Public Meetings - Monroe, Wisconsin

The Monroe Finance and Taxation Committee met on Monday, May 11, 2026 at 5:10 PM in City Hall Council Chambers. The committee held a closed session to discuss a Notice of Claim and an extension of an option to purchase land in TID 9, then reconvened in open session to vote on the claim. The meeting adjourned after a unanimous decision to deny the claim. Key Outcomes - The committee unanimously voted to deny the Notice of Claim submitted to the City of Monroe. The roll call vote was: Alder Tolman (aye), Alder Schaefer (aye), Alder McGuire (aye), and Alder True Hart (aye). The motion carried. - No other business was conducted in open session. The meeting adjourned following the vote.

The Finance and Taxation Committee of the City of Monroe met on Monday, May 11, 2026, at 5:10 PM in City Hall Council Chambers. The meeting was called to order by the Chair, with roll call confirming all four members present: Alder Truehart, Alder Tolman, Alder Schaefer, and Alder McGuire. The minutes from the April 27, 2026 meeting were approved without correction. Closed Session The committee voted unanimously to enter closed session under Wisconsin Statute 19.85(E) for two items: consideration of a notice of claim submitted to the City of Monroe, and discussion regarding an extension of an option to purchase land in Tax Increment District (TID) 9. The motion to go into closed session was made, seconded, and passed with a 4-0 roll call vote. No open session business beyond the closed session vote was conducted before the transcript ended. Key Outcomes - Unanimous approval of the April 27, 6 minutes as written. - Unanimous vote (4-0) to enter closed session to discuss the notice of claim and the TID 9 land purchase option. - No further open session actions or public comments were recorded.

The License Committee of the City of Monroe met on Monday, May 11, 2026, at 4:55 PM in the Council Chambers. The three-member committee (Christopher Vestin, Richard Thoman, Darlene Voelkli) unanimously approved a temporary Class "B" fermented malt beverage and beer garden license for Main Street Monroe, Inc., in conjunction with the Cars on the Square event scheduled for June 5, 2026. The committee also accepted the minutes from the April 27, 2026 meeting. Consent Calendar - Minutes from April 27, 2026: Accepted as presented (no corrections offered). Public Comments & Testimony - No public comments were made. Discussion Items - Temporary Class "B" Beer License for Cars on the Square: The committee reviewed an application from Main Street Monroe, Inc. for a temporary beer garden permit for the Cars on the Square event on June 5, 2026. The clerk noted that the original application did not include the pocket park area. After discussion, committee member Thoman moved to approve the license and to include the pocket park within the licensed area. The motion was seconded by Voelkli. Alder Vestin clarified that the map and resolution should be updated to reflect the pocket park inclusion. Key Outcomes - Motion to Approve with Pocket Park Inclusion: Motion by Thoman, seconded by Voelkli, to recommend to Common Council the temporary Class "B" fermented malt beverage and beer garden license for Main Street Monroe, Inc., including the pocket park. The motion passed unanimously (3-0). - Adjournment: The meeting adjourned at 4:58 PM on a motion by Thoman, seconded by Vestin, passed 3-0.

The Board of Public Works met on Monday, May 11, 2026, at 5:00 PM in the Council Chambers. The meeting was called to order with all four members present (Heidi Treuthardt, Craig Franke, Matt Sheaffer, Richard Thoman). The board considered two items: awarding a contract for curb and gutter repairs and approving an update to the city's roadway functional classification. Both items were recommended for approval to the Common Council. Discussion Items - 2026 Curb and Gutter Repair Contract: Al Gerber, Director of Public Works, presented the bid tabulation for the 2026 curb and gutter repair project, which will be performed in conjunction with street paving projects. Nine contractors were solicited, and four bids were received. The bids ranged from $497,510.76 to $550,834. However, the low bidder, Potrykus Construction LLC (a company new to the city, based near Wausau), submitted a bid of $493,510.74. The board discussed the scope of work (spot repairs on streets being repaved, not full reconstruction) and noted that multiple mobilizations would be required to coordinate with utility work. A motion was made to recommend awarding the contract to Potrykus Construction LLC for $493,510.74. - Roadway Functional Classification Update: Al Gerber explained that the Wisconsin Department of Transportation conducts a 10-year review of roadway classifications. The state recommended changes for 4th Street and 22nd Avenue (near the hospital) and initially proposed downgrading 6th Street (from the jail to Highway 59) and 32nd Avenue to local streets. The city pushed back on the downgrades, arguing that the jail and the new high school require maintaining a minor arterial classification. The state agreed to keep 6th Street and 32nd Avenue at their current classification. The classification affects eligibility for state and federal grants and shared revenue. The board discussed the importance of higher classifications for grant opportunities. A motion was made to recommend approval of the resolution adopting the updated functional classification changes. Key Outcomes - Motion 1 (Curb and Gutter Contract): Motion by Matt Sheaffer, seconded by Heidi Treuthardt, to recommend awarding the 2026 curb and gutter repair contract to Potrykus Construction LLC for $493,510.74. Passed 4-0 (all in favor: Thoman, Sheaffer, Treuthardt, Franke). - Motion 2 (Functional Classification): Motion by Heidi Treuthardt, seconded by Matt Sheaffer, to recommend approval of the resolution updating the roadway functional classification. Passed 4-0. Consent Calendar - The minutes of the May 5, 2026, meeting were accepted as presented without correction. Adjournment - The meeting adjourned at 5:08 PM.

