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City Council Minutes 04-13-2026MONTICELLO CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING MINUTES Monday, April 13, 2026 — 6:30 p.m. Mississippi Room, Monticello Community Center Present: Lloyd Hilgart, Kip Christianson, Charlotte Gabler, Tracy Hinz, and Lee Martie Absent: None 1. General Business A. Call to Order & Pledge of Allegiance Mayor Hilgart called the meeting to order at 6:30 p.m. B. Arbor Day Proclamation C. Approval of Agenda Motion by Councilmember Hinz to approve the agenda with public service announcements being moved before citizen comments. Councilmember Martie seconded the motion. Motion carried unanimously. D. Approval of Meeting Minutes • Joint meeting Minutes from January 6, 2026 • Special Meeting Minutes from March 23, 2026 • Regular Meeting Minutes from March 23, 2026 • Workshop Minutes from April 20, 2026 Motion by Councilmember Gabler to approve the four sets of minutes. Councilmember Christianson seconded the motion. Motion carried unanimously. E. Public Service Announcement There was a presentation by members of Heart Strong Monticello highlighting the City receiving designation as an official Heart Safe Community by the state. F. Citizen Comments Mayor Hilgart outlined procedures for citizen comments to ensure the meeting stays efficient given a full agenda. He noted that public comments are limited to non - agenda items. He added speaking time may be limited and that council won't take action but refer the items to staff. Mayor Hilgart emphasized that it is the Council's role to make decisions for the entire community, not just individual neighborhoods. He stated that while residents closest to a project may have the strongest personal stake, it is the Council's City Council Minutes: April 13, 2026 Page 1 1 15 responsibility to evaluate issues as if they affect everyone equally balancing impacts across residents, businesses, and schools citywide. Mayor Hilgart announced that he was going to depart from the standard procedure and allow a resident —who has been unable to attend prior meetings and cannot stay for the full session —to speak on the data center. The following spoke under citizen comments: • Monica Primeau, 8703 Ebersole Ave. NE. Ms. Primeau expressed opposition to the proposed data center, citing concerns about limited community benefits, environmental impacts, and rising costs. She also raised issues with transparency and urged the City Council to consider a moratorium for further review. • Joe Kraft, 4313 87t" St. NE. Mr. Kraft requested that the City Council reevaluate the intersection at 87th/89th and Ebersole, citing increased traffic due to neighborhood growth and safety concerns • Tom Bose, 1010 W. River St. Mr. Bose urged the City Council to replace the current Minnesota state flag, stating support for adopting the previous design. • Angie Montgomery, 8567 Elk Ave. Ms. Montgomery thanked the City Council for holding meetings and listening to residents, then referenced a description of the council's role, emphasizing responsibilities such as passing ordinances, setting policy, and addressing constituent concerns. She expressed concern that resident input on a major topic was not being addressed. G. Council Liaison Updates • Economic Development Authority — Councilmember Hinz noted that the EDA approved a Small Cities Development Program loan agreement with Kid's Haven. Members also received updates on economic development projects and held a closed meeting to discuss pricing for EDA properties in the Otter Creek Business Park. • Planning Commission — Councilmember Christianson commented that the Commission held a workshop focused on future residential housing planning and zoning alignment with the comprehensive plan. He added that during the regular meeting, the Commission held public hearings and approved amendments to the Stony Brook Planned Unit Development, including exterior design updates. They also approved preliminary plat for Jefferson Commons. City Council Minutes: April 13, 2026 Page 2 1 15 • Monticello Orderly Annexation Board — Community Development Director Angela Schumann noted that the MOAA considered carryover items from the April 8 meeting, including ordinance amendments related to backyard chickens, dynamic signs, and communication antennas. All items were approved. H. Department Updates • Construction Update — Public Works Director/City Engineer Matt Leonard gave an update on current construction projects. 