Monroe, Michigan
Upcoming
City Council - Work Session Meeting
The City Council holds a work session to review two administrative items ahead of formal action on the regular meeting agenda. Administration will discuss proposed amendments to the Lake Erie Transit interlocal agency agreement, which coordinates regional bus service across Monroe and neighboring townships. Staff will also present an overview of the Monroe Housing Commission’s operations and strategic plans for its public housing communities.
- Review of proposed amendments to the Lake Erie Transit interlocal agency agreement before its 2028 expiration
- Changes would allow Bedford Township to appoint one of three at-large commission members
- Updates include language for appointing commission member alternates
- Overview of Monroe Housing Commission operations and future strategic development plans presented by Executive Director Jasmine Martin
- Housing Commission manages public housing units including Greenwood Townhouse and River Park Plaza
City Council - Council Meeting
During its June 15, 2026 meeting, the Monroe City Council approved multiple infrastructure contracts and operational agreements. The council awarded a $2,889,944 contract for water main replacements and street paving, which will involve road work and utility maintenance across city streets. Additional decisions authorized a cloud software upgrade to modernize billing systems, secured MDOT funding for traffic signal improvements at US-24/Lorain and M-125/Noble, and approved winter maintenance supplies.
- 2026 Water Main and Street Paving Program awarded to Salenbien Trucking & Excavating, Inc. for $2,889,944.00
- Cloud software upgrade for Equalizer.Net approved at $195,845 plus $10,000 for training and implementation
- Traffic signal mast arm upgrades funded via MDOT contract with a $43,600 deposit for US-24/Lorain and M-125/Noble
- Rock salt purchase awarded to The Detroit Salt Co., LLC. for up to 1,800 tons at $345,006 across three winter seasons
- City employee parking lot fencing and brick column installation awarded to Nationwide Construction Group for $129,800
Brownfield Redevelopment Authority - Regular Meeting
Citizens Planning Commission - Regular meeting
Downtown Development Authority - Regular Meeting
City Council - Work Session Meeting
City Council - Council Meeting
City Council - Council Meeting
Citizens Planning Commission - Regular meeting
Brownfield Redevelopment Authority - Regular Meeting
City Council - Work Session Meeting
City Council - Council Meeting
Downtown Development Authority - Regular Meeting
City Council - Work Session Meeting
City Council - Council Meeting
Brownfield Redevelopment Authority - Regular Meeting
Citizens Planning Commission - Regular meeting
Downtown Development Authority - Regular Meeting
City Council - Work Session Meeting
City Council - Council Meeting
City Council - Work Session Meeting
City Council - Council Meeting
Brownfield Redevelopment Authority - Regular Meeting
Citizens Planning Commission - Regular meeting
City Council - Work Session Meeting
City Council - Council Meeting
Downtown Development Authority - Regular Meeting
City Council - Council Meeting
Recent meetings
Post Retirement Healthcare Board - Regular Meeting
Downtown Development Authority - Regular Meeting
The Downtown Development Authority will approve minutes from May 20, 2026, and review financial reports including a revenue and expenditure report as of May 31, 2026. The board will also consider an intergovernmental agreement with the City of Monroe for redevelopment services and professional support.
- Intergovernmental Agreement between City of Monroe and DDA for redevelopment services and professional support
- Revenue and Expenditure Report showing year-to-date spending through May 31, 2026, with $161,528.21 in expenditures against a $390,098 budget
- Flex Billing Remittance of $246.34 from ChargePoint for EV station revenue for March 2026
- Invoices for DTE ($16.80) and Google Workspace ($16.80) for May 2026
City Council - Council Meeting
This meeting is largely procedural: the Monroe City Council will approve minutes from its June 1, 2026 meetings and authorize payment of bills by allowing warrants to be drawn on various accounts. No substantive policy decisions, rezonings, or contracts are on the agenda.
- Approval of minutes from Jun 1, 2026 (6:00 PM and 7:30 PM sessions)
- Authorization of bill payments via warrants on city accounts
City Council - Special Meeting
The City Council will hold a special meeting to consider entering closed executive session for labor negotiations, a quarterly litigation update, and attorney-client privileged communication. No other business is on the agenda.
