New Senior Housing Coming to Monticello

On Monday, Jan. 9 Mayor Hilgart and city staff joined Headwaters Development and CHC (Community Housing Corporation) for the groundbreaking of their new project in Monticello: 60 rental townhomes for seniors 55+ located on 7^th Street West!

The project was initiated by Headwaters Development, and in November 2022 the company asked the Monticello Economic Development Authority (EDA) to approve CHC as a full partner-owner in the development. The development site is located on the easterly portion of a land parcel formerly known as Outlot A, Country Club Manor, at the corner of Golf Course Road and 7th Street West. The EDA has owned this 16.71-acre property for many years.

 The EDA also approved a newly established affordable housing Tax Increment Financing (TIF) district (No. 1-43). As a requirement, the developer has committed to creating and maintaining 40 percent of the units (24 units) as affordable throughout the life of the TIF District. The total cost of the project is estimated at approximately $20.5 million or $341,667 per unit.

The developer is using a modular style construction method. All building components are measured, fabricated, and assembled in the climate-controlled AVA (Advanced Volumetric Alliance) facility in Albertville, MN. The full building component units will be delivered to the site starting late March 2023 to be placed on the concrete pads. The developer plans to substantially complete construction of the twin home development by December 31, 2023.

The developer of this project also intends to move forward with a 102-unit multi-family housing building exclusively for seniors on the northerly portion of the lot later in 2023.   

We're excited to welcome another housing option for our senior community!

City Spotlight: What is the Industrial & Economic Development Committee?

The Industrial & Economic Development Committee (IEDC) began in 1975 as the Industrial Development Committee (IDC). It was formed by business owners committed to growing manufacturing and industry in Monticello. These passionate local advocates wanted to lend their support to critical issues focused on creating and retaining business and employment in the city. The IDC later became a board of the City of Monticello – in 2008, they became known as the Industrial & Economic Development Committee.

The IEDC's mission is to advocate for industrial and economic growth within the city by promoting awareness and communication efforts on behalf of the business community. The IEDC is made up of representatives from local businesses, organizations, and residents. Meetings are 7 a.m. on the first Tuesday of the month.

Volunteer Opportunity!

We're looking for applicants to fill a vacancy on the IEDC! Applicants must be a Monticello business representative or resident of the City of Monticello. This is one of the few City boards where you are not required to live in Monticello, but you must manage a business within the City to be considered.

The IEDC often works in tandem with the Economic Development Authority (EDA) and offers feedback to the EDA on various economic development opportunities. The IEDC also works with the Chamber of Commerce and Industry to act as liaisons to new businesses in the community. The IEDC also has liaisons from the Monticello Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Wright County Economic Development Partnership, and Xcel Energy on their board. Their main purpose is to keep the business community, economic and industrial growth at the heart of the conversation. Interested in joining? Fill out an application!

Monticello City Council Highlights, August 23, 2021

Recognition of Bill Tapper

After over 27 years of service, to the City of Monticello and to the greater Monticello community, William “Bill” Tapper announced he would be leaving the EDA.

A long-standing business owner in the community, Bill began his service to Monticello with the Industrial Development Committee. The IDC, as it was known then, was formed by a group of business owners committed to growing manufacturing and industry in Monticello. The IDC later became a board of the City – the Industrial & Economic Development Committee, where Bill remained a steadfast member. As a member of the IEDC, Bill lent his wisdom and support to issues critical to the creation and retention of business and employment in Monticello.

“In 2007, Bill also offered his expertise to the Economic Development Authority, where he has built a legacy of thoughtfulness and mentorship. His work to support industry in Monticello has been instrumental in the growth of leading manufacturers like Bondhus Corporation, Dahlheimer Distribution, UMC, and many more,” said Mayor Lloyd Hilgart. “His work with the EDA also broadened to include support for workforce housing and the revitalization of downtown Monticello. We will miss Bill’s dedication and his depth of knowledge. We are so grateful and appreciative for his years of service,” he added.

“Thank you very much for this honor and giving me the opportunity to serve on the EDA and other economic development committees for all these years. As you know, economic development takes a village, but I would like to recognize Angela and Jim for their never-ending effort to move Monticello forward, and their always outstanding meeting prep work,” said Bill.

Council also approved the appointment of Hali Sittig to the EDA to complete the remainder of Tapper’s term, which ends on Dec. 31, 2021. Tapper was part of the selection process and was looking forward to her being sworn in as the commissioner.

“I have had a chance to meet and interview the candidate for my position, I’m very impressed and think she will do a great job of helping Monticello move forward,” said Tapper.

Fire Department Update

Fire Chief Mike Mossey provided an annual update which included information on total number of calls, types of calls, the new fire station, the new command truck, training, public relations, donations, fire inspections, and future plans for the department.

“This year we’ve been really busy… it’s been busy and on top of that we’ve had some really big calls,” said Mossey.

From Aug. 1, 2020 to Aug. 1, 2021 the Monticello Fire Department has responded to a total of 292 calls. They also track the number of interstate calls, and so far in 2021 they have responded to 29 calls in 2021. This will be the second year of the fire inspections program. Fire Marshal Dan Klein has completed 670 inspections, and Chief Mossey says the goal is to have every business inspected at least once by Dec. 31.

Perks of the New Fire Station

In addition to all the compliments they receive from the public on the new station, Mossey says there are additional benefits, such as a faster response time, easier access to the interstate with the new location, and an upgraded ISO rating for the department.

“Long story short, we did get an upgraded rating which is really important for our townships that we serve. Those properties will actually see a reduction on their property taxes because of this rating.”

Donations

The Ellison family donated a large sum for multiple items, including the department’s custom-made rehab trailer. The department was also able to order a pump skid using community donations.

“That is basically pump, hose reel, and the water tank that goes in the back of our utility truck to fight wildfires,” Mossey. “We have some amazing donors in this community,” he noted.

Council Approvals

1. Council adopted resolution 2021-63, approving donations for both the Monticello Fire Department and the MontiArts program
   1. City Council approved a donation from UMC in the amount of $2,477.06 for the Fire Department to be used for new tires for the Ranger ATV and exercise equipment and $10,000 from the Monticello Lions for the fish sculpture, “The Gathering,” at East Bridge Park Arboretum.
2. Council approved appointment of the new EDA commissioner
   1. City Council approved the appointment of Hali Sittig to the EDA. Sittig will complete the remainder of Bill Tapper’s term which expires Dec. 31, 2021.
3. Council approved the construction contract for the new DMV location
   1. City Council approved a contract with Kraus-Anderson Construction Company for the DMV Relocation Project in the amount of $284,179.

Watch a City Meeting

Citizens are welcome to attend City Council, Planning Commission, and Economic Development Authority meetings, but we understand that attending in person is not always an option. As an alternative, we offer the following options to stay engaged with your local government:

• Meetings are broadcast live on cable channel 12 (FiberNet and TDS subscribers) or channel 180 (Charter subscribers).
• Meetings are streamed live online. View the live stream on the Monticello Live Stream website.
• Meeting recordings are available online to watch when it's convenient for you. View the meeting recordings on the Monticello Live Stream website.
• Meetings are rebroadcast throughout the week on cable channel 12 (FiberNet & TDS subscribers) or channel 180 (Charter subscribers).