Public Meetings - Monroe, Wisconsin

The Monroe Public Safety Committee met on Monday, August 24, 2026, at 4:55 PM in Council Chambers. The sole substantive agenda item was a discussion and recommendation regarding Monroe High School's Homecoming Parade special event application. The committee voted unanimously to approve the application and forward it to the Common Council. Consent Calendar - The minutes from the August 10, 2026 meeting were accepted as presented without correction. Discussion Items - Monroe High School Homecoming Parade Special Event Application (October 2, 2026): A representative from the Police Department presented the application. The parade will follow the same route as in previous years—starting at the old high school, proceeding to the roundabout, and around the square. The route remained unchanged primarily due to ongoing construction at the new high school, which has not yet allowed for a determination of a more beneficial alternative route. Key Outcomes - Motion to Recommend to Common Council: Alder Darlene Voelkli made a motion, seconded by Alder Corinne Wartenweiler, to approve the special event application and recommend it to the Common Council. The motion passed 3–0, with Matt Sheaffer, Corinne Wartenweiler, and Darlene Voelkli voting in favor. Alder Dave Mosher was absent. - The meeting adjourned at 4:57 PM. Note: The meeting was scheduled to begin at 4:55 PM, consistent with the agenda and minutes, though the provided metadata indicated a time of 11:00 AM UTC. No public comments were made.

The City of Monroe License Committee met on Monday, August 24, 2026, at 4:45 PM in Council Chambers, 1110 18th Avenue, to review two premise extension requests and one withdrawn application. Present were Christopher Vestin, Richard Thoman, and Darlene Voelkli; Dave Mosher was absent. The committee voted unanimously to recommend both pending extensions to the Common Council. Minutes - The August 10, 2026 License Committee minutes were accepted as presented without corrections. Withdrawn Application - The Jailhouse Tap's premise extension and beer garden application was withdrawn by the applicant, and no action was taken by the committee. Discussion Items - Baumgartner Cheese Store Inc. ('Class B' premise extension): A representative (Tyler) explained that Baumgartner's is leasing space on the southern wall of the store inside the Eugene Hotel building, directly adjacent to the store. An easement permits two cutouts: one into a new kitchen in the back and one into a new dining room. The dining room is two steps down and will start with seven booths along the walls, with possible additional tables added later. An internal passageway will let hotel guests enter Baumgartner's without going outside, and the eventual plan is to provide room service for the hotel's 25 rooms, which did not justify building a separate hotel kitchen. The representative said the extension had been the plan all along but the application was overlooked for about two years. The committee received Department of Revenue documents showing the arrangement is permitted. - Suisse Haus outdoor beer garden and premise extension: City Clerk staff said this is an annual Cheese Days request to extend the premises into Suisse Haus's back parking lot. This year, no barrier or garden enclosure is being erected because the surrounding block is designated open container during Cheese Days; Suisse Haus will set up a tent and serve outside in its back parking lot. The request is limited to the parking lot, unlike prior years when street space was also requested. The fire department raised no objections. Key Outcomes - Motion by Voelkli, seconded by Vestin, to approve and recommend to Common Council the Baumgartner Cheese Store Inc. 'Class B' premise extension: passed 3–0 (Vestin, Voelkli, and Thoman ayes; Mosher absent). - Motion by Voelkli, seconded by Vestin, to approve and recommend to Common Council the Suisse Haus outdoor beer garden and premise extension application: passed 3–0 (Vestin, Voelkli, and Thoman ayes; Mosher absent). - No business was presented by members. The meeting adjourned by a motion from Thoman, seconded by Voelkli, passed 3–0. The minutes list adjournment at 4:42 PM, earlier than the 4:45 PM call to order, a noted discrepancy in the record.

