City Council Minutes 12-11-2023REGULAR MEETING — MONTICELLO CITY COUNCIL
Monday, December 11, 2023 — 6:30 p.m.
Mississippi Room, Monticello Community Center
Present: Lloyd Hilgart, Charlotte Gabler, Tracy Hinz, and Sam Murdoff
Absent: Lee Martie
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
Councilmember Gabler moved approval of the agenda. Councilmember
Murdoff seconded the motion. Motion carried unanimously.
C. Approval of Meeting Minutes
• Special Meeting Minutes from November 27, 2023
• Regular Meeting Minutes from November 27, 2023
Councilmember Gabler moved approval of the minutes. Councilmember
Murdoff seconded the motion. Motion carried unanimously.
D. Citizen Comments
None.
E. Public Service Announcements
r Haley Foster, Communications & Marketing Specialist, noted the
following public announcements:
• Holiday Hours
• Christmas Tree Pick Up
• Winter Swimming Lessons
• 3D Snowflake Making Social
• Mosaic Class at MontiArts
F. Council Liaison Updates
• Parks, Arts, and Recreation Commission (PARC) — Councilmember Murdoff
gave an update and noted that the commission received an update from the
University of Minnesota on the economic impact of the Bertram Chain of
Lakes Regional Park. The commission also reviewed the following: two new
members, fee schedule, and concept plan for West Bridge Park.
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• Industrial & Economic Development Committee (IEDC) — Councilmember
Hinz noted that there was a review of the following: Central Mississippi River
Regional Planning Partnership and the committee's schedule for 2024, and
an update on the Wright County Economic Development activities.
• Planning Commission — Councilmember Gabler gave an update on the
meeting held December 5. The following was noted:
- an interview for open Planning Commission position
- concept stage planned unit development review for Storage Link
- two public hearings
- 2023-2025 workplan
2. Consent Agenda:
Councilmember Murdoff moved approval of the consent agenda. Councilmember Hinz
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 $1,596,544.85.
B. Consideration of approving new hires and departures for City departments.
Action taken: Approved the hires for Administration, MCC, and Parks, and
terminations for Fire and MCC.
C. Consideration of approving the sale/disposal of surplus city property. Action
taken: No report this cycle.
D. Consideration of adopting Resolution 2023-102 accepting donations of $4,000
from Monticello Lions Club to purchase an AED and $500 from Friends of Betram
for a mural — both at Bertram Chain of Lakes Regional Park. Action taken: The
resolution accepting donations was adopted.
E. Consideration of approving City of Monticello Business Hours for 2024. Action
taken: Business Hours for 2024 were approved.
F. Consideration of approving the 2024 Regularly Scheduled City Council and
Commission meetings. Action taken: 2024 regularly scheduled meetings was
approved.
G. Consideration of renewing pawn broker license for David Corbin dba Monticello
Pawn, Gun & Bargain Center at 1219 South Highway 25. Action taken: License
was approved.
H. Consideration of approving Board and Commission appointments commencing
January 1, 2024. Action taken: Appointments were approved.
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Consideration of adopting Resolution 2023-103 approving the allocation of
Coronavirus Local Fiscal Recover Fund established under the American Rescue
Plan Act (ARPA) Funds to certain uses. Action taken: Resolution approving the
allocation of funds was approved.
J. Consideration of authorizing AE2S to provide engineering services for the
construction of a water treatment plant at a total cost of $1,939,800. Action
taken: Approved contract for engineering services with AE2S.
K. Consideration of authorizing the purchase of a 2024 Chevy Equinox for a not to
exceed amount of $35,000 for the Building Department. Action taken: Purchase
was approved.
Consideration of authorizing the purchase of a 2024 Ford F-350 from Midway
Ford and truck accessories from Crysteel Truck Equipment for a total of
$86,049.01 and to surplus #206, a 2004 Ford F-350. Action taken: Approved the
purchase.
M. Consideration of adopting Resolution 2023-104 accepting stormwater
improvements for Haven Ridge 111 Addition. Action taken: Resolution accepting
the improvements was approved.
N. Consideration of approving a Control Agreement between the City of Monticello,
Haven Ridge L.L.C, and Tamarack Land — Haven Ridge LLC, relating to remaining
securities for the first phase of Haven Ridge. Action taken: Approved the Control
Agreement and authorized execution of the agreement by the City
Administrator, contingent on signatures of the other parties.
0. Consideration of approving a Comprehensive Plan Amendment to reguide two
parcels from Mixed -Density Residential and Mixed Neighborhood to Public and
Institutional, Preliminary Plat for Redford Crossing, and Development Stage PUD
for a proposed municipal Public Works Facility. Applicant: City of Monticello.
