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Fall/Winter 2021-2022 NewsletterBig Changes for the Monticello DMV! The DMV is moving! It will start the new year in a new, larger downtown location. The City has been searching for a new spot for the DMV for several years, because the current location is in a prime redevelopment area. While there are no immediate redevelopment plans, moving the DMV will help the City and EDA attract interest from developers. More importantly, the new location will provide additional space. While limited space was an issue before the pandemic, the limitations became particularly problematic with the health and safety needs of social distancing. The City determined it could meet the needs of the DMV by remodeling an existing city -owned facility. On August 23, 2021, the City Council approved a construction contract for improvements to the Prairie Center Building at 118 W. 6th St. The project is fully funded through DMV revenue; there is no impact to the tax levy. The DMV will be located on the first floor of the building, and FiberNet has moved into a second floor suite. The new location will have additional workspaces to serve the public as well as a separate workspace for staff processing transactions directly for vehicle dealerships. The move keeps the DMV in Monticello's downtown but brings it closer to the City's core campus on the Walnut Street Corridor. The City and EDA have invested in this area as part of the overall Downtown Small Area Plan. The corridor already includes the Monticello Community Center and City Hall, the Public Library, Municipal Liquor Store, and Parks, Arts, and Recreation Department as well as a variety of private businesses. We're thrilled to see this project progressing and expect the new location to open to the public in late 2021. Until then, the public can continue to visit the existing location at 119 E 3rd St. The DMV is open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. on Saturdays. For more information, as well as FAQs, check out our website! 2021-22 Fall & Winter Newsletter 3 City Council Message from the Mayor I City Council Information 4 Winter 2022 Information 2022 Levy & Budget I Winter Reminders 6 Community & Economic Development The Pointes at Cedar I Housing Resources 8 Public Works Department Updates New Facility I Water Treatment Plant I Fenning Ave 10 Parks, Arts, & Recreation Department Update I Bertram Chain of Lakes 11 Winter Fun in Monticello Fun in the Parks I MontiArts 12 Monticello Community Center MCC I Great River Regional Library 14 Public Service Updates Monticello Fire Department I WCSO I Senior Center 16 Winter Home Preparation Department of Building Safety I Hi -Way Liquors 18 Monticello DMV License Requirements I Snowmobile Regulations 19 Public Meetings Public Meeting Schedule I City Administration 20 Utility Billing 2022 Garbage and Recycling Calendar City of Monticello Directory Animal Control ......................... (612) 859-6989 203 Chelsea Road, Monticello, MN 55362 Facility Hours: 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. (Monday - Friday) Email: animal.control@ci.monticello.mn.us City Hall ............................... (763) 295-2711 505 Walnut Street, Monticello, MN 55362 Hours: 8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. (Monday - Friday) Email: info@ci.monticello.mn.us Community Center ..................... (763) 295-2954 505 Walnut Street, Monticello, MN 55362 Hours: 5 a.m. - 8 p.m. (Monday - Friday) 7 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. (Saturday - Sunday) Email: mccinfo@ci.monticello.mn.us Website: www.monticellocommunitycenter.com Department of Motor Vehicles ............ (763) 295-2712 119 East 3rd Street, Monticello, MN 55362 Hours: 8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. (Monday - Friday) 8 a.m. - 12 p.m. (Saturday) Email: deputy.registrar2@ci.monticello.mn.us FiberNet Monticello .....................(763) 314-0100 118 6th Street west, Monticello, MN 55362 Hours: 10 a.m. - 12:30 p.m./1:30 - 4 p.m. (Monday - Friday) Phones: 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. (Monday - Friday) Email: service@fibernetmonticello.com Website: www.fibernetmonticello.com Hi -Way Liquors ........................ (763) 295-5222 545 Highway 25 North, Monticello, MN 55362 Hours: 9 a.m. - 8 p.m. (Monday - Thursday) 9 a.m. - 10 p.m. (Friday - Saturday) 11 a.m. - 6 p.m. (Sunday) Email: randall.johnsen@ci.monticello.mn.us Public Works Department ................ (763) 295-3170 909 Golf Course Road, Monticello, MN 55362 Hours: 7 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. (Monday - Friday) Email: public.works@ci.monticello.mn.us Fire Department Emergency ...................... 911 Non -Emergency .................. (763) 295-4111 Wright County Sheriff's Office Emergency ........... 