City Council Minutes 09-14-2026MONTICELLO CITY COUNCIL
REGULAR MEETING MINUTES
Monday, September 14, 2026 — 6:30 p.m.
Mississippi Room, Monticello Community Center
Present: Lloyd Hilgart, Kip Christianson, Charlotte Gabler, Tracy Hinz, 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 Gabler to approve the agenda. Councilmember Hinz
seconded the motion. Motion carried unanimously.
C. Approval of Minutes
• Special Meeting Minutes from July 27, 2026
• Special Meeting minutes of August 24, 2026
• Regular Meeting minutes of August 24, 2026
Motion by Councilmember Gabler to approve the minutes. Councilmember Hinz
seconded the motion. Motion carried unanimously.
D. Public Service Announcement
• Elizabeth Wefel, Coalition of Greater MN Cities gave an update on legislative
efforts.
• City Clerk Jennifer Schreiber noted the following announcements:
- Music on the Mississippi
- Absentee/Early Voting for November 3 General Election
- Farmers Market
E. Citizen Comments
• Scott Cutsforth, 8634 Fairhill Lane. Mr. Cutsforth requested clarification on
the Fairfield Inn's liquor license.
He also asked whether a separate bond issue is planned for the Water
Treatment Plant and, if so, the anticipated amount.
Finance Director Sarah Rathlisberger noted that the Water Treatment Plant is
approximately $45 million and the City received $11 million in State bonding
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and will also utilize a low -interest PFA loan with repayment included in the
water fund budget.
Mr. Cutsforth also asked for clarification on the anticipated bidding and
construction timeline for the Fallon Avenue project.
Public Works Director/City Engineer Matt Leonard clarified that preliminary
engineering and right-of-way planning are underway for Fallon Avenue but
no construction timeline has been established.
• Lisa Keenan, Ms. Keenan expressed concerns regarding the proposed data
center development near Highway 25 and 85th Street, including the
requested rezoning to Industrial and Business Campus, potential impacts to
nearby residences, construction staging and traffic, noise, cooling methods,
and projected water and wastewater usage. She questioned inconsistencies
between the application materials and earlier correspondence regarding dry
versus wet cooling systems and requested clarification on the anticipated
wastewater discharge.
• Monica Primeau, Ms. Primeau expressed opposition to the proposed
hyperscale data center, citing concerns regarding water and energy use,
environmental impacts, generator and fuel storage, limited permanent
employment, and the overall effect on the community. She questioned
whether the anticipated tax benefits justify the potential impacts on
residents and City resources.
• Speaker not identified. A speaker raised concerns regarding the review
timeline for the proposed data center, questioning why the application is
scheduled for Planning Commission consideration in October when the
decision deadline is December. He also questioned the enforceability of
proposed construction -hour restrictions and expressed concern that the
traffic study may underestimate construction -related traffic, particularly
during early morning arrival and departure periods. He requested that the
City further review the traffic assumptions based on conditions at
comparable large construction sites.
Community Development Director Angela Schumann explained that State
law establishes decision deadlines for complete land use and plat
applications. The October 6 Planning Commission hearing was scheduled to
allow sufficient time for Planning Commission and City Council review before
the December 8 decision deadline.
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Jenna VanDenBoom. Ms. VanDenBoom questioned Kimley-Horn's role in the
data center application and whether studies prepared by the firm should be
considered sufficient after it was removed as a listed applicant.
Staff clarified that the Council could not discuss or respond to substantive
questions regarding the pending data center application outside of the
formal public hearing process. The October 6 public hearing will provide the
appropriate opportunity for public comment and discussion of the
application.
F. Council Liaison Updates
• Industrial & Economic Development Committee (IEDC) — Councilmember Gabler
noted that the committee received updates from the IEDC, Planning
Commission, and a joint Economic Development/Parks meeting. Updates
included an Xcel Energy presentation, the upcoming Manufacturers' Luncheon,
economic development activities, progress on the Water Treatment Plant, and
continued work on the Downtown Small Area Plan and related Highway 25
improvements.
• Economic Development Authority (EDA) — Councilmember Hinz commented
that the EDA met on September 9 and reviewed the proposed 2027 HRA levy,
EDA budget, and long-range funding projections. The EDA approved the sale of
lease revenue bonds for the Public Works Facility, a $555,000 HRA levy, and a
$641,000 EDA general fund budget. Updates on current economic development
prospects and projects were also provided.
• Monticello Orderly Annexation Area (MOAA) Joint Powers Board — Mayor
Hilgart stated that the MOAA considered a request to split a parcel within the
annexation area and recommended denial, consistent with the City's prior
recommendation. The Township concurred, and the request was denied.
