IEDC Agenda 04-03-2012AGENDA
MONTICELLO INDUSTRIAL & ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE
Tuesday, April 3, 2012
7:00 a.m., Boom Island
MEMBERS: Chair Luke Dahlheimer, Vice Chair Joni Pawelk, Rich Harris, Patrick Thompson, Bill
Tapper, Dick Van Allen, Dan Olson, Zona Gutzwiller, Wayne Elam, Jim Johnson, Chris
Kruse, Don Roberts, Tim O'Connor, and Wes Olson
LIASIONS: Sandy Suchy, Chamber
Clint Herbst, Mayor
Glen Posusta, City Council
1. Call to Order
2. Approve Minutes:
a. March 6, 2012
3. Consideration of adding items to the Agenda
4. Reports:
a. Economic Development Report
b. City Council
c. Chamber of Commerce and Industry
5. BR &E Follow -Up Survey
6. Review Interim Branding Ideas/Initiatives
7. Embracing Downtown Implementation Update
8. Adjournment (8:30am)
MINUTES
MONTICELLO INDUSTRIAL & ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE (IEDC)
Tuesday, March 6, 2012 - 7:00 a.m., Boom Island Room
MEMBERS PRESENT: Vice Chair Joni Pawelk, Rich Harris, Patrick Thompson, Bill
Tapper, Dick Van Allen, Dan Olson, Zona Gutzwiller, Wayne
Elam, Jim Johnson, Wes Olson
LIASIONS PRESENT: Sandy Suchy, Chamber
Glen Posusta, City Council
Clint Herbst, Mayor
MEMBERS ABSENT: Chair Luke Dahlheimer, Tim O'Connor, Chris Kruse, Don
Roberts
STAFF PRESENT: Economic Development Director Megan Barnett - Livgard,
Community Development Director, Angela Schumann
1. Call to Order
Vice Chair Joni Pawelk called the meeting to order at 7:00 a.m.
2. Approve Minutes
BILL TAPPER MOVED TO APPROVE THE FEBRUARY 7, 2012 MINUTES.
MOTION WAS SECONDED BY PATRICK THOMPSON. MOTION CARRIED 10 -0.
3. Consideration of adding items to the Agenda
a. Update on the Bertram Chain of Lakes project
b. Discussion about proposed zoning change for old Simonson property
WAYNE ELAM MOVED TO AMEND THE AGENDA TO INCLUDE ADDED
DISCUSSION ITEMS. MOTION WAS SECONDED BY WES OLSON. MOTION
CARRIED 10 -0.
4. Reports
a. Economic Development
The City Council did not approve moving forward with initiating a City -wide branding
project. Staff will conduct further research to address questions and concerns and bring
a revised proposal forward at a future date.
IEDC Minutes 3/06/12
The EDA, City Council, and Planning Commission held a joint meeting to hear an
update on Embracing Downtown implementation steps. Dan Wilson, of Wilson
Development, has been negotiating the purchase of the Montgomery Farms building to
allow for the future Highway 25/75 intersection improvement project. The City has
been working to put together a relocation package for tenants. IEDC members asked
some questions about the redevelopment process. Staff pointed out that transportation
improvements would be a key initial component in overall project success.
City Council modified the EDA enabling resolution to eliminate the residency
requirement and changed the language to specify that EDA members be either business
or property owners. Staff would like to fill the open seat on the EDA by its April
meeting.
The Minnesota Youth Soccer Association (MYSA) will conduct a feasibility study of
the site north of the planned athletic fields at Bertram Park. Glen Posusta noted that the
City needs to make arrangements to handle the sludge from the sewage treatment plant
should the MYSA athletic complex project move forward in that location.
