge between 1930-1933. The truss bridge was built in the current location, at Pine Street. Shortly thereafter, work began to construct a walking path on the bridge. The new path included a lattice pattern railing that lined the bridge’s west edge. For more than 50 years, the steel bridge allowed vehicles and pedestrians to traverse the mighty Mississippi River into Monticello’s downtown. The truss bridge and its iconic pedestrian railing were replaced by the current concrete bridge structure in 1988. Luckily, the bridge railings along the walking path were saved and have been placed around the community as a symbol of Monticello’s important connection to the Mississippi River. The lattice-patterned bridge railing is now one of downtown’s most recognizable symbols. Look for pieces of this bridge railing throughout Downtown Monticello and the community! Sources: The Monticello History Committee and; French, C. A. Condensed History of Wright County 1851-1935. Eagle Printing Company, 1935. Public ImprovementsPublic Improvements Spring & Summer | 2023 | Page 9 Flashing Yellow Arrows Project The City of Monticello received a Local Partnership Program (LPP) Grant to add flashing yellow arrows to traffic signals at 10 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 2023. These intersections will have flashing yellow arrows added: • TH 25 and School Boulevard • TH 25 and Chelsea Road • TH 25 and I-94 Westbound Ramp • TH 25 and I-94 Eastbound Ramp • CSAH 18 and I-94 Westbound Ramp • CSAH 18 and I-94 Eastbound Ramp • CSAH 18 and CSAH 39/CSAH75 • CSAH 75 and CSAH 39/Elm Street • CSAH 75 and Hospital/Middle School • CSAH 75 and Highland Way 7th Street Retaining Wall and Sidewalk Project This summer the City will complete projects that create continuous sidewalks along the south side of 7th Street from Highway 25 to Fallon Avenue. The proposed project will replace approximately 400 feet of the retaining wall along the south side of 7th Street near the intersection of Locust Street. We will also construct approximately 1,000 feet of sidewalk along the south side of 7th Street between the post office and Washington Street. In addition to the City’s sidewalk addition, a new development is proposed to construct the remaining 700 feet of sidewalk that is missing in this section. Once both projects are complete the sidewalk along the south side of 7th street will be continuous from Highway 25 to Fallon Avenue. SCAN HERE TO LEARN MORE: Safe Routes to School Improvements Projects The City and Monticello School District jointly prepared a Safe Routes to School (SRTS) plan. The plan identifies high- priority improvements to increase safety for students walking and biking to school. Using the plan, the City received a $330,051 Transportation Alternatives (TA) grant from MNDOT and a $500,000 SRTS infrastructure grant from MNDOT to assist with completing the City’s high priority SRTS projects. Additional project information can be found on our website: www.ci.monticello.mn.us/173/Projects Pinewood Elementary Safety Improvements Project The project is expected to be constructed in Summer 2023 and includes: • Install sidewalk on the East side of Elm Street between 6th Street & Broadway. • Install sidewalk on 6th Street from Elm to existing sidewalk near Vine. • Install sidewalk on 4th Street from Elm to existing sidewalk at Minnesota. • Add enhanced pedestrian crossing at 3rd Street & Elm Street. School Boulevard Safety Improvements Project The project is expected to be constructed in Summer 2023 and includes: • New pedestrian crossing at the Meadow Oak Avenue & Fenning Avenue roundabout, crossing Fenning Avenue. • Extension of the sidewalk in-front of Eastview Education Center connecting south to School Boulevard to help with bus drop-off and pick-up. • Enhanced pedestrian crossing with center refuge island on School Boulevard at Pelican Lane. • Removal of pedestrian crossing on School Boulevard at Eider Lane. • Enhanced pedestrian crossing with center refuge island on School Boulevard between Eider Lane & Fallon Avenue. • Improvements to the School Boulevard High School entrance to include right- turn channelization for vehicles exiting the parking lot and a refuge island for pedestrians. Spring & Summer EventsSpring & Summer Events MFD’s Annual Golf Tournament Sunday, June 4 at the Monticello County Club Join us Sunday, June 4 at the Monticello Country Club for the 2023 Monticello Fire Department Golf Tournament! There will be raffles, door prizes, and more! The event starts at 11 a.m. with a shotgun start at 1 p.m. Interested in participating? Tickets cost $100 per player - teams of four. Questions? Contact Eric at 763-464-6564 or email fire.pr@ci.monticello.mn.us Music on the Mississippi June 21, July 19 & August 16 from 6-8 p.m. at Ellison Park Join us for another summer of live music overlooking the beautiful Mississippi River! Bring a chair and your dancing shoes and enjoy some great live music! Food, beer, and