Public Meetings - Monroe, Wisconsin

The Judiciary and Ordinance Review Committee met on Monday, April 27, 2026, at 5:34 PM in City Hall Council Chambers. The committee unanimously (4-0) approved four zoning text amendments recommended by the Plan Commission, all aimed at reducing barriers to housing development by adjusting lot area, density, and parking requirements. The meeting adjourned at 5:49 PM. Discussion Items - C.1 – TR-10 Zoning District (Minimum Lot Area): Administrator Rindy explained the amendment clarifies minimum lot widths and frontage for two-unit dwellings (twin houses), following the earlier consolidation of DR8 and TR-10 districts. A motion to recommend approval to Common Council passed 4-0. - C.2 – NMU Zoning District (Minimum Lot Area): Similar amendment for the Neighborhood Mixed Use district, modifying lot area requirements for twin houses. Motion passed 4-0. - C.3 – MR-15 Zoning District (Units per Building): The amendment increases the number of multi-family units allowed by right from 3–4 to 3–8 per building. Previously, 5–8 units required a conditional use permit with public hearing and additional fees. The change eliminates that step. Motion passed 4-0. - C.4 – Parking Requirements in NMU, MR-15, MR-30: The amendment removes the additional half-space per bedroom requirement, setting a flat two spaces per dwelling unit for townhomes, multiplexes, and apartments. The Plan Commission debated parking impacts on infill development and traffic overflow, but agreed the simplification would reduce development costs. Motion passed 4-0. Key Outcomes - All four zoning text amendments were approved on 4-0 votes and will be forwarded to the Common Council for final action. Other Business - Alder McGuire noted receiving feedback on landscaping requirements. Administrator Rindy confirmed ongoing discussions with staff and the Plan Commission to potentially bring forward amendments.

The Salary and Personnel Committee met on April 27, 2026, at 5:27 PM in the City Hall Council Chambers. The primary business was a discussion and unanimous vote to recommend adding a new seasonal part-time position of "Bathhouse / Slide Attendant" at the Outdoor Pool to the 2026 Miscellaneous Wages Resolution. The committee also approved the minutes from the March 23, 2026 meeting as presented. Consent Calendar - Approval of Minutes: The minutes from the March 23, 2026 meeting were accepted as presented without correction. Discussion Items - Add Bathhouse / Slide Attendant Position: Alyssa Eberle, the individual requesting the item, explained the need for the new position due to a shortage of lifeguards. She noted that she has hired nine lifeguards but needs additional staff to maintain full rotations. The new position would be for individuals aged 16 or older who are not required to hold a full lifeguard certification but must be certified in first responder, CPR, AED, and first aid. The starting pay is $11.00 per hour, compared to the lifeguard minimum of $12.00 per hour. The proposed staffing model would reduce the number of lifeguards on duty from nine to six, supplemented by two bathhouse/slide attendants per shift. Eberle stated that she already has four or five interested candidates from the day camp staff. Discussion included the reasons for the lifeguard shortage, including competition from a high school CNA program offering higher pay and the decreasing appeal of the job for the pay offered. Key Outcomes - Motion to Approve: A motion was made by Heidi Treuthardt and seconded by Corrine Wartenweiler to approve the addition of the bathhouse/slide attendant position to the 2026 Miscellaneous Wages Resolution and recommend it to the Common Council. - Vote: The motion passed unanimously by a vote of 4-0 (Craig Franke, Heidi Treuthardt, Corinne Wartenweiler, Christopher Vestin all in favor; no opposition, abstentions, or absences). - Adjournment: The meeting adjourned at 5:33 PM.