Staff noted that Angela Schumann would provide an update of the Bertram Chain of
Lakes Project later in the meeting.
b. City Council
Mayor Clint Herbst outlined a few issues currently facing Council. Bondholders are
working to try to reduce the City's interest rate for FiberNet Monticello. City officials
will testify about spent nuclear fuel storage at the Capital. Council agreed to direct staff
to contact Fleet Farm to obtain a status update about their project proposal. The mayor
noted that some business owners have concerns about relocating as part of the
Embracing Downtown plan. He pointed out that the City would provide relocation
benefits and assistance to businesses.
c. Chamber of Commerce and Industry
Sandy Suchy reported that the Chamber held a public meeting to provide property
owners an opportunity to discuss their property taxes. Bill Tapper pointed out that all
non - residential property taxes would increase significantly as an unintended
consequence of changing the homestead rules for homeowners. Business Day at the
Capital is scheduled for March 14th from 7:30 am -2:00 pm. The Chamber newsletter,
including a City insert, will soon be distributed to all businesses and property owners.
Chamber staff may need some additional information as they update their database of
downtown property owners. The golf tournament is the next planned Chamber
activity.
IEDC Minutes 3/06/12
5. Continued discussion with the Monticello School District
Monticello School District Superintendent Jim Johnson asked if there were any questions
related to his presentation last month regarding STEM (science, technology, engineering,
math) programs and initiatives.
There was some consideration about the school district's ranking in comparison to districts
in surrounding counties and the importance of marketing those positive statistics to the
region as part of the City's economic development effort. There was discussion about how
the applicant pool is shrinking for manufacturers and vocational training programs which
had directly funneled into the workplace no longer exist.
Bill Tapper suggested that kids aren't exposed to real world opportunities early enough.
Staff noted that the school district currently partners with some local businesses to
encourage students to explore employment options in the community and that additional
connections are encouraged. Sandy Suchy offered to ask that the Minnesota Chamber get
behind amending legislation to enable students to get more involved in learning in the
workplace.
There was some discussion about re- crafting the annual "college fair" to include an
emphasis on marketing vocations in the community as a priority. The district agreed that it
would be useful to begin that conversation at the ninth grade parent meeting. Staff
suggested that a flyer about the hiring needs of local businesses would be an effective
communication tool. Jim Johnson agreed to propose options for the IEDC to tour high
school programs.
6. Items Added to the Alzenda
a. Update on the Bertram Chain of Lakes Project
Angela Schumann summarized that the 496 land and water acres owned by the City of
Monticello and Wright County are open and accessible to the public. Existing facilities
within the park include hiking trails, a canoe/kayak launch, and a small parking area
and informational kiosk. The City and County have reached an agreement with the
YMCA to allow weekend public boat access to Bertram Lake from June through
August. The two largest lakes, Bertram and Long, are to be open to electric motors no
wake only. Motorized traffic will not be allowed on the two smaller lakes. There is not
yet an agreement in place for use of the beach. Plans are underway to restore the oak
savannah in the park thanks to a Cargill grant. The YMCA will move its day camp to
the northwest side of Long Lake. The Friends of Bertram plan to hold small events in
the park throughout the year rather than hosting the Family Fun Day. Parcels 9, 10 and
12 are scheduled for acquisition in 2012. The City and County continue to seek grant
funding for the park project. Senator Koch introduced a bonding bill for Bertram Park.
IEDC Minutes 3/06/12
Representatives from outside the district may be willing to write the House legislation.
b. Discussion about proposed zoning change for old Simonson property
Bill Tapper shared his concern about the loss of heavy industrial property within
Monticello should the old Simonson property be rezoned. Clint Herbst agreed that he
would not want to see prime property taken out of circulation in the industrial park.
While there was some discussion about the potential for future site conflicts should the
Quarry Church locate in the industrial park, Angela Schumann pointed out that the
property proposed for rezoning is guided for commercial in the Comprehensive Plan
and that the land use is at issue rather than the proposed use of the property.
