City Council Minutes 06-08-2026 SpecialMINUTES
MONTICELLO CITY COUNCIL SPECIAL MEETING
Monday, June 8, 2026 — 5:30 p.m.
Monticello Community Center
Present: Lloyd Hilgart, Charlotte Gabler, Kip Christianson, Tracy Hinz, Lee Martie
Absent: None
Staff: 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. Fallon Avenue Update
Public Works Director/City Engineer reviewed the 30% design for the Fallon Avenue
Utility Extension project, which will extend water and sewer infrastructure from Chelsea
Road to Fallon Drive to support future development and increase utility capacity. The
proposed water main extension would provide a key connection to the future water
treatment plant and implement long-term utility plans.
Mr. Leonard presented analysis of sanitary sewer alignment options, comparing the
original deep trunk sewer design with a shallower alternative. The original alignment
would maximize gravity sewer service but would require excavation depths of up to 45
feet, resulting in greater construction impacts and higher costs. He presented two
options for the infrastructure improvements. The options were similar except Option 2
had a shallower alignment, had reduced construction challenges, shorten timelines,
lower project costs, and less impacts to businesses along Fallon Avenue while still
providing gravity service to much of the future growth area.
Discussion also addressed long-term utility planning and the role of lift stations. While
the shallower alignment would slightly increase the area served by planned lift stations,
it would not require additional lift stations beyond those already anticipated. Staff
noted the alternative would also reduce future costs associated with utility
improvements in the Haven Ridge development area.
Mr. Leonard also reviewed a previously studied force main alternative that would pump
wastewater north through a large lift station. While potentially less expensive initially, it
was indicated that the option would be inconsistent with the City's long-term utility
planning goals, increase operational and maintenance costs, and reduce the value of
prior investments in gravity sewer infrastructure. He recommended continuing with the
City Council Special Meeting Minutes —June 8, 2026
gravity sewer approach and further evaluating the shallower alignment as design
progresses.
Finance Director Sarah Rathlisberger noted that the project was moved forward in the
City's Capital Improvement Plan during a recent update due to anticipated growth and
development activity, including the Haven Ridge, Meadowbrook, and Tamarack
developments. Staff explained that advancing the project will help ensure adequate
utility infrastructure is available to accommodate planned residential growth and
remains an important component of the City's long-term utility expansion strategy.
Discussion was held and City Council reached consensus for Option 2 or the shallower
alignment.
3. Adjournment
By consensus, the meeting was adjourned at 6:15 p.m.
Recorder: Jennifer Schrei er
Attest:
City Council Special Meeting Minutes — June 8, 2026
9M 4
City Administrator