Public Meetings - Monroe, Wisconsin

The Judiciary and Ordinance Review Committee met on Tuesday, May 26, 2026, from 5:15 PM to 5:40 PM in City Hall Council Chambers. Members present: Dylan McGuire, Heidi Treuthardt, Christopher Vestin. Absent: Craig Franke. The committee discussed three agenda items, approved the previous minutes, and voted to recommend two ordinances to the Common Council. Consent Calendar - The minutes from the May 11, 2026 meeting were accepted as presented without correction. Discussion Items C.1 – Discussion and Possible Action Regarding Vaping Ordinance Administrator Rindy introduced the item, noting that the current city code adopts state smoking laws but does not cover e-cigarettes or vaping devices. The city has authority to limit vaping inside buildings but not outdoors. Committee members expressed support for including vaping under the same umbrella as smoking. Chief Kelley discussed enforcement challenges and emphasized the need for public education. The committee directed Attorney Bartholf to draft an ordinance amendment for further discussion at the next meeting. C.2 – Charter Ordinance Repealing and Recreating Section 1-5-12: Filling Vacancies on Common Council Administrator Rindy presented a revised ordinance that adds a requirement for candidates filling a vacancy to obtain a minimum number of signatures equal to what would be required to appear on the ballot. The committee discussed technical corrections needed (incorrect years and vote numbers) but agreed the substance was correct. A motion to recommend approval to Common Council passed 3-0. C.3 – City's Animal Noise Ordinance Attorney Bartholf drafted an updated ordinance incorporating language from other communities (Darlington, Racine, Green Bay). Key changes include: noise that "shall greatly annoy or disturb a neighborhood or any considerable number of persons," a "people of ordinary sensibilities" standard, and factors for enforcement (volume, time, duration, prior warnings). The ordinance also presumes the owner is permitting the noise. Chief Kelley noted enforcement remains subjective but the new language improves upon the existing ordinance. A motion to recommend approval to Common Council passed 3-0. Key Outcomes - C.1: Direction given to draft a vaping ordinance amendment; no vote taken. Next step: Attorney Bartholf to present draft at a future meeting. - C.2: Approved and recommended to Common Council (vote: 3-0). The final ordinance will incorporate corrections before presentation. - C.3: Approved and recommended to Common Council (vote: 3-0). - Meeting adjourned at 5:40 PM.

The Monroe Public Safety Committee met on May 26, 2026, at 4:55 PM in Council Chambers, 1110 18th Avenue, and adjourned at 5:16 PM. The committee unanimously approved recommendations for four special event permits and discussed a future presentation on the fire on the Square. Consent Calendar - Minutes of the May 11, 2026 meeting were accepted as presented without correction. Discussion Items - C.1 – Cheese Days Event (September 17–20, 2026): Chief Kelly summarized the event, noting changes from previous years including named downtown parks in the open container area, earlier staging, and barriers to prevent vehicle intrusions. Alder Wartenweiler voiced concerns about the impact of open alcohol containers on children and youth, referencing the annual police report showing alcohol as the top factor in police calls. Chief Kelly responded that open containers have reduced overcrowding in taverns and related fights. Wartenweiler stated she supported the event but objected to the open container and liquor license portions; however, she voted with the majority. The committee voted 3-0 to recommend approval to the Common Council. - C.2 – Move It Forward Summer Series (Volleyball June 20, 9 AM–3 PM; Pickleball July 14, 7 PM–9 PM at Twining Park and Northeast Park): The application was presented, noting prior Park & Rec approval and police awareness of increased attendance. The committee voted 3-0 to recommend approval to the Common Council. - C.3 – Green County Latino Health Fair (June 2, 3 PM–7 PM, Black Hawk Technical College parking lot): The application was initially incomplete, lacking dates and times, but a hard copy was provided during the meeting. The event will feature food trucks and vendors. Given the timeline (next council meeting June 1), the committee voted 3-0 to recommend approval. - C.4 – Cactus & Co. "Cheers Bartles" Fundraising Event (June 14, Sunday, 2 PM–6 PM, on the Square): Administrator Rindi explained that the fundraiser, following a fire, will extend the premise onto the sidewalk cafe and three parking stalls, requiring a street closure of the outer south lane of the Square. The committee voted 3-0 to recommend approval to the Common Council. - D. Business by Members – Fire on the Square: Alder Sheaffer reported that he spoke with Chief Rufer about the recent fire on the Square. He expressed interest in receiving a detailed report and presentation to the committee once the investigation is complete. Chief Rufer agreed to present the findings at a future meeting. Key Outcomes - All four special event permit recommendations were approved unanimously (3-0) and forwarded to the Common Council. - A presentation on the fire on the Square investigation will be scheduled for a future committee meeting after the report is finalized.

