Monroe Common Council Meeting – July 6, 2026

The Monroe Common Council met on Monday, July 6, 2026, at 6:30 PM in City Hall Council Chambers. The meeting covered routine approvals, several ordinance changes, and a lease for electric vehicle charging stations. The council voted on multiple items, with most passing unanimously except for two that saw 8‑1 votes. The meeting adjourned at 7:45 PM.

Consent Calendar

• Miscellaneous Licenses and Claims List were approved unanimously (9‑0).

Public Comments & Testimony

• Sam Schumacher (1502 17th Ave) urged the council to be proactive in regulating data centers, citing environmental and nuisance concerns. He noted upcoming hearings at the county and city planning levels.
• Janice Remus (3009 6th Ave) spoke during the animal noise public hearing, asking for clarity on how the proposed ordinance would apply to her situation and expressing concern about a “presumption of guilt” clause.
• Scott Marty (1700 30th Ave) spoke in favor of extending the smoking ban to include e‑cigarettes and vaping, detailing the health risks of aerosol chemicals.

Discussion Items

Public Safety Committee – Special Events

• Resolution approving three events: Badger Trail Races (Aug 1‑2, 2026), Green County Fair (July 15‑19, 2026), and BBBS Tour de Cheese (Aug 1, 2026). Approved 9‑0.

License Committee – Temporary Beer License for Green County Fair

• The resolution granted a temporary Class B beer and beer garden license for the entire fairgrounds (July 15‑19, 2026). Alder Wartenweiler voted no, stating she was not in favor of designating the whole fairgrounds as a beer garden due to youth exposure to alcohol. Approved 8‑1.

Judiciary & Ordinance Review Committee – Four Ordinance Amendments

1. Charter Ordinance – Council Vacancies, Terms, and Spring Primary

   • The council voted separately on three components after a motion to split passed 9‑0:
     • Strike automatic vacancy fill (when an alderperson becomes mayor): Motion by Alder Vestin (seconded by Alder Sheaffer) to remove Section 1‑5‑12a passed 9‑0. Mayor Miller, Alder Mosher, and Alder Vestin argued that the council should retain appointment authority rather than automatically seating the next highest vote‑getter.
     • Change mayor and alderperson terms to three years: Approved 8‑1. Alder Wartenweiler dissented, preferring the current two‑year term and citing difficulty in recruiting candidates for a longer commitment. Alder Thoman, Alder Treuthardt, and Alder Franke supported the change for continuity and reduced turnover.
     • Automatic spring primary when candidates exceed double the openings: Approved 9‑0.

2. Animal Noise Ordinance (Repealing and recreating Section 9‑1‑11)

   • City Attorney Bartholf explained the update provides clearer guidelines for nuisance barking, considering volume, time, duration, and whether the animal is left unattended. Police Chief Foltz said the language will help enforcement. Alder Mosher expressed concerns about the “presumption” clause and a lack of decibel levels. Motion by Franke, seconded by Treuthardt, passed 8‑1 (Mosher dissenting).

3. Landscaping Surface Ratio in Light Industrial District (Section 5‑2‑31(7))

   • Corrected an error: changed the required landscape surface ratio from 80% to 20% to align with other districts. Approved 9‑0.

4. Smoking Prohibited – Extended to E‑cigarettes/Vaping (Section 8‑1‑4)

   • City Attorney Bartholf noted the update bans vaping in all public places where smoking is already prohibited. Administrator Rindy said staff will prepare informational materials for businesses. Approved 9‑0.

Board of Public Works – EV Charging Station Lease

• Resolution approving a lease with Eugene Hotel for two parking stalls in the 10th Street parking lot at $500 per stall annually ($1,000 total). The hotel will install, operate, and maintain publicly accessible EV charging stations. Alder Mosher argued the fee should be lower because the installation provides a public service, but Administrator Rindy noted the rate was based on typical stall rental and the hotel agreed. Alder Franke echoed Mosher’s concern but was comfortable with the amount. Approved 9‑0.

Key Outcomes

• Consent agenda approved 9‑0.
• Special events resolution approved 9‑0.
• Temporary beer license for Green County Fair approved 8‑1 (Wartenweiler dissenting).
• Charter ordinance: automatic vacancy fill stricken (9‑0); three‑year terms approved (8‑1); automatic primary approved (9‑0).
• Animal noise ordinance approved 8‑1 (Mosher dissenting).
• Landscaping ratio correction approved 9‑0.
• Smoking/vaping ban approved 9‑0.
• EV charging station lease approved 9‑0.
• Upcoming dates: August 11 election, July 28 in‑person absentee voting begins; data center discussions at county (July 13 at 3:00 PM) and city planning (July 8 at 5:00 PM).