The Public Safety Committee of the City of Monroe met on Monday, May 11, 2026, at 4:45 PM in Council Chambers (1110 18th Avenue). All three committee members—Corinne Wartenweiler, Matt Sheaffer, and Darlene Voelkli—were present. The meeting lasted approximately five minutes, adjourning at 4:50 PM. The committee unanimously approved three special event permits for upcoming community events, with no public comments or additional discussion. Discussion Items - Main Street Monroe's Car Show (June 5, 2026): The annual car show will take place on the square from 4:30 PM to 9:00 PM. Both the police and fire departments reported no issues or concerns. The committee voted unanimously to recommend approval to the Common Council (motion by Wartenweiler, second by Voelkli; vote 3-0). - Main Street Monroe's Concerts on the Square (Summer Series): The summer concert series runs from May 30, 2026, through August 15, 2026, with general setup and event times from 5:00 PM to 9:30 PM. Police and fire departments had no objections. The committee voted unanimously to recommend approval (motion by Wartenweiler, second by Voelkli; vote 3-0). - Zilmer-Riley American Legion Post Memorial Day Parade (May 25, 2026): The annual Memorial Day parade, sponsored by the American Legion, proceeds from Rec Park to Greenwood Cemetery. The route remains unchanged, and police and fire departments raised no issues. The permit covers the entire event, including activities at the cemetery. The committee voted unanimously to recommend approval (motion by Voelkli, second by Wartenweiler; vote 3-0). Key Outcomes - All three special event permits were approved and recommended to the Common Council with unanimous 3-0 votes. - The meeting adjourned at 4:50 PM following a motion by Wartenweiler, seconded by Voelkli, passed 3-0.

The Board of Public Works met on Tuesday, May 5, 2026 at 4:45 PM in the Council Chambers. The board elected officers, approved routine items, and discussed recommendations to the Common Council regarding pool slide and tower repairs as well as the purchase of a new pickup truck for the Water Department. All votes were unanimous (4-0). Consent Calendar - Minutes of April 13, 2026: Accepted as presented. - Whitney Tree Service Invoice: Approved payment of $8,379 for tree removal services performed in early April. Public Comments & Testimony - None. Discussion Items - Pool Slide and Start Tower Repairs: Parks Supervisor Josh Trame reviewed quotes for restoring the 26-year-old spiral slide and start tower at the plunge pool. The slide's gel coat has exceeded its life expectancy, and the tower's concrete pan has rusted. Trame recommended hiring Fischer Brothers of Chippewa Falls for both portions at a total cost of $58,200, noting they did previous touch-up work and perform 75–80% of similar work in the Wisconsin Dells. Alternative quotes included Safe Slide Restoration ($38,934 for slide only) and Splashtacular ($66,725 for start tower only). Trame estimated a new slide would cost about $500,000. The regelling would extend life another 10–15 years. Alder Franke asked for pool usage numbers to justify the asset. The board voted to recommend the project to the Common Council, funded through 2026 capital bonds. - Purchase of 2026 1/2-Ton Pickup: Utilities Supervisor Mike Kennison explained the need to replace a 2008 Ford Ranger currently used by the Water Department. Quotes were solicited from six dealers; the low bid was $43,675 from Lake Mills, but Ruda Chevrolet of Monroe offered $44,119. Kennison expressed a preference for buying locally since the price difference was small, and the city's fleet is primarily Chevrolet for parts and service. The truck would be a single cab. The board voted to recommend purchasing from Ruda Chevrolet for $44,119 and selling the old truck at auction, funded through 2026A capital bonds. Key Outcomes - Election of Officers: Alder Richard Thoman elected Chairperson, Alder Matt Sheaffer elected Vice-Chairperson (both unanimous). - Recommendation to Common Council: Approve hiring Fischer Brothers for pool slide and tower repairs at $58,200 (unanimous). - Recommendation to Common Council: Purchase a 2026 1/2-ton pickup from Ruda Chevrolet for $44,119 and auction the current 2008 Ford Ranger (unanimous). - Adjournment: The meeting adjourned at 5:07 PM.