The License Committee of the City of Monroe met on Tuesday, May 26, 2026, at 4:45 PM in the Council Chambers. Members present in person were Christopher Vestin, Richard Thoman, and Darlene Voelkli. The committee unanimously approved two license recommendations for the Common Council: a temporary wine/beer license for the Cheese Days festival and a temporary outdoor beer garden expansion for Cactus & Co. to support a local business after a fire. The meeting adjourned at 4:54 PM. Correction of Minutes - The minutes from the May 11, 2026 meeting were accepted as presented (unanimous). Discussion Items - C.1 – Temporary Wine & Beer Licenses for Cheese Days (Sept. 17–20, 2026) The committee reviewed applications for a temporary Class "B" Wine & Class "B" Beer license and a Beer Garden permit in conjunction with the Cheese Days event. The proposed beer garden would be a 30-foot by 60-foot tent located southwest of the courthouse. City Clerk staff noted the application matched previous years with no issues. A question was raised about the location of restrooms, which would be handled under a separate special event permit. Motion: Voelkli moved to approve and recommend to Common Council; Thoman seconded. Passed 3-0 (all present voted aye). - C.2 – Temporary Outdoor Beer Garden License for Cactus & Co. (1610 11th Street) Administrator Rindy presented a late request from Cactus & Co. to host a fundraiser for Bartels, a local business recently damaged by a fire. Initially planned within the existing premises, the event expanded in scope, prompting a request to extend the licensed premises into three parking stalls in front of the sidewalk cafe on the south side of the Square. The Monroe Police and Fire Chiefs recommended closing the outer lane of the south side of the Square to separate traffic from the increased pedestrian crowd. The city would provide barricades for the road, while Main Street would barricade the sidewalk and three stalls. The sidewalk itself would be blocked off due to expected crowds, with pedestrians rerouted through the closed street lane. Motion: Thoman moved to approve and recommend to Common Council; Voelkli seconded. Passed 3-0. Key Outcomes - Unanimous Votes (3-0) on both items: The committee recommended approval of the Cheese Days temporary licenses (C.1) and the Cactus & Co. outdoor beer garden and premise extension (C.2). Both recommendations will go to the Common Council for final action. - No other business was presented; the meeting adjourned at 4:54 PM.

The Monroe Common Council met on Monday, May 18, 2026, at 6:30 PM at City Hall Council Chambers. All eight alderpersons were present. The meeting covered a wide range of items including proclamations, special event approvals, zoning text amendments, public works contracts, personnel matters, and a closed session for property and compensation discussions. The meeting adjourned at 7:35 PM. Consent Calendar - Miscellaneous Licenses and Claims List: Approved unanimously (8-0) as part of the consent agenda. The Treasurer's Report was also accepted as presented. Proclamations & Appointments - Mayor Miller proclaimed May 22, 2026, as Poppy Day. - Cassie Miller was appointed to a 3-year term on the Board of Park & Recreation Commissioners (8-0). Special Events & Alcohol Licenses - Public Safety Committee: Resolution approving three special events (Main Street Monroe's Cars on the Square, Concerts on the Square, and the Zilmer-Riley American Legion Post Memorial Day Parade) passed unanimously (8-0). - License Committee: Two resolutions approved temporary "Class B" fermented malt beverage and beer garden licenses for the Concerts on the Square and Cars on the Square events. Alderperson Wartenweiler opposed both, citing concerns about open alcohol containers around families. Both resolutions passed 7-1. Plan Commission - Certified Survey Map for 1423 & 1425 21st Street: Approved unanimously (8-0). Public Hearings & Zoning Text Amendments (Judiciary & Ordinance Review Committee) Four public hearings were held, with no public testimony. All four ordinances were approved unanimously (8-0): 1. Revision of minimum lot area requirements in the TR-10 (One and Two Family Residential) district. 