- Consideration to enter closed executive session for labor negotiations
- Consideration to enter closed executive session for quarterly litigation update
- Consideration to enter closed executive session for attorney-client privileged communication
Election Commission - Regular Meeting
The Monroe Election Commission unanimously approved multiple resolutions to prepare for the May 5, 2026 special election, including delegating duties to the Clerk-Treasurer, appointing election inspectors, authorizing absentee counting boards, and scheduling a public accuracy test. The meeting also approved minutes from prior meetings.
- Resolution delegating election duties to Clerk-Treasurer for May 5 special election
- Approved election inspector appointment list for May 5 election
- Authorized up to two Absentee Count Boards at Monroe City Hall
- Authorized absentee ballot pre-processing prior to May 5 election
- Scheduled Public Accuracy Test for April 23, 2026 at 7:30 a.m. at City Hall
City Council - Work Session Meeting
This meeting agenda consists only of a login portal with a file-access error. No decisions or discussion items are listed. Contact the Clerk's office for information.
Brownfield Redevelopment Authority - Regular Meeting
Citizens Planning Commission - Regular meeting
The Citizens Planning Commission will hold a public hearing on a request from IHM Senior Living Community, Inc. to amend the Planned Unit Development plan and agreement for 502 West Elm Ave. The proposal includes construction of a new 26,289-square-foot, 32-bed memory care facility and an updated site layout with future phases. The commission will also vote on accepting minutes from the May 11, 2026 meeting.
- Public hearing on Case PUD 26-001: amend PUD for 502 West Elm Ave (parcels 69-01502-001 & 69-01501-000)
- Proposed 26,289 sq ft, 32-bed memory care facility northwest of existing building
- Updated full site layout including future phases of development
- Minutes acceptance from May 11, 2026 meeting
City Council - Council Meeting
The agenda consists solely of procedural items: approval of minutes from the May 18, 2026 meetings and approval of payment of bills as detailed in the attached AP Preliminary Report. No substantive policy decisions, public hearings, or new ordinances are scheduled.
- Approval of minutes from May 18, 2026 6:00 PM and 7:30 PM meetings
- Approval of bills payment for various vendor invoices (see AP Preliminary Report)
- Invoices include payments for water main replacement, fire alarm inspection, and other city services
- No other business items listed
City Council - Work Session Meeting
The City Council discusses a potential upgrade from the current BS&A Equalizer.Net enterprise software to a new Cloud/SAAS version, with a formal proposal expected on June 15, 2026. The Council also receives an update on various residential housing projects at different stages of development. Additionally, staff previews local plans for the nation's 250th anniversary celebration, branded as 'Hometown Heritage: Monroe’s America 250'.
- Discussion of migrating city enterprise software from BS&A Equalizer.Net to Cloud/SAAS, with implications and pros/cons
- Update on residential housing projects in the city, covering multiple stages and departments (Economic & Community Development, Engineering, Water/Wastewater)
- Preview of 'Hometown Heritage: Monroe’s America 250' local observances for the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence
- No votes or formal actions taken; all items are discussion only at this work session
Post Retirement Healthcare Board - Regular Meeting
Downtown Development Authority - Regular Meeting
This meeting of the Downtown Development Authority includes consent agenda items to approve minutes from March and April 2026. The board will also authorize payment of invoices including Google Workspace subscriptions and a DTE electric bill, receive a $174.30 remittance from ChargePoint for EV charging station revenue, and review the March 2026 revenue and expenditure report showing year-to-date spending of $288,582.35 against a $388,198.00 amended budget.
- Consent agenda approval of minutes from March 18 and April 30, 2026
- Payment of Google Workspace invoice for $16.80 (March 2026) and another for $16.80 (April 2026)
- Payment of DTE electric utility invoice (amount not specified in agenda text)
- Receipt of $174.30 in Flex Billing revenue from ChargePoint for February 2026 EV charging station usage
- Review of DDA March revenue and expenditure report with $288,582.35 expended YTD and $99,615.65 remaining
City Council - Council Meeting
The City Council will vote on approving minutes from the May 4, 2026 meetings and authorize payment of bills from various accounts. The agenda is primarily procedural with no substantive policy discussions.
