Public Meetings - Monroe, Wisconsin

A special meeting of the Monroe Common Council was called to order at 4:55 PM on Monday, August 10, 2026, in City Hall Council Chambers. The council considered one agenda item from the Public Safety Committee: a resolution establishing school zones, stop control, and parking restrictions in the vicinity of Northside Elementary and the new Monroe High Schools. The item had been tabled at the previous council meeting. After discussion, the council approved the resolution 7-0 and adjourned at 5:11 PM. Discussion Items - Staff background and recommendation: Administrator Rindy said staff from Public Works and Public Safety had discussed the proposal after it was tabled. Staff recommended conducting a traffic study before adopting a 15 mph all-day speed limit, noting that a school-zone sign with when-children-present enforcement cannot be paired with a permanent 15 mph speed limit. Rindy cited the 15 mph zone on 22nd Avenue as a precedent that followed a traffic study and cautioned about consistency with other school zones in the city. - Traffic and signage review: Al Gerber reviewed traffic patterns, school-zone flashing beacons, and parking configurations at other schools. Flashing beacons can be timed only for school hours, while the signs proposed for this area would not have flashing beacons. He also discussed reusing signs from the former high school at the new school. - Council discussion: Alder Mosher and other council members raised concerns about permanent 15 mph limits, enforcement, and the need for consistency across school zones. Council members noted that the proposed signage was ready to install before the school year, while a traffic study would take additional time. They agreed to proceed with the proposed signage and to consider a future study if needed. Alder Mosher said he was satisfied with the new information and that the council should act now. - Old high school zones: Discussion noted that signs from the old high school area were being relocated or removed; once signs are removed, tickets cannot be enforced in those zones. The council indicated that formal action may be needed later to clean up or rescind the old school-zone designations, and staff would bring recommendations to committee. Key Outcomes - Approval of Resolution (7-0): The council voted 7-0 to approve the resolution establishing school zones, stop control, and parking restrictions near Northside Elementary and the new Monroe High Schools. Voting aye: Richard Thoman, Corinne Wartenweiler, Matt Sheaffer, Dylan McGuire, Christopher Vestin, Darlene Voelkli, and Dave Mosher. Noes: none. The vote record lists absent as Heidi Treuthardt and Craig Franke, and no abstentions. The minutes also list Tom Miller as absent at roll call but do not list him among absent voters; they also record Franke as the original seconder despite his absence at the vote. - Next steps: The approved signage is to be installed before the start of the school year. The council may conduct a traffic study later if needed.

The License Committee met on Monday, August 10, 2026, at 4:45 PM in Council Chambers. Present were Chair Christopher Vestin, Richard Thoman, and Darlene Voelkli; Dave Mosher was absent. The committee reviewed two beer garden applications and unanimously approved both, recommending them to the Common Council. Consent Calendar - The minutes from June 22, 2026, were accepted as presented. Discussion Items Green County House's Beer Garden Application The committee discussed an application from Green County House Inc. to extend their premises onto the north side of their property, blocking off the road for a beer garden during Cheese Days. The setup is consistent with previous years. A motion by Voelkli, seconded by Thoman, to approve and recommend to the Common Council passed 3-0. Monroe Lions Club Temporary Class B License and Beer Garden Application The committee considered the Monroe Lions Club’s application for a temporary Class B license and beer garden in conjunction with the Green County Fall Nationals Tractor Pull event on September 12–13, 2026. The event runs from 11 a.m. to 1 a.m. the following day, with alcohol service in the grandstands. This is an annual renewal with no changes. A motion by Voelkli, seconded by Thoman, to approve and recommend to the Common Council passed 3-0. Key Outcomes - Both applications approved unanimously (3-0) and recommended to the Common Council. - Meeting adjourned at 4:48 PM.