RICH HARRIS MOVED TO RECOMMEND THAT THE PLANNING
COMMISSION DENY THE QUARRY CHURCH REZONING REQUEST FROM
1 -2 (HEAVY INDUSTRIAL) TO B -2 (LIMITED BUSINESS) FOR THE OLD
SIMONSON PROPERTY. MOTION WAS SECONDED BY WES OLSON.
MOTION CARRIED 6 -0. JONI PAWELK, BILL TAPPER, WAYNE ELAM, DICK
VAN ALLEN ABSTAINED.
7. Consideration of creating a BR &E Follow -Up Survey (per adopted work plan)
This item was not considered.
8. Adjournment
BILL TAPPER MOVED TO ADJOURN THE MEETING AT 8:46 AM. MOTION WAS
SECONDED BY RICH HARRIS. MOTION CARRIED 10 -0.
Recorder: Kerry T. Bum
Approved: April 3, 2012
Attest:
Megan Barnett- Livgard, Economic Development Director
4. Economic Development Director Updates:
EDA:
The EDA authorized WSB to identify and delineate wetlands in the Monticello
Business Center industrial park. Identifying wetlands within the remaining vacant
parcels will assist in the City's ability to accurately market developable acres available
to potential users. WSB will begin working on this task in May.
The EDA adopted a Relocation Assistance and Redevelopment Priorities Policy at
their March 7, 2012 meeting (policies are attached).
Planning Commission:
See attached agenda.
City Council:
The City Council adopted the Relocation Assistance and Redevelopment Priorities
Policy at their March 26, 2011 meeting.
The City Council approved increasing the city's water and sewer rates by 8% and
12 %, respectively. The increase will become effective on the next billing cycle (April
2012). The new rates will cover operations of the systems but not asset replacement.
The new rates are as follows:
Water Rates.
Industrial
Based on usage 1.80 /748gallons 2.016/748 gallons
..Current
Proposed
Residential /Town homes /Commercial and
Irrigation
0- 3,740gallons(minimum)
14.30
15.4440
3,741 - 29,920 gallons
0.95 /748gallons
1.026/748 gallons
.29,921 - 100,000 gallons
1.10 /748gallons
1.188 /748 gallons
over 100,000gallons
1.20 /748gallons
1.296/748 gallons
If commercial irrigation is metered separately, no minimum applied)
Industrial Rate
All water usage
1.14/748gallons + sales tax
1.2312/748 gallons + sales tax
Sewer
Residential /Townhomes /Commercial
1st 3,740gallons(minimum)
16.75
18.7600
Over 3,740 gallons
3.00 per 748 gallons
3.36 per748 gallons
Sewer Rates Special Cases
$20.00X# of people in household
$22.40X #of people in household
Snowbirds (gone during 1st quarter)
Winter consumption rate based on
Winter consumption rate based on
10,472 gallons perquarter.
10,472 gallons per quarter.
Industrial
Based on usage 1.80 /748gallons 2.016/748 gallons
At the March 12, 2012 City Council meeting, the Council approved rezoning the
Simonson Lumber property from Industrial to B -2 Limited Commercial. The rezoning
complies with the comprehensive plan.
The City Council held a special workshop meeting on March 26, 2012 to discuss the
opportunity to purchase an existing building on County Road 75 (Broadway) for the
purpose of opening a second liquor store. After lengthy discussion the City Council
voted 4 -1 authorizing staff to submit a purchase agreement to the property owner.
Staff and the property owner are currently still in negotiations, however it does appear
that an agreement will be reached soon. The building does currently house one tenant
(convenience store). Therefore relocation costs for the existing business will apply to
this transaction.
Inquiries:
Staff recently met with commercial brokers regarding a potential opportunity to attract
additional medical facilities to the community. Staff will continue to work with the
brokers to explore all viable options.
Marketing:
Staff is in the process of planning the annual commercial broker breakfast event. This
year the event will be held on Friday, April 27, 2012 and will consist of a bus tour.