- Approval of minutes from May 4, 2026 6:00 PM meeting
- Approval of minutes from May 4, 2026 7:30 PM meeting
- Authorization for bills to be allowed and warrants drawn for payment
The council unanimously approved two brownfield and housing TIF plans: one for the former St. Mary Academy property at 420 West Elm Ave and another for the Community Reimagined 'Welcome Homes' project at 1026 and 1030 East Second Street. An ordinance regulating e-bikes and amendments to park rules on e-bikes also passed unanimously. The council approved a $50,000 professional services contract for the Front and First Streets intersection redesign, and authorized submission of a disaster grant application with the Port of Monroe.
- Accepted consent agenda including $2,066,881.66 in vendor payments, Jones Avenue easement, chemical purchases, portable pump, server room AC replacement, dump truck repair, and board appointments (6-0)
- Adopted Ordinance 26-006 to amend Chapter 199 on e-bikes (6-0)
- Approved park regulation amendments on e-bikes (6-0)
- Approved St. Mary Academy brownfield and housing TIF plan (6-0)
- Approved Community Reimagined brownfield and housing TIF plan (6-0)
- Approved non-union employment agreement for Interim City Manager (6-0)
- Awarded $50,000 contract to OHM Advisors for Front and First Streets intersection redesign (6-0)
- Authorized grant application with Port of Monroe for Elevated Industrial Corridor project and approved grant agreement with KM Cornerstone (both 6-0)
City Council - Work Session Meeting
The City Council will discuss findings from Hunden Associates' feasibility and market analysis on redeveloping the former south arena at the River Raisin National Battlefield Park Education & Visitor Center into a large-scale event center. The report covers market demand, physical condition, financial performance, and recommendations for potential capital improvements and operational changes. No votes are scheduled; the session is for discussion and consideration of next steps.
- Review of Hunden Associates feasibility study for converting the 20,000-square-foot south arena into a convention/event center
- Discussion of current facility financials: $1,710 net operating income in 2025 with only 3 for-profit events out of 12
- City incurred $86,640 in operating losses in 2025 after bond payments ended
- Analysis of regional event center supply and local corporate demand from employers like ProMedica, Stellantis, and La-Z-Boy
- Architectural assessment identifies need for upgrades to lobby, event space, and back-of-house areas
Brownfield Redevelopment Authority - Regular Meeting
The Brownfield Redevelopment Authority will consider approving the March 31, 2026 financial report and several invoices from city departments and legal counsel. The agenda is largely procedural, with no new policy or project decisions proposed.
- Approval of minutes from the April 9, 2026 regular meeting
- Invoice from city departments totaling $1,113.97 for April 2026 time and costs
- Invoice from Mohr Budds Law, PLLC for $578.00 for legal services in March and April 2026
- Acceptance and placement on file of the March 31, 2026 financial report showing total assets of $2,302,623.54 and a net of revenues vs. expenditures of $732,273.50
Citizens Planning Commission - Regular meeting
The Citizens Planning Commission will hold a public hearing on a special use request to convert a triplex with an office into a four-unit quadplex at 1724 S. Custer Rd. Staff recommends conditional approval of the associated site plan. The agenda also includes a site plan review for 14 Winchester St.
- Public hearing for special use approval (Case SU 26-002) to convert 1724 S. Custer Rd. from triplex with office to quadplex residential
- Site plan review (Case SPL 26-006) for the same property; staff recommends conditional approval contingent on special use grant
- Site plan review (Case SPL 26-003) for 14 Winchester St.
- Consent agenda: approval of March 9, 2026 meeting minutes
City Council - Council Meeting
The City Council will consider approval of bills and warrants for payment and minutes from the April 20, 2026 meetings. The agenda is largely procedural, with no substantive policy items clearly identified in the provided text.