The Common Council of Monroe, Wisconsin, met on Monday, May 4, 2026, at 6:30 PM in City Hall Council Chambers. Mayor Tom Miller presided. The council approved routine items on the consent agenda, set public hearings for four zoning text amendments aimed at increasing housing development, approved special event permits, created a seasonal position, and conducted closed-session negotiations on land purchases. All votes were unanimous (8-0) except for one abstention on the consent agenda. Consent Calendar - Miscellaneous Licenses and Claims List – Approved 7-0 (Ald. Craig Franke abstained). Recognition - Mayor Miller recognized Main Street Monroe, Inc. and Jordan Nordby for their work on the Pocket Park and downtown events. Jordan Nordby provided updates on recent and upcoming Main Street Monroe activities. - The Mayor also proclaimed the week of May 4th as International Firefighters’ Day, National Teachers Appreciation Week, and Nurses Week, thanking those groups for their service. License Committee - Leisure Lanes Outdoor Beer Garden – Resolution approved (8-0) to temporarily extend the licensed premises for Leisure Lanes to add an outdoor beer garden. Public Safety Committee - Special Event Permits – Resolution approved (8-0) for three events: Main Street Monroe's Summer Kickoff, Union Presbyterian Church's Cinco de Mayo celebration, and Monroe High School's Pride Parade (all scheduled in May/June 2026). Judiciary and Ordinance Review Committee The council set public hearings for May 18, 2026, for four zoning text amendment ordinances: 1. Revising minimum lot area requirements in the One and Two Family Residential (TR-10) district. 2. Revising minimum lot area requirements in the Neighborhood Mixed Use (NMU) district. 3. Relaxing the restrictions on the number of units per multi-family building by right in the MR-15 Residential Zoning District. 4. Revising parking requirements in the NMU, MR-15, and MR-30 zoning districts. Salary and Personnel Committee - Seasonal Bathhouse/Slide Attendant Position – Resolution approved (8-0) to add a new seasonal position and set its 2026 miscellaneous wage. Finance and Taxation Committee – Closed Session and Property Purchases - The council entered closed session at 6:57 PM under Wisconsin Statute 19.85(e) to discuss two land acquisitions: (1) purchasing right-of-way land for the 13th Street and 31st Avenue Roundabout Project from SM Enterprises of Broadhead LLC, and (2) considering an updated contract to purchase city-owned property on 21st Street. - The council reconvened in open session at 7:11 PM. - Action on 13th/31st Roundabout – Motion approved (8-0) to authorize the purchase of property and a temporary limited easement from SM Enterprises of Broadhead LLC. - Action on 21st Street Property – Motion approved (8-0) accepting an offer to purchase from Limitless Realty LLC for $14,000 for parcel 23251-2354-0091. The city administrator and city attorney were authorized to execute closing documents. Committee Reports - Alder Franke reported on the Main Street Monroe Board meeting, noting that discussions are occurring about potentially increasing financial support to partner organizations (senior center, chamber, etc.) during the upcoming 2027 budget process. He encouraged a hopeful conversation about continued funding growth. Key Outcomes - Consent agenda approved 7-0 (Franke abstained). - All other resolutions and motions approved 8-0. - Public hearings for four housing-related zoning amendments scheduled for May 18, 2026. - Land purchases approved for the 13th/31st roundabout project and sale of 21st Street property for $14,000. - Meeting adjourned at 7:17 PM.

