Public Meetings - Monroe, Wisconsin

Discrepancy Note The agenda lists the meeting at 4:45 PM, while the provided system prompt indicates a start time of 10:45 AM UTC. This summary uses the agenda's date (September 28, 2026) and notes the time discrepancy. Discussion Items - Main Street Monroe's Trunk or Treat Special Event Application: The committee discussed and considered a recommendation to the Common Council regarding the Trunk or Treat event scheduled for October 25, 2026. The application was submitted by the City Clerk. No further details on discussion or vote are available from the agenda. - Main Street Monroe's November Wine Walk Event: The committee discussed and considered a recommendation to the Common Council for the November Wine Walk event scheduled for November 6, 2026. The application packet included a list of participating stores. No transcript or minutes were provided, so the outcome of deliberations is unknown. Key Outcomes No votes, decisions, or directives are recorded in the available materials. The committee may have made recommendations, but those are not reflected in the agenda alone.

The Common Council of Monroe, Wisconsin met on September 21, 2026 at 6:30 PM (called to order at 6:31 PM) at City Hall Council Chambers. Mayor Tom Miller presided with all nine alderpersons present (Heidi Treuthardt, Richard Thoman, Corinne Wartenweiler, Matt Sheaffer, Craig Franke, Dylan McGuire, Christopher Vestin, Darlene Voelkli, and Dave Mosher). The meeting covered consent agenda, public hearings, a zoning change, and committee reports. Consent Calendar - Approved the consent agenda (miscellaneous licenses and claims list) by a 9-0 vote on a motion by Wartenweiler, seconded by Sheaffer. - The Treasurer's Report was accepted as presented with no comments or questions. Public Comments & Testimony - No public comments were made. No citizens appeared for either the 'Appearance by Citizens' or 'Appearance by Property/Business Owners' agenda items. Discussion Items - Halloween Trick-or-Treat Hours: The Public Safety Committee resolution establishing 2026 Halloween trick-or-treat hours for October 31, 2026 from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM was approved by a 9-0 vote. - Comprehensive Plan Amendment: A public hearing was held with no public testimony. Attorney Bartholf explained that the amendment updates the Future Land Use Map for one parcel (related to Wisconsin Power and Light's substation expansion). Council members asked about the process for future amendments; Administrator Rindy confirmed the same process would be followed. The ordinance adopting the amendment was approved 9-0. - Zoning Change for Wisconsin Power and Light: The council considered rezoning a 0.84-acre vacant parcel (tax parcel 23251-2346) from one- and two-family residential (TR10) to Light Industrial (LI) to allow expansion of the adjoining substation. Discussion focused on potential future uses allowed under LI, with concerns raised about the council giving up future oversight (e.g., if the owner built a structure or changed uses without additional approvals). Staff noted that site plan approval would still be required for many changes. The ordinance passed 8-1, with Dave Mosher voting against. - Urban Forestry Grant Resolution: Resolution authorizing application for urban forestry and urban forestry catastrophic storm grant programs from the Wisconsin DNR. The council approved the resolution 9-0, noting it would help offset costs for emerald ash borer management and tree planting. Key Outcomes - All consent items (licenses, claims) approved 9-0. - Halloween trick-or-treat hours set for October 31, 2026, 5:00–8:00 PM. - Comprehensive Plan amendment adopted 9-0. - Zoning change for Wisconsin Power and Light approved 8-1. - Forestry grant application authorized 9-0. Committee Reports and Departmental Updates - Alder Franke reported that Main Street Monroe held its final Concert on the Square of the season and it went well. - Alder Sheaffer noted the Plan Commission reviewed a proposal for a botanical garden at the former Ken's Feed Mill property; he praised the proposal as impressive. - Alder Mosher discussed room tax funds allocated to the Chamber for marketing, particularly outside the state. - Alder Treuthardt announced the GCDC Fall Breakfast on October 15 and a new $10,000 first-time homebuyer grant program (Welcome Home Green County) requiring 20 volunteer hours per year for five years. - Mayor Miller provided an update on airport construction, including runway reconstruction funded largely by fuel tax. - Clerk Wahl said absentee ballots had been mailed out for the November primary. - Chief Foltz reported no major incidents during Cheese Days and thanked staff and mutual aid partners.