911 Non -Emergency .................. (763) 682-1162 Trailblazer Transit .....................1(888) 743-3828 Hours: 6:30 a.m. - 5:30 p.m. Daily I Handicap Accessible $2/Ride in city limits I $4/Ride less than 25 miles City Council A Message from the Mayor I can't believe it's been almost a year since I was sworn in as Mayor. The months have gone by quickly, but it's been an honor to serve the people of Monticello so far. My passion for economic development is one of the many reasons I chose to run for mayor. I am also participating in the Economic Development Authority and the Central Mississippi River Regional Planning (CMRP) Partnership. Through these groups, I believe we can grow the city in a way that meets our needs, enhances quality of life, and limits the economic impact on the taxpayers. This commitment to balanced growth is a core value of Monticello. We strive for growth incorporating new residential, commercial, and industrial projects, as well as expansion of our existing businesses. This past year included a variety of projects helping us attain our goals, most notably the adoption of the Small Area Plan for The Pointes at Cedar, formerly known as Chelsea Commons. The Pointes at Cedar brings together commercial, residential, and public space through a mixed-use concept. By focusing on this type of improvement, we maintain a city where people can find quality jobs, housing that suits their lifestyles, and a place where people are excited to live! It's another chance to build on what already makes Monticello unique, by creating spaces that reflect the character of the community. While there has been a lot of talk about The Pointes at Cedar, I want to note that this project does not diminish our existing commitments. The City Council and staff frequently review and discuss our priorities and how we can strategically achieve our mission and goals. We continue to prioritize and plan funding for Downtown, Bertram Chain of Lakes, and our many other responsibilities to the community. You can find more information about all these projects in the remainder of the newsletter. I invite you to take a look and join us as we think about the future of our community. You can always share your ideas and input by contacting us! -Mayor Lloyd Hilgart ig .., s W r , � 1W �yh VON x ` ,54 n i 2021-2022 City Council Mayor Lloyd Hilgart • Lloyd.Hilgart@ci.monticello.mn.us • Term Expires December 31, 2022 Councilmember Charlotte Gabler • Charlotte.Gabler@ci.monticello.mn.us • Term Expires December 31, 2022 Councilmember Bill Fair • Bill.Fair@ci.monticello.mn.us • Term Expires December 31, 2022 Councilmember Jim Davidson • Jim.Davidson@ci.monticello.mn.us • Term Expires December 31, 2024 Councilmember Sam Murdoff • Sam.Murdoff@ci.monticello.mn.us • Term Expires December 31, 2024 2021 - 2022 1 Fall & Winter 3 The proposed 2022 budget and property tax levy will be presented at a public hearing on December 13, 2021.It will be part of the regular City Council meeting at 6:30 p.m. in the Mississippi Room at the Monticello Community Center. The public hearing will begin with a short presentation from staff followed by time for residents and property owners to comment and ask questions about the 2022 tax levy and budget. The proposed 2022 City levy of $11,353,000 represents a 2.6 percent increase (or $289,300) over the 2021 City levy. The HRA levy for 2022 is proposed at $388,000, or $21,700 more than 2021. The total combined levy amount is $11,741,000 or a 2.7 percent increase. The impact of the proposed levy on individual properties will be listed on the Truth -in -Taxation notices sent by Wright County in November. Your notice will show the changes to the levies, your property value, homestead exclusion, and any other changes to the tax base. This year residential market values increased by an average of 5.67 percent over the prior year. As a result, many residential taxpayers should expect to see an increase in their city property taxes that exceeds the percentage increase in the levy. •CITY OF* . ♦ • bfificollo . . . . . ... . • . . ... ....... to 2022 Budget & Tax Levy Information How does Monticello use the Property Tax Levy? Most of the levy provides funding for the City's General Fund and community center operations. Expenses like public safety, public works, and general government activities are paid for through the General Fund. A portion of the levy is also used to make debt service payments, and to pay for capital projects and acquisitions. How is the HRA Tax Levy used in Monticello? r The HRA Levy is used to fund the activities of the Economic Development Authority (EDA). The activities include: • Economic development incentive programs • Reinvesting in the downtown • Expanding workforce & labor opportunities 12,000,000 10,000,000 $8,000,000 $6,000,000 $4,000,000 $2,000,000 5 - City & HRA Property Tax Levy 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 ■ Tax Levy HRA Levy Join our team! We have several. - - open positions with the City!, - 4 www.ci.monticeIIo.mn.us Winter Reminders from the Public Works Department i� --------- Public Works performs routine boulevard tree trimming during the fall and winter months as time allows. This is a complimentary service to residents as it's necessary to ensure public safety. All trimming is performed by trained city personnel. Trees are trimmed to 12 feet at the curb side and 10 feet on the sidewalk side to accommodate fire trucks, garbage trucks, and other large vehicles. The trees will begin to look normal the next growing season with a healthier form and structure. Snowplowing & Safety a Monticello's Snow Ordinance is in effect from Nov. 15 to April 15 every year. During this period, there's No Parking on any City street from 2 a.m. to 6 a.m. Furthermore, there is No Parking on city streets at any time if there is a snow event with accumulation over 2 inches or during plowing operations. This ordinance is enforced by the Wright County Sheriff's Office. Vehicles in violation may be towed without notice at the owner's expense. As we head into winter, please make sure your mailbox post is solid and securely fastened to the box. Sometimes snow from the plow can dislodge the box from the post and bend or break a weak post. The City reimburses the cost of materials