DATE:           March 14, 2023
                      For Immediate Release

CONTACT:  Haley Foster
                     (763) 295-2711 | Haley.Foster@ci.monticello.mn.us

City Council Approves ‘No Mow May’

Monticello, MN – On Monday, March 13 City Council approved ‘No Mow May’ in Monticello. For the second consecutive year, the City will suspend nuisance enforcement on grass lengths during the month of May. 

No Mow May is a conservation initiative recommended by the Minnesota DNR. The goal is to allow grass to grow unmown during the month, creating habitat and forage for early season pollinators. Pollinators play a critical role in our food supply and keeping our natural resources healthy.

Residents are encouraged to suspend mowing for the month, but it is not required. There are other ways you can help Minnesota’s pollinators if you want to continue to mow. The public can also plant bee flowers and native plants as well as keep plants pesticide free.

During the month of May, City staff will continue mowing around rental structures in the parks, and around City buildings to ensure accessibility.  We’re excited to participate in No Mow May in other ways, like adding native prairie grasses and wildflowers throughout our parks system.

If residents plan on participating, please note that enforcement will resume Thursday, June 1. At that time, all lawns must be maintained per the City’s Code (grass cannot be over 8 inches). We recommend giving yourself a few days to safely manage your lawn. Here are a couple of tips from the University of Minnesota for mowing long grass:

• Adjust your mower to the highest setting, you will have to make more than one pass over the grass.
• After you have reduced the grass height to a more manageable length, change the mower setting by reducing the height of the blade, before making a second pass.
• Do not cut more than 1/3 of the grass blade at a time in a single mowing. This helps prevent root stress and promotes a healthy lawn.

For more information visit the City’s website or check out the University of Minnesota’s Bee Lab for other actions you can take to help our local pollinators.

DATE:           May 26, 2022

                      For Immediate Release

CONTACT:  Rachel Leonard

                      (763) 295-2711 | rachel.leonard@ci.monticello.mn.us

Monticello Updates Recreational Motor Vehicle Ordinance

On Monday, May 23 City Council adopted an update to the City’s Recreational Motor Vehicle ordinance. The changes include increased opportunities for use of recreational vehicles within the city as well as a new permitting system for Class 1 ATVs, Class 2 ATVs, and golf carts. The new permits cost $25 for three years. Applications for permitting will be available June 1 in City Hall. Upon registration, residents will be given a sticker that must be displayed on their vehicles.

Once permitted, Class 1 ATVs and golf-carts will be allowed to operate on designated city streets. Approved streets are those classified as local, are under Monticello’s jurisdiction, and have a speed limit of 30 mph or less. Carts and Class 1 ATVs are not permitted to travel down County, State, or roads built with State-Aid funds. The City of Monticello Class 1 ATV/Golf Cart Street Map showing approved areas will be available at City Hall as well as on the City’s website. 

Class 2 ATVs (UTVs) will continue to be allowed to operate per state statute.

When considering the ordinance changes, City staff worked with Wright County Sheriff’s Office to prioritize public safety while expanding the use of recreational vehicles in the community. Documentation, like the displayable stickers, and a permitting system will provide WCSO officers with a visual aid when monitoring ATVs and golf carts in our community. 

Additionally, motorized foot scooters, segways or electric personal assistive mobility devices, and electric assisted bicycles (1,000 watts or less) were added to the ordinance and may be operated within the City of Monticello per the state statute.

“We’re trying to really allow people to recreate in the community in a way that hasn’t been previously allowed, and this is a way to do it in a safe manner. We have a vibrant community with various busy roadways; we want to be responsible and keep safety at the forefront in now allowing the use of recreational vehicles,” said City Clerk Jennifer Schreiber.

Please review the City’s Ordinance for additional information and further clarification.

DATE:           April 8, 2022

                      For Immediate Release

CONTACT:  Rachel Leonard

                      (763) 295-2711 | rachel.leonard@ci.monticello.mn.us

City Council Approves ‘No Mow May’

Monticello, MN – On Monday, March 28 City Council approved ‘No Mow May’ in Monticello. For the first time, the City will suspend nuisance enforcement on grass lengths during the month of May. 

No Mow May is a conservation initiative recommended by the Minnesota DNR and Wright County. The goal is to allow grass to grow unmown during the month, creating habitat and forage for early season pollinators. 

Residents are encouraged to suspend mowing for the month, but there are other ways you can help Minnesota’s pollinators if you want to continue to mow. The public can also plant bee flowers and native plants as well as keep plants pesticide free.

During the month of May, City staff will continue mowing around rental structures, in the parks, and around City buildings to ensure accessibility.  However, we’re excited to participate in No Mow May in other ways, like adding native prairie grasses and wildflowers throughout our parks system.

If residents plan on participating, please note that enforcement will resume on Wednesday, June 1. All lawns must be maintained per the City’s Code. For more information click here or check out the University of Minnesota’s Bee Lab for other actions you can take to help our local pollinators.