Cornerstone Cafe will be catering a breakfast that participants can eat on the go. Staff
has asked Jim McComb and Kathy Anderson to attend in an effort to draw more
attention to the event. Brokers and developers are well aware of the work and success
of Jim and Kathy. Hopefully partnering with these two well known constituents will
result in greater attendance and excitement about development opportunities in
Monticello. More details to follow as the date approaches. MNCAR included a "save
the date" flyer in their most recent newsletter.
Business Communications & Retention Initiatives:
City staff is working with the Chamber to participate in the Grow MN business visits.
Staff is in the process of scheduling a BR &E Leadership Team meeting to discuss
status of projects and explore opportunities to implement projects that have not been
initiated at this time.
Embracing Downtown:
The downtown leadership team will be meeting on April 11, 2012 at Sam.
The City Council and EDA will have a joint meeting on April 11, 2012 to discuss
status of negotiations for the Montgomery Farms property.
MISC.
The City Engineer is meeting with effected property owners along the potential
alignment for the future Fallon Avenue overpass. The purpose of the meetings is to
educate the potential affected properties owners about the overpass project and review
any questions or concerns. Staff is hopeful the project will be under construction in the
next few years.
IEDC April 3, 2012
Due to the growing concern regarding available skilled workforce, the Monticello
Workforce Center is hosting a Partners in Workforce Development
seminar /informational exchange on April 13, 2012.
Attached to this report is a copy of the presentation Tom Kelly, Finance Director,
presented at the Chamber property and tax meeting held earlier this month.
IEDC April 3, 2012
CITY OF MONTICELLO REDEVELOPMENT PRIORITIES POLICY
The Monticello Economic Development Authority (EDA) is committed to redevelopment as an
important and necessary tool to maintain the health of the community and encourage economic
development. For the purpose of this document, the term "redevelopment" carries abroad definition
including, but not limited to, activities associated with neighborhood preservation and revitalization,
commercial and industrial stabilization and growth, redevelopment and revitalization of downtown
Monticello. The EDA will serve as a catalyst for redevelopment based on the following policies.
The community needs for redevelopment will always surpass the ability of the EDA and/or
other funding entities to fully finance and/or be a partner in such endeavors. In order to
maximize the effect of EDA involvement, redevelopment priorities have been established as
illustrated in Attachment I. This priority list and the redevelopment policies will be reviewed
and updated by the EDA on an annual basis.
2. The TIF Management Plan, available and applicable grants, and other applicable funding
opportunities will be utilized as a guide to evaluate availability of financial resources.
The EDA recognizes that redevelopment scenarios are extremely complex and each plan
will demand a unique set of solutions.
4. Creation of major redevelopment plans shall include participation by the community
including but not limited to, residents, business and property owners, affected government
agencies and other stakeholders.
Solutions for redevelopment shall be comprehensive in nature and assume market realities.
6. Approved plans shall be positively promoted and endorsed by the City Council, City Boards
and staff.
7. The EDA will continue to be innovative in developing creative solutions and resources to
meet its redevelopment needs. The EDA will continue to seek outside funding sources to
supplement the EDA's financial resources.
When seeking EDA and City Council approval for acquisition of property, the following
factors will be taken into account:
a. Proximity to priority project areas (see Attachment I)
b. Reasonable purchase price
C. County assessed value
d. Recent completed appraisal, if any
e. Property key to transportation or public utility projects
f. Number and type of existing tenants
g. Timeline of new development potential
h. Availability and appropriateness of eminent domain
9. Reviewing appropriateness of purchasing property based on the factors outlined in Number 8
will assist in reducing land- banking by the City.
10. The end objectives of redevelopment efforts include:
a. Stabilizing and increasing tax base
b. Removing influences that can or have negatively affected the community
C. Rejuvenating the appearance and perception of a given area
d. Leveraging private funding where feasible
e. Jobs created and /or retained
11. Redevelopment plans are viewed as inherently flexible and it is recognized that the
component parts of a plan may change from time to time in order for it to be implemented
within the market place.