beverages are available for purchase from 6-8 p.m. Live music is from 6:30-8 p.m. Our summer lineup features: Shane Martin, Jonah & the Whales, and The 70’s Magic Sunshine Band! Music on the Mississippi is sponsored by Liberty Bank Minnesota and Monticello Parks, Arts & Recreation. Check out the 2023 Concert schedule on our website: www.ci.monticello.mn.us/549 Monticello Farmers Market: Thursdays from 3:30-7 p.m. (6 p.m. closing in September) in the Library Parking Lot The City of Monticello is proud to celebrate our 18th season of the Farmers Market! The Monticello Farmers Market allows us to purchase fresh, local, healthy food; support local farmers and food producers; purchase local hand-crafted items and art; and experience live music. The market has become a popular spot to socialize and relax. For a full list of vendors and our produce calendar, go to www.montifarmersmarket.com Movies in the Park: June 2 & August 4, at dusk in Pioneer Park Invite your friends and join us at dusk in Pioneer Park! Bring a lawn chair or a blanket and some snacks. Don’t forget the bug spray! Concessions are available for purchase from Riverside Students. For our 2023 movie line up, go to www.ci.monticello.mn.us/550/Movies-in-the-Park Walk & Roll Saturday, June 10 from 9-11 a.m. in Downtown Monticello Walk & Roll is back with a new route on Walnut to showcase downtown Monticello! We’ll be walking and rolling on Saturday, June 10, 2023 from 9-11 a.m. Due to road improvements on West Broadway and Highway 25, this year’s route will begin at the Monticello Community Center and travel along Walnut Street to Block 35 (the Let’s Chalk lot) and Back to the Cow Tag Park near MCC. Visit our website to learn more about Walk & Roll and to view our route map and our 2023 Pathport: www.ci.monticello.mn.us/551/Walk-Roll Page 10 | www.ci.monticello.mn.us SCAN HERE FOR MORE INFO: Monticello, Let’s Chalk September 9 & 10 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. in Downtown Monticello Join us in Downtown Monticello (on Walnut & 3rd Street) as we watch professional street artists turn our roadways into art! Let’s Chalk is a free, two-day festival with live music, food, and fun for everyone! Visit our website to learn more about this event, parking information, and to learn more about the featured artists attending the event! Community Events Continued Spring & Summer | 2023 | Page 11 MFD’s Annual Open House Saturday, Sept. 16, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Monticello Fire Station Join us for a fun-filled afternoon at the station! The Monticello Fire Department’s Annual Open House will be on Saturday, Sept. 16 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. There will be fire trucks, demonstrations, vendors from our community’s public safety programs and organizations, refreshments, and more! Riverfest 2023: Friday, July 14 - Sunday, July 16 Thursday, July 13: MCC, Ellison Park - Pre-Riverfest Community Events • • CoCommunity Center Block Party from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Start your Riverfest celebrations early with a Block Party at the Monticello Community Center! Stop by for a free lunch, complete with a beverage and dessert. The fun happens near the Senior Center entrance to the facility. • The Chamber’s Party in the Park at Ellison Park from 5-8 p.m. Friday, July 14: Pioneer Park, Monticello High School • Family Night from 5-8 p.m. at Pioneer Park • Monticello Talent Show starting at 7:30 p.m. at the Monticello High School • Fireworks Display at the Monticello High School at dusk Saturday, July 15: All Day | Downtown, Ellison Park, MCC • 5K, Art in the Park, Taste of Monticello, Bean Bag Tournament, Duck Race, the Street Dance with food and music behind MCC Sunday, July 16: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. | Downtown, MCC • Community Worship, Parade, Coronation, Children’s Games, Food and Music To view the full event schedule, shuttle stops, and additional information, go to www.monticelloriverfest.com Senior Center Breakfast Fundraiser October 22 from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. at the MCC The Monticello Senior Center is hosting a breakfast fundraiser on Sunday, October 22 in the Monticello Community Center gym from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. This all you can eat event includes scrambled eggs, sausage, pancakes, ham, donuts, milk, juice, and coffee. The cost is $9 in advance ($10 at the door) for people ages 13 and up, $5 for kids ages 6-12, and ages 6 and under eat free. Page 12 | www.ci.monticello.mn.us Parks, Arts & RecreationParks, Arts & Recreation PAR Needs Assessment Project: Our Parks Need You! We’re thinking about the future, and we want you to help! This year, we’re completing an inventory and assessment of our parks, arts, and recreation programming and facilities. The information will help us plan for the types of improvements and programming we can offer for the