Monroe, IA

Notice of Possible Quorum Meeting

The City of Monroe is hosting an informational meeting with representatives of the Iowa Rural Utilities Association. The public is invited to attend, and one or more council members may be present. No formal decisions or votes are scheduled.

• Joint informational meeting with Iowa Rural Utilities Association
• Public invited to attend at City Hall

This was an informational meeting, not a decision-making session. City and utility officials discussed water quality, testing, and infrastructure, answering resident questions. No formal actions were taken.

• No formal decisions were made at this informational meeting.
• Discussed water quality standards and testing requirements with EPA and IDNR.
• Noted that the City of Newton treats water before it is distributed to Monroe's towers.
• Discussed potential hydrant flushing on N. Commerce Street to address water concerns.

Regular City Council Meeting

The Monroe City Council will vote on several resolutions, including pay increases for two police officers, a library solarium agreement, and a handicap parking request. They will also discuss municipal infraction fines, an E-scooter ordinance, and a water project for FY2027.

• Resolution to increase pay for Police Officer Michael Feldman after probation
• Resolution for pay differential for Police Officer Bradley Sheeder
• Agreement with Friends of the Monroe Public Library for solarium at 416 S. Buchanan Street
• Request for handicap parking spots in front of Solid Rock Church at 124 N. Commerce Street
• Discussion on municipal infraction fines at $150, $300, and $500

The Monroe City Council approved several items, including an ordinance removing a no-parking restriction on Jasper Street, pay increases for two police officers, and an agreement allowing off-duty officers to work for Iowa State University. The council also discussed but did not finalize a handicap parking request and a library solarium agreement, both to be revisited next month.

• Approved ordinance removing no-parking zone on Jasper Street (5-0)
• Approved pay increase for Officer Michael Feldman to $32.43/hour (5-0)
• Approved $1.25/hour pay differential for Officer Bradley Sheeder (5-0)
• Approved agreement with Iowa State University for off-duty police work (5-0)
• Approved resolution assigning address 606 East Nevada Street (5-0)
• Approved consent agenda including alcohol license renewal (5-0)
• Set employee reviews for Public Works Director and Police Chief for Sept. 14 (5-0)
• Authorized engineering cost estimates for FY2027 water projects (5-0)

Regular City Council Meeting

The Monroe City Council will vote on a pay increase for a police officer, consider removing no-parking signs on Jasper Street and adding them on West American Street, and discuss allowing adult beverages on the city square during Old Settlers. They will also review several police-related policies, including infraction fines, off-duty overtime, and sick time during probation, and discuss bonding for FY2027 projects.

• Resolution to increase pay for Police Officer Hezekiah Applegate
• Request to remove no-parking signs on Jasper Street near Monroe Elementary
• Discussion to add no parking on north side of West American Street
• Consider allowing adult beverages on City Square for Old Settlers (Aug 7-8)
• Review 28E agreements with Jasper County for Rosebud Avenue and Mechanic Street maintenance

The Monroe City Council approved several items, including a pay increase for SRO Hezekiah Applegate, removal of no parking signs on Jasper Street, adult beverages on the city square for Old Settlers, and 28E agreements for road maintenance. They tabled a decision on fire hydrant fines and deferred decisions on sick leave and off-duty overtime pending more information.

• Approved Resolution 21-2026 increasing SRO Applegate's pay to $31.50/hr (5-0)
• Approved removal of no parking signs on Jasper Street near Monroe Elementary (5-0)
• Granted Old Settlers Committee request for adult beverages on city square Aug 7-8 (5-0)
• Approved 28E agreements with Jasper County for Rosebud Ave ($5,000) and Mechanic St ($2,000) (5-0)
• Approved payroll correction reimbursement of $22,103.94 for Police Chief Chambers (5-0)
• Tabled discussion on municipal infraction fine for fire hydrant tampering (5-0)
• Approved consent agenda including bills, minutes, and Casey's alcohol license renewal (5-0)

Special City Council Meeting

The Monroe City Council is holding a special meeting to discuss employee performance and consider pay increases for the period July 1, 2026, to June 30, 2027. The council may enter a closed session to evaluate professional competency of individuals, as allowed by Iowa law. City employees may address the council for 10-15 minutes each. A ribbon cutting for Prairie Tales is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. after the meeting.

• Consider and approve employee pay increases for July 1, 2026, to June 30, 2027
• Possible closed session under Section 21.5(i) of the Code of Iowa to evaluate professional competency
• City employees may speak to Mayor and Council for 10-15 minutes each
• Ribbon cutting for Prairie Tales at 6:30 p.m.