The Public Safety Committee met on Monday, April 27, 2026 at 5:05 PM in Council Chambers. Members present: Corinne Wartenweiler and Matt Sheaffer. Absent: Darlene Voelkli. The meeting was adjourned at 5:16 PM. Correction of Minutes - April 13, 2026 The minutes from April 13, 2026 were accepted as presented. Business Presented by Police Department C.1 Special Event Permit: Main Street Monroe's Summer Kickoff The committee approved and recommended to Common Council the special event permit for the Summer Kickoff event scheduled for June 6, 2026 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. on the inner west and south sides of the downtown square. The motion passed 2-0. C.2 Special Event Permit: Main Street Monroe's Summer Kickoff (Duplicate Item) This item was postponed to the next Public Safety Committee meeting because the description in the agenda packet was incorrect. No action taken. C.3 Special Event Permit: Union Presbyterian Church's Cinco de Mayo Event The committee approved and recommended to Common Council the permit for the event on May 9, 2026 from noon to 5 p.m. in the church parking lot. The permit date originally listed May 6 but was clarified as a typo. Expected attendance of about 100 people. No concerns from police or fire. Motion passed 2-0. C.4 Special Event Permit: Monroe High School's Pride Parade The committee approved and recommended to Common Council the permit for the annual Pride Parade on June 6, 2026 from 2 to 2:30 p.m., route from high school around the square to Twining Park. No concerns from police or fire. Motion passed 2-0. C.5 Discussion and Possible Action Regarding the K-9 Account Captain Nathan Foltz presented a request to purchase a new dual-purpose K-9 (tracking, narcotics detection, handler protection) to replace retired K-9 Bane. The cost is $15,000, which includes the dog and handler training. The K-9 account holds $14,847.98 from public donations; the remainder will be covered by future fundraising. The dog will be sourced through North Iowa K-9, the same vendor used by Green County Sheriff's Department. New handler Officer Tyler Hallmark will undergo four weeks of training. Additional costs: approximately $2,000 for a kennel at the handler's residence and roughly $1,000 per year for food and vet expenses. The vehicle is already outfitted. The committee approved the purchase of a new K-9 unit. Motion passed 2-0. Key Outcomes - All votes were unanimous 2-0 with member Voelkli absent. - The committee approved three special event permits (C.1, C.3, C.4) and recommended them to Common Council. - The committee approved the purchase of a new K-9 for the Monroe Police Department (C.5), which only required committee approval, not Council. - Item C.2 was postponed to the next meeting.

The City of Monroe License Committee met on Monday, April 27, 2026, from 4:45 p.m. to 5:02 p.m. in Council Chambers, 1110 18th Avenue, Monroe, Wisconsin. Members Christopher Vestin and Richard Thoman were present; Darlene Voelkli was absent. All votes were 2-0 among those present. The committee reviewed two alcohol license recommendations, heard an education overview of license types, and considered a contested application for one of Madison's remaining Class B beer and liquor licenses. Consent Calendar - The April 13, 2026 meeting minutes were accepted as presented without correction. Temporary Class B and Beer Garden Application - Main Street Monroe's Concerts on the Square Events - Clerk Wahl presented Main Street Monroe's annual application for temporary Class B fermented malt beverage and wine licenses and a beer garden for multiple summer Concerts on the Square events. The requested hours were 5 to 10 p.m., and the applicant submitted a map showing the beer garden and licensed premise. - Police and fire departments raised no issues or concerns. - A motion made by Thoman, seconded by Vestin, to approve and recommend the applications to Common Council passed 2-0. Voting Ayes: Richard Thoman and Christopher Vestin. Beer Garden Application - Leisure Lanes - Clerk Wahl presented Leisure Lanes' annual beer garden application, which would extend the licensed premise to the bowling center's bag area and nearby outdoor space. - Police and fire departments raised no issues with the proposal. - A motion by Thoman, seconded by Vestin, to recommend approval passed 2-0. Education on Types of Alcohol Licenses - Clerk Wahl provided an overview of Wisconsin alcohol license types: Class A licenses cover off-premise sales such as gas stations and grocery stores; Class B licenses cover on-premise consumption in bars and similar settings; temporary Class B licenses are available to clubs, nonprofits, state and county fair associations, and churches, with limited numbers each year; and Class C licenses cover wine sales at restaurants. - The committee discussed that a bona fide club or organization generally can receive two temporary Class B licenses per year, which is why Main Street partners with other groups. Class C wine walk licenses are not limited in the same way. - Clerk Wahl noted the city has a limited number of Class B beer licenses and indicated only one of those licenses remained available at the time of the meeting. - The committee also discussed that its roughly 2023 objective scoring system was designed to evaluate economic impact when considering future Class B license applicants. Zavala/ Zalavas Mexican Store, LLC - Class B Beer and Liquor License Application - The administrator reviewed the application for the last available Class B beer and liquor license. This was the third time this business had applied. The business operated partially as a grocery store and restaurant, had held a beer and wine license for the past two years, and did not yet have a full liquor license. - The administrator noted that the applicant was now in a third year and could see continued stability, but unresolved fire-code concerns at the mall property remained under discussion between the property owner and fire inspectors. Some fire-code items were not minor and would require investment and time. - One member felt that not comfortable using the last available Class B license because little had changed and they did not want to deny a future larger franchise the opportunity; another member stated that the continued fire-code issues would prevent them from voting yes. There also was discussion that once fire-code issues were resolved, the applicant could reapply. - A motion by Vestin, seconded by Thoman, to deny the issuance of the Class B license passed 2-0. Voting: Richard Thoman, Christopher R. A. Nesbit, Darlene Voelkli absent. Key Outcomes - Recommended Common Council approval of Main Street Monroe's temporary Class B and beer garden applications. - Recommended Common Council approval of Leisure Lanes' beer garden application. - Recommended denial of Zalavas Mexican Store, LLC's Class B beer and liquor license application. - The committee adjourned at 5:02 p.m. after a motion by Kaslis and second by Brod. Note: The agenda and minutes refer to the applicant as Zalavas Mexican Store, LLC, while the attached application materials and transcript spell it as Zavala Mexican Market and Zavalas Mexican Store LLC.