2. Revision of minimum lot area requirements in the NMU (Neighborhood Mixed Use) district. 3. Relaxation of restrictions on the number of units per multi-family building in the MR-15 district. 4. Amendments to parking requirements in the NMU, MR-15, and MR-30 zoning districts. Board of Public Works All four resolutions were approved unanimously (8-0): 1. Hiring Fischer Brothers for pool slide and start tower repairs at the aquatic center. 2. Purchase of a Chevrolet pickup truck for the Water Department from Badger Chevrolet for $43,462 (after Ruda Chevrolet was unable to supply a 2026 model). 3. Update to the Roadway Functional Classification for the City of Monroe. 4. Awarding the contract for 2026 curb, gutter, and sidewalk construction. Salary & Personnel Committee - Resolution approving 2026 Compensation Pay Scale: Added an Account Technician - Utility Account Tech position and removed the Utility Staff Accountant position. Passed 8-0. - Closed Session (7:09 PM - 7:24 PM): The council entered closed session under Wis. Stat. 19.85(1)(c) to discuss the City Treasurer's pay grade and step in relation to adjusted responsibilities. - Resolution Approving Pay Grade Step Increase for City Treasurer: Following closed session, the council approved a step increase to Step 4 at Pay Grade 145 for Kristen Ladwig, effective June 25, 2026. Passed 8-0. Finance & Taxation Committee - Closed Session (7:09 PM - 7:24 PM): The council entered closed session under Wis. Stat. 19.85(e) to discuss an extension of an option to purchase land in Tax Incremental District (TID) 9. - Resolution Approving Extension of Option to Purchase Land in TID 9: The council approved an agreement with Haven Homes Development LLC to extend the option for one additional year, with a $4,333 option payment credited toward the purchase price at closing. Passed 8-0. Council of the Whole - Fireworks Permit: Resolution approving the Parks & Recreation Department's request for a fireworks permit for the July 4th celebration. Passed 8-0. - 2025 Compliance Maintenance Annual Report (CMAR): The report for the wastewater treatment facility was reviewed and approved for submittal to the Wisconsin DNR. City Administrator Mike Kennison noted the plant received all A's in all areas of the permit, crediting the operators for their dedication. Passed 8-0. Business Presented by Department Heads - Clerk Wahl announced that committee meetings scheduled for the following Monday (Memorial Day) would be held on Tuesday, May 26, 2026, at the regular 4:45 PM start time. - The next council tour will be at the wastewater treatment plant on June 1, 2026, at 4:30 PM. Key Outcomes - All eight alderpersons were present for votes; all resolutions passed with at least 7-0 (one member abstained on two alcohol licenses). - No public comments were made during the citizen appearance period. - The council completed its business in approximately one hour, including two closed sessions.

The City of Monroe Common Council convened on May 18, 2026, at 6:30 PM at City Hall Council Chambers. The meeting covered proclamations, appointments, special event approvals, temporary alcohol licenses, zoning text amendments for housing development, infrastructure contracts, personnel adjustments, and closed sessions. The council also recognized EMS Week and reflected on a recent downtown fire and the community's response. Consent Calendar - Approved the consent agenda, including miscellaneous licenses and the claims list, by a unanimous vote of 8-0. Business by Mayor - Mayor Miller proclaimed May 22, 2026, as Poppy Day and recognized EMS Week. He also remarked on the recent downtown fire, the community's support, and the dedication of the Pocket Park. - The council approved (8-0) the appointment of Cassie Miller to the Board of Park & Recreation Commissioners for a three-year term. Public Safety Committee - Approved a resolution (8-0) authorizing three special events: Main Street Monroe's Cars on the Square (June 5, 2026), Concerts on the Square (multiple dates in 2026), and the Zilmer-Riley American Legion Post Memorial Day Parade (May 25, 2026). The resolution included temporary street closures and