The Monroe Common Council met on Monday, June 15, 2026 at 6:30 PM in City Hall Council Chambers. The meeting included the retirement recognition of Police Chief Fred Kelley (46 years of service), the swearing-in of new Police Chief Nathan Foltz, mayoral committee appointments, approval of the annual liquor licenses, the July 4th celebration special event, zoning changes, two extraterritorial certified survey maps, setting of four public hearings for July 6, 2026, a contract award for Fire Station 2 roof replacement, a municipal finance presentation, a resolution of intent to reimburse expenditures (amended to $60 million), and awarding the lead service line replacement contract to E&N Hughes Company for $1,022,000. All votes passed 8-0 unless noted, with Alder Dave Mosher absent. Alder Craig Franke abstained on the liquor license resolution. Consent Calendar - Miscellaneous Licenses and Claims List: Approved unanimously (8-0). Public Comments & Testimony - No members of the public appeared. Discussion Items - Retirement Recognition - Chief Fred Kelley: Mayor Miller and Administrator Rindy honored Chief Kelley for 46 years of service. A resolution recognizing his contributions was approved (8-0). - Swearing-In of Chief Nathan Foltz: Clerk Wahl administered the oath. Chief Foltz thanked Chief Kelley, the police department, his family, and the community. - Mayoral Appointments: Mayor Miller announced committee assignments following Alder Mosher's appointment. Changes included moving Alder Vestin to the Airport Board and Alder Franke to the Chamber of Commerce, replaced by Alder Mosher. Approved (8-0). - Annual Liquor & Fermented Malt Beverage Licenses: Resolution granting licenses for the year July 1, 2026 – June 30, 2027. Approved 7-0 (Alder Franke abstained). - July 4th Celebration Special Event: Parks & Recreation event on July 4, 2026 at Twining Park, including beer sales from 11:30 AM to 2:30 PM. Approved (8-0). - Zoning Change – Haven Hills Estates: Rezoning Lots 5-12 from MR-15 to TR-10, consistent with the comprehensive plan. Approved (8-0). - Extraterritorial Certified Survey Map – Evan Lemenager (GL Farm Land LLC): For land 1.5 miles south of city limits in Town of Clarno. Approved (8-0). - Extraterritorial Certified Survey Map – Mike Lambert (Rust and Timber, LLC): For land 1.5 miles within Town of Monroe. Approved (8-0). - Public Hearings Set for July 6, 2026: Four ordinances were scheduled for public hearing: Animal noise (Section 9-1-11), Council vacancies/terms (Charter Ordinance 1-5-12), Vaping ordinance, and Landscape Surface Ratio in Light Industrial district. - Fire Station 2 Roof Replacement: Contract awarded to Fundamental Designs for $173,000, funded by 2026 capital bonds. Discussion noted the roof was over 20 years old. Approved (8-0). - Municipal Financing 101 Presentation: Eric Davidson of Bauman Associates provided an overview of governmental accounting, fund types, levy limits, shared revenue, and fund balance policies. Council requested historical trends on shared revenue percentages. - Resolution Declaring Official Intent to Reimburse Expenditures: Administrator Rindy proposed amending the resolution to increase the expected reimbursement ceiling from $50 million to $60 million to safely cover potential project costs (range $37–60 million). The amendment passed 8-0, then the resolution as amended passed 8-0. - Lead Service Line Contract Award: Contract awarded to E&N Hughes Company for $1,022,000, funded by a federal grant (Congressional spending grant from Senator Baldwin's office). The grant requires a $200,000 city match. The project will replace both public and private lead services on targeted streets. Mike Kennison noted the city needs a hydro-excavator ($75,000) to conduct investigations; an update on that equipment is expected within a month. All lead services must be replaced by 2037 per EPA. Approved (8-0). Key Outcomes - Retirement Resolution for Chief Fred Kelley: Approved (8-0). - Appointment of Police Chief Nathan Foltz: Sworn in. - Mayoral Committee Appointments: Approved (8-0). - Annual Liquor Licenses: Approved (7-0-1). - July 4th Special Event Permit: Approved (8-0). - Zoning Change (Haven Hills): Ordinance adopted, effective upon publication June 16, 2026. - Two Extraterritorial CSMs: Approved. - Four Public Hearings Set: July 6, 2026. - Fire Station 2 Roof Replacement Contract: Awarded to Fundamental Designs, $173,000. - Reimbursement Resolution: Amended to $60 million and approved. - Lead Service Line Contract: Awarded to E&N Hughes Company, $1,022,000. - Meeting Adjourned: 8:00 PM.