The Monroe Common Council met on Monday, August 17, 2026, at 6:30 PM in City Hall Council Chambers. All nine alderpersons were present; Mayor Tom Miller was absent. The meeting covered consent agenda approvals, temporary liquor licenses for community events, installation of stop signs, special event permits, a certified survey map for Cheese Louise, adoption of a public participation plan for a comprehensive plan amendment, setting of public hearings, and purchase of a hydro excavator. All votes were unanimous (9-0) where taken. Consent Calendar - Approved the minutes of August 3 and 10, 2026, as presented. - Approved the consent agenda (miscellaneous licenses and claims list) unanimously (9-0). Public Comments & Testimony - No members of the public appeared to address the council. Presentations - Monroe Chamber of Commerce Update: Marcey, Executive Director, reported that the Chamber now has 277 members, with 24 new members in 2026 (up from 21 in 2025). New members have joined from Lena, Argyle, Freeport, Janesville, New Glarus, and Monroe. The Chamber added a third part-time staff member for development and established a formal finance committee. Upcoming initiatives include an HR essentials workshop and alignment with the city's ten-year plan. No council action was taken. Discussion Items - License Committee – Temporary Beer Gardens: Approved a temporary Class B premise extension with an outdoor beer garden for the Green County House (Cheese Days) and a temporary Class B fermented malt beverage license for the Monroe Lions Club (Green County Fall Nationals Tractor Pull). Both resolutions passed 9-0. Discussion confirmed the Green County House location is the same building as Bullets. - Public Safety Committee – Stop Signs on 4th Street: Approved a resolution authorizing installation of stop signs and stop bars at 4th Street & 22nd Avenue and 4th Street & 25th Avenue. The stop bar was explained as a white line. The signs are permanent, not just during construction. Passed 9-0. - Public Safety Committee – Special Events: Approved three special events: (1) Monroe Rural Fire District pancake breakfast on October 4, 2026 (7–11 AM); (2) Green County Fall Nationals Tractor & Truck Pull on September 12, 2026 (8 AM–midnight) at the fairgrounds; (3) Green County House Inc. Huber Bock Run on September 19, 2026 (12:30–1:45 PM) on 13th Street and 14th Avenue. Passed 9-0. - Plan Commission – Certified Survey Map for Cheese Louise: Approved combining four parcels (905 30th Street, 1001 30th Street, and two others) for an expansion of the cheese operation (smoking/packaging, not cheese making). Alder Wartenweiler asked about water usage; Administrator Rindy noted no wastewater impact. Passed 9-0. - Plan Commission – Comprehensive Plan Amendment Public Participation Procedures: Adopted a formal public participation plan for amendments to the City’s Comprehensive Plan, triggered by a request from Wisconsin Power & Light (now Alliant Energy) to rezone a parcel adjacent to their substation from residential to light industrial for a substation expansion. The resolution initiates a 30-day public comment period; the actual zoning change and comp plan amendment will be considered in September. Alders discussed the need for full public disclosure of the proposal (substation expansion and storage yard relocation). Passed 9-0. - Judiciary and Ordinance Review Committee: Set public hearings for September 8, 2026, on (1) an ordinance repealing and recreating Monroe City Zoning Code Section 5-2 regarding in-home daycare, and (2) an ordinance zoning text amendment for signs in the Historic Preservation Overlay (HP-O). No vote on the ordinances themselves; only hearing dates were set. - Board of Public Works – Hydro Excavator Purchase: Approved purchase of a trailer-mounted hydro excavator from MacQueen for $72,250, funded from the capital budget moderate depreciation account. The equipment will assist in identifying unknown service lines (especially lead) by using high-pressure water and vacuum to safely expose pipes. City staff noted potential savings of $850 per service line identified in-house versus by contractor. Passed 9-0. Key Outcomes - All nine resolutions on the agenda passed unanimously (9-0). - Public hearings were scheduled for September 8, 2026, on zoning changes for in-home daycare and historic preservation signs. - The next Common Council meeting will be held on Tuesday, September 8, 2026 (no meeting on August 31 due to Labor Day). - Alder Franke reported that Concerts on the Square were successful; Alder Thoman noted a chamber golf outing on Wednesday and praised the new high school; Alder Sheaffer encouraged viewing the TID/TIF presentation from the August 12 Plan Commission meeting. - Administrator Rindy reminded that there will be no meetings the week of August 31 and thanked poll workers for the recent election. City Clerk Wahl also thanked election workers.

