City Council Minutes 06-08-2026MONTICELLO CITY COUNCIL
REGULAR MEETING MINUTES
Monday, June 8, 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. Approval of Agenda
Motion by Councilmember Hinz to approve the agenda. Councilmember
Christianson seconded the motion. Motion carried unanimously.
C. Approval of Meeting Minutes
• Regular Meeting Minutes from May 26, 2026
Motion by Councilmember Martie to approve the meeting minutes.
Councilmember Hinz seconded the motion.
D. Public Service Announcement
• City Clerk Jennifer Schreiber noted the following announcements:
- Heritage Day
- Movie in the Park
- Music on the Mississippi
- Juneteenth
E. Citizen Comments
The following spoke under citizen comments:
• Ben Anderson, 4208 Eakern Circle. Mr. Anderson referenced a May 30, 2024
email regarding a potential large-scale development and questioned when
City officials became aware of the proposal. The resident expressed concerns
about transparency, stating that information about the project was not
publicly discussed during the 2024 election cycle. The resident also
questioned the timing of the extension of the orderly annexation agreement
with the township and whether future development plans were known at
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that time. Concerns were raised regarding public communication, annexation
implications, and the timing of development -related decisions.
City officials responded to concerns regarding the timeline and transparency
of data center discussions, stating that no specific proposal was known
during the 2024 election cycle. Staff and Councilmembers noted that public
discussions and research regarding data centers began in 2024, with related
meetings, agendas, and materials available to the public. They also explained
that preliminary development inquiries are common and do not necessarily
result in formal development proposals.
• Scott Cutsforth — Mr. Cutsforth commented on the proposed Fallon Avenue
utility improvements, questioning project costs, financing options, and the
potential use of bonding. He encouraged consideration of alternative funding
sources, including local sales tax revenue, to support infrastructure
improvements and expressed concerns about relying on heavy industrial
development to expand the City's tax base.
F. Council Liaison Updates
• Parks, Arts, & Recreation Commission (PARC) — Councilmember Gabler gave an
update on the May 28 Parks, Arts, and Recreation Commission meeting. The
Commission recommended approval of amendments to park dedication
requirements based on the recently completed park dedication study, including
updates to residential cash dedication rates. The Commission also received
updates on MontiArts activities and participated in a spring tour of City parks
and facilities.
• Planning Commission —Community Development Director Angela Schumann
gave overview of the Planning Commission meeting held June 2, 2026. At this
meeting the Planning Commission recommended approval of two conditional
use permit applications, updates to park dedication requirements, and
miscellaneous zoning ordinance amendments. The Commission also approved an
administrative subdivision related to the Public Works Facility project and found
that property transactions associated with the Water Treatment Facility and
Otter Creek Business Park projects were consistent with the Comprehensive
Plan. She also noted there was an update on the Capital Improvement Plan from
Finance Director Sarah Rafflesberger.
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G. Department Updates
• Shade Tree Update — Parks & Recreation Director Pawelk provided an update on
the City's Emerald Ash Borer response efforts and ReLeaf grant -funded tree
replacement program. Staff reviewed progress on ash tree removals and
replanting, discussed the use of inventory data to guide restoration efforts, and
highlighted the importance of species diversity and climate -resilient tree
plantings. The City received ReLeaf grant funding to support the removal and
replacement of public ash trees and to provide income -based assistance for
private ash tree removals within designated priority areas. Notification letters
regarding the private assistance program will be mailed to eligible residents.
• Construction Update — Public Works Director/City Engineer Matt Leonard gave
an update on current construction projects.
2. Consent Agenda:
Motion by Councilmember Martie to approve the Consent Agenda. Councilmember
Christianson seconded the motion. Motion carried unanimously.
A. Approve the payment of bills. Action taken: Approved the bill and purchase
card registers for a total of $$1,180,105.72.
B. Approve the new hires and departures for City departments. Action taken:
Approved the hires and departures for the Monticello Community Center.