to replace a broken mailbox only if the mailbox was damaged from direct contact with a plow. To report a damaged mailbox, please call Public Works at (763) 295-3170. Plowing begins when snow accumulates to 2 inches or more and stops falling. When snowfall continues for long periods, crews plow main routes and streets that connect neighborhoods to state and county roads to keep them passable until all city streets can be plowed. Follow-up passes are made as needed. If strong winds and drifting cause unsafe conditions, plowing stops until conditions improve. The City's full snowplowing policy is available at www.ci.monticello.mn.us/198/Winter-Street-Reminders. During plowing operations, plow drivers often "feel" their way along streets due to weather conditions. It's possible lawns may be damaged. Please call Public Works right away if you notice sod damage on your property. Damages are repaired each spring. Snowplow Safety Reminders: • Never drive into a snow cloud. • Plows travel slowly, so please reduce your speed. • Don't pass a snowplow while they are plowing. • Stay well behind plows; they back up frequently. • Keep your distance from trucks spreading sand. • Keep garbage cans on the driveway if it snows on your collection day or the night before. • Stay away from the end of a driveway when you see a plow approaching. • Keep sleds and toys away from the street. • Don't build snow forts in the snow piles on the boulevard. 2021 - 2022 1 Fall & Winter 5 ire as.a17����ii�IP1-cs-�'�r CITY OF Monticello � r i la4 04A 17 The Pointes at Cedar Monticello is characterized by many amenities and spaces that create community. We regularly hear from residents that the riverside downtown, vibrant art, natural beauty of Bertram, and unique events make the city a wonderful place to live. Now, Monticello has set its sights on developing another one -of -a -kind amenity for the whole community: The Pointes at Cedar. What is The Pointes at Cedar? The Pointes at Cedar reimagines how a large land area in the middle of Monticello will develop over time. Originally envisioned for big box retail stores, the new plan takes into account the changing ways people want to live, work, and play. The vision is for a mixed-use development. This means it will include smaller scale commercial development mixed with residential housing. The commercial and residential uses will surround three connected pools of water with pathways and small park areas for the general public. Since developments already require stormwater and park land, we're taking those requirements and transforming them into a community amenity. A place for living, working, shopping, and exploring Where is it located? The project area is approximately 100 acres of mostly undeveloped property. The area is bordered by Chelsea Road to the north, Edmonson Avenue to the east, School Boulevard to the south, and Cedar Street to the west. While the project area includes areas that have been mostly farmland, the surrounding area is developed with commercial uses on the Cedar Street side and residential properties on the Edmonson side. The preferred concept for The Pointes maintains that pattern within the project area. How can this be accomplished? The project is intended to be a public/private partnership. It relies on City investment in public amenities to encourage private development with character. The amenities will serve not only the immediate neighborhood but the whole community. While the central ponds define the neighborhood, the public spaces will be part of the fabric of Monticello's remarkable assets. Naturally there is no guarantee the project will develop exactly as envisioned, but the Small Area Plan establishes a solid foundation to guide decision-making. In our planning, the estimates are intentionally high, timing of the phases is intentionally slow, and site development capacities are calculated on the low end. In this way, we are creating space for an extraordinary area while remaining responsible and realistic. What comes next? With the adoption of the Small Area Plan, the next step is additional detailed planning and site preparation. City Council approved a contract with WSB to help with this phase of the project. This work is expected to take approximately two years to complete. It will also include a variety of community engagement opportunities for the public to help us design a space you're excited to use. Finally, during this phase, the City approved allowing contractors to remove dirt for construction projects from the space where the pond will be located as a cost-saving measure. You can find more information about this project by scanning this QR code or by visiting the City's website www.ci.manticello.mn.us/173/Projects In November, the �;;uceva Monticello: A Home For All ig Our community vision is to create a friendly and safe community that's inclusive and fosters a sense of belonging. To help make this vision a reality, the City adopted a housing strategy which includes keeping and adding a variety of housing choices. Monticello strives to provide a full range of "life cycle" housing options, allowing residents to stay and grow with our community and encouraging new residents to call Monticello home. "Life -cycle" housing means our community will have a mix of housing choices will be available. These housing styles will complement a person's needs as they move through each stage of life. We know that as career paths evolve and families change, housing needs change. To accommodate this, Monticello's housing opportunities