The City of Monroe Historic Preservation Commission met on August 12, 2026, at 1:00 PM in Council Chambers. Four members were present (Jordan Norby, Tom Mitchell, Corrine Wartenweiler, Mary Soddy); three were absent (Aaron Holverson, Donna Bahler, Jeff Maliszewski). The commission approved multiple facade grant applications and certificates of appropriateness, tabled a lighting proposal for further guideline development, denied a lighting component for one grant, and discussed member vacancies and sign code concerns. Grant Approvals and Certificates of Appropriateness - Patrick Doyle & Green County House Inc (1301 15th Ave): Facade grant approved unanimously. Certificate of Appropriateness (COA) approved unanimously. - Kran Enterprises, LLC (1606 11th St): Facade grant approved unanimously. COA approved unanimously. - Joe Hillary / Tenfold Properties, LLC (824 17th Ave): Facade grant approved unanimously. COA approved unanimously. - Monroe Art Center: Facade grant approved unanimously (second grant for building repairs). - All motions were made by Mary Soddy, seconded by Corrine Wartenweiler, and carried by unanimous voice vote. Discussion: Scott Thompson Lighting Proposal (1002 17th Ave) Scott Thompson and lighting specialist Nick Judge proposed installing permanent programmable LED lights on the building exterior (Thompson Tower). The lights could change colors for holidays, events, or causes. Commissioner Shannon (staff) noted that awning lighting is not permitted per code and that decorative lighting must be consistent with downtown character, not flashing, and not create glare. Discussion centered on establishing guidelines for color use, duration, and coordination with other properties. Thompson requested flexibility, offering a one-year trial period. The commission expressed concerns about precedent and enforcement. A motion to table the discussion until the next meeting (September 2026) to allow staff to develop a more formal plan and guidelines was made by Mary Soddy, seconded by Corrine Wartenweiler, and passed unanimously. Discussion: Alpine Investment & Properties Facade Grant Update (1505 9th St) The applicant sought to add landscape lighting to a previously approved facade grant. Commissioner Shannon stated lighting is not an eligible improvement under the grant program (exterior visible improvements like roof, windows, tuck pointing). The commission voted unanimously to deny the lighting component while the rest of the grant remains approved. Motion by Mary Soddy, seconded by Corrine Wartenweiler. Business by Members - Commission Vacancy: Member Donna Bahler is experiencing health issues and may resign. Members discussed suggesting Sharon Reese, wife of former commission member David Reese, as a potential replacement. The appointment is ultimately made by the mayor. - Sign Code Issue: Commissioner Jordan Norby raised a concern about awning signage regulations that limit lettering to 12 inches. Amy Campbell of Evolve Hair Salon is relocating and wants a new awning with her logo (which consists of lettering). The current code update (2019) restricts such lettering, which Norby argued is not business-friendly and inconsistent with some existing signs (e.g., Joanne's). Staff will review the code and consider possible paths, including an interpretation or amendment. The issue will be updated at the next meeting. - Grant Funding Update: Of the $400,000 city council allocation for the facade grant program, approximately $250,813 has been obligated, leaving under $150,000 for future requests. Staff will track applications to avoid over-commitment. Adjournment The meeting adjourned at 1:50 PM via unanimous voice vote (motion by Tom Mitchell, seconded by Mary Soddy).

The Monroe City Plan Commission met on Wednesday, August 12, 2026, at 5:00 PM in City Hall Council Chambers. Alder Matt Sheaffer chaired the meeting. Present were Commissioners Ron Spielman, Dave Wartenweiler, Jesse Duff, and Ron Markham; absent were Mayor Miller and Louis Armstrong. The meeting included a workshop on tax incremental financing, approval of a certified survey map, updates to the zoning code for in-home daycares, and adoption of a public participation plan for a comprehensive plan amendment. The meeting adjourned at 5:53 PM. Consent Calendar - The minutes of the July 8, 2026 meeting were approved as presented. Discussion Items - TID 101 Workshop: Greg Johnson from Ehlers presented an overview of Tax Incremental Financing (TIF) districts, covering how TIDs work, the 12% value limitation (Monroe at 6.21% as of 2026), types of TIDs, the "but for" test, and recent legislative changes including a new residential TID effective after October 1, 2026, focused on owner-occupied single-family or duplex workforce housing with strict eligibility requirements. Commissioners asked questions about minimum size, land acquisition restrictions, and affordable housing definitions. No action was taken; the presentation served as a reference for future TID proposals. - Certified Survey Map for Cheese Louise: Director of Public Works Al Gerber presented a request to combine four lots on the north side of 30th Street between 9th and 11th Avenues into one parcel for future development, leaving one separate lot for Mineral Engraving. The commission voted unanimously to approve and recommend the CSM to the Common Council. - Ordinance Repealing and Recreating Zoning Code 5-2 (In-Home Daycare): Administrator Rindy explained that state licensing now allows in-home daycares to serve up to 12 children (previously 8). The city code is being updated to align with state regulations, and the CMU district classification for in-home daycare is changed from conditional use to permitted use to avoid conflicts with state law. The commission voted unanimously to recommend approval to the Common Council. - Comprehensive Plan Amendment Public Participation Plan: Shannon Hayden from Vandewalle & Associates presented the first step for a comp plan amendment necessitated by a rezoning request inconsistent with the future land use map. The public participation plan outlines how public testimony will be collected, and it includes language allowing its use for future amendments. A public hearing is anticipated in September. The commission voted unanimously to adopt a resolution recommending the public participation plan to the Common Council for adoption. Key Outcomes - Vote 1: Motion to approve and recommend the Certified Survey Map for Cheese Louise passed unanimously (5-0). Next step: Common Council consideration. - Vote 2: Motion to approve and recommend the zoning code changes for in-home daycare passed unanimously (5-0). Next step: Common Council public hearing and action. - Vote 3: Motion to adopt the resolution recommending the Public Participation Plan for the Comprehensive Plan Amendment passed unanimously (5-0). Next step: Common Council adoption. - The meeting adjourned at 5:53 PM.

