City Council Minutes 04-27-2026 SpecialMINUTES
MONTICELLO CITY COUNCIL SPECIAL MEETING
Monday, April 27, 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, Bob
Ferguson, Jim Thares, Jennifer Schreiber, and Tom Pawelk
1. Call to Order
Mayor Lloyd Hilgart called the special meeting to order at 5:00 p.m.
2. Wright County Sheriff's Office Contract Discussion
Representatives of the Wright County Sheriff's Office were in attendance to discuss
contract negotiations for the term beginning in 2027. Sheriff Deringer noted that the
department completed a study identifying four cities in Wright County requiring
increased service hours, including Monticello. He indicated that Monticello is currently
8.87% above the currently contracted hours per day.
Sheriff Deringer and the Sheriff's office proposed an incremental increase of four hours
over three years, for a total increase of 12 hours per day. The proposed increases would
take effect July 1, 2027, January 1, 2028, and January 1, 2029.
The City Council engaged in discussion and sought clarification on several aspects of the
proposal. City Administrator Rachel Leonard noted that the contract discussions are
occurring early in the budgeting process to support long-term financial planning.
Staff will continue discussions with the Sheriff's Office, and a final contract will be
brought back to the Council for consideration at a future council.
3. Fibernet/Arvig Contract Discussion
Finance Director Sarah Rathlisberger introduced the item and noted that the contract
with Arvig for Fibernet management expires on June 30, 2026. Staff recommended a
five-year contract addendum with the option to reopen negotiations after three years.
Ms. Rathlisberger asked whether the City Council had any desired adjustments to the
contract. There was minimal discussion, and the Council indicated no recommended
changes. The contract details will remain as outlined in the first addendum.
The City Council reached consensus to proceed with an addendum extending the
contract for five years, with the option to reopen negotiations after three years.
City Council Special Meeting Minutes —April 27, 2026
4. Adjournment
By consensus, the meeting was adjourned at 6:15 p.m.
Recorder: Jennifer Schrei r
Attest:
City Administrator
City Council Special Meeting Minutes —April 27, 2026