community going forward. We’re hosting a series of public events throughout the summer with opportunities for you to learn about the project and give us your feedback. Scan the QR code or visit the project page on our website www.ci.monticello.mn.us/623/4951 for the event schedule, public input opportunities, and important project updates. Please join us for a community kickoff event at the Monticello Farmers Market on Thursday, May 18 from 3:30-7 p.m. to learn more about the project and offer your insights! Parks Turf Conversion Project Turf grass requires a lot of resources to maintain and has environmental impacts from overwatering, pesticides, and herbicide applications. Additionally, turf provides no shelter or food for the pollinators, birds, and wildlife. Over the next year, we will be converting turf grass into upland dry prairie, short sunny prairie wildflower and native oak savanna. The project includes native landscapes in four local parks: • Sunset Ponds Park, east of the Playground • Parkside Park, east of the parking area • River Mill Park, south of the backstop towards the sliding hill • Otter Creek Park, north of the trail towards Jerry Liefert Drive The prairie and native mixes used will depend on the type of soils are at the parks. The Monticello 2040 Comprehensive Plan emphasizes our commitment to maintain and enhance the City’s public amenities with opportunities for active and passive recreation, healthy lifestyles, access to wildlife and nature, and areas that reflect our value of a quality park system and recreational experiences. Bertram Infrastructure and Accessibility Improvements Investment in community recreation at the Bertram Chain of Lakes Athletic Park continues in the coming year. As part of the BCOL Infrastructure and Accessibility Improvements Project, the City will construct ADA-accessible gravel trails/parking spaces, recreation support facilities, and transportation enhancements at the Regional Athletic Complex. Visitors will find a new open-air picnic shelter, seating areas, three water fountains, and temporary restrooms. A new one-way gravel entrance road from the south and a new two-way internal park road will improve traffic circulation. A looped gravel trail system will also be constructed for pedestrian recreation and access. We will also be looking for opportunities for native plantings. The new facilities will support Bertram as a regional athletic facility and benefit all users of the regional park by improving accessibility and safety at the existing athletic complex. Learn more about the City’s upcoming projects on our website: www.ci.monticello.mn.us/173/Projects K:\019744-000\Graphics\Recreation Site PlanRecreation Site Plan - Bertram Chain of Lakes Regional Athletic Complex Monticello, Minnesota February 09, 2022 | WSB Project number: 019744-000 Scale in Feet 600’0’300’150’ EXISTING PARK ENTRANCE LEGEND OWNED PROPERTY BOUNDARY (x ACRES) PROPOSED IMPROVEMENTS EXISTING TO REMAIN EXISTING GRAVEL PARKING LOT (8) EXISTING ACCESSIBLE PARKING SPACES ON BITUMINOUS PAVEMENT (2)EXISTING MULTI-PURPOSE FIELDS ONE-WAY GRAVEL ENTRANCE ROAD EXISTING POND EXPAND GRAVEL PARKING LOT (+145 SPACES) PICNIC AREA WITH SHELTER CANOPY TREES (TYP.) GRAVEL PARKING LOT (+300 SPACES) (7) ACCESSIBLE PARKING SPACES ON BITUMINOUS PAVEMENT CONCRETE PAD WITH BENCH, WATER FOUNTAIN, AND TEMPORARY RESTROOMS EXTEND IRRIGATION MAIN EXISTING IRRIGATION MAIN GRAVEL TRAIL EXISTING PUMP STATION (5) ACCESSIBLE PARKING SPACES ON BITUMINOUS PAVEMENT PARK BOUNDARY (115 AC)BRIARWOOD AVE NEADJACENT LAND USE: BERTRAM CHAIN OF LAKES REGIONAL PARK FUTURE BALLFIELD EXISTING MULTI-PURPOSE FIELDS ADJACENT LAND USE: AGRICULTURAL ADJACENT LAND USE: BERTRAM CHAIN OF LAKES REGIONAL PARK CAMPGROUND TWO- WAY GRAVEL ROADFUTURE RECREATION FIELDS FUTURE PARKING FUTURE BALLFIELDS FUTURE BALLFIELDS FUTURE RECREATION FIELDS EXTEND IRRIGATION MAIN LONG LAKE BERM (TYP.) CITY OF MONTICELLO ____________________________________ Signature ____________________________________ Printed Name & Title ____________________________________ Date SCAN HERE TO LEARN MORE: Spring & Summer | 2023 | Page 13 MontiArtsThe best way to keep up with all the happenings at MontiArts is to check out our ever-evolving website: montiarts.com. You can sign up for our newsletter and get information and updates on events, workshops, classes, and creative opportunities. MontiArts participates in many City events. Reach out to us if you are interested in volunteering for events like Walk & Roll, the Let’s Chalk Festival, Downtown Trick-or-Treat and more! School District Art Show MontiArts is proud to host of the Monticello School’s District Wide Art Show again this year! Stop by during the week of May 16 to view the works of art and to appreciate the effort put in by both elementary and secondary students. Our space at 213 West Broadway will be filled with proud artists and their original art! There will be a variety of art forms on display from paintings and sketches to pottery! Open Studio & Open Mic NightsIf you’re a local creative and are interested in dedicating more time/energy to your art/writing/music, consider attending any one of our weekly Open Studios or monthly Open Mics! Many creatives have found that joining a supportive community with recurring events provides an extremely helpful structure to their work that fosters both creativity and productivity. • Open Studio takes place each week: Tuesday mornings from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. and Wednesday evenings from 6-9 p.m. Bring whatever you’re working on!