designated event areas. License Committee - Resolution for Concerts on the Square: Approved (7-1) a temporary Class B fermented malt beverage and beer garden license for Main Street Monroe for six concert dates. Alder Wartenweiler voted no, expressing opposition to open containers in areas where families and children gather. Council clarified that the license allows open containers within the entire special event area, including Pocket Park and Opportunity Park, and that state law prohibits carrying alcohol from other establishments into the beer garden. - Resolution for Cars on the Square: Approved (7-1) a similar temporary license for the car show event on June 5, 2026. Alder Wartenweiler again voted no. The license area includes the entire downtown square. Plan Commission - Approved (8-0) a certified survey map for properties at 1423 and 1425 21st Street. Judiciary and Ordinance Committee The council held four public hearings, each with no public testimony, and then approved the following zoning text amendments by unanimous 8-0 votes: 1. TR-10 District: Amended minimum lot area requirements for two-family dwellings. 2. NMU District: Amended minimum lot area requirements for twin house modifications. 3. MR-15 District: Relaxed restrictions on the number of units per multi-family building, increasing from 4 to 8 units by right and adjusting conditional use criteria. 4. Parking Requirements: Amended parking requirements in NMU, MR-15, and MR-30 districts, removing the half-space requirement for units with more than two bedrooms and setting a standard of two spaces per unit. Board of Public Works - Pool Slide Repairs: Approved (8-0) hiring Fischer Brothers LLC for pool slide and start tower restoration at a cost of $58,200, funded by 2026 capital bonds. - Water Department Pickup Truck: Approved (8-0) the purchase of a single cab Chevrolet half-ton pickup from Badger Chevrolet of Lake Mills for $43,362, after the original vendor (Ruda Chevrolet) could no longer supply a 2026 model. Funding comes from 2026 capital bonds; the existing 2008 Ford Ranger will be sold at auction. - Roadway Functional Classification: Approved (8-0) updates to the city's roadway functional classifications as depicted on an attached map and spreadsheet. - Curb & Gutter and Sidewalk: Approved (8-0) awarding the 2026 construction contract to Patrichus Construction LLC for a base cost of $493,510.74. Salary and Personnel Committee - Approved (8-0) an amendment to the 2026 compensation pay scale, adding the position of Account Technician (Utility Account Tech) at pay grade 125 and removing the Utility Staff Accountant position (pay grade 140). This resulted from a resignation and a re-evaluation of positions. - The council then entered closed session at 7:09 PM under Wis. Stats. 19.85(1)(c) (personnel) and 19.85(e) (property negotiation) to discuss the city treasurer's pay grade and an extension of an option to purchase land in TID 9. The motion to enter closed session passed 8-0. - After returning from closed session at 7:24 PM, the council approved (8-0) a resolution for a pay grade step increase for the City Treasurer. Finance and Taxation Committee - Following the closed session, the council approved (8-0) a resolution approving an extension of the option to purchase land in TID 9. Council of the Whole - Fireworks Permit: Approved (8-0) a permit for the Parks & Recreation Department to possess and use fireworks for the July 4th celebration. - 2025 Compliance Maintenance Annual Report: Approved (8-0) after City Administrator Mike Kennison provided a brief overview and credited the operators. Business by Department Heads - City Clerk Wahl reminded the council that next week's committee meetings will be held on Tuesday due to the City Hall closure for Memorial Day, and that a tour of the wastewater treatment plant is scheduled for June 1. Key Outcomes - All resolutions were approved. The only dissenting votes were from Alder Wartenweiler on the two temporary alcohol license resolutions (7-1 each). - The council entered closed session for personnel and property negotiations and subsequently approved the related open resolutions. - The meeting adjourned at 7:35 PM.

