Common Council

CITY OF MONROE COMMON COUNCIL MINUTES DATE: MONDAY, MARCH 2, 2026 TIME: 6:30 PM PLACE: CITY HALL COUNCIL CHAMBERS - 1110 18TH AVE A. CALL TO ORDER The Common Council meeting was called to order by Mayor Douglas at 6:30 PM on Monday, March 2, 2026. B. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE C. ROLL CALL Present in person were Mayor Donna Douglas, Richard Thoman, Tom Miller, Lynne Kleven, Heidi Treuthardt, Corinne Wartenweiler, Matt Sheaffer, Dylan McGuire, and Christopher Vestin. Absent was Craig Franke. D. CORRECTION OF MINUTES - FEBRUARY 17, 2026 The minutes for February 17, 2026, were accepted as presented. E. PRESENTATIONS OF PETITIONS AND COMMUNICATION F. BUSINESS BY MAYOR 1. Resolution Recognizing City of Monroe Employee on Their Retirement - Mike Mortimer The Mayor recognized the retirement of Mike Mortimer. Chief Kelley also spoke and presented Mike with a clock in appreciation of his service. A motion was made by Treuthardt, seconded by Miller, to approve the resolution. The motion passed 8-0, by the following vote:  AYES: Richard Thoman, Tom Miller, Lynne Kleven, Corinne Wartenweiler, Heidi Treuthardt, Matt Sheaffer, Dylan McGuire, Christopher Vestin NOES: None ABSENT: Craig Franke ABSTAINED: None G. APPEARANCES BY THE PUBLIC 1. Appearance by Citizens 2. Appearance by Property/Business Owners with the City of Monroe of Their Authorized Agents H. CONSENT AGENDA 1. Misc Licenses 2. Claims List A motion was made by Treuthardt, seconded by Wartenweiler, to approve the consent agenda. The motion passed 8-0, by the following vote: AYES:Richard Thoman, Tom Miller, Lynne Kleven, Corinne Wartenweiler, Heidi Treuthardt, Matt Sheaffer, Dylan McGuire, Christopher Vestin NOES:None ABSENT: Craig Franke ABSTAINED: None I. LICENSE COMMITTEE 1. Resolution Approving Suisse Haus' Temporary Beer Garden Application A motion was made by Wartenweiler, seconded by Miller, to approve the resolution. The motion passed 8-0, by the following vote: AYES:Richard Thoman, Tom Miller, Lynne Kleven, Corinne Wartenweiler, Heidi Treuthardt, Matt Sheaffer, Dylan McGuire, Christopher Vestin NOES:None ABSENT: Craig Franke ABSTAINED: None J. PUBLIC SAFETY COMMITTEE 1. Resolution Approving Special Event Permit: Main Street Monroe's St. Patrick's Day Parade A motion was made by Sheaffer, seconded by Kleven, to approve the  resolution. The motion passed 8-0, by the following vote: AYES: Richard Thoman, Tom Miller, Lynne Kleven, Corinne Wartenweiler, Heidi Treuthardt, Matt Sheaffer, Dylan McGuire, Christopher Vestin NOES: None ABSENT: Craig Franke ABSTAINED: None K. PLAN COMMISSION 1. Resolution Approving Certified Survey Map for James & Jeffrey Larson at 2715 & 2717 6th Avenue - Parcel 23251 3723.0000 A motion was made by Sheaffer, seconded by Miller, to approve the resolution. The motion passed 8-0, by the following vote: AYES:Richard Thoman, Tom Miller, Lynne Kleven, Corinne Wartenweiler, Heidi Treuthardt, Matt Sheaffer, Dylan McGuire, Christopher Vestin NOES:None ABSENT: Craig Franke ABSTAINED: None L. BOARD OF PUBLIC WORKS 1. Fehr-Graham Presentation & Discussion and Possible Action Regarding Private Lead Service Replacement Funding Options Jesse from Fehr Graham spoke regarding the federal mandate requiring replacement of lead service lines and reviewed the three potential funding options available to the City. Bridgette provided additional details on loan structures and policies under the federal guidelines, including the possibility of a 0% interest ITA loan with a 20-year term. Council members had the opportunity to ask questions. They expressed interest in minimizing the financial impact to residents, and try not to place the burden on homeowners. Mike Kennison discussed possible next steps for utilizing the $1 million in funding, including focusing on replacing the City (public) side first, or combining the funds with loans and grants to address both the public and private sides. A motion was made by Vestin, seconded by Miller, to approve to utilize approximately $1 million received from a federal grant to fund both public and  private lead service line replacements. The motion passed 8-0, by the following vote: AYES: Richard Thoman, Tom Miller, Lynne Kleven, Corinne Wartenweiler, Heidi Treuthardt, Matt Sheaffer, Dylan McGuire, Christopher Vestin NOES: None ABSENT: Craig Franke ABSTAINED: None M. COUNCIL OF THE WHOLE 1. Fehr-Graham Presentation & Discussion and Possible Action Regarding WWTP Design Alterations Darrel Carstensen from Fehr Graham provided an overview of the anaerobic digestion process and its impact on the Wastewater Treatment Plant. He discussed the dangers associated with methane gas produced during digestion and reviewed electrical hazard classification requirements within the code for digesters. He explained that the current facility creates the potential for hazardous conditions, including possible explosion risks, due to methane gas being released too close to potential electrical ignition sources. The existing space does not meet current fire code requirements and presents life safety concerns. Jesse and Darrel responded to questions from the Council. Two corrective options were presented: 1. Construct a new electrical/boiler room building that would meet current code requirements. The estimated cost for a new building is approximately $6.7 million. 