This meeting of the City Planning Commission focused on a conceptual discussion for a planned unit development (PUD) for the Monroe Botanical Garden on 13th Avenue. The applicant presented the garden concept, site design, and requested zoning relief for parking and setbacks. Commissioners provided feedback and posed questions, but no formal decisions or votes were taken. Discussion Items - Botanical Garden PUD Conceptual Discussion: Melissa Birch, president of the Monroe Botanical Garden board, presented the proposal. The garden would be located at a former mill site on 13th Avenue and include outdoor gardens, greenhouses, an education center, and a welcome building. The design team includes Psyche Design (architects) and Studio GWA (landscape architects). The project has held a community meeting with strong attendance and plans a float in the Cheese Day Parade and further outreach. - Parking Request: The applicant requested 9 parking spaces (2 ADA) within the public right-of-way on 13th Avenue, instead of the 25 spaces required under light industrial zoning. The proposal relies on timed ticketing, nearby public lots (e.g., LPT Fitness lot 0.2 miles away, and lots on 16th Avenue), street parking, and encouragement of walking, biking, and carpooling. Commissioner noted the adjacent Mineral Arts Center seats 270 people with only 8 parking stalls, suggesting events must be carefully scheduled to avoid congestion. The applicant acknowledged and agreed they would have fewer cars than the art center's largest events. - Right-of-Way and Setback Relief: The requested parking would be located in the public right-of-way. Commissioner asked whether the stalls would be public or private; the applicant assumed they would be public. The road is currently 21.5 feet wide; future widening to 33 feet could affect the stalls. The city engineer noted a sanitary sewer runs through the road and abandonment is not feasible. The applicant also requested a zero setback for the greenhouse, placing it on the property line where previous buildings sat. This would be allowed as part of the PUD's specific zoning. - Storm Sewer Easement: A commissioner asked about the Thunder Creek storm sewer (84-inch pipe) that crosses the property. The city has an easement. The applicant acknowledged any planting or structures (e.g., a bridge) over the easement would be removable for maintenance. The city engineer recommended inspecting the pipe before construction. Key Outcomes - No decisions or votes were taken; the discussion was conceptual and informational. The applicant will continue with community outreach and fundraising, returning for formal approval at a later date. - The commission took no action on the requested relief for parking, right-of-way use, or setbacks, as the PUD process will set the specific zoning standards.

The Plan Commission met on September 18, 2026, to discuss three main agenda items: a botanical garden concept plan, a comprehensive plan amendment and rezoning for Wisconsin Power and Light, and proposed changes to the city's political sign ordinance. The commission expressed support for the botanical garden, unanimously approved the comprehensive plan amendment and rezoning, and directed staff to proceed with formal recommendations on sign ordinance changes. Public Comments & Testimony - Scott Anderson, a civil engineer representing Wisconsin Power and Light, spoke during the public hearing on the comprehensive plan amendment. He explained the need to expand yard operations at the existing facility, which currently encroach on the railroad right-of-way with pole storage and equipment. The rezoning to light industrial would allow for a secure, fenced facility and cleanup of the right-of-way. Discussion Items - Botanical Garden Concept Plan: A development team presented a conceptual plan for a botanical garden on a blighted downtown site. Key details included dusk-to-dawn hours of operation, phased construction beginning with a building (to provide restrooms), and a full buildout timeline of three to four years dependent on fundraising. Commission members praised the design and its potential as an economic development catalyst. Questions addressed parking (nine spaces), zero setback requests, and process steps (general development plan and specific implementation plan). No red flags were raised, and the commission directed the team to proceed with technical submissions. - Comprehensive Plan Amendment (TR-10): A resolution to amend the Comprehensive Plan to change the land use designation for the Wisconsin Power and Light property from residential to light industrial was discussed. A public hearing was held and closed. The commission voted unanimously to recommend the amendment to the City Council. - Line Energy Rezoning Request: An ordinance to rezone two lots owned by Wisconsin Power and Light from TR-10 (one- and two-family