The Monroe Common Council met on Monday, May 4, 2026, at 6:30 PM in City Hall Council Chambers. The meeting lasted approximately 47 minutes, adjourning at 7:17 PM. All eight alderpersons were present (Richard Thoman, Corinne Wartenweiler, Heidi Treuthardt, Matt Sheaffer, Craig Franke, Dylan McGuire, Christopher Vestin, Darlene Voelkli). Mayor Tom Miller presided. The council approved a consent agenda, several resolutions, and set four public hearings for May 18, 2026, regarding zoning text amendments to promote housing development. A closed session was held to discuss property purchases, followed by unanimous approval of those transactions. Consent Calendar - Miscellaneous Licenses and Claims List: Approved 7-0 (Alder Franke abstained). The vote taken was: Ayes – Thoman, Wartenweiler, Treuthardt, Sheaffer, McGuire, Vestin, Voelkli; Abstain – Franke. Discussion Items - Recognition of Main Street Monroe & Jordan Nordby: Mayor Miller recognized Jordan Nordby, Executive Director of Main Street Monroe, who reported on recent accomplishments including a state award for the Pocket Park project (with public restrooms), a national conference panel on succession planning, and upcoming events: farmers market (started May 2), night market (May 16), summer concerts (starting May 30), public art installations, and a historic walking tour. Alder Franke later reported on the Main Street Monroe Board, noting discussions about potential increased financial support for organizations in the upcoming budget. Alder Treuhardt expressed appreciation for the new public restrooms. Jordan noted the Pocket Park capital campaign is about 99.5% funded. - Mayor's Additional Recognitions: Mayor Miller proclaimed May 4 as International Firefighters Day, May 4-8 as National Teacher Appreciation Week, and also recognized Nurses Week, thanking all for their service. - License Committee – Leisure Lanes Outdoor Beer Garden: Resolution approved 8-0 to temporarily extend the licensed premises for Leisure Lanes (2308 6th Avenue) to include an outdoor roped-off beer garden (approx. 40x60 feet) on select dates between May 10 and September 23, 2026. - Public Safety Committee – Special Event Permits: Resolution approved 8-0 authorizing three events: (1) Main Street Monroe Summer Kickoff on June 6, 2026 (downtown street closures); (2) Union Presbyterian Church’s Cinco de Mayo Community Festival on May 9, 2026 (noon-5 PM at 2707 Fifth Street); (3) Monroe High School GSA Pride Parade on June 6, 2026 (parade route from high school to Twining Park, 2:00-2:30 PM). - Judiciary and Ordinance Review Committee – Setting Public Hearings: The council unanimously set a public hearing for May 18, 2026, for four zoning text amendments: (K.1) Revising minimum lot area requirements in the TR-10 (One and Two Family Residential) district; (K.2) Revising minimum lot area requirements in the NMU (Neighborhood Mixed Use) district; (K.3) Relaxing restrictions on the number of units per multi-family building in the MR-15 district by right; (K.4) Amending parking requirements in NMU, MR-15, and MR-30 districts. All hearings will be held on May 18, 2026. - Salary and Personnel Committee – Seasonal Bathhouse/Slide Attendant: Resolution approved 8-0 establishing a pay rate of $11.00 per hour for the seasonal bathhouse/slide attendant position (effective January 1, 2026). - Finance and Taxation Committee – Closed Session and Subsequent Actions: The council voted 8-0 to enter closed session at 6:57 PM to discuss purchasing land/right-of-way at 13th Street and 31st Avenue and an updated contract to purchase city property on 21st Street, citing Wis. Stat. § 19.85(1)(e) (competitive/bargaining reasons). After reconvening at 7:11 PM, the council approved 8-0 two resolutions: (M.3) authorizing the purchase of land/right-of-way at 13th Street and 31st Avenue; (M.4) approving an updated contract to purchase property on 21st Street. - Clerk’s Reminder: City Clerk Wahl reminded that a Board of Public Works meeting is scheduled for Tuesday. Key Outcomes - Consent agenda approved (7-0). - Leisure Lanes beer garden resolution approved (8-0). - Three special event permits approved (8-0). - Public hearings set for May 18, 2026, on four zoning text amendments (unanimous). - Seasonal bathhouse/slide attendant wage resolution approved (8-0). - Property purchase at 13th Street/31st Avenue approved (8-0). - Updated contract to purchase property on 21st Street approved (8-0). - Meeting adjourned at 7:17 PM (8-0).

The Finance and Taxation Committee of the City of Monroe, Wisconsin, met on Monday, April 27, 2026, at 5:50 PM in City Hall Council Chambers. The meeting was called to order with members Heidi Treuthardt, Dylan McGuire, Richard Thoman, and Matt Sheaffer present. The committee approved the minutes from April 13, 2026, as presented, then entered a closed session lasting from 5:52 PM to 7:26 PM to discuss four property and development matters under Wisconsin statute 19.85(E). Upon returning to open session, the committee took one action and adjourned at 7:29 PM. Correction of Minutes - The minutes from the April 13, 2026 meeting were accepted as presented. Closed Session (5:52 PM – 7:26 PM) - The committee deliberated in closed session on four items: (1) potential development agreement terms for residential developments in Tax Incremental District (TID) 9, (2) a development agreement to support a residential development in TID 7, (3) an updated contract to purchase city property on 21st Street, and (4) the purchase of land for the right-of-way of 13th Street and 31st Avenue. All discussions were held under the competitive or bargaining reasons exception (Wis. Stat. § 19.85(E)). Open Session Actions - No action taken on the updated contract to purchase city property on 21st Street (agenda item D.1). - Motion to approve and recommend to Common Council the purchase of land for the right-of-way of 13th Street and 31st Avenue (agenda item D.2). The motion was made by Alder McGuire, seconded by Alder Thoman, and passed unanimously (4-0). Key Outcomes - The committee voted 4-0 to recommend that the Common Council approve the purchase of land for the right-of-way of 13th Street and 31st Avenue. - No action was taken on the updated contract for the 21st Street property, effectively leaving it pending or withdrawn.