ADOPTED BY the Monticello Economic Development Authority this 14`h day of March, 2012.
CITY OF MONTICELLO
Bill Deneules, President
ATTEST:
Megan Barnett Livgard, Executive Director
Attachment I — Redevelopment Priorities
Primary Activities:
• Implementation of the Embracing Downtown Plan
a. Block 34
b. Block 31
c. Other areas as deemed appropriate and driven by private investment
• Redevelopment and revitalization of blighted residential properties
Potential Future Activities:
• Block 35
• Block 33
• Design enhancements to major intersections and street corridors
MONTICELLO RELOCATION ASSISTANCE POLICY
The Monticello Economic Development Authority (EDA) is committed to actively promoting new
development and redevelopment within the City of Monticello. From time to time, development
activities may lead to displacement of tenants, homeowners, property owners, and /or businesses. The
EDA recognizes the hardship this creates and is committed to minimizing the impact of
displacement. If displacement occurs, the EDA will use its best efforts to minimize this hardship
guided by this policy.
Minnesota Statutes, Section 117.52 to 117.56 (State Relocation Act) shall govern the
circumstances in which a person or business is eligible for relocation benefits in connection
with acquisition, development, or redevelopment projects involving the City of Monticello.
2. Subject to the terms of the State Relocation ACT the EDA will provide advisory services to
any displaced person or business reasonable and necessary to minimize the hardship of
displacement.
The EDA will provide all services reasonable and necessary to ensure the relocation process
does not result in different or separate treatment because of race, color, religion, sex, or
national origin.
4. The EDA will work in good faith with displaced businesses to facilitate retention of such
businesses in the City of Monticello.
Replacement housing payments must be used to lease or purchase decent, safe, and sanitary
housing.
6. For the purpose of this policy, a person is classified as "low- income" by the U.S. Department
of Housing and Urban Development's Annual Survey of Income Limits for the Public
Housing and Section 8 Programs. This survey is updated annually and available through the
Federal Highway Administration's website at
byp://www.fhwa.dot.gov/realestate/ua/ualic.htm.
ADOPTED BY the Monticello City Council this 14th day of March, 2012.
CITY OF MONTICELLO
Bill Demeules, President
ATTEST:
Megan Barnett Livgard, Executive Director
REGULAR MEETING
MONTICELLO PLANNING COMMISSION
Tuesday, April 3rd, 2012
6:00 PM
Mississippi Room, Monticello Community Center
Commissioners: Rod Dragsten, Brad Fyle, Charlotte Gabler, William Spartz, and
Barry Voight
Staff: Angela Schumann, Ron Hackenmueller, Steve Grittman - NAC
1. Call to order.
2. Consideration to approve Planning Commission minutes.
a. Regular Meeting of March 6th, 2012
3. Citizen Comments.
4. Consideration of adding items to the agenda.
5. Public Hearing— Consideration to approve a Conditional Use Permit for an attached Major
Accessory Structure in an R -1 (Single - Family) District.
Legal Description: Lot 7, Block 1, River Forest - 9747 River Forest Drive
Applicant: Curtis, Greg
6. Public Hearing — Consideration to approve a Conditional Use Permit for a detached
Major Accessory Structure in an R -4 (Manufactured Home Park) District.
Legal Description: Lengthy Legal — 1000 Kjellberg's Manufactured Home Park, East
Applicant: Kjellberg, Kent
Consideration to adopt Ordinance #545, repealing Chapter 27 of the Monticello Zoning
Ordinance Regulating the Management of the Mississippi Wild, Scenic, and Recreational
River System and the Shoreland Areas of the City of Monticello and adopting
amendments to Monticello Zoning Ordinance Chapter 3, Section 7, Overlay Ordinances
regulating the Mississippi Wild, Scenic & Recreational River District and the Shoreland
District, and Chapter 8, Section 4, Definitions.