• Open Mic Nights are on Second Saturdays of the month from 7-9 p.m. Stop by to listen or bring a song/poem, story, piece of art, etc. If you have any questions, email ben.montiarts@gmail.com! The Wednesday night Open Studio Crew. Local performers at Open Mic Night. 2022 Monticello Let’s Chalk Festival. Monticello Senior Center The Monticello Senior Center is located in the Monticello Community Center, 505 Walnut Street. The Senior Center is open Monday-Friday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. and on Saturdays from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. Stop by the center to pick up a monthly newsletter! You can also view it online at monticelloseniorcenter.org or on our Facebook page. Questions? Give us a call at 763-295-2000! The Senior Center offers a variety of classes and services, including the HOME Program, the Noon Dinner Program, Defensive Driving Courses, and Caregive Services. The Noon Dinner ProgramNoon meals are served 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. The meal cost is $5 and anyone age 55+ (and their spouse regardless of age) are welcome to dine at the center. Sign up and payment is required at least one day in advance (by noon). Stop by the Senior Center to learn more! Great River Regional Library’s Summer Reading Program Get ready to find your voice with the Great River Regional Library’s 2023 Summer Reading Program! The Great River Regional Library (GRRL) will kick off our annual Summer Reading Program (SRP) on Monday, June 5! The program continues throughout the summer, ending Saturday, August 5. Register in the Beanstack app, on griver.beanstack.org, or by visiting your local library during open hours. Participants track their reading in the Beanstack app or by using a paper slip, which you return to your library. Participants are eligible for prize drawings at the end of the program. In addition, each branch offers a unique assortment of prizes! This year’s theme, “Find Your Voice!” encourages kids to use their voice and realize their voices have power. We will share stories, express ourselves, and spark change by not only the words we say, but also what words we write, the art we create, the movements we perform, and the actions we take each day to impact our world. The program is open to all kids ages 0 to 18 and is divided by age: pre-readers (ages 0 to 3), kids (ages 3 to 12), and teens. Stop by the library to learn more about how your kids can get involved this summer or go to www.griver.org/kids/summer-reading-program. See your library’s hours at griver.org/locations. Monticello Community CenterMonticello Community Center Page 14 | www.ci.monticello.mn.us Walnut Entrance Update The Monticello Community Center is a cornerstone of our city. When a truck crashed through the front entrance of our building it was an incredibly difficult day for visitors to the building, staff, and the entire community. We’re thankful for the first responders who arrived so quickly and the city staff who swiftly constructed a temporary wall to secure the entrance. Since the crash, the city worked with an engineer to determine the underlying steel structure of the building remains safely intact. We’ve also engaged an architect to develop plans to rebuild the doorway. The design will include: • Restoring the beautiful front entrance to our community center• Enhancing the accessibility into the front of the building• Adding safety enhancements to help reduce future risks The city has filed an insurance claim for the repairs, and any additional costs will be funded through the MCC’s building repair and maintenance budget. While we weren’t anticipating this reconstruction effort, we’re committed to renewing the most visible and welcoming entrance into our community center. Summer Hours MCC will be closed on Sundays beginning Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day. Visit our website to view MCC’s Summer Hours of Operation and any upcoming holiday closures! Summer Swim at Bertram Make a splash this summer with us at YMCA Camp Manitou! Beginning Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day, MCC pool staff will operate the pool area and splash pad at Bertram! Our hours of operation will be Saturdays and Sundays from 12-6 p.m. MCC Members get in free! Nonmember admission costs $10/person for ages 3 and older. Summer