The Monroe Common Council convened on Monday, August 3, 2026, at 6:32 PM in City Hall Council Chambers, with Mayor Tom Miller presiding. The meeting featured the presentation of a proclamation celebrating the grand opening of the Eugene Hotel, the approval of several consent items, and a tabled resolution concerning school zone speed limits. The meeting adjourned at 7:11 PM. Consent Calendar - Miscellaneous Licenses and Claims List were approved unanimously (8‑0). Business by Mayor – Eugene Hotel Grand Opening - Mayor Miller opened with thanks to the Street Department for a recent tour and reported that Police Chief Foltz is addressing e‑bike and scooter safety through education and enforcement. - Chris Soukup, representing the Eugene Hotel, described the hotel’s reopening on the previous Friday and expressed appreciation for the City’s financial and logistical support. He noted that the project required extensive structural rebuilding and would not have been possible without public‑private partnerships. An open house and ribbon‑cutting ceremony are scheduled for August 19, 2026, at noon, which also marks the 101st anniversary of the hotel’s original opening in 1925. - Mayor Miller read a formal proclamation declaring August 3, 2026, as the occasion of the Eugene Hotel grand opening and presented it to Mr. Soukup. Council members voiced strong support for the project and its positive impact on downtown revitalization. Discussion Items - Resolution Establishing School Zones, Stop Control, and Parking Restrictions near Northside Elementary and the new Monroe High School (Item I.1) Alder Mosher proposed making the 15 mph speed limit permanent rather than limited to school hours. Council debated enforcement challenges, sign language (e.g., “when flashing” vs. “when children present”), and the absence of Public Works Director Al Gerber. Ultimately, a motion to table the resolution to a special council meeting on Monday, August 10, 2026, passed 7‑1 (only Alder Mosher dissenting). The item will be revisited after the Public Safety Committee meeting that same evening. - Resolution Establishing a No Parking, No Stopping, or Standing Zone on 26th Street adjacent to Abraham Lincoln Elementary School (Item I.2) This resolution converts an existing 15‑minute parking zone on the south side of 26th Street to a year‑round no‑parking/no‑stopping/no‑standing zone for student safety. The motion carried 8‑0. - Resolution Approving the Athletic Field Maintenance Agreement between the City and the School District of Monroe (Item J.1) The agreement covers the period from January 1, 2027 through December 31, 2027, for the high school baseball and softball complex. The motion passed 8‑0. Other Business - Special Committee Report – Civility and Robert’s Rules Training Alders Mosher and Voelkli reported on a training they attended in Madison. They highlighted the rule that abstention from a vote requires abstention from discussion, and encouraged council members and staff to be visible in the community. - Administrative Reminders Administrator Rindy noted that August has five Mondays; therefore, no regular council or committee meetings will be held during the week of August 31, 2026. City Clerk Wahl reminded the council that the partisan primary election would take place on Tuesday, August 11, 2026. Key Outcomes - Consent Agenda approved 8‑0. - School Zone Resolution (I.1) tabled by a 7‑1 vote; a special council meeting is set for August 10, 2026, to reconsider. - Abraham Lincoln No‑Parking Zone (I.2) approved 8‑0. - Athletic Field Maintenance Agreement (J.1) approved 8‑0. - Meeting adjourned at 7:11 PM.

The Monroe Police and Fire Commission met on Wednesday, July 29, 2026, at 2:30 PM in the City Hall Council Chambers, 1110 18th Ave. Commissioners Amanda Fields, Jerry Guth, and Jacob Gardner were present, constituting a quorum; Robin McLeish and Dave Deininger were absent. The commission approved minutes, recognized a new police captain, entered closed session to review firefighter candidate qualifications, and unanimously approved an eligibility list for hiring firefighters. Call to Order, Roll Call, and Minutes Approval - The meeting was called to order at 2:30 PM and the roll was taken. - A motion to approve the July 1, 2026 minutes was made by Jacob Gardner, seconded by Amanda Fields, and passed unanimously on a roll call vote. Recognition of Noah Vig's Promotion to Police Captain - Police Chief Foltz introduced Captain Noah Vig, selected for the captain position with commission guidance, who began duties on July 20, 2026. - Chief Foltz noted Vig earned a bachelor's degree from UW Madison, joined the police department in 2002, was promoted to corporal in 2006, and served as patrol sergeant for second shift since 2013. - The chief described second shift as the busiest shift and said Vig's experience brings valuable leadership to the department. - Captain Vig expressed gratitude for the opportunity and said he looked forward to working with Chief Foltz on department goals. Closed Session - At 2:34 PM, the commission voted unanimously to enter closed session under Wis. Stat. §19.85(1)(c) to discuss firefighter candidate qualifications and the potential establishment of an eligibility-to-hire list. - The commission returned to open session at 3:25 PM on a unanimous voice vote. No details of the closed-session discussion were disclosed in the open meeting. Approval of Firefighter Eligibility List - Following the closed session, Amanda Fields moved to add Collin Nack, Clay Spooner, and Austin Wood to the eligibility list for hiring firefighters; Jacob Gardner seconded. - The motion passed unanimously on a roll call vote. Key Outcomes - Approved July 1, 2026 meeting minutes (unanimous roll call). - Recognized Noah Vig's promotion to Police Captain. - Approved the firefighter eligibility list containing Collin Nack, Clay Spooner, and Austin Wood (unanimous roll call). - Adjourned at 3:27 PM on a unanimous voice vote.