need to come in a variety of forms. Housing in our neighborhoods will be a mix of styles: apartments, townhomes, single-family dwellings, and more. From someone's first new apartment or home to the continuum of care alternatives provided in assisted living facilities, housing must meet the needs of the people it serves. Additionally, we recognize everyone's path to a home looks a little different. We want to support housing that meets the needs of our growing workforce. So we're working hard to attract living wage jobs: housing availability and selection must respond to the demands of an active and changing workforce. As employees become harder to attract and retain, housing attainability and choice becomes even more important. This means the city will monitor and strive to provide for both affordable and step-up housing variety to meet the needs of our residents. No matter where housing occurs, we will be working to create neighborhoods: places where you can walk and bike, visit a nearby park, and enjoy access to stores and employment. A place where residents can feel safe and experience a sense of community. Monticello seeks to be a place where everyone can be truly at home, regardless of their place in life. If you're interested in finding more information on the status of housing in Monticello and the specifics of demand for diverse types of housing, please visit: www.ci.monticeIIo.mn.us/279/Housing-Resources 2021 - 2022 1 Fall & Winter 7 For the last 15 years, the City has been planning to replace the aging public works facility. The original building was constructed in 1975, and the latest addition was constructed in 1995. More than 25 years later, this facility doesn't have space for the equipment, personnel, and supplies needed to operate the department. The site also isn't large enough to expand at the current location. The lack of space is coupled with maintenance issues. A recent assessment showed a significant reinvestment is required to stay at the site. This led the Council to decide it would be more responsible to pursue a new facility to meet the long-term needs of the community. The City began to explore new sites, focusing on location, access, and necessary acreage. Ultimately, the City Council decided to purchase a site on the west side of School Boulevard. It meets the criteria necessary for a successful investment. The purchase will be paid for with money from a specific fund set up for the future public works facility. The City began setting funds aside for this in 2018. While the location was then unknown, the Planning for a New Public Works Facility advanced planning allows the city to purchase the land without adding debt or raising taxes. Finally, in preparation for this project, the City is using financial planning to minimize impacts to the public. As most cities do with this type of investment, the City intends to use general obligation bonds to fund construction. In anticipation of issuing these bonds, this year the City Council decided to use available reserves to pay off an existing bond early. This will both save the City approximately $700,000 in interest payments as well as free up capacity for construction of a public works facility at lower interest rates with a smaller tax impact. 8 www.ci.monticeIIo.mn.us Salt Smarter This Winter Protect Our Lakes and Streams by Salting Smarter This Winter When snow and ice melt the salt goes with it, washing into our lakes, streams, wetlands, and groundwater. While salt and other deicing chemicals can be helpful and sometimes necessary to remove ice during the winter, they also contain chloride which is harmful to plants and wildlife in the receiving waters. One teaspoon of salt will pollute five gallons of water, so less is more when it comes to salt application. Tips to reduce salt usage and other best practices: • Remove snow as soon as possible before it gets compacted • Rock salt doesn't work below 15 degrees Fahrenheit, use sand when too cold for salt (remember to sweep up extra sand once ice melts) • Scrape or chisel ice when possible • Aim for 3 inches between salt granules • One pound of salt should cover more than 250 square feet, use less when possible (more salt does not mean more melting) • Keep salt and other deicing materials in covered storage • Sweep up excess salt For more information on snow and ice removal please visit: www.mwmo.ore/learn/nrevent!nL,-water-pollution/snow-ice-removal/ References: "Fight Snow and Ice, Pollution -Free" Mississippi Watershed Management Organization, https://www.mwmo.orgllearn/oreventing-water-pollution/snow-ice-removal/ CONNECT WITH US! OTIODUE r ONMER O in HIUMNa LOOS 5 441 L 2021 - 2022 1 Fall & Winter 9 Monticello Parks, Arts, & Recreation Introducing Monticello's new Parks, Arts and Recreation Department This year the City Council voted to bring park operations, the Monticello Community Center, and MontiArts together into a single department. The goal was to create a unified place to find recreational fun. There are plenty of opportunities for both indoor and outdoor fun this winter. We invite you to explore the winter fun in our beautiful parks, open spaces, and indoor recreation facilities. You'll find a variety of program choices through the Community Center, MontiArts, our outdoor skating rinks, and sledding hills! Bertram Chain of Lakes Continues to Grow and Develop With an abundance of outdoor recreational opportunities for all seasons, Bertram Chain of Lakes Regional Park has become one of Wright County's most popular destinations. The park is jointly