Applicant: City of Monticello
8. Community Development Director's Report
9. Adjourn.
2012 BUDGET and
PROPERTY TAX LEVY
2012 General Fund Budget
General Fund (operating) budget of
$6,748,398.
* General Fund Budget is an 4.34%
increase from 2011 budget.
The General Fund is a balance budget.
Maintains services at current levels.
Tax levy of $5,456,248.
2012 Other Budgets
- Capital Project Fund budget of $8,794,719 and
includes transfers to Debt Service Funds.
Funding sources include special assessments, other
City Funds, and possible bond proceeds.
City adopts a 5-year CIP.
No core street project proposed for 2012
2012 projects total $4,100,000 and include;
First year wst of the Fallon Avenue overpass.
East P° Street/Highway 25 intersection improvements.
Overlay of rural outlaying streets.
Street lighting improvements
2012 Budget Highlights
Total Expenditure Budget of $43,276,745.
Includes debt service ($6,693,202) and
capital expenditures ($4,794,719).
Includes Natatorium/MCC Improvements
of $1,621,000.
Expenditures budget is a 0.72% increase
from 2011 budget.
Total Revenue budget of $36,907,203.
Maintains services at current levels.
2012 Community Center Fund Budget
Expenditure budget of $4,211,964.
Includes $1,621,000 for
natatorium /building improvements
Charges for services total $1,201,100
Requires the use of $1,129,889 of
reserves and $700,000 of liquor funds.
Tax levy of $1,150,000.
2012 Other Budgets
Debt Service expenditures of $6,693,202.
Tax levy of $1,218,752.
Outstanding debt of $60,011,000 as of
12/31/11.
Includes Revenue Bonds of $26,445,000 to
fund FiberNet Monticello project.
2012 Other Budgets
• Enterprise fund budgets of $15,222,515.
• Revenues include rate increases for water
and sewer operations.
• Rates fund operations and a portion of
infrastructure replacement.
• Liquor Fund contributes $250,000 to the
Street Reconstruction Fund to reduce the tax
levy for street projects and $700,000 to fund
MCC natatorium improvements.
MVHC Changed to MVE
✓ State Legislative Change beginning for
taxes payable in 2012.
✓ Market Value Homestead Credit Program
(MVHC) replaced by Market Value
Exclusion (MVE) Program.
• Change made to balance State budget.
• MVE shifts property tax burden to other
property classes.
MVHC Changed to MVE
✓ New MVE reduces "taxable market value ".
✓ Lowers local governments tax capacities,
which increases the tax rates.
✓ Homes valued at or below $76,000 receive
full exclusion of $30,400 and homes
valued $413,800 or above receive no
exclusion.
✓ State is no longer involved.
✓ Shifts tax burden to non - homesteaded or
higher valued properties.
2012 Other Budgets
Budget includes FiberNet Monticello
operations.
Budgeted expenditures of $5,907,071
including $1,768,337 of debt service
payments.
Revenue budget of $2,533,592.
original business plan projected
expenditures exceeding revenues at this
point.
MVHC Changed to MVE
✓ MVHC reduced taxes through a State
credit on the tax bill.
✓ State was to pay local governments for
credit amount.
✓ MVHC program was in effect for 10 years,
but fully funded only twice.
✓ Left local government with budget deficits.
MVHC Changed to MVE
Comparison on a home valued $200,000
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siamm
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na+e
mxa
City Property Taxes on Residential Property ,
c m P� a P. m n..,
t,00p
ispp
000
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--
$135.000 $175.000 $200000 $250.000 $215.000 $300,000
3
Tax Levy Information
City tax rate is 60 lowest in Wright County.
Smallest rate increase of all Cities in Wright County.
Conclusion
Total Budget for all funds of $43,276,745.
Total Levy of $7,850,000.
Tax Rate of 49.972 %.
City is 40.6% of total property tax.
Biggest tax impact is from the change from
MVHC to new MVE.
Tax Levy Information
Total tax rate of 123.028 %.