2. Consent Agenda: Motion by Councilmember Hinz to approve the consent agenda. Councilmember Martie seconded the motion. Motion carried unanimously. A. Consideration of approving the payment of bills. Action taken: Approved the bill and purchase card registers for a total of $2,252,180.24. B. Consideration of approving new hires and departures for City departments. Action taken: Approved the hires for Facilities and Parks and terminations for Facilities and Monticello Community Center. C. Consideration of approving the disposal of surplus of IT property. Action taken: Approved. D. Consideration of approving the appointment of Lori Hanson to the Industrial Economic Development Committee (IEDC) to fill the remainder of a three-year term ending December 31, 2026. Action taken: Approved the appointment. E. Consideration of approving a temporary liquor license for Monticello Lions for Music on the Mississippi for the Mississippi outdoor concert series at West Bridge Park on June 17 and July 15, 2026. Action taken: Approved the temporary liquor license for the Monticello Lions. F. Consideration of approving a special event permit for an outdoor event at the American Legion, 304 Elm Street, on Saturday, May 2, 2026. Action taken: Approved the special event permit for the American Legion. G. Consideration of approving a temporary liquor license for the American Legion for an event at their location at 304 Elm Street on Saturday, May 2, 2026. Action taken: Approved the temporary liquor license for the American Legion. H. Consideration of approving an on -sale liquor license for RRS Restaurant Partners, LLC, dba Boulder Tap House located at 40 Chelsea Road, Suite 100. Action taken: Approved the on -sale liquor license for Boulder Tap House. City Council Minutes: April 13, 2026 Page 3 1 15 Consideration of adopting Ordinance 864 amending the Stony Brook Village Planned Unit Development District for amendment to the proposed residential twin home structures, including design standards for the exterior elevations and floor plans. Applicant: Thomas Dehn —Thomas Allen Homes LLC. Action taken: Adopted Ordinance 864 amending the Stony Brook Village PUD District to the proposed residential twinhome structures, including design standards for the exterior elevations and floor plans, subject to the conditions in Exhibit Z and based on findings in Resolution PC-2026-12. J. Consideration of adopting Resolution 2026-21 approving a preliminary and final plat and development contract for Jefferson Commons Fifth Addition and approving conditional use permits for cross -access for development of a 7.01 acre site in a B-4 (Regional Business) district for day care center use. Applicant: Kid's Haven Childcare and Preschool. Action taken: (1) Adopted Resolution 2026-21 approving a preliminary and final plat and development contract for Jefferson Commons Fifth Addition, subject to the conditions in Exhibit Z and based on findings in said resolution, authorized the Mayor and City Administrator to execute said agreement, and further authorizing the Mayor and City Administrator to negotiate and specify final changes or amendments necessary to more fully execute the intention of the City council with respect to the proposed project. (2) Approved a conditional use permit for cross access and declaration of cross access subject to the conditions in Exhibit Z and based on findings in Resolution PC-2026-10. K. Consideration of adopting Resolution 2026-22 approving a special assessment agreement for sewer and water availability charges. Applicant: Kid's Haven Childcare. Action taken: Adopted Resolution 2026-22 approving a special assessment agreement for Kid's Haven Childcare. Consideration of adopting Resolution 2026-23 authorizing a First Amendment to a Contract for Private Development with Kid's Haven of Monticello Holdings, LLC and Kid's Haven of Monticello, LLC for a 2.93-acre City owned site, adding the legal description of Lot 1, Block 1, Jefferson Commons Fifth Addition. Action taken: Adopted Resolution 2026-23 authorizing a First Amendment to a Contract for Private Development with Kid's Haven of Monticello Holdings, LLC and Kid's Haven of Monticello, LLC. M. Consideration of adopting Resolution 2026-24 accepting bids and awarding the contract for the Bertram Chain of Lakes Regional Athletic Park Phase III Pickleball City Council Minutes: April 13, 2026 Page 4 1 15 Improvements, including Alternate One for the gravel parking lot, to Fehn Companies, Inc., and authorizing the City Administrator to execute the construction contract; and approval of the purchase of two shade structure materials through the Sourcewell cooperative purchasing program. Action taken: Adopted Resolution 2026-24 accepting bids and awarding contract for the Athletic Park Phase III Pickleball improvements, including Alternate One for the gravel parking lot, to Fehn Companies, Inc., in the amount of $662,202.96, and authorized the City Administrator to execute the construction contract, and approved the purchase of two shade structure materials through the Sourcewell cooperative purchasing program in the amount of $65,815, with installation to be completed by City staff. N. Consideration to call for a public hearing on April 27, 2026, on an ordinance amending the 2026 Fee Schedule. Action taken: Called for a public hearing on April 27, 2026. O. Consideration