Public Meetings - Monroe, Wisconsin
Public Meetings - Monroe, WisconsinThe City of Monroe Historic Preservation Commission met on Wednesday, June 10, 2026, at 1:01 PM in Council Chambers, 1110 18th Avenue (agenda listed 1:00 PM). Present were Corrine Wartenweiler, Jordan Norby, Tom Mitchell, Aaron Holverson, and Mary Soddy; Donna Bahler and Jeff Maliszewski were absent. The commission approved four Certificates of Appropriateness, two facade grant actions, and heard a presentation on sign approval procedures. The meeting adjourned at 1:38 PM. Consent Calendar - The May 13, 2026 minutes were approved as presented. - Approved a Certificate of Appropriateness for Rick Maliszewski at 910 17th Avenue to replace the shingle facade with maintenance-free metal siding while keeping the current black look. Motion by Mary Soddy, second by Corinne Wartenweiler; unanimous voice vote. - Approved a Certificate of Appropriateness for Urban Spa & Boutique at 1609 10th Street for a black sign with white print reading 'boutique' above the awning. A separate sign permit will go through the Zoning Administrator. Motion by Mary Soddy, second by Aaron Holverson; unanimous voice vote. - Approved a Certificate of Appropriateness for Chocolate Temptations at 1004 17th Avenue for roof work related to a previously approved facade grant. Motion by Aaron Holverson, second by Mary Soddy; unanimous voice vote. During discussion, commission members noted the building’s rooftop arch had been removed during the rubber roof replacement; a State Historic Preservation contact considered the arch original and recommended reinstallation, but the commission had not yet heard whether the applicant would do so. - Approved a Certificate of Appropriateness for Mark Jacobson at 1118 17th Avenue after his facade grant had been approved. Motion by Mary Soddy, second by Corinne Wartenweiler; unanimous voice vote. Discussion Items - Facade Grant – 1502 11th Street (Schardt Orthodontics): The commission discussed the roofing project, described as similar to Chocolate Temptations. Motion by Aaron Holverson, second by Mary Soddy to approve the facade grant application; passed on voice vote. - Facade Grant Updated Quotes – 1505 9th Street (Monroe Chamber Building): Commissioners reviewed updated quotes after requesting two quotes per project component. The original application included a $16,327 quote from Neff Paints and a $69,361 quote from True Home; updated quotes discussed included PHD Renovations at $67,500 for roofing/gutters and painting quotes from Neff Paints and CGR Painting. There was discussion about whether the roofing quotes were truly comparable and about using the lower quote because the grant is a 50% match. Motion by Aaron Holverson, second by Mary Soddy to approve the facade grant using the Neff Paints and PHD Renovations quotes; passed on voice vote. - Sign Approval Process Presentation: Shannon Haydin of Vandewalle & Associates explained zoning review procedures in the Historic Preservation Overlay District. She outlined three project tiers—renovation review, design alteration review, and project review—and said that, for consistency and transparency, she would bring all applications she has authority to review to the Historic Preservation Commission. She described how pre-existing non-conforming signs can be maintained by changing the sign face if there is no structural alteration or land-use change, while structural alteration or relocation requires full compliance with Chapter 9 (signs) and Chapter 7 (historic preservation). She also noted that certain temporary signs—window signs, feather signs, inflatable signs—do not require permits; window signs are limited to 25% of window area but the code does not limit the number of window signs. In response to a question, she confirmed that a sign must be for the business on the property; an off-premises sign would face significant restrictions. - Member Business: Commissioners discussed the collaborative review process and window-sign color recommendations, with one member suggesting muted, historic colors rather than bright colors. It was noted that the historic palette is recommended but not required. A question about the staffing agency at 1024 17th Avenue was resolved: the window clings had initially been too large, so staff measured the windows and told the business the allowable square footage, and the resubmitted design was compliant. Key Outcomes - All four Certificates of Appropriateness were approved unanimously. - The facade grant for 1502 11th Street was approved. - The facade grant for 1505 9th Street was approved using quotes from Neff Paints and PHD Renovations. - The commission will review all sign and renovation applications that the Zoning Administrator has authority to approve. - Adjourned at 1:38 PM by unanimous voice vote.