owned by Wright County and the City of Monticello, and it's located just outside of the city limits. For more than a decade, the County and City have been following a phased approach for developing the park, adding amenities, and preserving this natural area. One of the first projects began in 2014 when a partnership was formed with Minnesota Off -Road Cyclist (MORC), opening the first segment of single-track mountain bike trails. These trails are a main attraction to the park and consist of 14.25 miles. With a mix of man-made and natural features, the single-track has something forjust about every level of rider. Since then, a variety of additions have brought the park to life, including a rental chalet, swimming beach and beach house, picnic shelter, parking facilities, access roads, nearly 7.5 miles of hiking trails, around 5 miles of cross-country ski trails, trail bridges, fishing piers, playgrounds, and ecosystem restorations - including native prairie and direct hard wood tree seedings. The park also benefits from partnerships with the YMCA Camp Manitou, and most recently, the Monticello School District and Community Education. The park is now home to District 882's nature -based education program for students in Pre -K through grade 5. The response has been overwhelmingly positive, and we're excited to see how the program grows. Finally, this year Wright County Parks and Recreation opened a new campground at Bertram. It consists of 38 RV sites and six camper cabins. Each cabin is heated and cooled, and are available year-round. For more information about Bertram, for camping or rentals, visit www.co.wright.mn.us/Parks; or call the park directly at (763) 295-0409. 10 www.ci.monticeIIo.mn.us What's new this season? 'Winter Fun in the Parks'74+ Lace up your skates! There will be four skating rinks at 4th Street Park this winter, one rink at West Bridge Park, and one rink at MCC in the old skate park! The rinks will be flooded a* maintained by the Parks Department as soon as the temperature consistently drops below freezing. What's New With MontiArts? is� Bundle up at Bertram! Let's go sledding! Winter activities at Bertram include The most popular places for snowy fun groomed ski and snowshoe trails as well as are the two sliding hills in town: maintained mountain bike trails for fat bike East Bridge Park riding! Ice fishing is allowed in the park, Sliding hill in one of the City's premiere and gas powered ice augers are allowed. riverfront parks, 119 East River Street. However, ATVs, snowmobiles, and other motorized vehicles are not allowed on the trails or lakes in the park. Please follow all Wright County ordinances. MontiArts is consistently bringing a special vibrancy to the City of Monticello. In the past couple of months, the positive energy of this creative community has transformed cars into parade art, trees into community fish projects, and cow tags into collaborative art builds. Community Involvement In our'What the Art?' (WTA) building there have been writing classes, poetry workshops, painting classes, and artist residencies. Outside of WTA, our monthly Open Mic Nights occur. Every week, we also host open studio nights inside the MontiArts Garage. We've also started an internship program for high school students who will be creating an art club this year. City Art Installations Major installations have gone up with Helene Woods' mural outside the Monticello Community Center, Alison Yager's community build cow tag installations, Allison Hunsley's'Walk a Mile in Their Shoes' mural which will go up soon, and the incredible Milligan Art Studios sculpture, 'The Gathering' at East Bridge Park. Stay up to date on everything MontiArts has happening: follow us and get involved through the Monticello Arts Initiative Facebook page or follow us on Instagram at MontiArts. INMI VE River Mill Park Lighted sliding hill in one of the popular neighborhood parks, 6332 River Mill Drive. More fun in 2022 at the Monticello Community Center THE COMMUNITY CENTER IS OPEN FOR MEMBERS & NON-MEMBERS The Monticello Community Center is open! Members and Guests are invited to enjoy Monticello's vibrant recreational facility. Several membership options are available to fit your lifestyle and City of Monticello residents can take advantage of discounted membership rates. Amenities include: • Fitness area • Indoor track • Gymnasium • Pool, Waterslide & Spas • Indoor play area • Climbing wall • Group fitness classes • Supervised play time for children • Open skate at the ice arena • Swimming lessons & other programs The mission of the Monticello Community Center is to provide wellness and social opportunities in a safe and effective manner. The MCC prioritizes the health and well-being of patrons and staff using health guidelines from the CDC as well as state and local government authorities. To learn more, visit our website at: www.monticellocommunitVicenter.com 12 www.ci.monticeIIo.mn.us HOST Y HOLIDAY PARTY WITH US,' GATHER WITH YOUR FRIENDS, FAMILY OR COWORKERS WITH AN AWESOME EVENT AT MCC! The Dazzling Displays of the Great River Regional Library If you've ever been to the Monticello Public Library and noticed one of their awesome displays, chances are, you've witnessed the genius de- signs of librarian Jan lano. lano started at the original Monticello Library and has seen many of its transitions. Between moving to new buildings, remodeling, staffing changes, and technology changes and challenges; she has been with the library through it all. lano is one of the five library assistants at the