City Plan Commission

CITY OF MONROE CITY PLAN COMMISSION MINUTES DATE: WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 14, 2026 TIME: 5:00 PM PLACE: CITY HALL COUNCIL CHAMBERS - 1110 18TH AVE A. CALL TO ORDER AND ROLL CALL The Mayor called the Plan Commission meeting to order on Wednesday, January 12, 2026, at 5:00 PM. Present at roll call were Mayor Douglas, Alder Matt Shaeffer, Dave Wartenweiler, Luis Carus, and Ron Spielman. Absent were Bill Bethke and Ben Voss. B. CORRECTION OF MINUTES - DECEMBER 10, 2025 The December 10, 2025 minutes were accepted as presented. C. BUSINESS 1. Discussion and Possible Recommendation to Common Council the Easement Request from Alliant Energy at Parcel 0101.0000 - 11th Street Parking Lot A request was received from Alliant Energy for an easement to install underground electric service for the Eugene Hotel project. The easement would allow for the installation of three-phase electric service and a pad-mounted transformer along the south and east sides of the 11th Street parking lot. The transformer would be located within two existing parking stalls at the southeast corner of the lot. The easement would then run along the south side of the parking lot to 15th Avenue. The request was previously reviewed by DPW Director Al Gerber for the initial concept and is recommended for approval. A motion was made by Ron Spielman, seconded by Matt Schaeffer to approve and recommend approval to the Common Council. Motion passed by unanimous vote. 2. Discussion and Possible recommendation to Common Council on Zoning Text Amendment Reducing Parking Requirements for Multi-Family Housing in MR-15, MR-30 and NMU Shannon Haydin, with Vandewalle, provided a presentation on the current zoning code and potential changes. The presentation followed up on a July presentation and subsequent discussions in August and December regarding an analysis of the Monroe Municipal Code to identify changes to support additional housing  development. The memo outlines proposed text amendments to the MR-15, MR-30, and NMU zoning districts, with draft amendments included as Exhibit A for Plan Commission consideration, reflecting the recommendations from the July Zoning Code Evaluation memo. Ron Spielman expressed concern about parking narrowing the street and potential safety issues. Jeff Neises commented on parking vacancy, and Matt Sheaffer asked whether there had been any parking complaints near the apartments. A motion was made by Matt Sheaffer, seconded by Ron Spielman, to approve and recommend the proposed changes be forwarded to the Judiciary and Ordinance Review Committee for review. The motion passed by unanimous vote. 3. Discussion and Possible Recommendation to Common Council Regarding Zoning Text Amendment to MR-15 and MR-30 to Relax Restrictions on the Number of Units per Multi-Family Building Shannon Haydin, with Vandewalle, provided a presentation on the current zoning code and potential changes. The discussion followed up on a July presentation and subsequent discussions in August and December regarding an analysis of the Monroe Municipal Code to identify changes to support additional housing development. The memo outlines proposed text amendments to the MR-15, MR-30, and NMU zoning districts, with draft amendments included as Exhibit A for Plan Commission consideration. Shannon Haydin discussed removing certain uses from the conditional use process and allowing developments of up to eight units “by right,” with any development exceeding eight units requiring a conditional use permit. Dave Wartenweiler expressed opposition to the change, stating he would prefer projects continue to be reviewed by the Plan Commission. Matt Sheaffer supported the concept of capping developments at eight units by right, with anything above that threshold requiring a conditional use permit. Direction was given to staff to further review the proposed zoning changes and bring them back for consideration. 4. Discussion and Possible Recommendation to Common Council Regarding Zoning Text Amendment to the Add 5-9-34 Downtown Character Sign Code Administrator reviewed that projecting signs are currently prohibited under the zoning code. Following research and discussion with City staff, draft text was developed to allow projecting signs under a proposed “Downtown Character Signs” category within the Historic Preservation Overlay District, requiring approval from both the Plan Commission and the Historic Preservation Commission. The Commission took no action and expressed concern about the potential for larger signs throughout the downtown area. D. BUSINESS PRESENTED BY MEMBERS E. ADJOURNMENT  A motion was made by Dave Wartenweiler, seconded by Ron Spielman to adjourn at 6:22 PM. Motion passed by unanimous vote. This Commission may take any action it considers appropriate related to any item on this agenda.