The Monroe City Plan Commission met on Wednesday, June 10, 2026, at 5:00 PM in City Hall Council Chambers. All seven members were present (Mayor Miller, Alder Shaeffer, Ron Spielman, Dave Wartenweiler, Jesse Duff, Louis Armstrong, and Ron Markham). The meeting was called to order and the minutes from May 14, 2026 were approved as presented. The commission held public hearings on three items and took unanimous actions on all agenda items. Correction of Minutes - The minutes of the May 14, 2026 meeting were approved as presented. Extraterritorial Certified Survey Map – Evan Lemenager (GL Farm Land LLC) - DPW Al Gerber reviewed the CSM for a 0.07-acre parcel at the intersection of Bethel and Franklin Road, part of a 220-acre farm. No issues with future road layouts were identified. The commission unanimously approved and recommended the CSM to the Common Council. Extraterritorial Certified Survey Map – Mike Lambert (Rust and Timber, LLC) - DPW Al Gerber reviewed the CSM for a property near the industrial park at the southwest corner of an intersection. The applicant noted that a county permit for a second access driveway (800 feet from the intersection) had been approved. The commission unanimously approved and recommended the CSM. Public Hearing and Zoning Change – Haven Hills Estates Lots 5-12 (MR-15 to TR-10) - A public hearing was opened; no one spoke, and it was closed. Administrator Rindy and Shannon Haydin explained that the rezoning from MR-15 to TR-10 would allow one- and two-family residential development, including duplexes. One existing duplex that was non-compliant under MR-15 would become compliant. The change is consistent with the comprehensive plan. The commission unanimously recommended the ordinance to the Common Council. Public Hearing and Ordinance – Landscape Surface Ratio in Light Industrial Zone (LI) - A public hearing was held with no public comment. Administrator Rindy clarified that this was a correction to the LI zoning: the minimum landscape surface ratio had been incorrectly set at 80% and was intended to be 20%. The commission unanimously recommended the ordinance to the Common Council. Public Hearing and Ordinance – Historic Preservation Overlay Sign Text Amendment - A public hearing was held with no public comment. Administrator Rindy and Shannon Haydin presented a proposed ordinance to allow projecting signs and historic sign replication in the HP-O district. Discussion focused on two points: - Definition of historic signs: The commission agreed to retain the standard of “at least 50 years old” rather than adopting a specific cutoff date (e.g., 1970). This aligns with typical historic preservation definitions. - Lighting: The commission decided to keep existing lighting standards unchanged, allowing lighting to be reviewed through the Conditional Use Permit (CUP) process on a case-by-case basis, including potential internal lighting. - The commission unanimously recommended the ordinance, as amended (50-year standard), to the Common Council via the Joint & Ordinance Committee. Key Outcomes - All five business items were approved unanimously: - Approval and recommendation of the Lemenager CSM. - Approval and recommendation of the Lambert CSM. - Approval and recommendation of the Haven Hills Estates zoning change. - Approval and recommendation of the Landscape Surface Ratio correction (80% to 20%). - Approval and recommendation of the Historic Preservation Overlay sign text amendment with a 50-year historic sign definition and lighting subject to CUP. - The meeting adjourned at 5:28 PM.