- Approval of minutes from Apr 20, 2026 meetings (6:00 PM, 7:00 PM, and multiple 7:30 PM sessions)
- Authorization of bills and warrants drawn on various accounts for payment
- Preliminary report listing vendor payments (specific amounts and vendors unreadable in source)
City Council - Special Meeting
The Monroe City Council holds a special meeting to discuss the City Manager transition and succession, facilitated by Human Resources. The Council will also consider entering a closed executive session for labor negotiations. No final decisions are scheduled; the agenda includes public comment and procedural items.
- City Manager Transition and Succession Discussion (item 5895) facilitated by HR Director Dr. Julie Everly
- Consideration to enter closed executive session for Labor Negotiations (item 5897)
- Public Comment period for citizen input
The Monroe City Council held a special meeting on May 4, 2026. The only substantive discussion was a presentation on city manager transition and succession, but no decision was taken on that item. The council unanimously voted to enter closed session for labor negotiations and later returned to open session before adjourning.
- Approved motion to enter closed executive session for labor negotiations (7-0)
- Approved motion to return to open session (7-0)
- Approved motion to adjourn (7-0)
Downtown Development Authority - Special Meeting
The Monroe Downtown Development Authority is reviewing a letter of intent from Glow Fish Studios to purchase the property at 13 W. Front Street for $200,000. The buyer proposes to operate a retail store on the first floor and build three apartments on the upper floors. The board will also review a detailed expense summary for the property's rehabilitation, totaling $548,639.41, which includes a $155,037 city grant.
- Letter of intent from Glow Fish Studios to buy 13 W. Front Street (Monroe Optical) for $200,000
- Proposed use: boutique retail on first floor, three apartments on second and third floors
- Total property rehabilitation expenses: $548,639.41, including a $155,037 city grant and $2,400 from the Brownfield Redevelopment Authority
- Expense categories include asbestos removal ($90,000), roof replacement ($74,952), and facade renovation ($188,150)
- Due diligence period of 90 days and closing within 30 days after that, pending formal purchase agreement
Election Commission - Regular Meeting
The Election Commission will select a precinct for testing, conduct tabulator and voter assist device testing, and complete the certification form. This is a routine procedural meeting to verify voting equipment ahead of elections.
- Select Precinct For Testing
- Conduct Tabulator and Voter Assist Testing
- Complete Election Commission Certification Form
City Council - Council Meeting
This is a work session meeting of the Monroe City Council. The council received presentations on the 2026-2027 goals and objectives process and on pending state legislation that would preempt local zoning authority for housing. The meeting also included routine approval of prior meeting minutes and a preliminary invoice report for departmental purchases.
- Presentation of the 2026-2027 Goals & Objectives by City Manager David Robinson and Assistant City Manager Mark Cochran
- Overview of state legislation to preempt local zoning authority for housing, including discussion of 'Partnership Over Preemption'
- Approval of minutes from multiple earlier meetings (April 6, 2026 and April 15, 2026 sessions)
- Preliminary invoice report covering checks for various city departments, including items like drones, police gear, park supplies, and office materials
The council unanimously approved a $777,944 contract for the River Raisin Dam Removal and Sewer Relocation project, adopted the FY2027 budget ordinance, and named Mark Cochran as Acting City Manager following a vacancy. Other actions included awarding a $197,000 city hall backup generator bid, approving property sales, and scheduling public hearings on brownfield plans. All decisions were unanimous except one abstention on a millage renewal ballot placement.
- Approved $777,944 contract for River Raisin Dam Removal and Sewer Relocation to Salenbien Trucking & Excavating, Inc. (unanimous)
- Adopted Ordinance 26-005, the FY2027 Budget Ordinance (unanimous)
- Named Mark Cochran as Acting City Manager (unanimous)
- Awarded $197,000 City Hall Backup Generator bid to Regent Electric with $216,700 total project budget (unanimous)
- Approved purchase of 719 W. Fourth Street for $20,000 (unanimous)
- Approved purchase of Parcel 2 of 317 W. Front Street for $29,620.80 (unanimous)
- Approved LETC millage renewal proposal on August 2026 ballot (6-0, Germani abstained)
- Awarded $152,000 contract to Cincar Consulting Group for Hy Property Neighborhood Development Subarea Plan (unanimous)
City Council - Special Meeting
The City Council is considering approving a Retirement, Separation, and Release Agreement for City Manager David Robinson, who will retire effective June 30, 2026. The agreement includes a severance payment of $85,726.86 and a payout of $47,193.74 for unused paid time off. An Acting City Manager will be appointed immediately upon Council approval to ensure a smooth transition.