housing) to light industrial was presented. A public hearing was held and closed. The commission voted unanimously to adopt the ordinance and forward it to the City Council. - Political Sign Ordinance Changes: Administrator Brittany Ridney introduced proposed changes to the sign ordinance, including removing restrictions on the timing of political yard signs (currently 30 days prior to and two days after an election) and removing regulations on human-held signs. The changes are driven by case law that prohibits regulating signs based on message content. Discussion noted that size, number, and location restrictions could still apply uniformly to all signs. The commission agreed to move forward with a recommendation to the City Council, with a formal public hearing to follow. Key Outcomes - Botanical Garden: The commission expressed unanimous support for the concept and directed the applicant to submit a general development plan and specific implementation plan for formal review. - Comprehensive Plan Amendment: Motion to recommend the amendment to City Council passed unanimously (7 ayes). - Line Energy Rezoning: Ordinance adopting the zone change passed unanimously (7 ayes), to be forwarded to City Council. - Political Sign Ordinance: The commission directed staff to prepare a formal recommendation to City Council, with a subsequent public hearing to be scheduled.

The Monroe Historic Preservation Commission met on Wednesday, September 9, 2026, at 1:00 PM in the Council Chambers. The meeting covered several Certificate of Appropriateness (COA) applications, a detailed discussion on the definitions of canopies versus awnings and related sign code discrepancies, and a policy discussion on permanent holiday lighting in the historic district. All members were present except Donna Bahler. The meeting adjourned at 1:50 PM. Consent Calendar - The August 12, 2026 meeting minutes were accepted as presented. (Note: The published agenda contained a typographical error, labeling this item as "Correction of Minutes - September 9, 2026"). Discussion Items Lighting Policy Review (1002 17th Avenue) - The applicant, Scott Thompson, withdrew his application for a COA for permanent lighting. Commission members discussed the broader need for a clear policy regarding permanent colored and programmable LED lighting in the historic downtown district. - Commissioners expressed a general preference for white/toned white lighting as a standard, with temporary exceptions for holiday decorations. Concerns were raised over light intensity (referencing the existing half-foot candle standard), the potential for a "Vegas strip" aesthetic, and the enforcement of any new rules. - Staff will work on developing specific guidelines over the winter to present to the Commission. Canopy vs. Awning Definitions & Sign Code Alignment - Shannon Haydin initiated a discussion on the zoning code's distinct definitions for awnings and canopies, noting that the current definitions create confusion regarding sign lettering limits (12 inches for awnings per the zoning code vs. a more generous allowance for canopies). - Commissioners noted a significant discrepancy between the Zoning Code and the Historic Preservation guidelines, which allow lettering up to 20 inches. The discussion explored eliminating the distinction between canopy and awning for downtown signage, or aligning the guidelines entirely with the zoning code to prevent confusion and ensure equal treatment of businesses. - Staff will review the historic guidelines against the zoning code and bring proposed amendments back to the Commission. Key Outcomes Certificate of Appropriateness Approvals - Item C.2 – 608 the Factory (1607 10th Street): Approved. The applicant proposed using a new composite shake material for the sign backdrop. Motion by Mary Soddy, seconded by Tom Mitchell. Unanimous voice vote. - Item C.4 – Evolve Collective (1602 11th Street): Approved. The applicant revised their awning application to meet the "canopy" definition to comply with zoning code sign area regulations. Motion by Jeff Maliszewski, seconded by Jordan Norby. Unanimous voice vote. - Item C.5 – Urban Spa & Boutique (1609 10th Street): Approved. A wall sign that was ordered prematurely based on a previous COA was approved to be installed on the existing canopy instead, to comply with the single on-building sign rule. Motion by Corrine Wartenweiler, seconded by Mary Soddy. Unanimous voice vote. Administrative Directives - Sign Code Alignment: Staff will propose amendments to align the Historic Preservation Commission's design guidelines with the Zoning Code regarding canopy/awning/sign definitions. - Lighting Policy: Staff will develop policy language on permanent holiday lighting. - Application Deadline: Clerk Wahl adjusted the COA application deadline to 14 days prior to the monthly meeting to improve review coordination.

