Public Meetings - Monroe, Wisconsin

The City of Monroe Plan Commission met on March 11, 2026, at 5:00 PM in City Hall Council Chambers. The meeting addressed three main items: a zoning text amendment to allow more multi-family units by right in the MR-15 district, parking requirement reductions in NMU, MR-15, and MR-30 districts, and a continued conceptual discussion on allowing drive-through services in the Central Mixed Use (CMU) district. All votes were unanimous, and the commission provided direction to staff on the drive-through item. Consent Calendar - The minutes from the February 11, 2026 meeting were approved as presented. Discussion Items - C.1 – Zoning Text Amendment for MR-15 District: Administrator Rindy presented a proposed change to allow up to eight units per multi-family building by right (rather than by conditional use) in the MR-15 residential district. The commission unanimously voted to recommend approval to the Common Council. - C.2 – Parking Requirements in NMU, MR-15, and MR-30 Districts: The commission considered a text amendment to require two parking spaces per dwelling unit, eliminating the previous additional space for extra bedrooms. The motion to recommend approval passed unanimously. - C.3 – Drive-Through Services in CMU District: Shannon from Vandewalle presented a conceptual discussion, noting that drive-throughs are currently not permitted in the CMU district. She highlighted three existing legal nonconforming drive-throughs, the need for roughly half-acre lots, and existing design standards in the historic preservation overlay. Commissioners expressed concerns: Ron Spielman opposed new curb cuts on the square; Dave Wartenweiler asked about reusing existing bank drive-throughs for new businesses. The consensus was to allow drive-throughs only as a conditional use, with no new curb cuts or access directly onto the square. Additional conditions discussed included landscaping, lighting, hours of operation, and noise. The commission directed staff to draft code language incorporating these considerations. Key Outcomes - C.1: Motion to recommend approval of the MR-15 zoning text amendment to the Common Council passed unanimously (4-0). - C.2: Motion to recommend approval of the parking requirement reduction passed unanimously (4-0). - C.3: No formal vote; staff was directed to prepare draft language for a conditional use provision allowing drive-throughs in the CMU district, with restrictions including no new curb cuts on the square, and standards for landscaping, lighting, hours, and noise. - The meeting adjourned at 5:51 PM.

On March 9, 2026, the City of Monroe Finance and Taxation Committee met at City Hall Council Chambers. The meeting was called to order at 6:20 PM (40 minutes later than the advertised start time of 5:40 PM). All four committee members were present: Heidi Treuthardt, Dylan McGuire, Richard Thoman, and Matt Sheaffer. The entire substantive business was conducted in a closed session under Wisconsin Statute 19.85(E) to discuss purchasing, investing, and bargaining matters. No public comments were taken, and no decisions were publicly announced beyond procedural motions. Correction of Minutes - The minutes from the February 23, 2026 meeting were accepted as presented without correction. Closed Session Discussion Items All three agenda items were considered in a single closed session from 6:21 PM to 7:25 PM: - Failure to Meet Purchaser Obligations (2014 Raskovic Development Agreement): The committee discussed the Raskovic Development Agreement for land purchase and development in the North Industrial Park, specifically regarding the purchaser's failure to meet obligations. - Two Letters of Intent to Purchase City Property in the North Industrial Park: The committee considered offers from potential buyers for city-owned property in the North Industrial Park. - Incentivizing Residential Development in TID 9: The committee discussed potential terms to encourage residential development in Tax Incremental District 9. Key Outcomes - Motion to Enter Closed Session: A motion was made by Thoman, seconded by Sheaffer, to enter closed session at 6:21 PM. Discrepancy note: The official minutes record the motion passing with a vote of 0-0 (AYES: None; NOES: None), while the transcript shows roll-call ayes from all four members. The committee did not reconvene in open session after closed session. - Adjournment: A motion by Sheaffer, seconded by McGuire, to adjourn the meeting from closed session passed 4-0 at 7:25 PM. No actions or decisions resulting from the closed discussions were publicly reported.