The City of Monroe Joint Review Board held its annual meeting on August 12, 2026, at 4:15 PM in City Hall Council Chambers. The board reviewed the annual PE-300 reports for the city's five active Tax Increment Districts (TIDs), elected a chairperson and public member, and approved a resolution acknowledging compliance with state reporting requirements. The meeting included detailed presentations by Greg Johnson of Ehler's on the financial status and projections for TIDs 7 through 11. Election of Chairperson and Public Member - The board unanimously reaffirmed Brittany Rindy (City Administrator) as Chairperson and Nick Owen (County Administrator) as the public member for the Joint Review Board. The motion was made and seconded, followed by a unanimous roll call vote (all ayes). Review of Annual PE-300 Reports and TID Performance - Greg Johnson of Ehler's presented an overview of each active TID, including cash flow models, incremental values, debt service, and projected closure dates. Key highlights: - TID 7 (downtown core): Projected to close early in 2030, with potential 2027 financing for street lighting and parking improvements. Utilities have been fully reimbursed for past debt service. - TID 8: Existing debt service until 2034; projected to close in 2032, two years early, even without additional development. - TID 9 (includes Haven Hills subdivision): Projected to close in 2038, with projected additional incremental value from 7 duplexes and 15 homes (2026–2028). The cash flow model includes an illustrative $2.4 million in additional infrastructure financing. - TID 10: No existing debt; projected to close in 2030 even with planned 18th Avenue improvements (currently in design phase, eligible for state aid). - TID 11: No existing debt; projected to close in 2042 with up to $3.4 million in future infrastructure. City Administrator noted that the original development agreement with Monroe Truck has not materialized, and the board may need to discuss the district's continuation in the next 1–2 years. - Brittany Rindy also noted that TID 12 (not subject to annual reporting) has seen significant city investment and a developer agreement, with value expected to materialize over time. Approval of Resolution Acknowledging Annual Reports - The board unanimously approved a resolution acknowledging the filing of the annual PE-300 reports for TIDs 7–11 and confirming compliance with the annual meeting requirement under Wis. Stat. 66.1105(4m)(f). Roll call vote: all yes. Key Outcomes - Elected Brittany Rindy as Chair and Nick Owen as public member (unanimous). - Approved the resolution acknowledging annual reports and meeting compliance (unanimous). - Adjourned at approximately [time not specified in transcript].

The Salary and Personnel Committee of Monroe, Wisconsin, met on August 10, 2026, at 5:35 PM in City Hall Council Chambers. The sole business item was a request to hire a streets maintenance worker who is a first cousin of a current city employee, requiring review under the city's nepotism policy. The committee approved the hire unanimously (2‑0), with two members absent. Discussion Items - Hiring of Streets Maintenance Worker per Nepotism Policy: Streets Supervisor Lucas Neuenschwander presented the request to fill a vacancy. He noted the candidate is a first cousin of a current employee, but neither would be in a direct supervisory relationship with the other; they would work side‑by‑side. The committee discussed the situation and determined the hire complied with policy. Key Outcomes - Motion to approve hiring: A motion was made by Alder Vestin, seconded by Alder Wartenweiler, to approve hiring the streets maintenance worker per the nepotism policy. The motion passed 2‑0 (Corinne Wartenweiler and Christopher Vestin voting aye; Craig Franke and Heidi Treuthardt absent; no nays or abstentions). - Adjournment: The meeting adjourned at 5:37 PM following a unanimous vote.