Monticello Library and hers is one of the friendly faces you see working behind the circulation desk. She assists patrons with checking out books, offers book recommendations, and of course, creates awesome displays to promote the vast library collection. lano has a flair for collecting items from all over. Including garage sales and thrift stores. She then repurposes them to create interesting and fun displays. lano is a life-long resident of Monticello and celebrated her 25th work anniversary last year. Due to COVID-19, the library was not able to celebrate last year in the capacity in which they wanted, but this year Jan was celebrated with a cake and a giant card for patrons to sign. Stop and congratulate her on her 25 plus 1 - year anniversary with Great River Regional Library! J� FL�1 R�,r POC Monticello Fire Department Updates Over two years ago, the City Council, retired and active firefighters, City staff, and members of the public gathered for a groundbreaking ceremony to celebrate the start of construction on the new fire station. The celebration included an undercurrent of anticipation for the ribbon -cutting ceremony to come when construction was complete. wrapped in March 2020, the world changed. The fire department moved in and began operating out of their new station, but the ceremonial opening of the station was indefinitely put on hold during the peak of the pandemic. So there was a great deal of enthusiasm this fall when the City finally pulled out the giant ceremonial scissors! On September 17, 2021, we celebrated the successful completion of construction with a ribbon cutting. It was the perfect time to thank all of the people who contributed to the project, and give tours of the facility. Yet when construction The event was followed by a public open house on Sunday, September 19. There was a fantastic turnout as business owners, elected officials, and the Monticello community stopped by to tour the station and show their support for the department. Attendees were able to participate in fun activities like shooting the fire hose, watching various rescue demonstrations, enjoying food and refreshments, and more! In addition to all the compliments they receive from the public on the new station, Fire Chief Mike Mossey notes the new station has a variety of public safety benefits. Such as a faster response time, easier access to the interstate, and an upgraded ISO rating for the department. The new station is a fantastic addition to the community! Helpful Reminders from the Fire Department Remember to test your smoke detectors As the seasons change, it's a good reminder to do a home safety check! We encourage you to test your smoke detectors and replace the batteries. It's a great way to be safe heading into winter. Don't forget your hydrant We appreciate your help clearing snow and ice from around fire hydrants near your property. Remember to clear at least 3 feet around the hydrant to ensure firefighters can quickly gain access in an emergency. Please do not use snowblowers within 3 feet of the hydrant as it can damage the hydrant or your equipment. If you notice a damaged fire hydrant, please call Public Works at (763) 295-3170. 14 www.ci.monticeIIo.mn.us A Message from the Wright County Sheriff's Office With the change of seasons comes other changes. The Wright County Sheriff's Office would like to remind all residents that safe driving is a primary concern. Wright County has numerous construction zones, kids back in school, sun position changes, weather changes, and more people going back to work. Sheriff Sean Deringer asks all drivers to: • Always keep 100 percent of your attention on the road – try to avoid multi -tasking. • Don't use your phone or electronic devices while driving. • Wear your seat belt. • Slow down. The Safest Mode of Transportation for Children ig In Minnesota, school buses make at least 10,000 trips daily. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, school buses are the safest mode of transportation for children — children are eight times safer riding in a bus to school than any other vehicles. • In Minnesota in 2019, there was one fatality involving a school bus. • There were 3,220 traffic crashes involving school buses from 2015-2019. • Only 272 school age children who were riding in a school bus were hurt during that time frame. Stop for School Buses: It's the Law! State law requires all vehicles to stop for school buses when the bus driver activates the flashing lights and has the crossing arm fully extended. Drivers who violate the law face a $500 fine. Drivers can face criminal charges for passing a school bus on the right, passing when a child is outside the bus, or injuring or killing a child. Motorists Motorists must stop at least 20 feet from a school bus that is displaying red flashing lights or a stop arm when approaching from the rear and from the opposite direction on undivided roads. Motorists should slow down, pay attention, and anticipate school children and buses, especially in neighborhoods and school zones. The best way to be aware of your surroundings at all times is to put the distractions away. Students When getting off a bus, look to be sure no cars are passing on the shoulder. Wait for the bus driver to signal that it's safe to cross. When crossing the street to get on the bus or to go home, make eye contact with motorists before proceeding. Thanks to four local restaurants, noon meals are served at the Monticello Senior Center Tuesday through Friday. The meals cost just $4 and anyone over age 55 (and their spouse