Swimming Lessons MCC’s summer swimming lessons are scheduled! MCC Member registration for the summer session begins Wednesday, May 17 at 8 a.m. Nonmember registration begins Friday, May 19 at 8 a.m. Visit our website for more information! Open Skate We will have Open Skate at the Moose Sherritt Arena this summer. Open Skate is included with an MCC membership, the cost for nonmembers is $6 per person (adults & children). Skate rentals are available for $3. Visit our website to view our monthly schedule! Pool Closure The MCC pool will be closed for annual maintenance September 2-15! We apologize for any inconvenience. Staff will be resurfacing the stairs and walls going up to the waterslide, and completing the annual deep cleaning of the pool and play structure. Looking for your next meeting or event space? Host it with MCC! Gather with your friends, family, or coworkers and host an awesome event in one of our premiere parks or meeting rooms at the Monticello Community Center! SCAN HERE FOR MORE INFO:Learn more about our facilities and rental opportunities on our website: www.monticellocommunitycenter.com Spring & Summer | 2023 | Page 15 Public WorksCity Hires Architect for New Public Works Facility The City of Monticello is one step closer to constructing a new public works facility. In late 2022, the City Council selected Oertel Architects to design the new facility. Public Works is currently located at 909 Golf Course Road. In 2007 and 2019 the City completed needs assessments to evaluate the challenges of an aging facility and a growing community. Both studies identified problems with the size of the existing site and the condition of the buildings. The most recent study confirmed the current site isn’t large enough to expand or remodel the existing buildings. Instead, Monticello would be better served by a new facility on a different site. In 2021 Monticello purchased approximately 70 acres along School Boulevard for the project. Only a portion of the land will be used for public works, but the size of the vacant area gives us the greatest flexibility during the design stage of the project. The team assembled by the architect will use existing studies, the scale of the current operations, and anticipated city growth to determine a size and layout that will serve the city now and into the future. Completing construction of a new facility is a significant, long-term investment for Monticello. As the project takes shape, city leaders will carefully evaluate the best options to fund it. There is still a lot of work that needs to be completed before construction can begin, but we anticipate a groundbreaking for this project in 2024 and operations moving into the new facility in 2025. What is it? An illicit discharge is when something is improperly put into the storm sewer system. The storm sewer is designed for stormwater runoff, snow melt, surface run off, and drainage. Nothing else can go down the storm sewer unless permitted by the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA). What are some examples? • Sanitary wastewater (sewage) and septic tank waste • Car wash, laundry, and industrial wastewaters • Improper disposal of auto and household toxics, such as motor oil and pesticides • Spills on roadways and other accidents • Landscape waste Only Rain Down the Drain: Eliminating Illicit Discharge What can I do to help? • Never dump anything down storm drains! • Use fertilizers sparingly and avoid pesticides • Sweep up any fertilizer on driveways, sidewalks, & roads • Plant grasses or plants on bare spots in your yard • Compost your yard waste • Direct gutter downspouts away from paved areas or use a rain barrel • Take your car to the car wash rather than washing it on your driveway • Check your car for fluid leaks, and recycle used motor oil • Pick up pet waste • Maintain your septic system (if you have one) by having it inspected and pumped out regularly • Dechlorinate your pool prior to draining • Do not dump anything in or near the edge of stormwater retention ponds For more information on stormwater management, visit the City’s website at: www.ci.monticello.mn.us/197 How do I report suspicious or illegal discharges? During normal business hours, please call Public Works at (763) 295-3170 or Engineering at (763) 271-3227. During evenings and weekends, please call the Wright County Sheriff’s non-emergency phone number at (763) 682-1162. Why is it a problem? Illicit discharges allow pollutants to enter lakes and streams, causing public health concerns, unpleasant odors/color, and harm to aquatic and animal life. Page 16 | www.ci.monticello.mn.us Personnel & Activity Update Last fall, Monticello Fire welcomed five new reservists to our department. Reservists are issued pagers, respond to fire calls in a limited capacity, and go through over 150 hours of training. Monticello Fire remains in a unique position compared to the rest of the state when it comes to recruiting. There’s been