The City of Monroe Police and Fire Commission met on Wednesday, July 29, 2026, at 2:30 PM in City Hall Council Chambers. Commissioners Amanda Fields, Jerry Guth, and Jacob Gardner were present; Robin McLeish and Dave Deininger were absent. The commission approved prior meeting minutes, recognized a police promotion, held a closed session to discuss firefighter candidate qualifications, and authorized a firefighter hiring eligibility list. Consent Calendar - The commission unanimously approved the minutes of the July 1, 2026 meeting. The motion was made by Jacob Gardner, seconded by Amanda Fields, and passed by roll-call vote. Discussion Items - Police Promotion: Chief Foltz recognized Noah Vig’s promotion to Police Captain. Captain Vig addressed the commission. - Closed Session: At 2:34 PM, the commission voted unanimously to enter closed session under Wis. Stat. §19.85(1)(c) to discuss firefighter candidate qualifications and the potential establishment of an eligibility-to-hire list. The commission returned to open session at 3:25 PM. Key Outcomes - Firefighter Eligibility List: The commission unanimously approved adding Collin Nack, Clay Spooner, and Austin Wood to the firefighter hiring eligibility list. The motion was made by Amanda Fields, seconded by Jacob Gardner, and passed by roll-call vote with all present commissioners voting aye. - Adjournment: The meeting adjourned at 3:27 PM. Record Discrepancies - The official minutes spell the approved candidates as Collin Nack, Clay Spooner, and Austin Wood, but the raw transcript refers to “Colin Knack” and “Austin Woods.” The transcript also renders Commissioner Jerry Guth’s name as “Jerry Gooth.” In addition, the transcript only captures the eligibility-list vote and adjournment, omitting the promotion recognition and closed-session portions recorded in the minutes.

The City of Monroe Salary and Personnel Committee met on Monday, July 27, 2026, at 5:44 PM in City Hall Council Chambers. The meeting included a closed session to discuss negotiation strategy for the Wisconsin Professional Police Association (WPPA) contract renewal, followed by an open session to authorize staff to begin negotiations. All three present members (Heidi Treuthardt, Corrine Wartenweiler, Christopher Vestin) voted unanimously on all actions; Craig Franke was absent. Consent Calendar - Correction of Minutes – July 13, 2026: The minutes from the previous meeting were accepted as presented without discussion. Discussion Items - Closed Session (5:45 PM – 5:57 PM): Under Wis. Stat. 19.85(1)(e), the committee entered closed session for deliberation regarding negotiation strategy for the WPPA contract renewal. A motion by Wartenweiler, seconded by Vestin, passed 3-0 to enter closed session. A subsequent motion by Wartenweiler, seconded by Vestin, passed 3-0 to return to open session. - Open Session – Authorization of WPPA Union Negotiations: Following closed session, a motion was made to authorize City Administrator Rindy to lead negotiations with the WPPA on behalf of the City of Monroe. The motion passed 3-0. Key Outcomes - Authorized Negotiations: The committee voted 3-0 to authorize City Administrator Rindy to begin negotiations with the Wisconsin Professional Police Association (WPPA) for the contract renewal. No opposition or abstentions were recorded. The committee adjourned at 5:58 PM.

The Salary & Personnel Committee met on Monday, July 27, 2026, at 5:44 PM in the City Hall Council Chambers. Members present were Heidi Treuthardt, Corrine Wartenweiler, and Christopher Vestin. Craig Franke was absent. Consent Calendar - Approved the minutes from the July 13, 2026 meeting as presented. Discussion Items - The committee entered closed session at 5:45 PM under Wis. Stat. §19.85(1)(e) to discuss negotiation strategy for the Wisconsin Professional Police Association (WPPA) contract renewal. The motion passed 3-0. - After returning from closed session at 5:57 PM, the committee discussed and considered authorizing staff to begin WPPA union negotiations. Key Outcomes - The committee unanimously (3-0) authorized City Administrator Rindy to lead negotiations with the WPPA on behalf of the City of Monroe. - The meeting adjourned at 5:58 PM.