The Finance and Taxation Committee met on Monday, June 8, 2026, at 5:10 PM in City Hall Council Chambers, 1110 18th Ave, Monroe, WI. Present were Heidi Treuthardt, Dylan McGuire, and Matt Sheaffer; Richard Thoman was absent. The meeting was streamed live for public viewing. Consent Calendar - The May 26, 2026 minutes were accepted as presented. Fire Station 2 Roof Replacement Project - Rob Jacobson presented the rebid for the Fire Station 2 roof replacement. After original combined City Hall/Fire Station bids exceeded budget by hundreds of thousands of dollars, the project was rebid for Fire Station 2 alone, including an alternate for full tear-off. Two bids were received: Fundamental Designs at $173,000 (recommended) and Professional Roofing at $189,000. Both bids met the 20-year warranty specification and were otherwise identical. The project architect agreed with the recommendation. The committee voted 3-0 to recommend awarding the contract to Fundamental Designs for $173,000. Max Fire Box Phase II Training System - Fire Chief Rufer requested approval to purchase the Max Fire Box Phase II training system for $19,953.57, funds already budgeted in the 2026 Capital Budget. The system is a complete package that includes single-story, two-story, and garage props, a four-hour train-the-trainer session, and instructional materials. It can be operated with as few as two people and has a lifetime warranty. The training will be used for ongoing fire behavior and thermal imaging training, replacing a more dangerous and labor-intensive flashover simulator. The committee voted 3-0 to approve the purchase. Key Outcomes - Recommended to Common Council awarding the Fire Station 2 roof replacement contract to Fundamental Designs for $173,000 (3-0). - Approved the purchase of the Max Fire Box Phase II training system for $19,953.57 (3-0). - Adjourned at 5:25 PM.
The Judiciary and Ordinance Review Committee met on Monday, June 8, 2026, at 5:00 PM in City Hall Council Chambers. The committee unanimously recommended two ordinance changes to Common Council—one correcting the landscape surface ratio in the light industrial zoning district and one expanding indoor vaping restrictions—and discussed a concern about a proposed alderperson vacancy rule. The meeting adjourned at 5:07 PM. Consent Calendar - The May 26, 2026 meeting minutes were accepted as presented. - Roll call showed all four members present: Dylan McGuire, Heidi Treuthardt, Craig Franke, and Christopher Vestin. Note: The written minutes list Craig Franke as absent, but the raw transcript and all recorded votes include him; this summary follows the transcript's indication. Discussion Items - Landscape Surface Ratio (LSR) Ordinance (C.1): Administrator Rindy explained the proposed amendment repealing and recreating subsection 5-2-31(7) of the Monroe City Code. The change corrects a prior drafting error in the light industrial zoning district's landscape surface ratio; the intended ratio was 20%, but the numbers were flipped when the code was created. No further questions were raised. - Vaping Ordinance (C.2): Administrator Rindy presented a follow-up ordinance adding electronic delivery devices and vaping to the list of prohibited indoor activities. The city currently adopts state regulations prohibiting smoking indoors, but those do not cover e-devices and vaping. The ordinance would make violations a class four forfeiture, similar to smoking citations. Enforcement would be complaint-driven through the non-emergency police line, with a police report for vaping indoors; former Chief Kelly had noted enforcement would likely be notification-based rather than proactive. Rindy said that if recommended, a public hearing would be set at the next council meeting, with the official hearing and potential approval on July 6, and he planned to notify businesses and use media for public education. - Alderperson Vacancy Concern (D): Alder Vestin raised a concern about a proposed rule regarding filling alderperson vacancies when an alderperson is elected mayor. He noted that under the proposed rule, the person with the most votes would automatically take the position, but the appointment process used to appoint Alder Mosher at the previous Common Council meeting would not have been permitted under it. He questioned whether a law should be adopted if the council did not follow that result in practice. Administrator Rindy responded that discussion was not allowed at this meeting because the item was not on the agenda, but the concern could be discussed at the next Common Council meeting when the public hearing date is considered. Key Outcomes - Motion to approve and recommend the LSR ordinance to Common Council: Made by Treuthardt, seconded by Vestin. Passed 4-0 (AYES: McGuire, Treuthardt, Franke, Vestin; NOES: None). - Motion to approve and recommend the vaping ordinance to Common Council: Made by Treuthardt, seconded by Vestin. Passed 4-0 (same vote). - Motion to adjourn at 5:07 PM: Made by Franke, seconded by Treuthardt. Passed 4-0.
