Public Meetings - Monroe, Wisconsin

The City of Monroe Historic Preservation Commission met on Wednesday, October 14, 2026, in Council Chambers at 1110 18th Avenue. The agenda listed the meeting start time as 1:00 PM, and the meeting was streamed live. Commissioners approved two certificates of appropriateness, discussed filling a commission vacancy, and previewed a November meeting for a facade grant application. Call to Order and Minutes - The meeting was called to order and roll call was taken. - No corrections were offered to the September 9, 2026 minutes. Certificate of Appropriateness – Chad Peterson, 1707 12th Street - The agenda listed the property as 1702 12th Street; the commission clarified that the correct address is 1707 12th Street. - Applicant Chad Peterson described the building as white with brown entrance and service doors, and stated that brown windows are no longer manufactured. His proposal involved white vinyl replacement windows and glass block infill on the alley side, where windows had been removed and boarded up because the glass was falling out. - Staff noted that white may not be an approved color for windows within the historic district. A commissioner expressed support for white windows, observing that most houses in Monroe are white and questioning why white would not be historical. Another commissioner recalled prior discussions that storefront frames must typically be dark bronze or black rather than mill-finish aluminum, but was not certain whether that rule applied to windows. - A motion to approve the white vinyl windows passed unanimously, conditioned on verification that white is an approvable color in the district. - A separate motion to approve glass block infill for the alley-side windows passed unanimously. Certificate of Appropriateness – Malinda Mihalakis / Avandra Spa LLC, 902 17th Avenue - The applicant was not present. Staff reported that Malinda Mihalakis currently operates a spa in Dubuque and plans to move her business to Monroe at 902 17th Avenue, next to Studio Now. - The sign permit is contingent on approval of the certificate of appropriateness. Staff reported no issues from zoning, the COA side, or the sign permit side. - A commissioner asked whether the proposed sign was too big; a size of 36 was mentioned, though it was noted that the size had not been verified. - The commission approved the certificate of appropriateness for the sign unanimously. Business by Members - Donna has officially resigned from the Historic Preservation Commission. Members discussed reaching out to Sharon Reese, who had been mentioned at a prior meeting, to see whether she is still interested. One member described Reese as having a very good sense of history and an ideal candidate, and another offered to contact her. - Staff indicated that a November meeting will likely be needed because at least one facade grant application is expected, in addition to an already approved application for Swiss House. Key Outcomes - Approved the COA for Chad Peterson for white vinyl windows at 1707 12th Street, with the condition that staff verify white is an approved color. - Approved the COA for Chad Peterson for glass block infill on the alley-side windows. - Approved the COA for Malinda Mihalakis / Avandra Spa LLC for the sign at 902 17th Avenue. - The commission will contact Sharon Reese about possibly filling the vacancy left by Donna's resignation. - A November meeting is anticipated to review a facade grant application.