The Monroe Common Council met on Tuesday, September 8, 2026, at 6:30 PM at City Hall Council Chambers. All members except Alderman Dave Mosher were present. The meeting included a presentation from Green County Development Corporation, multiple proclamations, two public hearings, and unanimous approval of several resolutions and ordinances. A closed session was held to discuss a police contract extension. Consent Calendar - Miscellaneous Licenses – Approved unanimously. - Claims List – Approved unanimously. Public Comments & Testimony - No members of the public spoke during the designated appearances. Public Hearings - Ordinance Repealing and Recreating Zoning Code 5-2 (In-Home Daycare) – Attorney Bartholf explained the changes align with state statutes, allowing up to 12 children. The public hearing was opened and closed; the ordinance passed 8-0. - Ordinance Zoning Text Amendment for Signs in Historic Preservation Overlay (HP-O) – Attorney Bartholf stated that historic signs would require a Conditional Use Permit from the Plan Commission and a Certificate of Appropriateness from the Historic Preservation Commission. The public hearing was opened and closed; the ordinance passed 8-0. Discussion Items - Green County Development Corporation (GCDC) Presentation – Director Olivia Otte outlined GCDC priorities and programs: housing (Home Cooperation Program, Housing Development Fund, Welcome Home Green County, and a new $0 down payment assistance for first-time homebuyers), workforce development (Green County Leaders sessions and school partnerships), and business support (grant and loan programs). - Mayor's Business – Mayor Miller reminded of the 9/11 remembrance event at 3:00 PM, thanked departments for addressing traffic at the new school, and noted a downtown walking promotion flyer. Proclamations were issued for Stormwater Week (September 19–27, 2026) and Constitution Week (September 17–23, 2026). - License Committee – Approved a Class B premise extension for Baumgartner Cheese Store Inc. and a temporary outdoor beer garden for Suisse Haus in conjunction with Cheese Days (both 8-0). - Public Safety Committee – Approved a special event resolution for Monroe High School's Homecoming Parade (8-0). - Judiciary and Ordinance Review Committee – Set a public hearing for September 21, 2026, on a Comprehensive Plan amendment to change the Future Land Use Map designation of parcel 23251-2346.1000 (1915 State Hwy 69) to Industrial. - Salary and Personnel Committee (Closed Session) – The council entered closed session at 7:09 PM under Wis. Stat. § 19.85(1)(e) to discuss a one-year extension of the 2024-2026 WPPA (police) contract. The session ended at 7:27 PM. - Salary and Personnel Committee (Open Session) – The council approved a resolution ratifying a one-year extension of the 2024-2026 WPPA contract through December 31, 2027, with a 4.5% wage increase. The vote was 8-0. - Alderpersons' Reports – Alder Thoman reported that hotel ATV traffic was down and suggested exploring ways to improve ATV circulation. He noted that Chief Foltz and he will review UTV/golf cart ordinances to make Monroe more ATV-friendly. - Department Head Report – City Administrator Rindy highlighted a Forward Analytics “Spotlight” article showing that net new construction has not kept pace with inflation. Since 2010, the levy limit growth based on net new construction (state average) was 24.1%, while inflation over the same period was 49.9%—a gap of 25%. Green County’s gap was 19.7%. This compounds budget challenges as wages, insurance, and other costs rise. Key Outcomes - Consent agenda approved 8-0. - Retirement recognition for Officer Kimberly Quinn approved 8-0. - Stormwater Week and Constitution Week proclamations issued. - License committee resolutions approved 8-0 (premise extension for Baumgartner Cheese Store; temporary beer garden for Suisse Haus). - Special event (Homecoming Parade) approved 8-0. - Ordinance on in-home daycare (up to 12 children) adopted 8-0. - Ordinance amending historic preservation sign regulations adopted 8-0. - Public hearing scheduled for September 21, 2026 on Comprehensive Plan amendment for 1915 State Hwy 69. - One-year extension of WPPA police contract with 4.5% wage increase ratified 8-0. - Meeting adjourned at 7:33 PM.