2. Install additional safety equipment as an interim measure while planning and moving forward with construction of a new compliant building. Consensus of the Council was to move forward with incorporating the new building addition into the WWTP design and to install the necessary safety equipment. A motion was made by Miller, seconded by Treuthardt, to award to move forward with incorporating the new building addition into the WWTP design and to install the necessary safety equipment to address the identified hazards.. The motion passed 8-0, by the following vote: AYES: Richard Thoman, Tom Miller, Lynne Kleven, Corinne Wartenweiler, Heidi Treuthardt, Matt Sheaffer, Dylan McGuire, Christopher Vestin NOES: None ABSENT: Craig Franke ABSTAINED: None  2. Resolution Granting Temporary "Class B" Fermented Malt Beverage and Wine License to Monroe Cheesemakers Booster Club A motion was made by Miller, seconded by Sheaffer, to approve the resolution. The motion passed 8-0, by the following vote: AYES:Richard Thoman, Tom Miller, Lynne Kleven, Corinne Wartenweiler, Heidi Treuthardt, Matt Sheaffer, Dylan McGuire, Christopher Vestin NOES:None ABSENT: Craig Franke ABSTAINED: None 3. Resolution Approving 2027 Capital Project List to Submit for Congressional Directed Spending Grant Requests Administrator Rindy provided a list of projects the City intends to submit for funding requests, including the Wastewater Treatment Plant, street, water, and sewer projects, lead service line replacements, and Public Works facility. A motion was made by Miller, seconded by Thoman, to approve the resolution. The motion passed 8-0, by the following vote: AYES:Richard Thoman, Tom Miller, Lynne Kleven, Corinne Wartenweiler, Heidi Treuthardt, Matt Sheaffer, Dylan McGuire, Christopher Vestin NOES:None ABSENT: Craig Franke ABSTAINED: None N. FINANCE AND TAXATION COMMITTEE 1. BUSINESS CLOSED: 19.85(E) Deliberating or negotiating the purchasing of public properties, the investing of public funds, or conducting other specified public business, whenever competitive or bargaining reasons require a closed session: CONSIDERATION OF REQUEST FOR TID 7 FUNDING TO SUPPORT RESIDENTIAL AND SHORT TERM RENTAL DEVELOPMENT A motion was made by Wartenweiler, seconded by Treuthardt, to entered closed session at 8:24 PM. The motion passed 8-0, by the following vote: AYES:Richard Thoman, Tom Miller, Lynne Kleven, Corinne Wartenweiler, Heidi Treuthardt, Matt Sheaffer, Dylan McGuire, Christopher Vestin NOES:None ABSENT: Craig Franke ABSTAINED: None A motion was made by Miller, seconded by Sheaffer, to return from closed session at 8:34 PM. The motion passed 8-0, by the following vote:  AYES: Richard Thoman, Tom Miller, Lynne Kleven, Corinne Wartenweiler, Heidi Treuthardt, Matt Sheaffer, Dylan McGuire, Christopher Vestin NOES: None ABSENT: Craig Franke ABSTAINED: None 2. BUSINESS OPEN: Possible Action From Closed Session Regarding Developer's Agreement for Residential and Short Term Rental Development A motion was made by Treuthardt, seconded by Miller, to approve the resolution. The motion passed 8-0, by the following vote: AYES:Richard Thoman, Tom Miller, Lynne Kleven, Corinne Wartenweiler, Heidi Treuthardt, Matt Sheaffer, Dylan McGuire, Christopher Vestin NOES:None ABSENT: Craig Franke, ABSTAINED: None O. BUSINESS PRESENTED BY ALDERPERSONS 1. Special Committee Report Outs Alder Wartenweiler reported that the Green County Historical Society is planning several events for the spring and reviewed a number of upcoming activities. She noted that the event should be added to the 5:15 report when it gets closer. Alder Miller reported from the Airport Board that Tom Kelly has passed away. He also noted that Reconstruction Project 2-20 will begin once weather conditions improve, and that fuel tax revenues will be directed toward the airport layout plan. P. BUSINESS PRESENTED BY DEPARTMENT HEADS Q. BUSINESS PRESENTED BY THE PRESS R. ADJOURNMENT A motion was made by Treuthardt, seconded by Wartenweiler, to adjourn at 8:41 PM. The motion passed 8-0, by the following vote: AYES: Richard Thoman, Tom Miller, Lynne Kleven, Corinne Wartenweiler, Heidi Treuthardt, Matt Sheaffer, Dylan McGuire, Christopher Vestin NOES: Craig Franke ABSENT: None  ABSTAINED: None This Council may take any action it considers appropriate related to any item on this agenda.