- Approval of retirement agreement with City Manager David Robinson, effective June 30, 2026
- Severance payment of $85,726.86 to Robinson
- Payout of $47,193.74 for accrued unused paid time off
- Appointment of an Acting City Manager effective April 20, 2026
- Robinson to serve as Consultant from April 20 to June 30, 2026, receiving current compensation
The City Council held a special meeting and voted unanimously to approve a Retirement, Separation, and Release Agreement with David Robinson, authorizing the Mayor and Clerk/Treasurer to sign. The City Attorney also requested an agenda amendment for the regular meeting to discuss the City Manager transition and appointment of an acting City Manager, but no action was taken on that request.
- Approved Retirement, Separation, and Release Agreement with David Robinson (7-0)
City Council - Work Session Meeting
The City Council will discuss proposed e-bike regulations and review final draft ordinance amendments. They will also review two brownfield tax increment financing (TIF) plans: one for the former St. Mary Academy property and one for 1026 and 1030 East Second Street for the Community Reimagined 'Welcome Homes' housing development, including eligible activities and tax capture. No final action is expected at this work session.
- Discussion of proposed e-bike regulations and ordinance amendments
- Review of brownfield TIF plan for former St. Mary Academy property
- Review of brownfield TIF plan for 1026 and 1030 East Second Street (Welcome Homes Orchard) with estimated $1.5 million eligible costs and $1.6 million total investment
- Construction for Welcome Homes expected to begin Summer/Fall 2026
- Last brownfield plan approved by Council was in 2019 for La-Z-Boy Headquarters site
The City Council held a work session to review proposed ordinance amendments regarding e-bikes and an outline for the former St. Mary Academy & Community Reimagined Brownfield project. No formal votes were recorded.
- Discussed proposed e-bike ordinance amendments
- Reviewed former St. Mary Academy brownfield project timeline
City Council - Special Meeting
The agenda for this City Council special meeting consists solely of the standard public comment rules and accessibility notice. No substantive items for decision or discussion are listed.
- Public comment rules: 3-minute limit, podium address with name and address, no time transfers
- Written comments may be submitted to the Clerk/Treasurer before the meeting
- Accessibility accommodation request requires one week notice to the City Clerk/Treasurer
Post Retirement Healthcare Board - Regular Meeting
Downtown Development Authority - Regular Meeting
The Downtown Development Authority will discuss a letter of intent (LOI) from Bruce and Vanessa Morse of Glow Fish Studios to purchase the property at 13 W. Front Street (Monroe Optical Building) for $200,000. The buyer plans to create three apartments and a retail store. The board will also approve minutes from the March 18 meeting and review routine financial reports, including invoices and a revenue and expenditure summary.
- Letter of intent to purchase 13 W. Front St for $200,000 with plans for 3 apartments and retail on first floor
- Consent agenda approval of minutes from March 18, 2026
- Google Workspace invoice for $16.80 and DTE electric invoice (amounts not specified in agenda)
- ChargePoint flex billing revenue remittance of $174.30 for EV station usage in February 2026
- March revenue & expenditure report showing $288,582.35 spent year-to-date against $388,198 budget
Citizens Planning Commission - Regular meeting
The Citizens Planning Commission will consider approving minutes from March 18, 2026, and review a DDA financial report. A letter of intent to purchase 13 W. Front Street for $200,000 is included for discussion.
- Approval of March 18, 2026 meeting minutes
- DDA March revenue and expenditure report showing $288,582.35 year-to-date spending
- Letter of intent from Glow Fish Studios to purchase 13 W. Front St for $200,000 for retail and three apartments
Brownfield Redevelopment Authority - Regular Meeting
The Brownfield Redevelopment Authority will consider approving minutes from its Feb 12, 2026 meeting and review invoices for city services and legal fees, along with the January 2026 financial report. The agenda is largely procedural with no new projects or policy changes.