The Common Council of the City of Monroe met on Tuesday, September 8, 2026, at 6:30 PM in City Hall Council Chambers. All members were present except Alder Dave Mosher. The meeting included presentations, proclamations, public hearings, and unanimous approvals on a range of items including housing programs, police contract extension, zoning changes for daycare and historic signs, and special event permits. Presentations of Petitions and Communication - Green County Development Corporation (GCDC) Presentation: Director Olivia Otte provided an overview of GCDC’s programs and priorities. She reported that in 2025, for every dollar spent on staff and operations, $16 was returned to the community through grants, loans, and fundraising. Key housing initiatives included: the Home Construction Cooperative (now in its fourth year, with 62% of 65 student participants entering skilled trades), the Housing Development Fund (raised $3M, deployed $2M toward approximately 300 new units), and the new Welcome Home Green County program (raised $700,000 for $10,000 first-time homebuyer grants requiring 100 hours of volunteer service; 15 applications already received). Workforce development efforts include Green County Leaders (36 participants, over 500 graduates) and hands-on learning partnerships with school districts. Business support included $500,000 in loans to Monroe businesses over two years, a micro-loan program, a student business plan competition ($20,000 in grants), and over $5M in grant writing awards in three years. Mayor Miller added that multiple construction projects are underway, including houses, a duplex, YMCA renovations, jail expansion, and commercial expansions, stating “Monroe is booming.” Business by Mayor - Retirement Recognition – Officer Kimberly Quinn: A resolution honoring Officer Quinn for 19 years of service, including her role as the department’s first and only school resource officer, was approved 8-0. Police Chief Folts presented a plaque and noted her significant impact. - Stormwater Week Proclamation: Mayor Miller proclaimed September 19–27, 2026, as Stormwater Week in Monroe, encouraging residents to reduce stormwater pollution. - Constitution Week Proclamation: Mayor Miller proclaimed September 17–23, 2026, as Constitution Week, marking the 239th anniversary of the Constitution. Consent Agenda - Miscellaneous Licenses and Claims List were approved unanimously (8-0) without discussion. License Committee - Baumgartner Cheese Store Inc. – Class B Premise Extension: Approved 8-0 to include a leased dining room in the Eugene Hotel property, expanding the licensed premises. - Suisse Haus – Temporary Outdoor Beer Garden for Cheese Days: Approved 8-0 to allow a temporary beer garden tent in conjunction with the Cheese Days event, subject to fire inspector inspection and compliance with city guidelines. Public Safety Committee - Monroe High School Homecoming Parade: Approved 8-0 for October 2, 2026, from 1:30 to 3:00 PM, with the parade beginning at 2:00 PM. The police department will provide traffic control, and the west side of the square will be closed as needed. Judiciary and Ordinance Review Committee - Public Hearing – Ordinance Repealing and Recreating In-Home Daycare Zoning Code (Section 5-2): Attorney Bartholf explained the change aligns with state statute, increasing maximum children from 8 to 12 and making in-home daycare a by-right use in all districts except central mixed-use, where it was previously conditional. No public comments were received. The ordinance was approved 8-0. - Public Hearing – Zoning Text Amendment for Signs in Historic Preservation Overlay (HP-O): Attorney Bartholf described a new section allowing recreation of historic signs (existing at least 50 years) on the same property, subject to a Conditional Use Permit from the Plan Commission and a Certificate of Appropriateness from the Historic Preservation Commission. No public comments. The ordinance was approved 8-0. - Set Public Hearing for Comprehensive Plan Amendment: A public hearing was set for