a significant decrease in the number of firefighters applying to volunteer across the state. However, Monticello FD continues to receive a strong number of qualified applicants. It’s vital to maintain a strong reserve group with the increase in call volume we’re experiencing. Over the past 5 years, MFD has seen a 32% increase. The volume is likely to continue to grow along with our community. Annual Golf Tournament Join us Sunday, June 4 at the Monticello County Club for our annual golf tournament fundraiser. This charitable event is the primary fundraising event we host each year, and the money raised directly contributes to our department’s ability to serve this great community. We are currently looking for hole sponsors, raffle prizes, and golf teams to come out and enjoy a day with MFD. Questions? Please contact Eric Grant at fire.pr@ci.monticello.mn.us. Open House & PR Events MFD is gearing up for another season of public events! We typically attend community-affiliated events, like Riverfest and Walk & Roll, as well as kid-oriented events hosted by the Monticello School District, Chamber of Commerce, National Night Out, and neighboring town parades. Follow our MFD Facebook page for where we will be this summer and stop by with the kids to say hello! We also appreciate the community’s understanding that we are a volunteer department with a busy workload. Last year we dedicated more than 200 hours of community engagement beyond calls for service, but unfortunately, we are not able to accommodate all requests for station tours or fire department participation. To make up for that, MFD invites the community to our open house at the station! This year, our open house will occur in September 2023. The family-orientated event includes a tour of our station bays, photo opportunities with the MFD fleet, coffee/snacks, and various safety vendors from the area. Helpful Reminders from the Fire Department Grilling Seasonal Reminders Make safe outdoor cooking a priority.• Move the grill away from siding, decking, and other things that can catch fire.• Keep children and pets at least three feet away from the grill when it’s hot.• Stay with the grill the entire time you’re cooking.• Keep your grill clean so leftover grease and fat won’t catch on fire. Backyard Fire Pits Permanent and portable fire pits bring fire danger to your home. You can prevent fire or burn injury with these simple steps:• Make sure the fire pit is at least 3 feet away from your house and anything that can burn.• Closely watch your children when the fire pit is in use.• Use a metal screen over wood-burning fires to keep sparks from floating out.• Turn off or put out fires before you leave the backyard.• Store matches and lighters out of children’s sight and reach. Reminder: It is illegal to burn garbage, debris, or leaves and yard waste. Burning of any kind, other than a recreational fire with dry, untreated wood, is not allowed within the city limits and can result in fines for illegally burning. More information about recreational fires is available in our Open Burning Ordinance: www.ci.monticello.mn.us/251 Monticello Fire DepartmentMonticello Fire Department Spring & Summer | 2023 | Page 17 Wright County Citizen Alert System Wright County has 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’s 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 you have selected. 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. Wright County Sheriff’s Office: Serving Monticello The City of Monticello contracts with the Wright County Sheriff’s Office for law enforcement services. The city receives 60 hours per day of patrol coverage. Day-to-day patrol operations are supervised by a Sergeant assigned to the Monticello area. In 2022, Monticello Deputies were involved in 13,207 calls for service. If you ever have any questions, comments, or concerns, please feel free to reach out to WCSO. The non-emergency phone number for the Sheriff’s Office is 763-682-1162. The Wright County Sheriff’s Office (WCSO) is the 3rd largest Sheriff’s Office in Minnesota. In total, it employs 264 full-time employees, including 156 full-time licensed peace officers and 108 full-time civilian staff (Communications, Clerical, etc.). WCSO has four divisions: Operations, Investigations, Corrections, and Patrol. Check out our City Spotlight blog for a detailed description of WCSO’s staff divisions and resources; and to learn more about how our partnership with WCSO benefits our community. www.ci.monticello.mn.us/Blog.aspx Public Services What’s New at the DMV?The Monticello DMV offers a variety of services ranging from fishing licenses, vehicle registration renewals, special plates, and for just $3 we offer a notary service. Boating season is almost here! You can register and renew all of your watercraft at the Monticello DMV. The MN Fishing Opener is May 13, stop by and purchase your fishing license today! DMV Tip: Did you know you can expect smaller lines if you