The Monroe Historic Preservation Commission met on May 13, 2026, at 1:00 PM in City Council Chambers. The commission elected officers, approved five downtown facade grant applications, received an update on a federal historic preservation survey grant, and discussed signage and building painting matters. All votes were unanimous except for the abstention of Commissioner Jordan Norby on most facade grant votes due to a conflict of interest. Election of Officers - Chair: Jeff Maliszewski was elected Chair by unanimous voice vote (motion by Mary Soddy, second by Jordan Norby). Maliszewski was absent from the meeting. - Vice Chair: Jordan Norby was elected Vice Chair by unanimous voice vote (motion by Mary Soddy, second by Tom Mitchell). Approval of Minutes - The minutes of the March 11, 2026, meeting were accepted as presented without correction. Discussion: Facade Grant Applications City Administrator Rindy presented six facade grant applications recommended by the Main Street Monroe Design Committee. The grants are part of a matching program funded by Tax Increment Finance (TIF) district, with grants ranging from $5,000 to $50,000 (50% of project cost). Commissioner Jordan Norby stated he would abstain from voting on all facade grant applications due to a connection to the applicants. Applications Approved: - Treats Block (Monroe Antiques Mall): Project cost $66,000; grant request $33,046. Replacement of numerous windows on the north and east sides. Motion by Mary Soddy, second by Donna Bahler. Approved with Norby abstaining. - White Block Building (southwest corner of square): Project cost $23,324.96; grant request $11,662.48. Installation of awnings (no business signage). Commissioner Mary Soddy noted safety benefits from reduced ice fall. Motion by Soddy, second by Bahler. Approved with Norby abstaining. - Chocolate Temptations (1004 17th Ave): Project cost approximately $48,000; grant request $24,000. Roof repair and replacement at the top of the facade. The applicant was under the $50,000 TIF total funding limit. Motion by Soddy, second by Tom Mitchell. Approved with Norby abstaining. - Monroe Arts Center (1004 17th Ave): Two quotes received: $38,455 and $14,487. The commission agreed to base the grant on the lower quote (project cost $14,487; grant request $7,243.50). Work includes painting and preservation of steeple louvers and stained glass windows. Motion by Soddy, second by Mitchell. Approved with Norby abstaining. - 1118 17th Ave (Mark Jacobson property): Project cost $33,778.96; grant request $16,889.48. Tuckpointing, masonry work, and door repairs. Motion by Soddy, second by Mitchell. Approved with Norby abstaining. Application Sent Back: - Van Maters property (former library building, north of square): Project included painting, roofing, gutters, and landscape lighting. The commission noted that while two general contractor quotes were provided, only one painter quote was submitted. Motion by Mary Soddy, second by Corrine Wartenweiler, to return the application to the applicant to obtain a second quote for the painting portion. Motion passed with Jordan Norby dissenting (4-1). The combined value of all six applications (including the deferred one) exceeded $140,000 in requested grants, indicating strong program interest. Update on Federal Historic Preservation Grant City Administrator Rindy reported that the city plans to apply for a 2027 grant from the Wisconsin Historical Society's Certified Local Government program. The no-match grant (up to $50,000) would fund an intensive survey of all properties in Monroe to identify historic resources and potentially expand the historic district or list properties. The survey includes public input events. The commission expressed support and noted that the city has never had such a survey. Business by Members - Signage at 213 Mercantile site (1024 17th Ave): Commissioner Donna Bahler questioned whether new vinyl lettering (including a phone number in bright blue) at the former 213 Mercantile location (now a staffing agency) had received historic preservation approval. Administrator Rindy explained that the zoning administrator determined the vinyl signage did not require a permit or commission review under current code. The commission requested a written summary from Jeff Nysis (zoning administrator) to clarify details. - Joanne's Dress Shop Painting: Commissioner Corrine Wartenweiler reported that the owner plans to paint the entire building and repaint the door the same color, but no formal application has been submitted to the commission. Key Outcomes - Elected Jeff Maliszewski as Chair and Jordan Norby as Vice Chair. - Approved five facade grant applications (Treats Block, White Block, Chocolate Temptations, Monroe Arts Center, 1118 17th Ave) with Jordan Norby abstaining on each. - Returned the Van Maters facade grant application to the applicant to obtain a second painting quote. Motion passed 4-1 (Norby dissenting). - Directed staff to apply for the 2027 federal historic preservation survey grant. - Requested a written summary from staff regarding signage compliance at 1024 17th Ave. - Meeting adjourned at 1:41 PM.