The Judiciary and Ordinance Review Committee met on Monday, March 9, 2026, at 6:07 PM in City Hall Council Chambers. Members present were Dylan McGuire, Tom Miller, Heidi Treuthardt, and Lynne Kleven. The committee discussed a potential ordinance change to streamline filling alderperson vacancies resulting from elections. Consent Calendar - The February 23, 2026 minutes were accepted as presented. Discussion Items - Administrator Rindy reviewed the current ordinance (adopted in 2019) for filling an alderperson vacancy, which requires posting the vacancy, collecting 50 signatures, submitting nomination papers by a council-set deadline, and an open council vote. - Alder Miller proposed changing the process so that when a vacancy arises because an elected alderperson becomes mayor, the next highest vote-getter already on the ballot would automatically fill the seat, without needing to gather signatures again or wait for council approval. - Committee members expressed general support for the idea, but agreed it could not apply to the current election because there is not enough time to amend and publish the ordinance before the April 2026 election. City Attorney Bartoff noted a "gray area" in timing, since the city council's last meeting before the election would be April 20 and the vacancy would not exist until April 21. - The committee discussed write-in candidates: they would not get the same automatic appointment, because they did not go through the ballot/submission process. One member noted a past mayor who won as a write-in, and suggested a minimum vote threshold (e.g., 10% or 100 votes) for write-ins to be considered. Key Outcomes - The committee agreed to continue pursuing an ordinance amendment for future elections, with no immediate action to affect the current election. The item will be brought back to the next committee meeting with additional research and proposed language, including possible write-in vote thresholds. - The committee adjourned at 6:18 PM on a motion by Kleven, seconded by Treuthardt, passed 4-0.

The Monroe Public Safety Committee met on Monday, March 9, 2026, at 4:45 PM in Council Chambers. Present were Alders Corinne Wartenweiler, Lynne Kleven, Craig Franke, and Matt Sheaffer. The committee received and discussed the 2025 annual reports from the Fire and Police Departments, with presentations from Chief Rufer and Chief Kelley respectively. The meeting adjourned at 6:05 PM. Consent Calendar - The minutes of the February 23, 2026, meeting were accepted as presented without correction. Discussion Items Fire Department Annual Report (Chief Rufer) - Chief Rufer presented the 2025 annual report. Total incidents: 365 (150 fire-related, 215 EMS). EMS calls were 59% of total runs, a 4% decrease from the prior year. The department had a net gain of one volunteer (lost two, gained three), the first net positive in years. Over 1,600 hours of training were completed, with departments enrolled in firefighter I/II, pump operator, and hazmat courses. - The department conducted over 200 inspections, identifying over 1,000 code violations (an increase due to better training and a new cloud-based inspection module). Community risk reduction hours exceeded 500, a 56% increase over the prior year. The department maintains an ISO rating of 2, which is rare for a non-career department. - The department sold engine three, car 12, and other surplus equipment, with proceeds going to the city's general fund. A final apparatus plan is expected in late spring/early summer. - Recruitment: With assistance from Colony Brands, the department revamped its hiring process, attracting about 50 initial applicants, leading to three new quality volunteers. Chief Rufer noted that recruitment is now an ongoing daily effort. - A new deputy chief position was created (starting next week), increasing full-time staff to two. Chief Rufer emphasized that the department is running lean but effective, aiming for 5–10 more volunteers. - Committee questions: Alder Sheaffer asked about paid vs. volunteer distinction and the value of the Colony partnership; Alder Kleven asked about ISO rating rarity and inspection costs (no charge currently); Alder Franke asked about fire call breakdown (21 calls involved actual fire), the training center sign, joint training plans, and vehicle sale revenue. Chief Rufer confirmed the new deputy chief will spend 50–60% of time on inspections. Police Department Annual Report (Chief Kelley) - Chief Kelley presented the 2025 annual report. The department handles approximately 13,000 calls for service annually, with Friday and summer being busiest. About 6.5% of Monroe's population (approx. 800 of 10,600 residents) is Latino, but the PD has no bilingual officer, relying on smartphone apps for interpretation. Recruitment of bilingual officers is a priority. - Staffing: 72% of sworn officers are in patrol. The department has three detectives, one officer assigned to the drug task force, and one school resource officer (reimbursed 60% of average patrol wage by the school district, $33,000/year). The department is two officers short of the workload-based formula recommendation. - Training: Officers average 60 hours annually (state requires 24), with quarterly firearms and use-of-force training including de-escalation. Use of force: 10 instances in 2025, no injuries or complaints. - Crime statistics: Crimes against persons and property decreased slightly. Simple assaults and aggregated assaults increased, but overall down. Theft and motor vehicle theft rose, while shoplifting decreased (more citations issued). No human trafficking or prostitution cases. Drug crimes decreased, with fentanyl and marijuana sales still present. No fatal overdoses in 2025 (previous year had deaths). Alcohol remains the number one drug of abuse. - Traffic: Chief Kelley noted that financial loss from traffic accidents exceeds that from crime. Vehicle fleet has high mileage (90,000 miles in two years). Special events require significant staffing, but the public values safety presence. - Chief Kelley is retiring in June; the Police and Fire Commission is seeking a replacement. Internal candidates are being considered. - Committee questions: Alder Wartenweiler expressed appreciation for the department. Alder Franke noted the high mileage on squad cars and suggested exploring ways to offset special event costs. Alder Sheaffer asked about focus areas for 2026 (recruitment and leadership transition). Alder Cleveland asked about driver's license violations (second offense can be a traffic crime) and feral cat policies (PD will transport as last resort; feeding a cat multiple times makes it legally owned). Key Outcomes - The committee accepted the minutes of February 23, 2026, unanimously. - Both annual reports were presented and discussed, with no formal votes taken on the reports themselves. - A motion to adjourn was made by Alder Kleven, seconded by Alder Franke, and passed 4-0 (all present in favor, none opposed, none absent, none abstained). The meeting adjourned at 6:05 PM.