visit us in the middle of the month? New Vehicle Reminders:Did you just purchase a vehicle? Please note you have 10 days from the date of sale to transfer. If you are moving from out of state and have an out of state vehicle, you have 60 days to transfer and get registration. When purchasing your vehicle registration, you have until the last day of the month to purchase the tabs. If purchased by that date, you have ten days to display them. Thinking about getting a personalized plate? The fee is $111 and the maximum number of characters allowed on license plate (including spaces and/or hyphens) is seven (7) for passenger class vehicles, personalized vertical motorcycle plates are limited to four (4), and personalized plates for all other vehicle types (one-ton, RV, standard motorcycle) are limited to six (6) characters. Stop by the DMV to customize your plates today! Shopping 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. Mark your calendars! Stock up for the holidays and save! Our Fall Wine Sale is scheduled to run from November 3-19. Featuring 30% off all wine! Learn more at: www.ci.monticello.mn.us/162 Keeping Our Community BeautifulKeeping Our Community Beautiful Page 18 | www.ci.monticello.mn.us The Department of Building Safety is responsible for enforcing city ordinances that help keep the community safe and welcoming. Monticello’s inspectors respond to citizen requests, conduct proactive inspections, and provide education on code enforcement. This work improves public health and safety, and the appearance of our neighborhoods. As a reminder, the exterior of residential properties must be free of the following items:• JUNK VEHICLES – A junk vehicle is located outside and does not have a valid license/registration, or is apparently inoperable.• PEST HARBORAGE – The exterior of a property cannot have rodent harborage or infestation. Materials approved for exterior storage must be neatly stacked.• TRASH & DEBRIS – Trash and debris includes all household garbage, dead animals, animal/human waste, and any other waste material. SCAN HERE TO LEARN MORE: • NON-TRASH ITEMS – Non-trash items include the build up of wood pallets, vehicle parts or tires, and all other non-trash items inconsistent with normal use or likely to obstruct rapid access to the property by emergency personnel.• FERTILIZER & BURIAL OF WASTE – Residents cannot leave or place any garbage, sewage, waste, debris, or other substance that’s offensive or unhealthy by decomposition on the ground unless it’s buried at least 3 feet underground. The normal use of manure and phosphorus-free fertilizer for agriculture and horticulture is permitted. Violations of the public nuisance ordinance are misdemeanors and may be subject to abatement after 21 days written notice to the property owner; or 7 days for grass/weed violations. The City may remove any items or correct any conditions in violation of the ordinance and certify the cost of the removals/corrections as a special assessment on the property. Scan the QR code or visit our website at www.ci.monticello.mn.us/348 to view the full ordinance. What do you know about your property? When purchasing a lot or buying a home, you may be overwhelmed by the paperwork provided to you with a pending sale or at a mortgage closing. What you may not know is those documents often include important information that you’ll want to review and understand. For example, the information provided may include whether your home is in a floodplain, whether there are public or private easements that cross your property, and where physical encroachments such as existing buildings or fences may already exist. Another important document you may have received or may want to request is a certificate of survey. A survey is required for almost any exterior addition to a home and for construction of larger detached accessory structures. A survey may also indicate where the property lines are, the location of utilities and easements, and other structures that may be located on a lot. Surveys can also include setback distances and other information relevant to where a building may be placed on a lot. All of this information can influence where new improvements to your property can occur. We encourage property owners to be knowledgeable about their property; it can save time and money later! No Mow May in Monticello For the second consecutive year, City Council approved ‘No Mow May’ in Monticello. This approval suspends nuisance enforcement of grass lengths for the month of May (weed lengths will still be enforced). The goal of No Mow May is to allow grass to grow unmown, creating habitat and forage for early season pollinators. Pollinators play a critical role in our food supply and keeping our natural resources healthy. Residents are encouraged to suspend mowing for the month, but it is not required. If you want to continue mowing your lawn, there are other ways you can help Minnesota’s pollinators, such as