C. Approve the disposal of surplus City property. Action taken: No report this cycle.
D. Adopt Resolution 2026-49 accepting a donation of $10,000 from Cargill for
Special Response Unit. Action taken: Adopted Resolution 2026-49 accepting the
donation.
Approve in -person absentee/early voting period for the Primary Election. Action
taken: Approved an absentee/early voting period of 18 days for the 2026
Primary Election.
F. Approve annual liquor license renewals for 2026-2027. Action taken: Approved
the liquor license renewals for 2026-2027 as presented.
G. Adopt Resolution 2026-50 accepting two Minnesota Department of Natural
Resource ReLeaf Forestry Grants totaling $622,600 and authorizing the Mayor
and City Administrator to execute all required grant agreements and documents.
Action taken: Adopted Resolution 2026-50 accepting two MN Department of
Natural Resource ReLeaf Forestry Grants totaling $622,600 and authorizing the
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Mayor and City Administrator to execute all required grant agreements and
documents.
H. Authorize the Utility Billing Specialist to attend the 2026 Springbrook Activate
conference in Orlando, Florida from 10/26/2026 through 10/28/2026 at an
estimated cost of $2,000. Action taken: Authorized the Utility Billing Specialist
to attend conference in Orlando, Florida.
Approve the Third Amendment to the Lease Agreement between the City of
Monticello and the Great River Eagles Monticello Soccer Club. Action taken:
Approved the amendment to the lease agreement with the Great River Eagles
Monticello Soccer Club for continued use of the City -owned facility at 101
Chelsea Road.
Adopt Ordinance 869 and Resolution 2026-52 amending the Monticello City
Code, Title XV: Land Usage, Chapter 153: Section 153.012 Definitions, 153.027
Common Review Procedures and Requirements, 153.041 Districts Established,
153.043 Residential Base Zoning Districts, and 153.091 Use -Specific Standards
and adopt Summary Ordinance 869A for publication. Action taken: Adopted
Ordinance 869 and Resolution 2026-52 amending Title XV: Land Usage, Chapter
153: Section 153.012 Definitions, 153.027 Common Review Procedures and
Requirements, 153.041 Districts Established, 153.043 Residential Base Zoning
Districts, and 153.091 Use -Specific Standards, based on findings in said
resolution and adopt Summary Ordinance 869A for publication.
K. Adopt Resolution 2026-53 accepting improvements and authorizing final
payment of $72,956.95 to Castregon, Inc. for FiberNet installation within the
Meadowbrook development. Action taken: Adopted Resolution 2026-53
accepting the improvements and authorizing final payment to Castregon, Inc.
3. Public Hearing:
4. Regular Agenda:
A. Consideration of approving a contract with Kraus -Anderson Construction
Company for envelope repairs for the Monticello Community Center for a not to
exceed prices of $1,604,369
Public Works Director/City Engineer Matt Leonard presented the proposed
building envelope repair project for the Monticello Community Center, outlining
findings from a water intrusion investigation that identified deficiencies in
window systems, sealants, and building joints. He reviewed the recommended
repair approach, including the use of cooperative purchasing to provide pricing
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flexibility for unforeseen conditions. Several project alternates were discussed,
including upgraded glazing, replacement of deteriorated sealants, and
replacement of failed window assemblies.
Staff recommended proceeding with the base project and selected alternates 2,
3, and 4 for a total estimated cost of $1,604,369, with a portion of the cost
reimbursed by the National Guard and the remainder funded through the Capital
Projects Fund.
There was minimal discussion.
Motion by Councilmember Hinz to approve a contract with Kraus -Anderson
Construction Company for envelope repairs for the Monticello Community
Center for a not to exceed price of $1,604,369. Councilmember Martie
seconded the motion. Motion carried unanimously.
6. Adiournment
The meeting was adjourned at 7:27 p.m.
Jennifer Schreibe
Attest:
City Administrator
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