The Monroe City Plan Commission met on Wednesday, October 14, 2026, in the City Hall Council Chambers. A quorum was present. The commission approved the September 9, 2026 meeting minutes, discussed and gave direction on short-term rental regulations, and voted to move forward with a comprehensive plan amendment public hearing for the Monroe Bible Church property. Consent Calendar - The commission approved the minutes of the September 9, 2026 meeting as presented, with no corrections. Discussion Items Short-Term Rental Ordinance - Zoning staff reported that the city's current ordinance requires a conditional use permit for short-term rentals. Staff recommended removing that requirement and permitting short-term rentals by right in all zoning districts to bring the city into compliance with state law, which does not allow municipalities to prohibit short-term rentals. - Staff also recommended adding a licensing requirement for short-term rentals, with fees set by resolution rather than by ordinance. The license would be annual and would help the city track operators, respond to complaints, and enforce room tax reporting. Staff noted that operators booking through Airbnb or VRBO already submit quarterly room tax. - Commissioners expressed support for aligning the ordinance with state law and for a licensing/registry approach. They raised enforcement questions about travel trailers and campers parked on streets, temporary occupancy, extension cords running over sidewalks, and the city's 48-hour parking limit for vehicles. - Staff outlined a proposed site appearance rule: "no recreational vehicle, camper, tent, or other temporary lodging arrangement shall be permitted to accommodate guests." - Direction given: staff will draft formal ordinance language, including the removal of the conditional use permit requirement, a licensing requirement, and a fee schedule to be adopted by resolution. A public hearing will be held before the ordinance goes to the City Council. Monroe Bible Church Comprehensive Plan Amendment and Rezoning Concept - Staff explained that the parcel at 2613 8th Avenue, occupied by Monroe Bible Church, is designated residential on the Future Land Use Map and is currently zoned residential. The church is a legal nonconforming use, so future changes or reuse would require both a comprehensive plan amendment and a later zoning change. - Staff and City Attorney Sonia recommended considering a future land use change from residential to mixed use. A corresponding rezoning could later use an institutional or neighborhood mixed-use zoning district. The matter was brought to the commission for direction on whether to proceed with a 30-day public notice and public hearing. - Commissioners discussed whether to include neighboring church properties, potential spot-zoning concerns, future uses of former church properties, and billboard or sign regulations. Staff indicated that a broader review of other church parcels could be considered later, but the public notice should be specific to the Monroe Bible Church property. - A motion to proceed with the 30-day public notice and comprehensive plan amendment process for the Monroe Bible Church parcel was approved on a roll-call vote. Commissioner Lewis Armstrong voted no. Key Outcomes - Short-term rentals: no formal vote was taken; the commission directed staff to draft ordinance amendments removing the conditional use permit requirement, adding annual licensure, and setting fees by resolution, with a future public hearing before City Council action. - Monroe Bible Church: the commission approved moving forward with the 30-day public notice and comprehensive plan amendment process for the Monroe Bible Church parcel. The public hearing is scheduled for the December Plan Commission meeting, and a subsequent zoning change would follow. - Staff noted that the previously directed political sign ordinance draft will go to the Plan Commission for a public hearing in November, then to the J&O Committee and City Council. - The meeting adjourned by unanimous voice vote.

The City of Monroe Finance and Taxation Committee met on October 13, 2026, in City Hall Council Chambers. Members present were Alder Truehart, Alder Tolman, Alder Schaefer, and Alder McGuire. The committee recommended approval of the 2027 fee schedule and the 2027 budget to the Common Council, entered closed session on four property and development matters, and returned to open session to forward the North Industrial Park site investigation proposal to the Common Council. No public comments were heard. Minutes - The committee reviewed the September 28, 2026 minutes. No corrections were offered, and the minutes stood as written. 2027 Fee Schedule - Administrator Rindy presented the annual fee schedule review. Department heads and organizations such as the airport board were asked to review fees and report changes. Increases are not automatic every year; the city tries to keep increases fair and equal over time, and some license and permit fees are adjusted every couple of years. - Historic preservation: the city is combining sign permits and certificates of appropriateness in the historic district into one application and one fee to reduce confusion and duplication. - After-school program: the program was split into two sessions, each costing $600. Registering for both would cost $1,150, compared with $975 when it was offered as one session this year, so the apparent decrease is actually an increase. Fees can fluctuate based on program actuals and enrollment. - Sanitation fees, including garbage cart fees, were increased to build the sanitation fund. - Fire department service fees: increases were proposed for fire suppression system inspections and fire/smoke alarm system testing. Per-hour charges apply only to additional or separate responses, not to every emergency call. False alarm charges were changed so the first three false alarms in a calendar year are free, with charges beginning on the fourth or more, to avoid penalizing new system installations. - A committee member praised the parks department’s thorough review, saying it avoids waiting and then making larger increases later. 2027 Budget Update - Administrator Rindy provided an updated budget presentation reflecting recent direction from Finance and Salary/Personnel. - Debt service increased by a little over $58,000. TID 12, the newest tax incremental district on the east side, does not yet generate enough increment to cover its full principal and interest payment in its first year of increment. The general tax levy will cover the shortfall, and the general fund could be reimbursed later if the TID generates enough increment. TID values are as of January 1, 2026, and additional value is expected by January 1, 2027. - The total budget remains $14.3 million, with a little more added by the debt service increase. - Expenditure Restraint Program: the city is eligible for a little over $200,000 in state revenue if expenditures stay within the state’s inflation-based limit. The city has an additional cushion of over $300,000, but cannot increase expenditures by that amount because of the levy limit, illustrating a gap between the LEMI levy limit formula and inflation. - Staff COLA was increased from 2.5% to 2.8%, plus step increases, not reaching the requested 3%. - Organization funding requests were accommodated: GCDC received an increase of around $8,000, Main Street Monroe was increased from $35,000 to $40,000, the Chamber stayed the same, and the cemetery increase to 55 was included. - Main Street Monroe’s funding will be shifted to TID 7 funding because TID 7’s project plan allows support for general Main Street operations. TID 7 has a positive balance and increment available, and the shift frees $35,000 in general levy funding for other requests and COLA. A future resolution will formalize funding Main Street through TID 7; when the TID closes, funding would return to the general levy. If TID 7 closed today, the city could add around $116,000 to the levy, enough to absorb the $40,000 Main Street payment. - Transit/shared ride service: SSM is willing to contribute based on ridership. An alliance community grant was attempted without success. The Administrator plans to present a shared-ride program summary, including usage and revenues, before the end of the year; monthly data shows pick-up and drop-off locations. - Special event fee structure had been incorporated into the fee schedule; Public Safety recommended keeping it the same this year, and the committee discussed revisiting it next year with a cost breakdown of events before deciding on fees. - The Administrator also noted the building permit threshold is $2,000 or more and that another increase will be proposed through the Judiciary & Ordinance process. Closed Session - The committee moved into closed session under Wis. Stat. § 19.85(1)(e) to discuss four items: a potential offer to purchase or lease city-owned downtown property; the North Industrial Park site investigation proposal and potential sale of property; a residential development request for a developer’s incentive in TID 7; and a letter of intent for potential city property acquisition for residential development in TID 9. Post-Closed Session Action - After returning to open session, the committee voted to recommend the North Industrial Park site investigation proposal to the Common Council. Key Outcomes - Recommended the 2027 fee schedule to the Common Council; motion passed. - Recommended the 2027 budget to the Common Council; roll call vote passed with Alder Tolman, Alder Schaefer, Alder McGuire, and Alder Truehart voting aye. - Voted to forward the North Industrial Park site investigation proposal to the Common Council; motion passed. - No votes were taken in open session on the downtown property, TID 7 developer incentive, or TID 9 acquisition discussion items.