- Approval of Feb 12, 2026 meeting minutes
- Review of February 2026 city invoices totaling $711.81
- Review of legal invoices from Mohr Budds Law totaling $425
- Review of January 2026 financial report showing fund balance of $1.55 million
City Council - Council Meeting
The City Council will meet on April 6, 2026 to hold a public hearing and second reading on Ordinance 26-003, which would amend term limits for the Citizens Planning Commission. The meeting also includes public hearings on multiple delinquent property enforcement resolutions (blight, rental inspection, weed/grass, demolition, snow removal) and approval of the March 16 meeting minutes.
- Second reading and public hearing on Ordinance 26-003 to amend CPC term limits (City Code Section 22-19)
- Public hearing on Delinquent Blight Resolution
- Public hearing on Delinquent Rental Housing Inspection Resolution
- Public hearing on Delinquent Weed & Grass Cutting Resolution
- Public hearing on Delinquent Demolition Resolution
The council unanimously approved a consent agenda that included $1,947,675.51 in vendor payments, a $1,262,351 change order for concrete paving, and other road and sidewalk contracts. It also set first readings for the FY2027 budget ordinance and a retirement system ordinance, with public hearings scheduled for April 20. Five resolutions were adopted to place delinquent blight, rental inspection, weed/grass, demolition, and snow removal fees onto the summer 2026 tax roll. The council adopted a resolution opposing state legislation that would preempt local zoning authority for housing development.
- Approved consent agenda including vendor payments ($1,947,675.51), concrete paving change order ($1,262,351), sidewalk change order ($280,000), crack sealing change order ($120,000), lawn maintenance contract extension, and dump truck purchase ($134,023) (unanimous)
- Set first reading of FY2027 Budget Ordinance (26-005) and scheduled public hearing for April 20 (unanimous)
- Set first reading of Retirement System Ordinance (26-004) and scheduled public hearing for April 20 (unanimous)
- Adopted resolution spreading delinquent blight fees onto summer 2026 tax roll (unanimous)
- Adopted resolution spreading delinquent rental inspection fees onto summer 2026 tax roll (unanimous)
- Adopted resolution spreading delinquent weed/grass cutting fees onto summer 2026 tax roll (unanimous)
- Adopted resolution spreading delinquent demolition fees onto summer 2026 tax roll (unanimous)
- Adopted resolution opposing Michigan legislation that would preempt local zoning authority for housing (unanimous)
Election Commission - Regular Meeting
The Monroe Election Commission will consider approving minutes from two prior meetings held in October 2025, which covered election preparations for the November 4 General Election. Those meetings authorized absentee counting boards, delegated appointment of election inspectors, and conducted a public accuracy test.
- Approval of Oct 6 minutes including Resolution 5515 delegating duties to clerk-treasurer
- Authorization of two absentee counting boards for the Nov 4 election at city hall
- Pre-processing of absentee ballots allowed from Oct 27 through Nov 3
- Delegation of authority to clerk-treasurer to appoint additional election inspectors
- Scheduling of public accuracy test for Oct 28 at 7:30 AM
City Council - Work Session Meeting
The City Council will review proposed 2026-2027 goals and objectives covering land use, infrastructure, community engagement, and operational excellence. They will also discuss Michigan House Bills 5529-5532, which would impose statewide housing requirements and preempt local zoning authority. No votes are expected; this is a work session.
- Discussion of HB 5529-5532: legislation to preempt local zoning for housing development
- Review of 2026-2027 goals including Downtown Monroe corridor implementation and Telegraph Road plan
- Tracker update on housing development projects, public safety leadership, and property acquisitions
- Discussion of city-owned vacant property status and future direction
- Review of garbage and yard waste collection contracts
The City Council held a work session to discuss the 2026-2027 Goals & Objectives and received a presentation on state legislation that would preempt local zoning authority for housing. No votes or formal actions were taken; the items were for discussion only.
- No decisions or votes recorded; items were presented and discussed