Monroe Common Council Organizational Meeting - April 21, 2026
STREAMING COPY IN PREPARATION — RECORDING AVAILABLE FROM THE ORIGINAL SOURCE
Monroe Common Council Organizational Meeting - April 21, 2026
The City of Monroe Common Council held its organizational meeting on Tuesday, April 21, 2026, beginning at approximately 6:31 PM and adjourning at 6:58 PM. The meeting began with outgoing Mayor Donna Douglas presiding, included recognition of her service and that of Alder Lynne Kleven, adjournment sine die, and the swearing-in of newly elected officials. The new Council then elected a Council President, approved mayoral appointments to committees, set a timeline for filling a vacancy, and designated the official newspaper. All votes were unanimous (8-0).
Election of Council President
- Alder Matt Sheaffer nominated Alder Heidi Treuthardt for Council President. No other nominations were made. Nominations were closed by a voice vote, and Alder Treuthardt was elected by a roll-call vote of 8-0. Alder Treuthardt presided for the remainder of the meeting.
Business by Mayor (Tom Miller)
- Mayoral Remarks: Mayor Miller expressed gratitude for the opportunity to serve, highlighted recent progress in the city (industrial park, housing, comprehensive plan), and emphasized cooperation with local organizations such as GCDC, Main Street, and Tourism.
- Appointments to Standing Committees and Special Boards/Commissions: Mayor Miller presented two lists designating alderpersons to standing committees and appointments to special boards, committees, and commissions, including chairs. A motion to approve passed 8-0.
- Discussion on Filling Alderperson at Large Vacancy: Due to Mayor Miller’s transition from alderperson to mayor, a vacancy exists on the Council. City Administrator Rindy proposed a timeline: publish a class two notice on April 29 and May 6, with nomination papers due by May 12 for a vote at the May 18 meeting. Alder Richard Thoman expressed concern the timeline felt rushed; Alder Sheaffer found it acceptable. An alternative was discussed setting a later deadline (May 26) for consideration at the June 1 Council meeting. A motion to set the nomination paper deadline as May 26, 2026, passed 8-0.
Appointment of Official Newspaper
- The Council appointed the Monroe Times as the official newspaper of the City of Monroe by a vote of 8-0. This action is required by state statute for fourth-class cities.
Recongnition and Appreciation
- Outgoing Mayor Donna Douglas and Alder Lynne Kleven were recognized for their service. Administrator Rindy thanked all candidates and returning members, and specifically acknowledged Alder Kleven’s contributions.
Key Outcomes
- Council President: Heidi Treuthardt elected (8-0).
- Committee Appointments: Mayor Miller’s appointments to standing and special committees approved (8-0).
- Vacancy Timeline: Nomination papers for the alderperson at large vacancy must be submitted by May 26, 2026, with the appointment to occur at a subsequent Council meeting (8-0).
- Official Newspaper: Monroe Times designated (8-0).
- Adjournment: The meeting adjourned at 6:58 PM (8-0).
Meeting Transcript
All right, it is 6 30, and we'll call the City of Monroe Common Council to order, and we'll stand for the Pledge of Allegiance. I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America. And one nation under God. And we'll have roll call at this time, and the clerk will call the roll. Alder Globen. He did say he's going to try joining us online, so give him a few minutes. But Alder Miller. Here. Alder Schaefer. Here. Alder Frankie. Here. Alder McGuire. Here. And Alder Vestine. Here. Okay. And we do have a quorum. And at this time, we are going to have the recognition of the outgoing mayor and Alder person. At this time, though, I would like to just say a few words, okay. Serving as the mayor of Monroe, the city I grew up in, right here on 21st Street, has been the greatest honor of my life. I'm gonna stand up because the flowers are in my way. I love them. I love them, Olivia. But they're they're competing with me right now. As I wrap up the final chapter of public service, I am filled with gratitude for what we have accomplished together. My goal has always been to bring us close together, and I'm proud of the vibrant unified city we continue to build. I got competition. I'm okay. Okay. To the citizens of Monroe, thank you for your trust, your engagement, and your passion for Monroe. Your input has been vital and important to the decisions made at City Hall. To our city or 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 between 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 might not always agree, we our shared commitment to the best interest of Monroe has always been the common thread. And I think you'll agree with that. To our city department heads and from the public works to public safety and everything in between, you are the backbone of this community. Thank you for your hard work and for keeping our city safe, clean, and functional. Thank you for your trust, your collaboration, and for making Monroe a community that I consider family. Monroe, Wisconsin. I look forward to seeing our community continue to thrive. So all of you are the reason that I think it it makes our job so easy when we have a community like we have. And thank you all for coming. Okay. I think Brittany has something for you. Oh my. Yes, this is Administrator Rindy, and I'd just like to take a moment to thank you for your years of service and the commitment that you've had to the community. And I think when you when you look at this room here, and that there are many here to celebrate you and the others and the service that all of you dedicate to the community speaks volumes. And I think as you said, it's not an easy task to want to serve and have the willingness to do it, but you lead with with heart, and that's what really leads to this community and making it a positive place.
openpublica.com