The City of Monroe Plan Commission met on Wednesday, May 13, 2026, at 5:00 PM in the City Hall Council Chambers. All seven members were present: Mayor Miller, Alder Matt Shaeffer, Ron Spielman, Dave Wartenweiler, Jesse Duff, Louis Armstrong, and Ron Markham. The commission held public hearings, discussed zoning text amendments, and made recommendations to the Common Council. The meeting adjourned at 6:22 PM. Public Comments & Testimony - No members of the public appeared or spoke during the public hearings for items C.1 and C.2, and no other public comment was received. Discussion Items - C.1 – MR-15 Multi-Family Units: The commission held a public hearing on a zoning text amendment to allow up to eight units per multi-family building by right in the MR-15 Residential Zoning District, removing the previous conditional use requirement. Administrator Rindy explained the proposal had been recommended two months earlier but required a new public hearing. No one spoke. The commission unanimously approved a motion to recommend the amendment to the Common Council. - C.2 – Parking Requirements in NMU, MR-15, and MR-30: The commission held a public hearing on amendments to reduce parking requirements from two spaces per dwelling unit plus additional half-spaces to a flat two spaces per dwelling unit across the NMU, MR-15, and MR-30 districts. No one spoke. The commission unanimously approved a motion to recommend the amendment to the Common Council. - C.3 – Historic Preservation Overlay Signs: The commission discussed a proposed text amendment to allow "historic character signs" in the Historic Preservation Overlay (HP-O) district, permitting businesses to replicate signs that existed on the property 50 or more years ago. The proposal arose from the Eugene Hotel's request to reproduce its historic sign. Shannon of Vandewalle & Associates presented criteria; members discussed lighting, size, safety, and legal content-neutrality concerns. The commission directed staff to draft an ordinance requiring a conditional use permit, with review by both the Historic Preservation Commission and the Plan Commission. - C.4 – Landscape Surface Ratio in Light Industrial: The commission discussed correcting an apparent code error in the Landscape Surface Ratio (LSR) for the Light Industrial (LI) district, changing the displayed requirement from 80% to 20%. Staff said 20% is consistent with comparable cities. The commission expressed consensus to proceed with drafting the correction. - C.5 – Drive-Thru Services in CMU District: The commission discussed a proposal to allow drive-thru services as an accessory use in the Central Mixed Use (CMU) district via conditional use permit. Staff reviewed existing stacking, lighting, landscaping, and curb-cut standards. Supporters noted the code's protections and development benefits; opponents argued downtown streets are too tight and drive-thrus would cause traffic backups. After debate, a motion made by Louis Armstrong and seconded by Ron Markham to prohibit any additional drive-thrus in the CMU district carried 5–2, with Alder Matt Shaeffer and Ron Spielman dissenting. - C.6 – Certified Survey Map for Ben Voss, 1423 21st Street: The commission discussed a certified survey map to split the property into two zero-lot-line lots for a duplex/twin home. Staff confirmed water and sewer lines are separate and the proposal meets building codes and setbacks. (Note: the minutes reference "1st Street" in the motion, but the agenda and transcript identify the property as 1423 21st Street.) The commission unanimously approved a motion to recommend the CSM to the Common Council. Key Outcomes - Accepted the April 8, 2026 meeting minutes as presented. - Unanimously recommended to the Common Council the MR-15 zoning text amendment allowing up to eight units per building by right. - Unanimously recommended to the Common Council the parking requirement amendments for NMU, MR-15, and MR-30 districts. - Directed staff to draft a historic character sign ordinance for the HP-O district requiring a conditional use permit, to return for formal consideration next month. - Directed staff to correct the Light Industrial LSR requirement from 80% to 20% and return with a public hearing and ordinance. - Voted 5–2 to prohibit any additional drive-thrus in the CMU district. - Unanimously recommended to the Common Council the certified survey map for 1423 21st Street.