regardless of age) are welcome to dine at the center. To participate, please sign up at the Senior Center at least one day in advance by noon. Attendees must pay for the meals they order. The Monticello Senior Center is in the Monticello Community Center, at 505 Walnut Street. The Senior Center is open Monday -Friday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. and on Saturdays from 8-11 a.m. Staff are available by phone at (763) 295-2000, however, the office is closed on Saturdays. Stop by the Senior Center to pick up a monthly newsletter or access it online at www.monticelloseniorcenter.org. 2021 - 2022 1 Fall & Winter 15 Getting Ready for Winter with the Department of Building Safety Another Minnesota winter is approaching, and many people are starting to secure their homes against the cold. As you go through your checklist, don't forget that the most significant cause of indoor air pollution is failure to adequately ventilate. Depending on when your home was built, we have tips to help ventilate your house through the winter. Machine Ventilated Homes Built after 2000 These houses likely have machines that exchange wet inside air with fresh dry outside air. If those machines are cleaned and maintained at least monthly, these homes will likely be fine during the winter. Fan -Blowing -Out -Only Homes Built after 2000 Homes like these often have a centrally -located fan similar to a bathroom fan to exhaust air from the house at a regular rate. The exhausted air is replaced by air coming in through openings purposefully made to let air into your house. If the fan runs continuously or at scheduled intervals, is maintained twice a year, and the openings for outside air are cleaned out, these homes will likely be fine during the winter. Unventilated Homes Built Between the Mid-70s and 2000 The majority of these homes were lined with plastic behind the sheetrock and need to be manually ventilated. Unless it's very windy, you should keep one window in the upper and lower part of the house cracked open. Letting the warmest air out at a continuous, moderate rate keeps your house dry and mold free. If your kitchen fan exhausts to the outside, use it when you cook. Use your bath fan and leave it on until the bathroom is dried out. Don't be afraid to let the warm air out. The cost of the fuel it takes to warm up the air you let out is less than the potential cost of the damage caused to your health and home by rot, mold and mildew. Unventilated Homes Built Prior to the Mid-70s If well-built from the start, these homes generally have good ventilation. They likely don't have plastic behind the sheetrock or plaster and lathe. The water vapor inside the house moves out through the walls and ceilings, and the wet interior air is exchanged with dry outside air entering through cracks and joints. Keep in mind that lifestyles have changed since the '60s. People bathe more often, eat differently, and have often replaced leaky old wooden windows. If you're concerned, you may want to install a humidistat and ventilate when the humidity approaches 50 percent by turning on bath and kitchen fans and opening windows to keep your indoor humidity below 30 percent to 40 percent. If you have questions regarding the ventilation of your home, please call the Building Department at (763) 295-3060. 16 www.ci.monticeIIo.mn.us Christmas Tree Pickup 4�1 in �\ % °4 , _.. Christmas tree pickup is scheduled for January 3-7. Please place your tree curbside by 7 a.m. on Monday, January 3, 2022. Trees must be un -bagged and free of stands, ornaments, metal objects, wires, lights, etc. Wreaths are not accepted. If you are unable to have your tree at the curb by the pickup date, you may drop it off in the east lot at the Public Works Facility at 909 Golf Course Road. Questions? Please call Public Works at: (763) 295-3170 ig Shopping Local Makes Cents at Hi -Way Liquors! When you shop at Hi -Way Liquors, you support your community. Profits from the store help fund local projects around the city! We're open seven days a week! Our store hours are: • Monday - Thursday from 9 a.m. - 8 p.m. • Friday and Saturday from 9 a.m. - 10 p.m. • Sunday from 11 a.m. - 6 p.m. Follow Hi -Way Liquors on Facebook and sign-up for e -deals to learn about discounts, products, and events! • www.ci.monticello.mn.us/162/Hi-Way-Liquor-Store • www.Facebook.com/hiway.liquors.mn ■ Equal Opportunity Internet: everyone in your home can work and play at the same - - time. Up to 1 Gig (1,000Mb) is available. FJ Enough speed for multiple users and devices *•. G WiFi and 100% unlimited data included flick ��� a spccial Pv_ ce FiberNetMonticello. com/GigOffer l763.314.0100 LF 0 ' 118 6th Street W, ® ® -; Suite A, Monticello v Based — Rb,,Ne mMcearea;mm, —nctionsapply.CfibarNet2021 UeNeredby arvig. 