The Public Safety Committee of the City of Monroe met on Monday, July 27, 2026 at 4:45 PM in Council Chambers. All members were present except Darlene Voelkl. The committee discussed three main agenda items: a review of 2027 special event fees and structure, proposed school zone and no-parking regulations near the new high school and Northside Elementary, and a proposed no-parking zone at Abraham Lincoln Elementary. Two recommendations were approved unanimously for forwarding to the Common Council. Consent Calendar - Minutes Approval: The minutes from July 13, 2026 were accepted as presented without correction. Discussion Items - C1: Discussion Regarding 2027 Special Event Fees and Structure – City Administrator Rindy presented a memorandum summarizing the history and current fee structure for special events (effective since January 2024). Fees are based on event duration (one-day vs. multi-day), alcohol inclusion, street closures, and staff hours. Rindy noted that current fees do not fully recover city costs. Comparables from other communities were provided, but fee structures vary widely. The committee discussed the balance between cost recovery and encouraging community events, noting that many event organizers are non-profits. Alder Mosher asked about resistance to fee increases; Rindy acknowledged some complaints but emphasized the benefits of events. Alder Sheaffer expressed a preference to keep fees minimal as a service to the community. The committee did not vote to change the fee structure but agreed to continue with the current fees and revisit as part of the budget process through Finance & Taxation and Council. No formal recommendation was made. - C2: Discussion and Possible Recommendation for School Zone Regulations in the Northside Elementary School and New High School Area – Public Works Director Al Gerber presented proposed modifications developed with the school district. Proposals included: a 15 mph school zone on Cheesemaker Drive from 32nd Avenue to 8.5 Street; extending the school zone on 8.5 Street from 27th to 28th Street; extending school zones on 29th and 30th Avenues to full blocks; a westbound stop at 32nd Avenue and 8.5 Street; east- and westbound stop control at 30th Avenue and 10th Street; and a no-parking zone on the east side of 30th Avenue from 8.5 to 10th Street. Gerber also mentioned potential future additions of solar-powered radar speed signs or speed bumps. Alder Wartenweiler expressed 100% support, citing a personal incident where a grandchild was hit by a car. Alder Sheaffer stated he favored a conservative, safety-minded approach and supported the proposals. A motion to approve the recommendations and forward to Common Council passed 3-0 (Sheaffer, Wartenweiler, Mosher all in favor; Voelkl absent). - C3: Discussion and Possible Recommendation for a No Parking Zone at Abraham Lincoln Elementary School – Director Gerber reviewed a proposal to establish a no-parking, no-stopping, no-standing zone on the south side of 26th Street from 13th Avenue to the driveway, developed with the school resource officer and bus company to improve visibility and safety during bus pick-up/drop-off. Currently a 15-minute parking zone exists in that area. The committee supported the measure. A motion to approve and recommend to Common Council passed 3-0 (same vote). Key Outcomes - Vote on School Zone Regulations (C2): Recommendation to Common Council passed 3-0 in favor. - Vote on No Parking Zone at Abraham Lincoln (C3): Recommendation to Common Council passed 3-0 in favor. - Special Event Fees (C1): No formal action taken; discussion only. The committee expressed comfort with the current fee structure and will revisit during the budget process. - Adjournment: Motion to adjourn at 5:08 PM passed 3-0.