The Finance and Taxation Committee met on August 10, 2026, at 5:40 PM in City Hall Council Chambers. The primary discussion centered on the CVMIC auto insurance premium renewal options for 2027. Discussion Items - CVMIC Auto Insurance Premium Renewal: City Administrator Rindi presented renewal options from the Cities and Villages Mutual Insurance Company (CVMIC). The renewal calculation is based on a three-year claims history and loss ratios. The city has a low number of claims (five over three years) and a favorable loss ratio, resulting in relatively modest premium increases compared to other municipalities. The current deductible is $2,500. Two options were presented: maintaining the $2,500 deductible with a premium increase to approximately $54,000 (a nearly $4,000 increase), or increasing the deductible to $5,000, which would result in a lower premium. Discussion included the historical context of deductibles (previously set at $5,000 but moved back to $2,500 around 2020 due to operational budget impacts from smaller claims). Committee members expressed mixed views, with some open to the higher deductible to save money and others preferring to maintain the current deductible and negotiate for a premium reduction. A motion was made to select option 2 (the $5,000 deductible) for the 2027 premium estimate. Key Outcomes - Motion Approved: The committee voted 3-0 to adopt the 2027 premium estimate with option 2 (increasing the deductible to $5,000). The motion was made by Alder Schaefer and seconded. Roll call: Alder Tolman, Alder Schaefer, and Alder McGuire voted aye. No other votes recorded. - Closed Session: The committee then moved to closed session under Wisconsin State Statute 19.85(1)(e) to discuss the sale of city property on 21st Street via land contract. The motion to enter closed session passed unanimously. The meeting adjourned from closed session. Note: No public comments were received. The consent calendar was not applicable as the minutes from July 27, 2026 were accepted as presented without correction.

The Public Safety Committee of the City of Monroe met on Monday, August 10, 2026, at 5:15 PM in Council Chambers, 1110 18th Avenue. The meeting was called to order and roll call showed members Matt Sheaffer, Corinne Wartenweiler, Darlene Voelkl, and Dave Mosher present. The committee unanimously approved five items to recommend to the Common Council, covering event permits, traffic safety equipment, and stop sign installation. The meeting adjourned at 5:26 PM. Consent Calendar - Minutes Approval: The minutes from the July 27, 2026 meeting were approved as presented unanimously. Discussion Items C.1 – Monroe Rural Fire District Pancake Breakfast Event The committee discussed the annual pancake breakfast fundraiser scheduled for Sunday, October 4, 2026, from 7:00 AM to noon. The event will shuttle attendees from the Swiss Colony parking lot. No objections from police or fire departments were noted. A motion to approve and recommend to the Common Council passed unanimously (4-0). C.2 – Green County Fall Nationals Tractor/Truck Pull Special Event This annual event will occur on Saturday, September 12, 2026, with activities ending at 11:59 PM. Street closures were coordinated with police and fire departments without issues. The committee approved the event recommendation unanimously (4-0). C.3 – Green County House’s Huber Bock Run Event The Huber Bock Run, a semi-annual event tied to Cheese Days, will take place on Saturday, September 19, 2026, from 12:30 PM to 1:45 PM. The event requires a road closure. The committee approved the recommendation unanimously (4-0). C.4 – Purchase and Installation of Radar Feedback Signs DPW Al Gerber presented a proposal to purchase two radar feedback signs for the Northside School area due to excessive speeding identified through stealth radar readings. The signs, costing a total of $11,927, will be placed on 32nd Avenue and 31st Avenue. They are portable, solar-powered, Bluetooth-compatible, and programmable with messages such as "Slow Down" or a smiley face. The committee discussed their effectiveness and ability to record speed data for enforcement. A motion to approve the purchase and recommend to council passed unanimously (4-0). C.5 – Addition of Stop Signs on 4th Street Due to New Road Construction New road construction on 4th Street from 22nd to 25th Avenue prompted the need for stop control. The proposal includes stop signs on the west and east sides at 22nd Avenue (southbound stop, eastbound and westbound stop) to slow traffic and protect pedestrians. The committee approved the recommendation unanimously (4-0). Key Outcomes - All five agenda items were approved by the committee with unanimous 4-0 votes and will be forwarded to the Common Council for final action. - The meeting was adjourned at 5:26 PM.