The Public Safety Committee of the City of Monroe met on Monday, June 8, 2026, in Council Chambers at 1110 18th Avenue. The meeting was called to order at 4:50 PM (agenda listed 4:55 PM). Members present: Corinne Wartenweiler, Matt Sheaffer, and Darlene Voelkli. One seat was vacant. The sole business item was a discussion and possible recommendation to the Common Council regarding the Park & Recreation Department's application for a July 4th Celebration Special Event. Consent Calendar - Correction of Minutes – May 26, 2026: The minutes from the previous meeting were accepted as presented without corrections. Discussion Items - July 4th Celebration Special Event (Proposed by Park & Recreation): The committee reviewed the event application and attachments. Topics discussed included: - Event logistics: Setup at 7:00 AM, cleanup starting at 5:00 PM on July 4, with some garbage removal occurring the next day. - Facilities: Porta potties would be provided; the committee asked for confirmation that requirements would be met. Food trucks and the Knights of Columbus (concessions at one shelter) were listed as food vendors. The event would have no carnival rides, but games and horse rides were described as a "small children carnival." - Alcohol service: Beer and wine would be served during a concert from approximately 11:30 AM to 2:30 PM (half-hour before and after the concert). Alder Wartenweiler expressed opposition to allowing open containers throughout the entire park and asked if a designated area could be assigned. Staff clarified that the Parks Board had authority under a recently adopted ordinance to determine alcohol locations; the committee’s role was only to approve the special event application, not to alter the alcohol policy. - Safety: The Fire Department conducts inspections prior to the event to ensure compliance with cooking regulations. Key Outcomes - Motion to Approve and Recommend to Common Council: A motion by Voelkli, seconded by Sheaffer, to approve the July 4th Celebration Special Event and forward a recommendation to the Common Council passed unanimously (3-0). Alder Wartenweiler voted in favor despite expressing general opposition to open containers. - Adjournment: A motion by Wartenweiler, seconded by Voelkli, to adjourn at 4:58 PM passed 3-0.
The License Committee of the City of Monroe met on Monday, June 8, 2026, at 4:45 PM in Council Chambers. Members present: Christopher Vestin and Darlene Voelkli. Member absent: Richard Thoman. The meeting covered an educational overview of alcohol license types, recent legislative updates, and a recommendation to the Common Council for renewal of annual liquor and fermented malt beverage licenses. Consent Calendar - The minutes from the May 26, 2026 meeting were accepted as presented without correction. Public Comments & Testimony - None were made. Discussion Items - Education on Alcohol License Types and Recent Legislation: City Clerk Wahl presented an overview of the main license categories. Class A licenses (off-premise) apply to grocery stores and gas stations. Class B licenses (on-premise) apply to taverns, restaurants, hotels, and resorts. The Clerk referenced a DOR fact sheet provided in the agenda packet for further detail. - Annual License Renewals: Clerk Wahl confirmed that all applicants on the renewal list are existing license holders; no new applicants were included. Two businesses—Bartles Tap and Spilled Grapes Wine Bar—submitted renewal applications even though they are not currently operating. Both businesses sought to ensure their licenses remained active for the upcoming year. The City has a code provision that allows revocation of a license for prolonged non-operation, but exceptions exist for unforeseen circumstances (e.g., natural disaster, fire). The Police Department reviewed all applications and raised no issues. The committee discussed that these businesses would be protected under the code’s exceptions. Key Outcomes - Motion to Recommend Approval of Annual Licenses: A motion was made by Alder Voelkli, seconded by Alder Vestin, to approve the resolution granting annual liquor and fermented malt beverage licenses and recommend it to the Common Council. The motion passed 2‑0 (Vestin and Voelkli voting aye; Thoman absent). Licenses would take effect July 1, 2026. - Adjournment: The meeting adjourned at 4:48 PM following a motion by Voelkli, seconded by Vestin, passed 2‑0.