• Central Mississippi River Partnership — City Administrator Rachel Leonard noted
that the CMRP received updates on the environmental scoping process for the
potential Mississippi River bridge crossing, with consultant selection anticipated
later this year and environmental review beginning in 2027. MnDOT also
reviewed its planned 2031 transportation improvements through Monticello and
their connection to the City's downtown plan.
G. Department Updates
• Construction Update — Public Works Director/City Engineer Matt Leonard gave
an update on current construction projects.
2. Consent Agenda:
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Motion by Councilmember Hinz 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 $2,635,029.27.
B. Approve the new hires and departures for City departments. Action taken:
Approved the hires for the DMV and Monticello Community Center and
terminations for the DMV and Hi -Way liquor.
C. Approve the disposal of surplus City property. Action taken: No report this cycle.
D. Approve a transfer of an off -sale 3.2 malt liquor license for Jerry's Enterprises,
Inc. dba Cub located at 216 W. 71" Street. Action taken: Approved the liquor
license.
Approve an on -sale beer/wine combination liquor license for the Monticello
Hospitality Group, dba Fairfield Inn and Suites located at 90 Chelsea Road. Action
taken: Approved the liquor license.
F. Approve a purchase agreement for the acquisition of Parcel 155164002020 for
right-of-way purposes for the future expansion of Deegan Avenue in an amount
not to exceed $275,000, authorize the Mayor and City Clerk to sign final
acquisition documents, and authorize the Finance Director to make necessary
payments to facilitate closing. Action taken: Approved a purchase agreement
for the acquisition of property for future right-of-way purposes for the
extension of Deegan Avenue in an amount not to exceed $275,000, and
authorized the Mayor and City Clerk to sign final acquisition documents, and to
authorize the Finance Director to make necessary payment to facilitate closing.
G. Approve an extension to February 28, 2027 for the approval of the Preliminary
Plat and Development Stage PUD and for City decision on the Haven Ridge West
Final Plat and Final Stage PUD. Action taken: Approved the extension to
February 28, 2027for the approval of the Preliminary Plat and Development
Stage PUD and for the extension of City decision on the Haven Ridge West Final
Plat and Final Stage PUD.
H. Accept quote from FlowSeal Surface Maintenance for the 2026 Crack Seal
Project for $27,889.52. Action taken: Approved the quote from FlowSeal
Surface Maintenance for the 2026 Crack Seal project for $27,889.52.
Approve Change Order 2 for the Monticello Ditch 33 project in the amount of
$19,400. Action taken: Approved Change Order 2.
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Approve contract with AE2S to provide engineering services at a price of $79,927
for amending the City's Wellhead Protection Plan. Action taken: Approved a
contract with AE2S amending the City's Wellhead Protection Plan in the
amount of $79,927.
K. Approve contract with MP Asphalt for crack filling, infrared patching, and
installation of the Road -Guard micro -surfacing product on designated trails on
7t" Street, East Broadway Street, Fenning Avenue NE, Riverview Drive, and Jason
Ave. NE in Monticello for $49,284. Action taken: Approved the contract with
MP Asphalt in the amount of $49,284.
L. Adopt Resolution 2026-85 accepting a $35,000 grant from the Minnesota State
Arts Board and authorizing execution of the required contract for the FY27
community mosaic mural project let by Danielle Casali. Action taken: Adopted
Resolution 2026-85 accepting the grant and authorized execution of the
required contract.
3. Public Hearing:
4. Regular Agenda:
A. Consideration of authorizing advertisement for bids for the new Public Works
Facility
Public Works Director/City Engineer Matt Leonard presented the completed
design for the new Public Works Facility and requested authorization to bid the
project. The approximately $34 million project will consolidate Public Works
operations and include administrative space, vehicle storage, maintenance and
wash bays, material storage, and fueling facilities. Bids are scheduled to open
October 13, 2026, with construction beginning in spring 2027 and substantial
completion anticipated in early 2028.
Mr. Leonard reviewed the proposed site and floor plans for the Public Works
Facility, including vehicle storage and maintenance areas, department shops,
wash bay, salt and brine storage, fueling facilities, material storage, stormwater
management, landscaping, and space for future expansion. The facility is
designed to accommodate approximately 20 years of growth.
There was no discussion
Motion by Councilmember Martie to authorize advertisement for bids for the
new Public Works Facility. Motion seconded by Councilmember Christianson.
Motion carried unanimously.
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5. Adjournment:
The meeting was adjourned at 7:33 p.m.
Jennifer Schreib , ato�
Attest:
City Administrator
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