2021 - 2022 1 Fall & Winter 17 Monticello DMV: Here to Serve the Community Monday - Friday 18 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. Saturday 18 a.m. - 12 p.m. Need your tabs or lost your driver's license? The Monticello DMV is here for you! While they can't renew driver's licenses, they can update your address or process a replacement for your license. They also can issue a variety of hunting and fishing licenses and are able to register campers, motor homes and utility trailers. For a full list of services, go to www.ci.monticello.mn.us/160/Department-of-Motor- Vehicles-DMV. The Monticello DMV is even open on Saturdays for your convenience! No appointments required! Driving While Impaired Update As of July 1, 2021, if an operator's license is revoked, suspended, or canceled due to a DWI violation, they cannot legally operate any vehicle, including off-road recreational vehicles. If an operator is participating in the ignition interlock device program, they cannot operate an off-road recreational vehicle or a motorboat. Combination -Type License Requirement Any combination (married couple) type license will now require each spouse to have a complete customer record on file. This includes the full name, date of birth, social security number and if a Minnesota resident age 21 or over you must present your current driver's license or current Minnesota identification card. If purchasing at an agent location, both spouses need to be present. If both spouses aren't present, one spouse may purchase their part of the license and their spouse may obtain their license later at no charge. To verify or create a new customer record visit any agent location or call (877) 348-0498 or (651) 297-1230; they are available Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monticello DMV Snowmobile Regulations Snowmobile trails in the city limits are clearly posted with signs, and maps are available on the city website. Snowmobiles are prohibited from operating in the following areas: • Interstate highways or freeways • Sidewalks, pathways & boulevards within public right-of- way • Public property, including city parks and school property • Private property without consent • Between 11 p.m. and 7 a.m. within 300 feet of a residence • At speeds exceeding 15 mph Monticello DMV Holiday Closures: Thanksgiving I Christmas Eve I Christmas Day I New Year's Day 18 www.ci.monticeIIo.mn.us During my first year as city administrator, I asked staff to help review our mission and values. These are more than words on a page, they are a meaningful guide for the work that we do. We need them to be an accurate reflection of our work for the community. Following these discussions, we renewed our commitment to this mission: The City of Monticello responsibly manages our resources to provide quality services and programs that create an inclusive, dynamic community by building on our strengths and investing in our future. Achieving this mission is supported by the values we live out every day. Our values include a focus on building community, being responsive to the public, and responsibly using the public funds entrusted to us. This means planning and preparation are at the heart of our work. Each step we take in a project is preceded by planning, researching, gathering feedback, reviewing funding options, and budgeting. In addition to our mission and values, success in our work requires something else: you. Public support and feedback are essential to ensuring the projects we're implementing will be successful. We want to know what you think, which details will be well received and supported, and what may need to be changed to fit our community. One important way you can provide your input is to serve with us. Listed to the right are Monticello's volunteer boards and commissions. We post openings on our employment website, social media, and on the bulletin board outside of City Hall. Keep an eye out for a chance to contribute to an area that interests you. Looking for something a little less formal? We also look for residents and business owners to participate in temporary groups that give input and feedback for specific projects. We're currently seeking people to help with The Pointes at Cedar on our Compass Committee — a group that will help guide the next phase of the project. Interested? Send us an email at community.development@ci.monticello.mn.us. Just looking to provide your thoughts? We offer a variety of ways to share your comments and concerns. You can reach us by leaving a comment or sending us a message on social media, emailing us at info@ci.monticello.mn.us, or calling us at (763) 295-2711. We look forward to hearing from you and will continue to allow our mission and values to lead us. -Rachel Leonard, City Administrator City Council Meetings • Meetings are on the 2nd and 4t" Mondays of the me 6:30 P.M. at the community center. The agenda is the meeting, or you can view it on our website www.ci.monticello.mn.us/AgendaCenter The 2022 Garbage & Recycling Collection Schedule is shown below. Your collection day is determined by your house location as follows: MONDAY: North of 1-94 & west from the center of Minnesota St. WEDNESDAY: South of 1-94 and East of Edmonson Ave. THURSDAY: North of 1-94 & East from center of Minnesota St. to Gillard Ave. and South of 1-94 and West from Edmonson Ave., including, Meadow Oak's East & West Mobile Home Parks. Monticello's contracted garbage hauler is Advanced Disposal. City garbage/recycling carts must be used, and need to be curbside by 7 a.m. on your scheduled collection day. Garbage is collected weekly. Recycling is collected every other week on your garbage day. 2022 GARBAGE & RECYCLING COLLECTION SCHEDULE SUN MON TUE WED THU FRI SAT I SUN MON TUE WED THU FRI SAT E SUN MON TUE WED THU FRI SAT I SUN MON TUE WED THU FRI SAT WO---OFRISAT Visit www.ci.monticello.mn.us/utilitybilline for more info about your bill, utility policies, water quality, and more! —qq=1 1 1 1 SUN MON TUE WED THU SUN MON TUE WED THU FRI SAT I SUN MON TUE WED THU FRI SAT I SUN MON TUE WED THU FRI SAT 4 30 Questions about billing? Leave a message at (763) 271-32281 Advanced Disposal: (651) 487-8546 SUN MON TUE WED THU FRI SAT E SUN MON TUE WED THU FRI SAT ■ SUN MON TUE WED THU FRI SAT ■ SUN MON TUE WED THU FRI SAT 5 24 www.AdvancedDisposal.com