planting bee flowers and native plants and keeping your plants pesticide free. City staff will continue mowing around rental structures, in the parks, and around City buildings to ensure accessibility; but we will be participating in other ways, like adding native prairie grasses and wildflowers throughout our parks system. Please note, enforcement of grass length will resume Thursday, June 1. At that time, all lawns must be maintained per the City’s Code (grass cannot be over 8 inches). Visit our website to learn more about No Mow May and for some tips when it comes to mowing long grass! Spring & Summer | 2023 | Page 19 Helpful Information for Pet Owners 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 Best Practices for Pet Waste Disposal What’s the Problem with Pet Waste?Pet waste contains harmful bacteria and nutrients that pose a health risk to both pets and people, especially children. If left uncollected pet waste is washed into stormwater ponds, ditches, wetlands, and the Mississippi River where high levels of pollutants can harm fish and other aquatic organisms. Pet waste also contains nutrients that foster weed and algae growth, becoming a nuisance during the warm summer months and degrading local water quality. How can you help?• Do not leave pet waste on the lawn. • Do not compost or dump pet waste into the storm drains or ditches. • Do not leave pet waste on streets, sidewalks, or other hard surfaces where it can wash into storm drains, ditches, or waterways.• Do not rinse pet waste from kennel floors onto the ground. Properly dispose of all pet waste into your covered trash bin. City Ordinance 90.023 Cleaning up Litter A. The owner of any dog, or any person having the custody or control of any dog, shall be responsible for cleaning up any feces of the animal and disposing of the feces in a sanitary manner. More than six piles of feces in the yard may result in a violation tag being issued. B. It is unlawful for any person owning, keeping, or harboring a dog to cause or permit the dog to be on property, public or private, not owned or possessed by the person without having in his or her immediate possession a device for the removal of feces and depository for the transmission of excrement to a proper receptacle located on the property owned or possessed by the person. C. It is unlawful for any person in control of, causing, or permitting any dog to be on any property, public or private, not owned or possessed by the person, to fail to remove feces left by the dog to a proper receptacle located on property owned or possessed by the person. The provisions of this section shall not apply to service dogs or dogs used for police activity. D. Any Animal Control Officer or any duly authorized officer or agent authorized by the City Administrator may issue citations. Information for Pet Owners from the Animal Control Department Residents can call for assistance with lost pets, general animal complaints, reports of animals running at large, etc. Regular hours for service are Monday-Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. The facility is open weekdays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Non-emergency calls outside these hours are addressed the next work day. Animal Control: (612) 859-6989. Dog licenses: There is a limit of 3 dogs per property by ordinance. All dogs 6 months and older require a license; no exceptions. Licenses are issued in 2 year periods; currently 2023-24. The cost is $20. Proof of rabies vaccination is required for the license. If found, lost dogs are held for 7 days. If not claimed, they are transferred to a rescue agency for adoption. Other Animals: Cats require a rabies vaccination but not a license. Limit 4 cats per property. Limit 5 domestic animals total per property. Fowl are allowed by permit. Limit 6 hens per property. Roosters are not allowed in the city limits. Bees are allowed by permit. Permit applications for animals are on our website: www.ci.monticello.mn.us/354 2023 GARBAGE & RECYCLING COLLECTION SCHEDULE 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. 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. Garbage and Recycling days are noted in BLUE. Holidays observed by Waste Management are highlighted in RED. Pick up on or 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/monticello. Waste Management’s Direct Line Waste Management’s direct phone number is (320) 258-3948. This line is dedicated to the City of Monticello’s residential customers. When should I call Waste Management?• For missed collection of either garbage or recycling.• For excess garbage/recycling: Call prior to your pickup day for pickup of any garbage/recycling overages (outside of the cart).• To order a larger cart.• For any additional questions or concerns you have about service. Visit our website for more information, including our full 2023 Garbage & Recycling Calendar and Waste Management’s Recycling Guide: www.ci.monticello.mn.us/226