City Council Minutes 02-09-2026 SpecialMINUTES
MONTICELLO CITY COUNCIL SPECIAL MEETING
Monday, February 9, 2026 — 5:00 p.m.
Monticello Community Center
Present: Lloyd Hilgart, Charlotte Gabler, Kip Christianson, Tracy Hinz, Lee Martie
Absent: None
Staff: Rachel Leonard, Sarah Rathlisberger, Angela Schumann, Matt Leonard, and Tom
Pawelk
Others: Tom Cruikshank (MNDOT), Mike Larson (Bolton & Menk), Zach Whitley (MNDOT)
1. Call to Order
Mayor Lloyd Hilgart called the special meeting to order at 5:00 p.m.
2. Highway 25 Corridor Update - MNDOT
Tom Cruikshank, MNDOT, reported that MNDOT, in collaboration with the cities of
Monticello and Big Lake, as well as Wright and Sherburne Counties, completed a
corridor study of TH 25 from CR 106/85t" Street to US 10. The study aimed to identify
safety concerns, near -term improvements, and a long-term vision for the corridor.
Mike Larson, Bolton & Menk, and Zach Whitley, MNDOT, provided an overview of the
study, highlighting key downtown challenges, including high cash rates, traffic
bottlenecks, and a constrained roadway corridor. Several alternatives were evaluated
based on existing traffic volumes, with the recommended concept being a 41" Street
roundabout with access restrictions including allowing right-in/right-out movements
only on River Street, 3rd Street, 61" Street, and prohibiting side street left -turns at 7tn
Street. The addition of the roundabout with this implementation of access restrictions
alternative was identified as providing the greatest overall benefit.
Project scoping begins in 2027 with a tentative construction year of 2031.
The Council discussed the study and recommendation and had clarifying questions for
further understanding. No action was taken.
3. Confirmation on Council Direction for Water Treatment Plant Project
Public Works Director/City Engineer Matt Leonard wanted clarification on items
selected for the Water Treatment Plant at the last special meeting on January 26.
Council confirmed that there was consensus for Option 1— Windows, Option B — South
Elevation, and Option A — North Elevation.
City Council Special Meeting Minutes — February 9, 2026
4. Adjournment
By consensus, the meeting was adjourned at 6:25 p.m.
Recorder: Jennifer Schreib
Attest:
City Council Special Meeting Minutes — February 9, 2026
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