The Monroe Police and Fire Commission met on April 23, 2026, at 3:00 PM in City Hall Council Chambers to discuss and act on the recruitment and appointment of a new Chief of Police, following the upcoming retirement of Chief Fred Kelley. The commission unanimously approved the minutes from prior meetings and appointed Nathan Foltz as the next chief, effective June 7, 2026. Consent Calendar - The commission approved the minutes from April 8 and April 16, 2026, by a unanimous roll call vote. Discussion Items - Commissioner Deininger provided a brief summary of the hiring and interview process conducted at the previous meeting. The process involved the commission (split 2-2) augmented by four community stakeholders who participated in candidate interviews. After interviews and discussion with the panels, the commission excused the community members, deliberated, and selected a candidate. The city administrator was directed to finalize compensation and other administrative matters, which was reported as completed. Key Outcomes - Motion by Jerry Guth, seconded by Amanda Fields, to appoint Nathan Foltz as the City of Monroe Chief of Police, effective upon the retirement of Police Chief Fred Kelley on June 7, 2026. The motion passed unanimously on a roll call vote (4-0, with one commissioner absent). - Chief Designate Nathan Foltz expressed gratitude for the opportunity and stated his commitment to leading the police department and serving the community to the best of his abilities. - The meeting adjourned at 3:05 PM. No public comments were made during the meeting.

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).