The Monroe Common Council met in regular session on Monday, March 2, 2026, at 6:30 PM in the City Hall Council Chambers, 1110 18th Avenue, Monroe, WI. Mayor Donna Douglas presided. Eight alderpersons were present; Alder Craig Franke was absent. The Council approved routine items, several permits and resolutions, received presentations on lead service line replacement and wastewater treatment plant safety upgrades, and took action on a developer agreement related to TID 7. Consent Calendar - Accepted the February 17, 2026 meeting minutes as presented. - Approved the consent agenda including Miscellaneous Licenses and the Claims List (8-0). Public Comments & Testimony - No citizens or property/business owners appeared under public appearances. Business by Mayor - Retirement recognition – Mike Mortimer: The Mayor recognized Mike Mortimer's retirement; Chief Kelley spoke and presented Mortimer with a clock. A resolution of recognition passed 8-0. License Committee - Suisse Haus temporary beer garden: Approved the resolution approving Suisse Haus' temporary beer garden application (8-0). Public Safety Committee - St. Patrick's Day Parade: Approved the special event permit for Main Street Monroe's St. Patrick's Day Parade (8-0). Plan Commission - Certified Survey Map – James & Jeffrey Larson: Approved the CSM for properties at 2715 & 2717 6th Avenue, Parcel 23251 3723.0000 (8-0). Board of Public Works: Lead Service Line Replacement Funding - Jesse from Fehr-Graham presented on the federal mandate for lead service line replacement and reviewed three funding options. Bridgette provided details on loan structures, including the possibility of a 0% interest ITA loan with a 20-year term. - Council members expressed interest in minimizing financial impact to residents and avoiding placing the burden on homeowners. - Mike Kennison discussed next steps for using the approximately $1 million federal grant, such as replacing public-side lines first or combining funds with loans/grants for both public and private sides. - Action: Motion passed 8-0 to utilize approximately $1 million from a federal grant to fund both public and private lead service line replacements. Council of the Whole - WWTP Design Alterations: Darrel Carstensen (Fehr-Graham) explained anaerobic digestion hazards, methane gas explosion risks, and current fire code/life safety non-compliance. Options were: (1) a new electrical/boiler room building, estimated at about $6.7 million, or (2) interim safety equipment while planning a compliant building. Council consensus supported the new building addition plus interim safety equipment; a motion passed 8-0 to incorporate the new building addition into the WWTP design and install necessary safety equipment. - Monroe Cheesemakers Booster Club temporary license: Approved a temporary "Class B" fermented malt beverage and wine license (8-0). - 2027 Capital Project List: Approved the list of projects to submit for Congressionally Directed Spending grant requests (8-0). Administrator Rindy's list included the Wastewater Treatment Plant, street/water/sewer projects, lead service line replacements, and the Public Works facility. Finance and Taxation Committee: TID 7 Developer Agreement - The Council entered closed session at 8:24 PM under Wis. Stat. § 19.85(E) to consider a request for TID 7 funding for residential and short-term rental development, and returned to open session at 8:34 PM. Both motions passed 8-0. - In open session, the Council approved a resolution authorizing a development agreement with Joshua and Myron Ellingson for property at 1004 17th Avenue within Tax Incremental District No. 7. The municipal revenue obligation is limited to available tax increments from TID 7 and is not a general obligation of the City. The motion passed 8-0. Business Presented by Alderpersons - Alder Wartenweiler reported on Green County Historical Society events: participation in the April 24 wine walk and a June 20 archaeological exhibit featuring a mammoth tooth and a kids' dig (on Father's Day). - Alder Miller reported from the Airport Board: board member Tom Kelly had passed away and a replacement would be recommended; Reconstruction Project 2-20 will begin once weather improves; the airport receives $130,000 annually from FAA fuel tax and, due to traffic counts, received an additional $290,000 that will be used for a required airport layout plan. Key Outcomes - All substantive motions passed 8-0, with Craig Franke absent. - The Council approved funding for public/private lead service line replacements using approximately $1 million in federal grant money. - The Council directed that the new electrical/boiler room addition be incorporated into the WWTP design along with interim safety equipment. - The Council approved the 2027 Congressional directed spending capital project list. - The Council authorized the TID 7 developer agreement with the Ellingsons. - Adjourned at 8:41 PM. Note: minutes show Franke as absent throughout, but the adjournment roll call lists a "No" vote from Franke—an apparent inconsistency in the written minutes.