The Finance and Taxation Committee of the City of Monroe met on Monday, July 27, 2026, at 5:32 PM in City Hall Council Chambers. The meeting included a closed session to consider a notice of claim, followed by an open session where the committee voted to deny the claim. A committee member also suggested including funding for an ATV trail crossing in the city's capital improvement plan. Consent Calendar - Minutes: The minutes from the July 13, 2026 meeting were approved as presented. Public Comments & Testimony - None. Discussion Items - Closed Session (C.1): The committee entered closed session at 5:34 PM under Wis. Stat. § 19.85(1)(e) to deliberate on a notice of claim submitted to the City of Monroe. The motion passed 4-0 (Treuthardt, Thoman, Sheaffer, McGuire). The committee returned to open session at 5:40 PM by a 4-0 vote. - Open Session (D.1): The committee discussed the notice of claim submitted by China Yates. After deliberation, a motion was made to deny the claim. The motion passed 4-0 (Treuthardt, Thoman, Sheaffer, McGuire). - Member Business (E): Alder Thoman suggested that as the committee begins budget review, it should consider including funding for an ATV in the city's capital improvement plan. He noted that the ATV trail is closed from Monroe to South Wayne due to a crossing issue over the Pecatonica River, which has negatively affected local businesses on weekends. Key Outcomes - Approval of Minutes: The July 13, 2026 minutes were approved unanimously. - Closed Session: The committee voted 4-0 to enter and later exit closed session to discuss the notice of claim. - Claim Denial: The committee voted 4-0 to deny the claim from China Yates against the City of Monroe. This recommendation will be forwarded to the Common Council. - Budget Suggestion: Alder Thoman's suggestion to consider ATV trail funding in the capital improvement plan was noted for future budget discussions. - Adjournment: The committee adjourned at 5:42 PM by a 4-0 vote.

The Judiciary and Ordinance Review Committee met on Monday, July 27, 2026, at 5:15 PM in the City Hall Council Chambers. The meeting was called to order with a quorum present (Alders McGuire, True Hart, and Vestine; Alder Frankie absent). The committee discussed two items: updating the zoning code for in-home daycare capacity to align with state regulations, and a zoning text amendment to allow certain projecting signs in the Historic Preservation Overlay district. Both items were voted unanimously to be recommended to the Common Council. Approval of Minutes - The minutes from the June 8, 2026 meeting were approved as presented with no corrections. Discussion Items - C.1 – In-Home Daycare Capacity: Administrator Rindy introduced a proposal to amend the zoning code definition of in-home daycare from allowing 4–8 children to up to 12 children, mirroring the state’s new regulations effective August 1, 2026. The change applies to residential districts and requires no additional local restrictions beyond state licensing. A committee member suggested wording to automatically follow future state changes, but the recommendation was to keep the simpler approach of specifying the number. The motion to recommend the ordinance to Common Council passed 3–0. - C.2 – Historic Preservation Overlay Signs: Administrator Rindy explained that after nearly a year of plan commission review, a zoning text amendment is proposed to allow projecting signs (blade signs) in the Historic Preservation Overlay (HP-O) district, subject to conditions: the sign must be historical in nature (with proof of prior existence), project no more than 6 feet into the yard or right-of-way, maintain clearance from sidewalks and driveways, and not exceed 70 square feet. Additionally, a conditional use permit is required, requiring approval from the Historic Preservation Committee and a public hearing before the Plan Commission. Existing non-conforming signs (e.g., at Amy's Corner Cafe, Monroe Glass) could be replaced under this amendment. The motion to recommend to Common Council passed 3–0. Key Outcomes - The committee voted unanimously (3–0) to recommend the zoning code amendment for in-home daycare to the Common Council. The public hearing is expected to be set for the first Common Council meeting in September 2026, following Plan Commission recommendation on August 12. - The committee voted unanimously (3–0) to recommend the zoning text amendment for projecting signs in the Historic Preservation Overlay to the Common Council, which will also require a public hearing. - The meeting adjourned after completing the agenda.