The Board of Public Works met on October 13, 2026, at 4:45 PM in Council Chambers to consider the approval of a fall 2026 yard waste and leaf grinding contract. Discussion Items - C.1 Review and Approval of Quote for Fall 2026 Yard Waste and Leaf Grinding: Streets Supervisor Lucas Neuenschwander presented the sole quote received from Urban Forest Services, the company used in previous years. The hourly rate for the grinder and Cat 299 skid loader with grapple bucket increased by approximately $10 per hour, while mobilization costs decreased by about $50 compared to prior years. The total cost for last year's service was approximately $11,000, which included extra charges for damaged cutting teeth and fabrication work. The supervisor anticipated a similar total for this year, potentially lower if no incidental costs arise. The service involves grinding all leaves collected from residents via the VAC system, as well as yard waste from the drop-off site and storm debris, all stored at the airport site on Greenbush Road. The board discussed the logistics of storing material and the shift from two grindings per year to one combined grinding, which produces a better compost product for residents. Alder Tolman made a motion to approve, seconded by Alder True Hart. Key Outcomes - Approval of Quote: The board unanimously approved the quote from Urban Forest Services for fall 2026 yard waste and leaf grinding. The motion passed with ayes from all four aldermen present: Tolman, True Hart, Schaefer, and Frankie. The meeting then adjourned.

The City of Monroe Police and Fire Commission met on 2026-10-08 at 20:00:00+00:00 (agenda time 2:00 PM) in the City Hall Council Chambers, 1110 18th Ave. Commissioners present were Dave Denninger, Jerry Gooth, Amanda Fields, and Robin McLeish, constituting a quorum. The commission approved prior minutes, elected officers, and then moved unanimously into closed session to interview sworn officer candidates and discuss eligibility for hiring. Consent Calendar - Motion to approve the July 29, 2026 meeting minutes as distributed was seconded and approved unanimously; no corrections were offered. Public Comments & Testimony - No public comments were made during the open portions of the meeting. Discussion Items - Recruitment of a fifth commissioner is still in process; commissioners were asked for opinions during the recruitment process. - Election of officers: Dave Denninger declined the nomination for chair, citing an upcoming milestone birthday and a desire to pass the gavel. Amanda Fields was nominated and elected chair by unanimous ballot. Robin McLeish was nominated and elected vice chair by unanimous ballot. The commission continued the city clerk’s role as secretary, with Nick Wall serving as secretary of the commission. - Closed session: The commission unanimously voted to enter closed session under Wis. Stat. §19.85(1)(c) to interview sworn officer candidates and to discuss candidate qualifications and the potential establishment of an eligibility-to-hire list. The roll call vote was 4-0: Denninger yes, Gooth yes, Fields yes, McLeish yes. Key Outcomes - July 29, 2026 minutes approved. - Amanda Fields elected chair and Robin McLeish elected vice chair. - Commission entered closed session for candidate interviews and eligibility-list discussion. - Agenda item E.1, open-session approval of an eligibility list for hiring sworn officers, was scheduled after closed session, but the available transcript ends while the commission is in closed session; no later open-session action is documented in the provided transcript.