Action taken: Adopted Resolution 2023-110 approving the preliminary plat of
Redford Crossing subject to conditions in Exhibit Z and based on findings in said
resolution; Adopted Resolution 2023-111 approving a Comprehensive Plan
Amendment to reguide the proposed Lot 2, Block 1 and Outlots A, B, and C of
Redford Crossing to Public and Institutional and Lot 1, Block 1 of Redford
Crossing to Mixed Neighborhood, subject to the conditions in Exhibit Z and
based on findings in said resolution; Adopted Resolution 2023-112 approving
the Development Stage PUD for the proposed Public Works Facility on the
proposed Lot 2, Block 1 and Outlots A, B, and C of Redford Crossing subject to
the conditions in Exhibit Z and based on findings in said resolution.
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P. Consideration of adopting Ordinance 818 amending the Monticello City Code,
Title XV: Land Usage, Chapter 153: Zoning Ordinance, Section 153.091— Use
Specific Standards, to allow for a single industrial self -storage facility to be built
on a parcel les than two acres and allow for such individual units to be divided
into spaces of at least 1,500 square feet in industrial districts, and including
definitions or other regulations necessary to define and limit the intent or
application of the proposed amendment. Applicant: Skylar Rekstad. Action
taken: Adopted ordinance 818 based on findings in Resolution No. PC-023-37.
Q. Consideration of accepting the 2023 Bertram Chain of Lakes Regional Athletic
Park Economic Impact Analysis. Action taken: Accepting the impact analysis.
R. Consideration of adopting Resolution 2023-105 approving an amended Tax
Increment Financing (TIF) Policy. Action taken: Adopted Resolution approving
the amended policy.
S. Consideration of adopting Resolution 2023-106 approving an amended Small
Cities Development Program Revolving Loan Fund (SCDPRLF) Policy. Action
taken: Adopted Resolution approving the amended policy.
3. Public Hearings:
A. PUBLIC HEARING: Consideration of adopting Resolution 2023-107 ordering the
71n Street Retaining Wall, Rectangular Rapid Flashing Beacon and Sidewalk
Improvement Proiect
Matt Leonard, Public Works Director/City Engineer, presented the item and
project details. The project includes 7t" Street wall replacement and sidewalk
installation. The total cost is anticipated to be $687,509 with $337,930 proposed
to be assessed. Mr. Leonard reviewed the assessment method used and noted
that the anticipated assessment hearing will be in September 2024. The project
would begin in May/June 2024 with substantial completion in July/August 2024.
Councilmember Gabler requested that staff look at a possible light at 7t" Street
and Walnut. Mr. Leonard noted that a light in that location would need to be
reviewed by MnDOT and would prefer to wait since MnDOT is reviewing the 7tn
Street/Highway 25 light.
Mayor Hilgart opened the public hearing. One individual testified.
David Brinkman 221 7t" St. W. - Mr. Brinkman questioned the service that a
sidewalk on the north side of 7t" would provide since there
is a sidewalk on the south side. He also questioned if there
would be changes in grade to his access.
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Matt Leonard responded that the City's policy is to have sidewalks on both sides
of the streets on higher volume roadways. This is for the safety of pedestrians.
He also noted that the grade of his property could possibly change, however,
they don't have the final plans.
Mayor Hilgart closed the public hearing.
Councilmember Murdoff moved to adopt Resolution 2023-107 ordering the 7tn
Street Retaining Wall, Rectangular Rapid Flashing Beacon and Sidewalk
Improvement Project. Councilmember Hinz seconded the motion. Motion
carried unanimously.
B. Consideration of adopting Resolution 2023-108 ordering the Broadway Street
Roadway and Utility Improvement Proiect
Matt Leonard, Public Works Director/City Engineer, presented the item and
project details. The project includes Broadway Street pavement preservation, a
rectangular rapid flashing beacon at Cedar Street and Broadway Street, a
sidewalk/trail connection along the northside of Broadway East, and trail
lighting. The anticipated project cost is $3,076,531. This project is shared with
Wright County. The City's portion would be $1,435,423 with $30,932 proposed
to be assessed.
Staff is unclear if an easement can be obtained to complete section of trail from
Broadway to the Riverwalk Trail. It is proposed to remove this section from the
project and move to a future project.
There was some discussion on the proposed trail in front of the hospital and who
would use the trail. Mr. Leonard noted that completing this sidewalk would be
most beneficial if there is a trail connection to the Riverwalk Trail or if it is
constructed all the way to Fenning (with a portion being an on -road trail on Hart
Blvd.) Mr. Leonard commented that the sidewalk should be removed from the
project if the easement for a trail is not obtained.
Mayor Hilgart opened the public hearing. No one testified. Mayor Hilgart closed
the public hearing.
