Monroe Common Council Meeting - May 4, 2026

The Common Council of Monroe, Wisconsin, met on Monday, May 4, 2026, at 6:30 PM in City Hall Council Chambers. Mayor Tom Miller presided. The council approved routine items on the consent agenda, set public hearings for four zoning text amendments aimed at increasing housing development, approved special event permits, created a seasonal position, and conducted closed-session negotiations on land purchases. All votes were unanimous (8-0) except for one abstention on the consent agenda.

Consent Calendar

• Miscellaneous Licenses and Claims List – Approved 7-0 (Ald. Craig Franke abstained).

Recognition

• Mayor Miller recognized Main Street Monroe, Inc. and Jordan Nordby for their work on the Pocket Park and downtown events. Jordan Nordby provided updates on recent and upcoming Main Street Monroe activities.
• The Mayor also proclaimed the week of May 4th as International Firefighters’ Day, National Teachers Appreciation Week, and Nurses Week, thanking those groups for their service.

License Committee

• Leisure Lanes Outdoor Beer Garden – Resolution approved (8-0) to temporarily extend the licensed premises for Leisure Lanes to add an outdoor beer garden.

Public Safety Committee

• Special Event Permits – Resolution approved (8-0) for three events: Main Street Monroe's Summer Kickoff, Union Presbyterian Church's Cinco de Mayo celebration, and Monroe High School's Pride Parade (all scheduled in May/June 2026).

Judiciary and Ordinance Review Committee

The council set public hearings for May 18, 2026, for four zoning text amendment ordinances:

1. Revising minimum lot area requirements in the One and Two Family Residential (TR-10) district.
2. Revising minimum lot area requirements in the Neighborhood Mixed Use (NMU) district.
3. Relaxing the restrictions on the number of units per multi-family building by right in the MR-15 Residential Zoning District.
4. Revising parking requirements in the NMU, MR-15, and MR-30 zoning districts.

Salary and Personnel Committee

• Seasonal Bathhouse/Slide Attendant Position – Resolution approved (8-0) to add a new seasonal position and set its 2026 miscellaneous wage.

Finance and Taxation Committee – Closed Session and Property Purchases

• The council entered closed session at 6:57 PM under Wisconsin Statute 19.85(e) to discuss two land acquisitions: (1) purchasing right-of-way land for the 13th Street and 31st Avenue Roundabout Project from SM Enterprises of Broadhead LLC, and (2) considering an updated contract to purchase city-owned property on 21st Street.
• The council reconvened in open session at 7:11 PM.
• Action on 13th/31st Roundabout – Motion approved (8-0) to authorize the purchase of property and a temporary limited easement from SM Enterprises of Broadhead LLC.
• Action on 21st Street Property – Motion approved (8-0) accepting an offer to purchase from Limitless Realty LLC for $14,000 for parcel 23251-2354-0091. The city administrator and city attorney were authorized to execute closing documents.

Committee Reports

• Alder Franke reported on the Main Street Monroe Board meeting, noting that discussions are occurring about potentially increasing financial support to partner organizations (senior center, chamber, etc.) during the upcoming 2027 budget process. He encouraged a hopeful conversation about continued funding growth.

Key Outcomes

• Consent agenda approved 7-0 (Franke abstained).
• All other resolutions and motions approved 8-0.
• Public hearings for four housing-related zoning amendments scheduled for May 18, 2026.
• Land purchases approved for the 13th/31st roundabout project and sale of 21st Street property for $14,000.
• Meeting adjourned at 7:17 PM.