Monroe Common Council Meeting - April 20, 2026
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Monroe Common Council Meeting - April 20, 2026
The Monroe Common Council met on Monday, April 20, 2026 at 6:30 PM at City Hall, with all nine alderpersons present. Mayor Donna Douglas presided and read an Arbor Day proclamation, then delivered farewell remarks as this was her last meeting. The agenda covered a consent agenda, public hearing on alcohol sales in parks, zoning changes, a construction contract, and a closed session for property sale. The meeting adjourned at 7:58 PM.
Consent Calendar
- Approved miscellaneous licenses and the claims list unanimously (9-0).
- The minutes from April 6, 2026 were accepted as presented.
Public Comments & Testimony
- Dave Mosher (2428 5th St) expressed concerns about city funding for the senior center, questioning the use of tax dollars and subsidized rates for non-residents.
- Public Hearing on Ordinance N.1 (alcohol sales in parks): Four residents spoke in opposition: Robert Carlson, Sonja Gilbertson, Dennis Nelson, and Anna Anderson. All cited safety concerns for children, the importance of family-friendly parks, and risks of disorderly conduct or impaired driving.
Discussion Items
- Arbor Day Proclamation (F.1): Mayor Douglas proclaimed April 24, 2026 as Arbor Day in Monroe.
- Special Event Permits (J.1): Approved permits for Main Street Monroe's outdoor farmers market (May 2 – Oct 31, 2026, Wed 11-4pm, Sat 7-2pm) and the City's Night Market & Pocket Park opening ceremony (May 16, 2026, 3-10pm). A correction noted the event actually begins at 3pm, not 9pm. Passed 9-0.
- Temporary Alcohol License for GCDC (K.1): Approved a temporary Class B fermented malt beverage license for the Night Market beer garden (May 16, 5-9pm) at Pocket Park. Passed 8-1 (Alder Wartenweiler opposed).
- Zoning Change for Richland Heights (L.1): Approved an ordinance rezoning 47.46 acres (lots 7-11, 13-14, 18-38, 49-56) from Neighborhood Mixed Use (NMU) to One and Two Family Residential (TR-10). City Administrator Rindy explained that NMU has larger setbacks due to allowed commercial uses. Passed 9-0.
- Intersection Reconstruction Contract (M.1): Approved a $1,533,213.97 contract with Rock Road Companies, Inc. for reconstruction of the 13th Street and 31st Avenue (agenda) / 32nd Avenue (transcript) intersection. The agenda and transcript use different street numbers; the minutes state 31st Avenue. Passed 9-0.
- Public Hearing and Ordinance on Alcohol Sales in Parks (N.1): After public testimony, council debated an ordinance allowing city employees to sell fermented malt beverages at city park events. The proposal originated from a trial for the 4th of July concert at the bandshell. Alder Vestin moved to amend the ordinance to limit sales to Twining Park only. The amendment passed 7-2 (Alder Thoman and Wartenweiler opposed). The amended ordinance then passed 7-2 (Alder Miller and Wartenweiler opposed). The ordinance gives the Park Board authority to designate events and locations.
- Closed Session (O.1): Council entered closed session at 7:33 PM to discuss a letter of interest to purchase a 5-acre parcel in the North Industrial Park. Returned at 7:45 PM.
- Resolution Approving Offer to Purchase (O.2): Approved the offer to purchase for the 5-acre parcel. Passed 9-0.
- Business by Alderpersons (P.1): Alder Kleven requested an update to the city's non-smoking ordinances to include vaping, and thanked colleagues. Alder Thoman reported GCDC contribution unchanged and may be reviewed in the budget. Alder Franke updated on the Senior Center's wellness center attendance and popular line dancing.
- Recognition: City Administrator Rindy presented Alder Kleven with a Key to the City for her years of service.
Key Outcomes
- Consent agenda approved unanimously.
- Special event permits and temporary alcohol license approved (8-1).
- Zoning change for Richland Heights approved.
- Intersection reconstruction contract awarded (note street number discrepancy).
- Ordinance allowing city alcohol sales in Twining Park only passed as a trial (7-2).
- Resolution approving sale of a 5-acre industrial park parcel approved after closed session.
- Meeting adjourned at 7:58 PM.
Meeting Transcript
Good evening, everyone. This it is uh 6:30, and that we'll call the city of Monroe Common Council to order, and please stand for the Pledge of Allegiance. I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the Republic for which it stands on God. At this time, we'll have roll call. Alder Tolman here, Alder Miller, here, Alder Cleveland. Here, Alder Truehart. Here, Alder Warnweiler. Here. Alder Schaefer. Here. Older Frankie. Here. Alder McGuire. Here. And Alder Vestine. Here. And we are all present. Um at this time, is there any corrections of the minutes of the April 6, 2026 meeting? Hearing none, they will stand approved as presented. Is there any present presentations of petitions and communication? None. Okay. All right. And at this time, um, I have a proclamation for Arbor Day. Um, whereas in 1872, Jay Sterling Morton proposed to the Nebraska Board of Agriculture that a special day be set aside for the planting of trees, and whereas this holiday called Arbor Day was first observed with the planting of more than a million trees in Nebraska. And whereas Arbor Day is now observed throughout the nation and the world, and whereas trees can reduce the erosion of our precious topsoil by wind and water, cutting cut heating and cooling costs, moderate the temperature, clean the air, produce life-giving oxygen, and provide habitat for wildlife. And whereas trees are a renewable resource giving us paper, wood for our homes, fuel for our fires, and countless other wood products. And whereas trees in our city increase property values, enhance economic vitality of business areas, and beautify our community, and whereas trees where they are planted are a source of so joy and spiritual renewal. Now, therefore, I Donna Douglas, mayor of the City of Monroe, Wisconsin, do hereby proclaim the 20th of April 2026 as Arbor Day in the City of Monroe. And I urge all citizens to celebrate Arbor Day and to support efforts to protect our trees and woodlands. And further, I urge all citizens to plant trees to gladden the heart and promote the well-being of this and future generations. In witness thereof, I hereunto set my hand and cause to be a fixed the official seal of the city of Monroe, Wisconsin this 20th day of April 2026. Do I need I don't know? Okay. I could do it later. Okay. And I also at this time, I would like to say this is my last meeting. And so serving as the mayor of Monroe, the city I grew up on right here on 21st Street, has been the greatest honor of my life. As I wrap up the final chapter of public service, I am filled with gratitude for what we have accomplished here together. My goal was always to bring us closer together, and I am proud of the vibrant unified city we continue to build. To the citizens of Monroe, thank you for your trust, your engagement, and your passion for Monroe. Your input has been vital and important in decisions made at City Hall. To our city administrator Rindy, City Clerk Wall, and the support staff, thank you for your dedication and the professional excellence you bring to our operations every single day. Your guidance behind the scenes is what keeps our city moving forward. To the elected Alders, it has been a privilege to serve alongside of you. While we may not always agree, our shared comment commitment to the best interests of Monroe has always been the common thread. To our city department from public works to public safety, and then ever and everything in between, you are the backbone of this community. Thank you for your hard work and for keeping our state city safe, clean, and functional. Thank you for your trust, your collaboration, and for making Monroe a community that I consider family. Monroe, Wisconsin.
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