The Monroe Common Council met on Monday, June 1, 2026, at 6:30 PM in City Hall Council Chambers. The meeting covered the 2025 financial audit, recognition of retiring Green County EMS Chief Dan Nufer, appointment of a new alderperson to fill a vacancy, approval of special events and alcohol licenses, and an amendment to the city's fund balance policy. All votes were final unless noted. Consent Calendar - Minutes from May 18, 2026, were accepted as presented. - Consent agenda (miscellaneous licenses and claims list) was approved unanimously (8-0). Public Comments & Testimony - No members of the public appeared to speak. Discussion Items - Recognition of Green County EMS Chief Dan Nufer: Mayor Miller and Donna Douglas presented a certificate recognizing Chief Nufer’s 20 years of service. Nufer thanked staff, volunteers, and his wife, and introduced his replacement, Hanna (started January 5, 2026). - 2026 Final Financial Audit Presentation by Baker Tilly: Justin Hoglam, principal, provided an overview. The audit went smoothly with only a few adjusting entries. Expenditures exceeded budget primarily due to a $1.58 million purchase of 50 acres for the industrial park, causing a net loss in the general fund and reducing unassigned fund balance from $2 million to $243,000. The city’s unrestricted fund balance equaled 31.8% of expenditures (about 3.5 months of cash on hand). Debt capacity usage was at 38% of the maximum allowable. Utility metrics: Water – 16.74 months cash on hand, 79% capital equity; Wastewater – 39.13 months cash, 56% equity; Stormwater – 24.02 months cash, 95% equity. Council asked about financing the upcoming wastewater plant project; the city plans to apply for a Clean Water Fund loan and maintain adequate reserves. - Council of the Whole – Alderperson Vacancy: The council discussed two applicants, Dave Mosher and Maxwell Brooks. A roll-call vote resulted in Mosher receiving 4 votes (Thoman, Treuthardt, Wartenweiler, Franke) and Brooks 3 votes (Sheaffer, McGuire, Vestin). Mayor Miller did not need to break a tie. - License Committee – Cheese Days Temporary Beer License: During discussion, Alder Wartenweiler expressed concerns about open container enforcement in the large tent area and voted no; the resolution passed 7-1. - Finance and Taxation Committee – Fund Balance Policy Amendment: Administrator Rindy explained the amendment clarifies that the 25% fund balance policy applies only to operational expenditures, excluding debt service and one-time capital investments (e.g., the industrial park land purchase). This aligns with existing practice. Key Outcomes - Alderperson Appointment (Resolution H.2): Dave Mosher was appointed to fill the vacancy for a term ending April 20, 2027, by a unanimous vote of 7-0 (one absent). He was sworn in immediately. - Special Events Resolution (J.1): Approved four events: Green County Cheese Days (Sept. 14–20, 2026), Move it Forward’s Summer Series (June 20 & July 14, 2026), Green County Latino Health Fair (June 2, 2026, 3–7 PM), and Cactus & Co’s “Cheers Bartel’s” Fundraiser (June 14, 2026, 2–6 PM). Vote: 8-0. - Temporary Class B Wine & Beer License for Cheese Days (K.1): Approved 7-1 (Wartenweiler opposed). The license covers a tent in the 1600 block of 11th Street, Sept. 17–20, 2026. - Temporary Outdoor Beer Garden License for Cactus & Co (K.2): Approved 8-0, allowing a roped-off area on the sidewalk and three parking stalls north of 1610 11th Street for the special event. - Fund Balance Policy Amendment (L.1): Approved 8-0, amending Section 5.8 of the Comprehensive Finance Policy to specify that the 25% fund balance requirement is calculated only from operational expenditures. - The meeting adjourned at 7:22 PM.
