Monticello city talks ATV's, fire restrictions and rec reports

by David Boyle
News Director
Monticello city council members held a public hearing for ATV rules, approved the annual budget and reviewed recreation reports at their latest meeting.
Members of the Monticello city council held a public hearing regarding updates to all-terrain recreational vehicles (ATVs) within city limits at their June 24 meeting. Proposed updates to the code include a requirement that minors have a licensed adult with them while traveling through town, and that generally ATVs will be allowed to travel through town as long as they are operated by a licensed driver. Drivers under 16 must complete an off-highway vehicle (OHV) course and minors must abide by helmet laws.
Members of the Monticello city council approved firework restrictions over concerns of current dry conditions.
While fires and fireworks are already banned at Loyd’s Lake, council members signaled support for a resolution to ban all aerial fireworks within city limits and restrict ground fireworks to hard, non-flammable surfaces.
Members of the council made plans to formally pass the resolution before the 4th of July. City sponsored firework displays remain exempt as extensive safety precautions will be in place for the city Pioneer Day celebration.
Members of the city council also awarded a bid for the city sewer replacement project. The Silver Spur Construction Group was recommended for their bid which was about $200,000 lower than the next closest competitor. The project will utilize traditional digging alongside pipe bursting technology which involves breaking the existing pipe and pulling new seamless pipe through that location. The project will replace sections of the city sewer lines that are over 70 years old and are vital for sustained growth and integrity of the cities sewer system. The motion to award the bid was approved.
Members of the city council also decided to contract its justice court with the county moving forward. With the upcoming retirement of Judge Lyon Hazelton, the city options for the future include keeping the court, entering into an interlocal agreement with the county or dissolving the court.
City manager Kaeden Kulow recommended option two noting the city already contracts the sheriffs office for law enforcement services. While almost all of the roughly $100,000 in annual tickets are issued by the county sheriff’s office the city could still see a percentage of that revenue if an interlocal agreement were in place. On top of that the revenue could be used to offset the city’s contract with the sheriff’s office, potentially lowering the city bill. City staff and council seemed in favor of a five-year term which would mirror the sheriff’s contract and allow for future flexibility for the city.
Members of the city council also approved the fiscal year budget and tax rates as presented. While the city collected over $330,000 in extra revenue this year with Kulow explaining much of that came from fees collected related to recreation programs in cluding the golf course and pool. At the same time expenses increased by about $200,000 for the city with the overal budget remaining relatively stable.
Kulow noted significant funds received in the form of grants and donations as well as the insurance payout for the old golf pro shop, and funding received for the visitor center and park. Outlined were future capital projects including the Veterans Park ADA accessible playground upgrade, airport pavement and street maintenance.
Members of the council also adopted the state-certified property tax rate which will generate $287,000 in revenue.
The state formula is revenue neutral meaning that accounting for inflation the amount of tax collected remains the same in the city. Noting concerns from citizens about availability of some services and a strapped for funds attitude at the city some council members noted that without seeing an increase in over a decade perhaps now might be the time for the city to explore truth in taxation and consider rasing the tax rate. The truth in taxation process is long with the city needing to declare to the county its intent by March to launch a several month process including public hearings. Council and staff made plans to revisit the topic at the end of 2025 for future consideration.
Members of the city council also reviewed the city codes related to RV’s to accommodate long-term non-permanent workers in Monticello. The current code prohibits living in campers and limits RV park stays to 180 days. Noting concerns with the ability to enforce the code as well as the practicality of a 180-day limit a suggestion was made to relax some aspects of the RV code.
Other discussion items related to RV’s included possibly extending the 24-hour limit for RV parking on city streets while maintaining prohibition on pop-outs. Also consideration for allowing temporary RV living on private property in some cases including loss of home or through remodels extending behind the current allowable use for new construction.
Council also suggested revisiting requirements that RVs stored in side yards be screened by vegetation or a fence noting that many RV owners are generally non-compliant with the requirement.
The council also received a comprehensive report on the city pool which has seen over 1,700 swimmers this year. While not a revenue generator the pool acts as a community service with an annual cost of operation at around $107,000 including a $45,000 loan repayment. Upcoming projects include replacing ductwork, a diving board and eventually repainting the interior and replastering the pool.
Members of the city council also heard from Recreation board member Renee McDonald on the groups effort to build and grow vibrant and inclusive recreation program.
McDonald noted Assistant City Manager Megan Gallegos’ increased involvement has helped seen growth in youth sports programs noting that since 2022 the city has added additional sports including spring flag football, tackle football, girls softball, mountain biking and powderpuff football.
The board also helps facilitate youth clinics and camps, Pioneer Day activities including concessions at the movie night, cornhole tournament, and the bounce houses during the annual celebration. McDonald also noted that fundraising efforts by the committee are going towards a new scoreboard in the elementary school gym.
Challenges facing the board include recruiting and retaining volunteer coaches, decreasing participation in some sports like girls softball, limited gym space for practices.
Members of the city council offered their thanks to the recreation board for their work and dedication. Potential future goals include adding lake sports, and possibly an archery program if done in collaboration with another entity to manage liability.