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.

The City of Monroe Salary and Personnel Committee convened on September 28, 2026, at 5:40 PM in the City Hall Council Chambers. The agenda included a proposed Artificial Intelligence policy, renewal of employee benefit plans, a potential Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA) for the 2027 pay scale, and a closed session regarding City Administrator compensation. Note: This summary is derived solely from the meeting agenda, as no transcript or minutes were available for review. Consequently, final decisions and speaker positions are not captured here. Discussion Items - Correction of Minutes (September 14, 2026): The committee was scheduled to review and correct the minutes from its previous meeting. - C.1 Artificial Intelligence Policy: Director Jacobson requested discussion and a possible recommendation to the Common Council regarding a new AI policy. A draft policy document was attached to the agenda. - C.2 Health, Dental, Vision and Wellness Clinic Renewals: The City Administrator requested discussion and a possible recommendation to the Common Council on the renewal of employee health, dental, vision, and wellness clinic benefits. Agenda materials included an insurance presentation slide deck (USI), a renewal document, and a draft resolution. - C.3 COLA Increase to Pay Scale for 2027: The City Administrator requested discussion and a possible recommendation on a Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA) for the 2027 compensation pay scale. Materials provided scenarios for a 2.5% and a 3.5% COLA, a comparative document on comparable wages, and the prior year's 2026 scale reflecting a 2.7% COLA. Closed Session - E.1 City Administrator Compensation for 2027: The committee moved into closed session under Wisconsin Statute 19.85(1)(c) to discuss employment, promotion, compensation, or performance evaluation data, specifically regarding compensation for the City Administrator in 2027. Key Outcomes - No votes or final decisions are recorded in the provided meeting agenda. The committee was scheduled to make recommendations to the Common Council on the AI policy, benefit renewals, and the 2027 COLA. Adjournment - The meeting was scheduled to adjourn following the closed session.

Date: September 28, 2026 at 5:15 PM Location: City Hall Council Chambers, 1110 18th Ave, Monroe The Finance and Taxation Committee met to consider the 2027 Initial Draft Budget Presentation. The meeting was called to order, and minutes from September 14, 2026, were corrected. No public comments were scheduled or recorded. The principal agenda item was a presentation by Administrator Rindy on the 2027 budget draft. No transcript or minutes were available to capture specific discussion or votes; this summary is based solely on the agenda. Consent Calendar - Correction of minutes from September 14, 2026, was approved (no roll call recorded). Discussion Items - C.1 – 2027 Initial Draft Budget Presentation: Administrator Rindy presented the draft budget, including supporting documents (budget summary, expenditure summary, publication, line-by-line worksheet, and a general fund presentation). The presentation was expected to last 20 minutes. No additional discussion or committee action is documented. Key Outcomes - The committee received the 2027 budget draft presentation. No votes or formal decisions were recorded on the agenda. The committee may take appropriate action on any agenda item as permitted.

The License Committee met on Monday, September 28, 2026 at 4:55 PM in the Council Chambers. The only business item was a discussion and possible recommendation to the Common Council regarding Main Street Monroe's temporary Class B and Beer Garden applications for the November Wine Walk event. No minutes or transcript of the meeting were available for this summary, so the content below is based solely on the agenda. Discussion Items - The committee considered a request from Main Street Monroe for temporary Class B and Beer Garden licenses in conjunction with the November Wine Walk event scheduled for November 6, 2026. Attached documents included the applications and a list of participating stores. The agenda indicates the committee could make a recommendation to the Common Council, but no further details on the discussion or outcome are available. Key Outcomes - No decisions or votes are recorded in the available materials. The committee may have taken action, but without minutes or transcript, this cannot be confirmed.