of adopting Resolution 2026-26 authorizing submission of a Greater Minnesota Regional Parks and Trails Commission Regional Designation application for The Pointes at Cedar Recreation Area. Action taken: Adopted Resolution 2026-26 authorizing submission of the application. P. Consideration of approving a professional services proposal from Inside Outside Architecture, Inc. (IOA) for design and engineering of the Bertram Chain of Lakes Regional Athletic Park Maintenance Facility. Action taken: Approved the proposal from Inside Outside Architecture, Inc. in the amount of $84,000 for design, engineering, and bidding services for a City maintenance facility at the Bertram Chain of Lakes Regional Athletic Park and authorize the City Administrator to execute the agreement. Q. Consideration of approving plans and specifications and authorization to bid for the 2026 Street Improvements project. Action taken: Approved plans and specifications and authorized to bid for the 2026 Street Improvements project. 3. Public Hearing: A. Consideration of adopting Resolution 2026-25 authorizing amendments to the Willi Hahn-Wiha Tools Minnesota Investment Fund (MIF) grant agreement and the MIF loan agreement extending the job creation compliance timeline from February 2, 2026, to February 2, 2027 Economic Development Manager Jim Thares reviewed that the item was a public hearing regarding a recommended extension to the Minnesota Investment fund agreement tied to the Wiha Tools expansion project approved in 2022-2023. He City Council Minutes: April 13, 2026 Page 5 1 15 stated that the state grant totals $220,000 and supported equipment purchases for a new facility. Mr. Thares noted that Wiha Tools has completed the expansion and installed the equipment but has not yet met its job creation requirement of 41 new jobs. Because the deadline has not been met, the company requested an extension of nearly one year to fulfill the job creation obligation. Mr. Thares added that a companion City loan agreement is also involved, structured as a forgivable loan that converts to a grant if job targets are achieved. Mayor Hilgart opened the public hearing. The following individual testified: Scott Cutsforth. Mr. Cutsforth asked for clarification about a potential loan forgiveness tied to the Wiha Tools expansion, specifically questioning whether over $200,000 could be forgiven. Mr. Thares explained that the funding is part of the Minnesota Investment Fund. City Administrator Rachel Leonard also noted that the funding is administered by the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED), and the City acts only as a pass -through conduit for the state program. Additionally, Wiha Tools has not yet drawn any of the funds and therefore has not yet triggered detailing reporting requirements. Mayor Hilgart closed the public hearing. There was no further discussion. Motion by Councilmember Martie to adopt Resolution 2026-25 authorizing amendments to the Willi Hahn-Wiha Tools Minnesota Investment Fund (MIF) grant agreement and the MIF loan agreement extending the job creation compliance timeline from February 2, 2026 to February 2, 2027. Councilmember Christianson seconded the motion. Motion carried unanimously. 4. Regular Agenda: A. Consideration of accepting proposals and awarding the Skate Park Project contract to Action Sports of Minnesota for $120,900 Park and Recreation Director Tom Pawelk presented the item, which is a contract award for reopening the skate park at the Monticello Community Center following City Council direction at a special meeting on March 9. The project will move forward using funds from a community fundraising campaign. City Council Minutes: April 13, 2026 Page 6 1 15 Mr. Pawelk noted that two bids were received for the project. Action Sports of Minnesota submitted the low bid of $120,900. In response to various questions by City Councilmembers, Mr. Pawelk highlighted that the skate park will be free to the public and operate during normal MCC/park hours once completed. Helmets will be required and rules will be posted. Motion by Councilmember Gabler to accept proposals and award the Skate Park Project contract to Action Sports of Minnesota for $120,900. Councilmember Christianson seconded the motion. Motion carried unanimously. B. Consideration of approving contract amendment with AE2S for additional design services for the Monticello Water Treatment Plant in the amount of $173,900 Public Works Director/City Engineer Matt Leonard presented the item to Council and explained several design changes to the City's water treatment plant project since the original 2022 feasibility study. He noted that the study originally recommended a 10 million gallon -per -day facility for a 30-year growth. However, after receiving updated cost estimates and working with the Minnesota Department of Health and the Public Facilities Authority, the project has been resized to an 8 million gallon -per -day facility. This reduced size still meets approximately 20 years of projected growth. Mr. Leonard stated that the changes required additional engineering work, resulting in approximately $173,900 in added design costs. He noted that the project is currently at the 95% design stage, with 100% plans expected within the next week. Additionally, the City is soliciting contractor qualifications and plans to move to bidding in the coming months. Councilmember Hinz questioned whether the redesigned water treatment plant will support future growth and wanted clarification on current water demand and project budgeting. Mr. Leonard confirmed that 8 million gallons per day will accommodate future expansion without significant costs. He added that current water usage varies seasonally and clarified that the cost increase is within the previously planned contingency. There was no further discussion. Motion by Councilmember Hinz to approve a contract amendment with AE2S for additional design services for the Monticello Water Treatment Plant in the City Council Minutes: April 13, 2026 Page 7 1 15 amount of $173,900. Councilmember Christianson seconded the motion. Motion carried unanimously. C. Consideration of adopting a Standard of Conduct by the Monticello City Council City Administrator Rachel Leonard presented a draft City Council Standard of Conduct for discussion and approval. She explained that the document is intended to clearly outline both legal and ethical expectations for elected officials. She noted that while these obligations already exist under state law and public service duties, compiling them into a single document helps reinforce shared expectations, improve consistency among councilmembers, and increase transparency and public trust. Ms. Leonard noted that a draft was prepared by the City Clerk using examples form other communities and guidance from the League of Minnesota Cities. She stated that the document summarizes applicable laws and behavioral standards and is intended to serve as a self -enforcing guide. She added that for more serious concerns, the City Clerk or City Administrator would be available as points of contact for review or guidance, particularly regarding legal issues. Ms. Leonard commented that, if approved, the document would be published on the City's website for public access. There was no discussion. Motion by Councilmember Hinz to adopt a Standard of Conduct for the Monticello City Council. Councilmember Christianson seconded the motion. Motion carried unanimously. D. Consideration of authorizing revisions to a proposed amendment to the Monticello City Code, Title XV, Land Usage, Chapter City Administrator Rachel Leonard provided a detailed update on the draft ordinance regulating data center development (DC PUD). She clarified that the council is not being asked to take final action tonight, but rather to provide direction on any desired revisions before a final "clean" version is brought back for formal consideration. Ms. Leonard explained that the draft ordinance proposes a case -by -case planned unit development approach with strong oversight of external impacts like water, power, infrastructure, and community effects. She noted that it establishes clear performance standards, detailed application requirements, defined permitted and prohibited uses and enforcing measures. City Council Minutes: April 13, 2026 Page 8 1 15 Ms. Leonard stated that the ordinance also ensures the developers, not taxpayers, bear infrastructure costs and incorporates coordination with state agencies and utilities on environmental, water, and energy issues. It was also mentioned that public concerns are addressed through the ordinance and existing regulatory processes. Ongoing refinements are being made based on feedback, with attention to development flexibility and preventing stalled projects. Ms. Leonard noted that the council is being asked to provide final input before the ordinance is finalized for adoption. Councilmember Gabler asked the council to consider renaming "data center" to "small -acre data center" (0-25 acres) to better define the use and limit potential large-scale developments, citing concerns about long-term infrastructure and maintenance impacts. Mayor Hilgart and Public Works Director/City Engineer Matt Leonard responded that infrastructure for likely sites may already exist or be developer -funded, with modern utilities having long lifespans and relatively low maintenance needs. Mayor Hilgart requested clarification that Councilmember Gabler's proposal seeks to limit data centers to 25 acres. Councilmember Gabler concurred. The council members present (Hilgart, Martie, Hinz, and Christianson) all expressed they were not in favor of imposing that size limitation. Mayor Hilgart noted that the proposed standards could effectively limit most developments and raised concerns about whether restrictions could unintentionally exclude