5. Consideration of creating a BR &E follow up survey:
A. REFERENCE & BACKGROUND:
The adopted IEDC 2012 work plan outlines the task of distributing a follow up BR &E survey.
As you may recall, two years ago the City initiated a BR &E program that included
interviewing 60 businesses. Several great projects were initiated and completed due to
information obtained through the survey process.
Due to the fact it has been two years since the City or BR &E Task Force group has checked in
with the businesses interviewed, it might be appropriate to initiate a follow up survey.
It should be noted that the Chamber is in the process of setting up Grow MN visits with local
businesses. Grow MN is a survey based business interview program through the MN
Chamber. Therefore, the IEDC may consider partnering with the Chamber and Grow MN to
satisfy the BR &E survey task item included in the IEDC's 2012 work plan.
Staff would like to obtain specific direction related to the BR &E follow up survey idea. If the
IEDC desires to initiate a follow up survey, several aspects need to be discussed and
determined, such as:
• purpose of survey
• target audience
• format
• type of questions
B. STAFF RECOMMENDATION:
Based on discussion
C. ALTERNATE ACTIONS:
Based on discussion.
D. SUPPORTING DATA:
None
IEDC 4.3.12
7. Embracing Downtown Implementation Update:
A. REFERENCE & BACKGROUND:
The Downtown Leadership Team has been meeting on a regular basis to assist in generating
support, excitement, and viable strategies to implement the Embracing Downtown plan.
Attached is a copy of the groups adopted vision, mission, and guiding principles. Staff will
provide verbal updates regarding projects and initiatives the group is working on along with
status of negotiations for the Montgomery Farms property.
B. STAFF RECOMMENDATION:
No recommendation at this time.
C. ALTERNATE ACTIONS:
No action required.
D. SUPPORTING DATA:
Vision, Mission, Guiding Principles
IEDC 4.3.12
Second Draft: As revised 3/6/12
reSTOREing Downtown Monticello
Vision: Downtown Monticello is the sub - regional center for business, professional, personal, health care
services, dining and river- anchored recreation between St. Cloud and Maple Grove.
Mission: reSTOREing Downtown Monticello is committed to successful redevelopment & revitalization of
downtown Monticello through the active partnership of property owners, businesses, the public sector, and other
community organizations.
Guiding Principles: reSTOREing Downtown Monticello endorses the following principles as a guide for public
and private sector planning, decisions, teamwork, and investment over time.
• A healthy downtown and host community are important to area employers including Cargill, Xcel
Energy, New River Medical, UMC, Monticello School District, and WSI.
• A shared vision among property owners, businesses, and the City is the foundation for effective
team work and long term success.
• A shared understanding of realistic market potential is the foundation for design and generation of a
healthy business mix.
• Property values can be enhanced if property owners and the city share a vision for downtown and
actively seek to cultivate a safe, appealing environment and attractive business mix.
• A safe, attractive human scale environment and entrepreneurial businesses that actively emphasize
personal customer service will differentiate downtown from other shopping districts.
• Retail vitality is created by anchor stores and businesses that provide shopping and convenience
goods and are concentrated in districts with safe and convenient access and good parking.
• The Highway 25 bridge crossing concentrates significant traffic through downtown; design should
enable stores to benefit from this visibility while providing a safe human scale environment for
pedestrians, and safe access and traffic flow for vehicles.
• The city and business community must work actively with MnDOT to ensure safe local access to
business districts.
• The river and related parks and trails create a distinctive asset that differentiates downtown
Monticello and serves as a foundation for design and as a focus for activity.
• Retail dining and entertainment businesses build on proximity to the Mississippi River, parks and
trails to create an activity node for outdoor recreation including bicycling, fishing, canoeing,
kayaking, walking, sledding, skating and bird watching.
• The community center and river- oriented parklands create complementary indoor and outdoor
activity nodes; strategic programming of these areas can increase downtown traffic and business
activity