The City of Monroe Board of Review convened on Thursday, May 28, 2026, at 10:00 AM at City Hall Council Chambers to verify assessment procedures, receive the annual assessment report, handle omitted property, and hear any taxpayer objections. The meeting was adjourned at 12:01 PM after dismissing the sole objection due to the applicant's absence. Consent Calendar - Election of Officers: Mayor Tom Miller was elected Chairperson (motion by Alder Thoman, second by Alder Voelkli, voice vote all ayes). Alder Richard Thoman was elected Vice-Chairperson (motion by Alder Voelkli, second by Mayor Miller, voice vote all ayes). - Verification of Board Requirements: Members confirmed completion of mandatory training (Tom Miller, Darlene Voelkli, and Clerk Nikolai Wahl attended 2026 Department of Revenue training). The existence of the confidentiality ordinance (Chapter 2.2, Section 5) was noted. Board laws and procedures were reviewed. - Assessment Report and Roll: Accurate Appraisal representative Brandon Rusch presented the annual assessment report. The assessment roll was received by the Clerk and accepted with sworn statement. No errors or double assessments were found. Three omitted parcels owned by Bader-Spidahl LLC (from 2025 roll) were added to the 2026 roll. Open book changes were verified as included. The assessment roll was made available for taxpayer examination. Annual Assessment Summary (from Assessor’s Report) - Assessment Type: Maintenance assessment cycle (carryover with changes for permits, new construction, data updates). - Assessment Ratio: Estimated 93% for 2026. - Parcels Reviewed: 296 parcels; 677 building permits reviewed. - Sales Data: 341 total sales reviewed, 178 residential usable arms-length transactions. - Open Book: 5 in-person appointments (2 scheduled, 3 walk-ins); 99 total customer interactions (43 residential, 56 commercial). - New Construction Values Added: Residential $1,596,800; Commercial $6,120,800. - Next Year: Scheduled for revaluation (inter-market update). Discussion Items - Objection Procedure: The Board discussed how to handle the single objection filed by Duane Montgomery (property at 1808 16th Ave) when he was not present at the start of the meeting. On motion by Alder Thoman, second by Alder Voelkli, the Board recessed until Mr. Montgomery appeared or until 11:59 AM, with the understanding that board members should remain in the building per Department of Revenue guidance. Key Outcomes - Omitted Property Added: Three parcels from Bader-Spidahl LLC were added to the 2026 assessment roll. - Objection Dismissed: At 12:00 PM, the Board reconvened. Duane Montgomery had not appeared; therefore his objection was dismissed without a hearing. The assessment roll was finalized for 2026. - Adjournment: Motion by Alder Thoman, second by Alder Voelkli to adjourn at 12:01 PM; voice vote all ayes.
The Finance and Taxation Committee met on Tuesday, May 26, 2026, at 5:18 PM in City Hall Council Chambers (agenda had listed 5:05 PM). The committee discussed and recommended approval of an amendment to the City’s Comprehensive Finance Policy Section 5.8 (Fund Balance Policy) to clarify the basis for the required 25% reserve. The minutes from May 11, 2026, were approved as presented, and the meeting adjourned at 5:23 PM. Discussion Items - Fund Balance Policy Revision (Section 5.8): Administrator Rindy presented a revision prompted by recommendations from the auditor, Baker Tilly, during the 2025 audit. The current policy requires the City to maintain a 25% reserve of expenditures as a “rainy day fund.” The proposed change keeps the 25% target but clarifies that the percentage is based on operational expenditures only, excluding debt service and capital outlay. The revision also adjusts the deadline for determining the reserve amount from February 28 to after the completion of the audit (typically early March) to avoid a later amendment. The change was prompted by a prior decision to use $1.5 million of the fund balance for industrial park land investment; this clarification ensures that such one-time capital outlays do not inflate the operational base used to calculate the reserve. After discussion, the committee voted to recommend the revised policy to the Common Council. Key Outcomes - Minutes Approved: The minutes of May 11, 2026, were accepted as presented (voice vote, no objections). - Motion on Fund Balance Policy: A motion by Richard Thoman, seconded by Matt Sheaffer, to approve and recommend the revised Fund Balance Policy to the Common Council passed 4‑0 (Ayes: Heidi Treuthardt, Richard Thoman, Matt Sheaffer, Dylan McGuire; Noes: none; Absent: none; Abstained: none). - Adjournment: A motion to adjourn made by Matt Sheaffer, seconded by Dylan McGuire, passed 4‑0 at 5:23 PM.