a wide range of industrial users. Councilmember Gabler asked whether large buildings like UMC or WIHA-sized facilities could still operate as data centers if used for computers, and whether a 25-acre site could still qualify for that use. She also stated a preference for smaller development within industrial parks rather than single large user and asked whether defining a maximum size (such as 100 acres). Community Development Director Angela Schumann clarified that the ordinance permits data centers only as an accessory use when they are incidental to a primary use (like industrial or medical). She distinguished this from standalone data centers, which are a different discussion focused on scale. She noted that the council should consider how different project sizes affect tax base diversification, job creation, and infrastructure demands, which can vary depending on project type. City Council Minutes: April 13, 2026 Page 9 1 15 Councilmember Hinz asked what level of investment and long-term community benefit a smaller 25-acre project would provide, and what infrastructure requirements it would involve. She questioned what tangible returns the community would receive from a smaller -scale data center. Angela Schumann responded that smaller projects are evaluated mainly on their contribution to the tax base, job creation, and infrastructure impacts. She noted that these factors can vary significantly depending on technology and design. Rachel Leonard added that staff is working to balance project scale with economic feasibility to ensure projects are large enough to justify infrastructure costs but not so large that they overwhelm community capacity. She noted the council must decide between smaller, incremental development and larger -scale projects that could bring broader economic benefits. She also cautioned that any change to size limits would need a clearly defined maximum written into the ordinance. Mayor Hilgart cautioned against selectively limiting data centers while allowing similar large industrial users. He raised concerns about legal risk and fairness, noting that approving one type of heavy industrial use while denying another with comparable impacts could create inconsistency. Councilmember Gabler reiterated concerns about project scale and asked whether setting a defined maximum size, such as up to 100 acres, could strike a balance between allowing growth and maintaining community preferences for smaller developments. Due to various factors, the City Council recessed for 15 minutes. The City Council reconvened at 8:39 p.m. Councilmember Gabler proposed forming a temporary advisory committee to further review the DCPUD ordinance before final action. She suggested the committee include staff, two council members, and approximately three to five members of the public, with a defined timeline and staff -led facilitation. Her intent was to increase public involvement and provide additional input during the final stages of ordinance development. Councilmember Hinz questioned the structure and purpose of the committee, including how often it would meet and whether differing viewpoints could hinder consensus. She expressed concern that prior discussions had not yielded agreement on key issues such as setbacks and noted the need to balance regulatory decisions with long-term fiscal and infrastructure planning. City Council Minutes: April 13, 2026 Page 10 1 15 Councilmember Gabler responded that the goal was to create a constructive compromise and ensure adjacent neighborhoods and residents had additional opportunity for input. There was a motion by Councilmember Gabler to establish the committee as described. The motion failed for lack of a second. Councilmember Hinz requested clarification regarding the adjustment of construction hours from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m., asking how those hours were determined. Angela Schumann responded that the version under discussion was the ordinance as recommended by the Planning Commission, and that additional revisions discussed at the council workshop, such as clarifying construction - related language, establishing specific hours of construction activity, and addressing days of the week including the potential elimination of Sunday work, had not yet been incorporated into the draft. Councilmember Gabler noted prior discussion regarding eliminating Sunday construction and asked whether a formal motion was needed to ensure the item was included for further review. Rachel Leonard clarified that noise standards and construction hour provisions were already included in the list of items under review for revision. Councilmember Gabler requested further discussion and direction regarding setback requirements for the ordinance, specifically asking staff to review and consider increased setbacks. Rachel Leonard indicated that staff was seeking council direction to refine setback provisions, including