September 21, 2026, to consider amending the Future Land Use Map to designate parcel 23251-2346.1000 at 1915 State Hwy 69 as Industrial. Salary and Personnel Committee - Closed Session (7:09 PM – 7:27 PM): The council entered closed session under Wis. Stat. § 19.85(1)(e) to discuss a one-year extension of the 2024-2026 WPPA (Wisconsin Professional Police Association) contract with a wage increase. Motion passed 8-0. - Open Session – Resolution Approving WPPA Contract Extension: Following closed session, the council approved the resolution extending the police contract through 2027 with a wage increase. The motion passed 8-0. Business by Alderpersons - Alder Richard Thoman reported that ATV traffic at a local hotel has decreased and expressed interest in finding ways to improve ATV traffic in the area. Business by Department Heads - City Administrator Rindy noted a recent article indicating that net new construction is losing ground to inflation. Key Outcomes - All votes were unanimous (8-0), with Alder Mosher absent. - The council approved: retirement recognition, two proclamations, consent agenda, premise extensions for Baumgartner and Suisse Haus, homecoming parade permit, zoning amendments for in-home daycare and historic signs, and a police contract extension. - A public hearing was scheduled for September 21, 2026, on a Comprehensive Plan Amendment. - The meeting adjourned at 7:33 PM.

The City of Monroe Salary and Personnel Committee met on Monday, August 24, 2026, at 5:10 PM in City Hall Council Chambers. The committee unanimously voted to recommend approval of a one-year extension of the 2024-2026 Wisconsin Professional Police Association (WPPA) contract including a wage increase, following a closed-session deliberation. The recommendation will be forwarded to the Common Council for final action. Key Outcomes - Closed Session: The committee entered closed session at 5:11 PM under Wis. Stat. § 19.85(1)(e) to discuss a one-year extension of the WPPA contract with a wage increase. The closed session lasted until 5:31 PM, with all four members present voting unanimously to return to open session. - Recommendation to Council: Following closed session, the committee voted 4-0 (Franke, Treuthardt, Wartenweiler, Vestin all ayes) to approve the recommended wage increase and contract extension as discussed. The motion directed that the matter be placed on the next Common Council agenda. City Administrator Rindy and Attorney Barker provided the framework for the proposed extension. - Meeting Adjourned: The meeting adjourned at 5:33 PM.

The City of Monroe Salary and Personnel Committee met on Monday, August 24, 2026 at 5:10 PM in City Hall Council Chambers. The primary business was a closed session discussion regarding a one-year extension of the 2024-2026 Wisconsin Professional Police Association (WPPA) contract with a wage increase, followed by an open session recommendation and unanimous approval. The meeting lasted approximately 23 minutes. Consent Calendar - The minutes from the August 10, 2026 meeting were accepted as presented without discussion. Discussion Items - Closed Session (5:11 PM - 5:31 PM): The committee unanimously voted 4-0 to enter closed session under Wis. Stat. § 19.85(1)(e) to discuss the one-year extension of the WPPA contract with a wage increase. Deliberations included input from City Administrator Rindy and Attorney Barker. - Open Session (5:31 PM): After returning from closed session, the committee considered a motion to recommend approval of the one-year extension with the wage increase discussed in closed session. Key Outcomes - Motion to Approve Contract Extension: A motion was made by Heidi Treuthardt and seconded by Corinne Wartenweiler to approve the recommended increase as discussed in closed session by City Administrator Rindy and Attorney Barker. The motion passed unanimously 4-0 (Ayes: Franke, Treuthardt, Wartenweiler, Vestin; Noes: None; Absent: None; Abstain: None). The specific wage increase terms were not disclosed publicly. - The meeting was adjourned at 5:33 PM.