The Monroe Common Council met on Monday, April 20, 2026, at 6:30 PM in City Hall Council Chambers. Mayor Donna Douglas presided, with 9 alderpersons present. The meeting covered approvals for special events, a temporary liquor license, a zoning map amendment, a road reconstruction contract, a public hearing and ordinance on alcohol sales in parks, a closed session for property negotiation, and an open session to accept an offer to purchase city land. Several committee reports were also given, and outgoing Alder Lynne Kleven was honored. Consent Calendar - Approved miscellaneous licenses and the claims list (motion passed 9-0). Public Comments & Testimony - Dave Mosher (2428 5th Street) addressed the Council during citizen appearances. - During the public hearing on the ordinance for fermented malt beverage sales in parks, four residents spoke: Robert Carlson (N4801 Dutch Hollow Rd), Sonja Gilbertson (2121 4th St, Apt 19), Dennis Nelson (1403 17th Ave), and Anna Anderson (N3168 Forest Prairie Park). Their specific positions were not recorded in the minutes, but they participated in the hearing. Business by Mayor - Mayor Douglas read a proclamation designating April 24, 2026, as Arbor Day in the City of Monroe. - Mayor Douglas also expressed gratitude and pride in the city, thanking the community and staff. Discussion Items - Special Event Permits: Approved resolution for Main Street Monroe’s Outdoor Farmer’s Market and the City’s Night Market and Pocket Park Opening Ceremony (motion passed 9-0). - Temporary Liquor License: Approved a temporary Class B fermented malt beverage and wine license and beer garden application for GCDC in conjunction with the Pocket Park Opening Ceremony & Night Market event on May 16, 2026 (motion passed 8-1; Alder Wartenweiler voted no). - Zoning Map Amendment: Approved an ordinance changing zoning for vacant lots 7-11, 13-14, 18-38, and 49-56 (Bader-Spidahl parcel) from Neighborhood Mixed Use (NMU) to One and Two Family Residential (TR-10) (motion passed 9-0). - Road Reconstruction Contract: Approved a contract with Rock Road Companies, Inc. for reconstruction of the 13th Street and 31st Avenue intersection at a cost of $1,533,213.97 (motion passed 9-0). - Ordinance on Alcohol Sales in City Parks: Following a public hearing, the Council debated the pros and cons of allowing alcohol sales in parks to potentially boost concert attendance at the Bandshell. An amendment to limit the sale of fermented beverages to Twining Park only was approved 7-2 (Thoman and Wartenweiler opposed). The amended ordinance was then approved 7-2 (Miller and Wartenweiler opposed). The ordinance repeals and recreates sections 3-4-1 and 3-4-9, and creates section 3-4-10 of the Monroe City Code. - Closed Session: The Council entered closed session at 7:33 PM under Wis. Stat. § 19.85(e) to consider a letter of interest to purchase a 5-acre parcel in the North Industrial Park. They returned at 7:45 PM. - Property Sale Resolution: Approved an offer to purchase a 5.71-acre parcel (parcel 504.0323) in the North Industrial Park to La Vaquita Incorporated for $80,000 cash, and authorized negotiation of a formal purchase agreement (motion passed 9-0). Key Outcomes - Consent Agenda: Approved unanimously (9-0). - Special Event Permits: Approved unanimously (9-0). - Temporary Liquor License: Approved 8-1 (Wartenweiler opposed). - Zoning Map Amendment: Approved unanimously (9-0). - Road Construction Contract: Approved unanimously (9-0). - Ordinance on Alcohol in Parks: Amendment to limit to Twining Park approved 7-2; final amended ordinance approved 7-2. - Closed Session Motion: Approved unanimously (9-0). - Property Sale Resolution: Approved unanimously (9-0). - Adjournment: 7:58 PM, motion passed 9-0. Other Reports - Alder Kleven requested an update to the city’s non-smoking ordinances to include e-cigarettes and vaping, and referred the matter to the Judiciary and Ordinance Review Committee. - Alder Thoman reported that the GCDC contribution has not changed but may be reviewed in future budget considerations. - Alder Franke reported record attendance at the Senior Center Wellness Center (fees mostly covered by insurance) and that Tuesday line dancing (9-11 AM) is very popular. - Administrator Rindy presented Alder Kleven with a Key to the City in recognition of her four years of service on the council. Note on Minutes Discrepancy - The approved minutes state they were for April 20, 2026, but the agenda indicated correction of minutes from April 6, 2026. This appears to be a typographical error in the minutes; the intention was likely to approve the April 6, 2026 minutes.

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.

The City of Monroe Police and Fire Commission met on April 16, 2026, at 1:00 PM in City Hall Council Chambers. The primary purpose was to conduct closed-session interviews of police chief candidates with selected community stakeholder panelists, review candidate qualifications, and discuss the recruitment process. The meeting was attended by Commissioners Deininger, McLeish, Fields, and Guth; Commissioner Fedders was absent. Closed Session The commission entered closed session at 1:04 PM under Wisconsin Statutes §19.85(1)(c) to consider employment, promotion, compensation, or performance evaluation data of a public employee. During the closed session, commissioners interviewed two police chief candidates with eight invited community stakeholder panelists representing local schools, Green County EMS, the City Council's public safety committee, fire department, SSM Health, the city of Fitchburg, and Main Street Monroe. Following the interviews, commissioners reviewed the candidates' qualifications with the panelists and later deliberated among themselves. The closed session concluded at 3:36 PM. Open Session Discussion Following the closed session, the commission reconvened in open session to discuss the police chief recruitment process, timeline, and logistics. They scheduled a follow-up meeting on April 23, 2026, to continue the selection process. No other action was taken. Key Outcomes - The commission unanimously passed motions to enter closed session (4-0) and to return to open session (4-0). - A motion to adjourn at 3:38 PM passed unanimously on a voice vote. - A follow-up meeting was scheduled for April 23, 2026.