simplifying requirements and addressing equipment placement to reduce noise impacts. There was a motion by Councilmember Gabler to establish 1,200-foot setback for parcels zoned residential, civic, industrial, mixed -use, and public parkland or recreational property. Mayor Hilgart expressed concern, referencing prior discussions on the issue. Motion failed for lack of a second. Rachel Leonard emphasized the need for clearer council guidance on the purpose of setback requirements so standards can be tailored more effectively. She noted setbacks serve multiple functions such as buffering uses, reducing noise, and screening views. She also stated that clarifying the intent would improve regulation design. Angela Schumann added that setbacks alone may not adequately address impacts like noise and suggested using additional tools like building design, height, berms, and landscaping depending on the desired outcomes. City Council Minutes: April 13, 2026 Page 11 1 15 Councilmember Hinz questioned whether further clarification on the purpose of setbacks was necessary, noting it had been extensively discussed previously. Councilmember Gabler asked if building height could be adjusted as part of setback considerations and how setbacks related to floor area ratio (FAR). Angela Schumann explained that setbacks can influence FAR because they affect net land area calculations, which in turn impact allowable development intensity. Rachel Leonard stated that staff could evaluate setbacks, FAR, and building height as connected elements to better balance development standards. She suggested analyzing council intent and returning with revised recommendations that integrate these factors more comprehensively. Councilmember Christianson supported further refining setback policy and balancing it with FAR impacts. There was a motion by Councilmember Christianson to direct staff to review residential setbacks, including consideration of increasing them up to 300 feet and evaluating their relationship to principal structures and development scale. Mayor Hilgart seconded the motion. Motion failed 2-3; Councilmembers Gabler, Hinz, and Martie voted against. Councilmember Gabler questioned whether the data center PUD notice requirement could be increased from the standard 350 feet to 500 feet, and whether such a change would need to apply citywide. Mayor Hilgart noted that while changes may be possible, they would need to be applied consistently across projects. Rachel Leonard explained that consistency is required not only for fairness but also for legal defensibility, emphasizing that deviating from state statute or established practice could expose the city to legal risk or claims of bias. Angela Schumann added that notice requirements generally follow state statute, which is typically 350 feet depending on the application type. Councilmember Gabler also asked about changing "encouraged" neighborhood meetings to "required." Rachel Leonard explained this is not possible because requiring a concept meeting would trigger a statutory 60-day decision timeline, limiting flexibility. She added that concept meetings are intentionally kept optional (but encouraged) to allow early feedback without constraining the formal review process or decision -making timeline. Councilmember Gabler asked whether a data center could be required to obtain a state water permit rather than using the City's municipal water permit system. Rachel Leonard responded that under the City's orderly annexation agreement City Council Minutes: April 13, 2026 Page 12 1 15 generally, users are generally required to connect to municipal water and sewer, with limited exceptions. Ms. Leonard explained that large water users, including data centers, are typically incorporated into the system because they contribute to spreading costs and can help stabilize utility rates over time. However, these projects may be required to help fund necessary infrastructure expansions, such as new municipal wells, which then become part of the city's system. Mayor Hilgart raised the idea of removing Sunday hours for construction and loading activities as part of the discussion on work hours. Councilmember Martie asked whether this change would apply broadly to all outdoor construction or only the specific project, expressing concern that eliminating Sunday work could negatively impact contractors such as roofers and siding companies during peak summer construction season. Councilmember Christianson asked whether the restriction could be addressed through site -specific negotiation if legally permissible. Angela Schumann responded that staff would need to confirm with the City Attorney whether construction hour standards could vary within a PUD versus the City's general noise ordinance, noting the importance of consistency across regulations. Motion by Mayor Hilgart to prohibit construction on Sundays. Councilmember Christianson seconded the motion