Councilmember Gabler moved to adopt Resolution 2023-108 ordering the
Broadway Street Roadway and Utility Improvement Project. Councilmember
Murdoff seconded the motion. Motion carried unanimously.
C. Consideration of adopting Ordinance 819 amending City Fee Schedule for 2024
and adopting Summary Ordinance 819A for publication
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Jennifer Schreiber, City Clerk, introduced the draft 2024 fee schedule and noted
the major changes.
Mayor Hilgart opened the public hearing. There was no public testimony. Mayor
Hilgart closed the public hearing.
There was minimal discussion.
Councilmember Murdoff moved to adopt Ordinance 819 and Summary
Ordinance 819A for publication. Councilmember Hinz seconded the motion.
Motion carried unanimously.
D. Consideration of adopting Resolution 2023-109 certifving the 2024 Final
Property Tax Levy and authorizing cancellation of certain deferred tax levies
Sarah Rathlisberger presented the final tax levy for 2024. Included in the
presentation was a review of the proposed levy increase for the HRA and the
City. Noted in the presentation were the following: property valuation, tax
capacity rate, tax base changes, tax capacity shift and levy impact, tax impacts,
property tax history, and what property tax is used for. The 2024 City Property
Tax Levy is proposed to increase by 9%.
Mayor Hilgart opened the public hearing. The following individual testified:
James Vanderlinden 6317 86t" St. NE — Mr. Vanderlinden expressed that
people are being overtaxed. He commented that
he would like to see the increase be 1 or 2% and
that items in the budget should be cut, including
staff.
Mayor Hilgart closed the public hearing.
There was some discussion among Councilmembers. Mayor Hilgart noted that he
would like to remove some funding going to the capital fund and that the levy be
increased by 7% instead of 9%.
Mayor Hilgart spoke in support of City staff and noted that there isn't any excess
staff to cut from the budget. Councilmember Gabler reiterated the statements
and noted that staff's work is reviewed. Councilmember Murdoff added that
services would need to be cut if the budget and/or staff is cut. Councilmember
Hinz further added that the increase in the budget is allowing the City to thrive
as a community.
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Mayor Hilgart moved to adopt Resolution 2023-109 approving the property tax levy
with an amendment to reduce by $240,000 from capital projects fund (for 7% levy
increase) but keep the library carpet. The motion died for lack of a second.
Councilmember Gabler moved to adopt Resolution 2023-109 approving the property
tax levy with an amendment to reduce by $120,000 (for 8% levy increase). The motion
died for lack of a second.
Councilmember Hinz moved to adopt Resolution 2023-109 approving the property tax
levy with an amendment to reduce by $120,000 (for 8% levy increase) but keep the
library carpet in the budget. Councilmember Gabler seconded the motion. Motion
failed 2-2; Mayor Hilgart and Councilmember Murdoff voted against.
Councilmember Murdoff moved to adopt Resolution 2023-109 approving the property
tax levy as proposed (9% levy increase). Councilmember Hinz seconded the motion.
Motion failed 2-2; Mayor Hilgart and Councilmember Gabler voted against.
Councilmember Murdoff moved to adopt Resolution 2023-109 approving the property
tax levy with an amendment to reduce by $60,000 from capital projects fund (for 8.5%
levy increase) but keep the library carpet. Councilmember Hinz seconded the motion.
Motion carried 3-1; Mayor Hilgart voted against.
4. Regular Agenda:
A. Consideration of adopting Resolution 2023-113 approving the 2024 Budget and
authorizing certain finance -related actions
Sarah Rathlisberger presented the 2024 Budget. The proposed budget of
$74,096,000 includes an increase in the following various items: contract with
Wright County Sheriff's Office, elections, response to Emerald Ash Borer
diseased trees, pathways, inflation and other costs.
There was minimal discussion.
Councilmember Murdoff moved to adopt Resolution 2023-113 approving the
2024 budget with an amendment to reduce by $60,000 from capital projects
fund. Councilmember Hinz seconded the motion. Motion carried 3-1; Mayor
Hilgart voted against.
B. Consideration of appointing a City Council member to Monticello's Parks, Arts
and Recreation master planning steering committee.
Tom Pawelk, Parks & Recreation Director, gave a brief overview and noted that
he there is a need for a council member to serve on the Monticello's Parks, Arts,
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and Recreation master planning steering committee. The committee will meet
once a month for five months.
Councilmembers Hinz and Gabler expressed an interest in serving as
member/alternate. There was discussion on possibly moving the time to be later
in the day. Tom Pawelk responded that he would check on the time or for
options for attending the meeting, such as attending remotely.
By consensus the item was tabled the item until January.
5. Adiournment:
The meeting was adjourned at 8:33 p.m.
Recorder: Jennifer Schrei
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