City of Monroe Common Council Meeting - October 5, 2026

The City of Monroe Common Council met on Monday, October 5, 2026, at 6:32 PM in the City Hall Council Chambers. Mayor Tom Miller presided, with all nine alderpersons present. The meeting adjourned at 7:00 PM. All resolutions passed unanimously (9-0).

Consent Calendar

• Miscellaneous licenses and the claims list were approved by unanimous vote. (Motion by Franke, seconded by Wartenweiler)

Mayor's Business

• Mayor Miller proclaimed October as Alpha Delta Kappa Month and presented the proclamation.
• He thanked Fire Chief Rufer and the fire department for their tour and presentation to the council earlier in the day.

Discussion Items

Public Safety Committee: Special Events

• Resolution approved (unanimously) for Main Street Monroe's Trunk or Treat (October 25, 2026, 2–4 PM) and Fall Wine Walk (November 6, 2026). Temporary street closures and alcohol service provisions were authorized. An alderperson noted that the Pilates studio will not participate, so a license will not be issued for that establishment.

License Committee: Alcohol Licenses for Wine Walk

• Resolution approved (unanimously) for temporary Class B and beer garden licenses in conjunction with the Fall Wine Walk.

Salary and Personnel Committee: AI Policy

• The council adopted the City of Monroe Artificial Intelligence Policy. Microsoft Copilot is designated as the authorized AI tool; other systems require written approval from the Administrative Services Director. The policy aims to balance efficiency with security and confidentiality. (Motion by Franke, seconded by Treuthardt; vote 9-0)
• During discussion, it was clarified that Copilot is within the city's Microsoft license and helps ensure data security and confidentiality compared to public AI tools.

Salary and Personnel Committee: 2027 Health Insurance Renewals

• The council approved the 2027 health, dental, vision, and wellness clinic plan renewals. The Dean High Deductible Health Plan will continue. Employer contributions: 85% of premium for full-time employees; up to 25% or 50% for part-time employees based on hours worked. A $2,000 annual cash incentive is available for full-time employees who decline coverage. The wellness clinic rate is set at $21.30 per employee per month. Dental and vision premiums are fully employee-paid. (Motion by Franke, seconded by Wartenweiler; vote 9-0)

Board of Public Works: Purchase of 2027 GMC Acadia

• Approved the purchase from Dearth GMC of Monroe for $44,285.30, funded from water and wastewater capital budgets. (Motion by Thoman, seconded by Voelkli; vote 9-0)

Board of Public Works: Purchase of Sewer Line Camera

• Approved the purchase of a Rover X camera system from McQueen Environmental for $132,667, less a trade-in credit of $5,950 for the existing non-operational camera, funded from the 2026 capital budget. Repair of the current camera would cost $11,000. The new camera will allow the city to inspect its 66 miles of sewer main on a 10-year cycle, providing significant cost savings compared to contracting the work. (Motion by Thoman, seconded by Franke; vote 9-0)

Other Business

• City Administrator Rindy reminded that, due to a holiday, non-emergency city offices will be closed and committee meetings will be held on Tuesday evening instead of Monday.
• City Clerk Wahl announced that in-person absentee voting begins October 20. He also invited council members to a demonstration of a potential new voting tabulator on Wednesday at 5:00 PM at the Old Courthouse, followed by a public education session on the data center moratorium.
• A press representative reported that the Monroe Times has discontinued its Saturday print edition; the paper is now available online.

Key Outcomes

• All resolutions were approved unanimously (9-0).
• The council authorized two special events, adopted the AI policy, approved health insurance renewals, and authorized two capital equipment purchases.
• Administrative announcements were made regarding the holiday schedule, absentee voting, and a tabulator demonstration.