with the friendly amendment of legal must sign off. Motion carried unanimously. There was no further discussion on the item. E. Consideration of authorizing a letter of intent for the acquisition of property for right-of-way purposes for the extension of Redford Lane Matt Leonard presented the item and noted that, as part of the Public Works Facility project, the City had previously attempted to acquire a small portion of adjacent property to extend Redford Lane, which would provide a connection to the Public Works site. Those efforts were unsuccessful at the time. Mr. Leonard noted that the adjacent property owner has recently expressed willingness to sell approximately 0.71 acres for $100,000. Staff noted this area currently includes a temporary cul-de-sac easement that would be formalized through this acquisition. Mr. Leonard added that staff is preparing the legal description and reviewing wetland impacts, with a 60-day purchase agreement timeline. Councilmember Gabler asked whether the proposed land acquisition would improve the 90% design and site layout and reduce costs. Matt Leonard City Council Minutes: April 13, 2026 Page 13 1 15 responded that it may allow the facility to shift slightly west, but its primary benefit is providing permanent access to the southern parcel and a future connection to Redford Lane. He noted it may slightly increase costs but would create a more permanent roadway solution. Councilmember Christianson asked about long-term wetland mitigation and potential realignment of School Boulevard. Matt Leonard explained that while realignment has been considered, the current alignment along the power line corridor is viewed as the most practical option, and wetland mitigation is expected to be less costly than a full road relocation. There was no further discussion. Motion by Councilmember Hinz to authorize a letter of intent for the acquisition of property for right-of-way purposes for the extension of Redford Lane. Councilmember Christianson seconded the motion. Motion carried unanimously. Consideration of Resolution 2026-27 for Monticello Tech/Monticello Industrial Park and 2026-28 for Scannell Technology Park responding to a citizen petition for an Environmental Assessment Worksheet (EAW) Rachel Leonard explained Minnesota's environmental review process, focusing on a citizen petition requesting Environmental Assessment Worksheets (EAWs) for two separate development areas in Monticello: a 550-acre "Monticello Tech" site and a 100-acre "Scannell" site. Ms. Leonard noted that for the Monticello Tech site, the City already completed environmental review through an Alternative Urban Area -wide Review (AUAR), which studied maximum development scenarios, including public input, and was adopted in January 2026 with a mitigation plan. Because this AUAR satisfies state requirements, the site is considered exempt from the new EAW petition. Ms. Leonard stated that for the Scannell site, the situation is unresolved as the land is still in Monticello Township, has not been annexed, and no specific development project or finalized land -use designation exists yet. Because of this, the City is not currently the agency responsible for environmental review and does not yet have enough information to act on the EAW petition. Ms. Leonard added that the petition is therefore effectively on hold and can remain active for up to a year while conditions change. Rachel Leonard explained that the environmental petition remains active, limiting immediate action. She noted that staff needs clearer City Council and City Council Minutes: April 13, 2026 Page 14 1 15 Planning Commission direction on land use before evaluating future development projects. She clarified that environmental review is triggered by specific development projects, not by general land use guidance or policy decisions. Councilmember Christianson asked whether land use guidance could trigger environmental review. Rachel Leonard responded that it would not. Councilmember Hinz requested clarification on the Monticello tech site and if the AUAR remained valid. Rachel Leonard explained that the project required environmental review and staff used an Alternative Urban Review (AUR), which applies EIS -level analysis using an EAW-style format and evaluates maximum potential impacts. She noted that the AUAR remains valid as long as future development stays within the studied parameters and is supported by annexation authority and developer -provided project information. Motion by Councilmember Martie to adopt Resolution 2026-27 for Monticello Tech/Monticello Industrial Park and 2026-28 for Scannell Technology Park responding to a citizen petition for an Environmental Assessment Worksheet. Councilmember Christianson seconded the motion. Motion carried unanimously. 5. Adjournment The meeting was adjourned at 9:52 p.m. Jennifer Schreibe City Administrator City Council Minutes: April 13, 2026 Page 15 1 15