The Salary & Personnel Committee of the City of Monroe met on Monday, May 11, 2026, at 5:39 PM in the City Hall Council Chambers. All four members (Heidi Treuthardt, Corrine Wartenweiler, Christopher Vestin, Craig Franke) were present. The committee discussed two open-session items: a revised 2026 compensation pay scale to replace the Utility Staff Accountant position with an Account Technician - Utility Account Tech, and a one-time step increase for the City Treasurer. Both items were unanimously recommended to the Common Council. Consent Calendar - The minutes from the April 27, 2026 meeting were accepted as presented. Closed Session - The committee entered closed session under Wis. Stats. 19.85(1)(c) at 5:40 PM to consider employment, promotion, compensation, or performance evaluation data regarding the City Treasurer's pay grade and step in relation to current adjustments in responsibilities. The closed session lasted until 6:03 PM. No actions were taken in closed session; the subsequent open-session item addressed a recommendation. Discussion Items - D.1 – Revised 2026 Compensation Pay Scale: City Administrator Rindy provided an overview of the position change: eliminating the Utility Staff Accountant (pay grade 140) and creating a new Utility Account Technician position (pay grade 125). The responsibilities of the former staff accountant were split, with some duties moving to the new Utility Account Technician and some to the City Treasurer. The revised pay scale also included a 2.7% cost-of-living adjustment (COLA). A job description for the Utility Account Technician was included. - D.2 – City Treasurer Pay Grade and Step Location: The committee discussed and considered a one-time step increase for the current City Treasurer on the pay scale. Key Outcomes - Motion (Vestin, seconded Treuthardt) to approve and recommend to the Common Council the revised 2026 compensation pay scale that includes the Utility Account Technician and removes the Utility Staff Accountant. Passed 4-0. - Motion (Franke, seconded Vestin) to approve and recommend to the Common Council a one-time step increase for the City Treasurer on the pay scale. Passed 4-0. The meeting adjourned at 6:09 PM.

The Judiciary and Ordinance Review Committee met on Monday, May 11, 2026, at 5:45 PM in City Hall Council Chambers to discuss four agenda items: revisions to the animal noise ordinance, a charter ordinance for filling vacancies on the Common Council, a charter ordinance changing terms of office for alderpersons and the mayor, and a charter ordinance establishing a spring primary threshold. The committee voted unanimously to recommend two items to the Common Council and directed staff to draft updated language for two others. Discussion Items - Animal Noise Ordinance (C.1): Attorney Bartholf presented concerns regarding the current language prohibiting "excessive, continuous, or untimely" animal noise, noting difficulty in enforcement and prosecution when barking occurs intermittently (e.g., three minutes of barking, 18-minute break, then another three minutes). Chief Kelly and committee members discussed the subjectivity of terms and the desire for more definitive language while retaining flexibility. The committee favored moving away from "continuous" and toward language referencing "unreasonably disturbing to other persons in the neighborhood" (similar to Janesville's ordinance) and adding requirements for reoccurrence or multiple complaints. Attorney Bartholf was directed to prepare a draft updated ordinance covering all animals for future review. - Filling Vacancies on Common Council (C.2): Administrator Rindy reviewed a proposed charter ordinance allowing the next highest vote-getter from the most recent election to fill a vacancy created when an alderperson is elected mayor. The committee discussed including write-in candidates who receive a number of votes at least equal to the signature requirement for ballot access. It was suggested to tie the write-in threshold to the signature number rather than a fixed value to avoid future statutory conflicts. Attorney Bartholf will refine the language and return for further consideration. - Council, Mayor, and Alderpersons Terms of Office (C.3): Administrator Rindy explained the proposal to extend terms from two to three years to create staggered elections and increase council stability. The implementation would phase in starting with the 2027 election: the top three vote-getters among alderpersons would receive three-year terms, the fourth would receive a two-year term; similar phasing in 2028 for the five alderperson seats. The mayor would also serve a three-year term. A motion to recommend the charter ordinance to Common Council passed 4-0 (all present voting aye). - Council, Mayor and Alderpersons Spring Primary (C.4): The same section of code was amended to automatically trigger a spring primary for mayor if four or more candidates file, and for alderpersons if the number of candidates exceeds twice the number of available seats. This removes the need for the Council to decide within three days of the filing deadline. A motion to recommend to Common Council passed 4-0. The committee noted that implementation details should be harmonized with the terms-of-office ordinance, and staff will combine both charter ordinance changes into a single action item for the Common Council. Key Outcomes - C.3 - Terms of Office Charter Ordinance: Recommended to Common Council by a unanimous 4-0 vote. - C.4 - Spring Primary Charter Ordinance: Recommended to Common Council by a unanimous 4-0 vote. - C.1 - Animal Noise Ordinance: Committee directed Attorney Bartholf to draft an updated ordinance incorporating language from other municipalities (e.g., Janesville) with emphasis on reoccurrence and neighborhood disturbance, to be brought back for future discussion. - C.2 - Vacancy Filling Ordinance: Committee directed Attorney Bartholf to refine language regarding write-in candidate thresholds and clarify that the appointment is for the remainder of the term, to be brought back for future discussion.