The Monroe City Council held a special meeting on July 13, 2026, to conduct employee reviews and consider pay increases. The council approved a 3% raise for hourly employees and a 3% salary increase for City Administrator Kim Thomas, both by unanimous 5-0 votes. The council tabled a rate increase discussion for Public Works Director Marc Van Wyk for 60 days and tabled the review for Nicholas Chambers until he returns to work. No closed session was held because no employees requested one.

• Approved 3% raise for hourly employees (5-0)
• Approved 3% salary increase for City Administrator Kim Thomas (5-0)
• Tabled rate increase discussion for Public Works Director Marc Van Wyk for 60 days (5-0)
• Tabled review for Nicholas Chambers until he returns to work (5-0)

Regular City Council Meeting

The Monroe City Council will meet to handle routine business, including approving bills, permits, and reports. They will also discuss several operational items, such as a potential fine for an incomplete sewer project, a vacation request, a skid loader purchase, and a resident's unauthorized hydrant flushing.

• Resolution to void lost or outstanding checks
• Fining HK Solutions Group $500/day for incomplete Franklin Street sewer relining
• Employee request for an additional week of vacation (currently has 7 weeks)
• Skid loader purchase estimate of $74,317.09, with possible trade-in of tractor/mower for $30K
• Municipal infraction fine of $850 for unauthorized hydrant flushing on N. Commerce Street

The Monroe City Council denied Police Chief Nicholas Chambers' request for an additional week of vacation, with a 3-2 vote against the motion. The council also tabled a skid loader purchase until FY2028, approved a certificate of completion for the 2025 Westview Street improvements, and set a special meeting for employee reviews. A resident raised water quality concerns on N. Commerce Street, leading to an agreement to meet with IRWA.

• Denied additional vacation week for Police Chief Chambers (2-3)
• Tabled skid loader purchase until FY2028 (5-0)
• Approved Certificate of Completion for 2025 Westview Street Improvements (5-0)
• Set special meeting for employee reviews on July 13 at 5:00 PM (5-0)
• Approved Consent Agenda including bills, minutes, and tobacco permits (5-0)
• Approved Resolution No. 20-2026 authorizing clerk to void lost/outstanding checks (5-0)

Special City Council Meeting

The Monroe City Council held a special meeting to consider a budget amendment for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2026. After a public hearing with no written or oral objections, the council voted unanimously to approve Resolution No. 19-2026, adopting the amendment.

• Public hearing for Budget Amendment No. 1 held and closed with no objections
• Resolution No. 19-2026 approving Budget Amendment No. 1 passed unanimously 5-0

The Monroe City Council held a public hearing and unanimously approved Budget Amendment No. 1 for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2026. No written or oral objections were received. The council passed Resolution No. 19-2026 to adopt the amendment.

• Closed public hearing for Budget Amendment No. 1 (5-0)
• Approved Resolution No. 19-2026 adopting Budget Amendment No. 1 (5-0)

Regular City Council Meeting

The Monroe City Council is holding its regular meeting with a consent agenda covering routine approvals, including alcohol license renewals for Dollar General and Casey's. The main items are the third reading of an ordinance amending yard meter fees, a resolution setting a public hearing for Westview Street improvement financing, and several other resolutions including a fund transfer and hiring a public works employee. The council will also review a budget amendment and receive updates on the Franklin Street sewer project and GIS mapping.

• 3rd reading of ordinance amending Section 92.11 on yard meter fees
• Resolution setting public hearing for Westview Street improvement financing
• Resolution approving hire of new Public Works employee
• Resolution for transfer of funds within the city
• Review of budget amendment for FY ending June 30, 2026

The Monroe City Council approved the third and final reading of an ordinance amending yard meter charges, setting a monthly fee of $23.56 from April through October. They also approved resolutions to transfer funds, change the June meeting date to June 15, and hire Dylan Brummel as a full-time public works employee at $24.50 per hour. All votes were 5-0.

• Approved yard meter fee ordinance (5-0)
• Approved fund transfer resolution (5-0)
• Approved changing June meeting to June 15 (5-0)
• Approved hiring Dylan Brummel at $24.50/hour (5-0)

Special City Council Meeting

The Monroe City Council is holding a special meeting to conduct a public hearing on the proposed budget for fiscal year July 1, 2026, to June 30, 2027, and to consider a resolution approving that budget. This is the main action item on the agenda.

• Public hearing for the proposed FY2027 budget
• Resolution approving the FY2027 budget

The Monroe City Council held a special meeting on April 23, 2026, to conduct a public hearing on the proposed FY2027 budget (July 1, 2026–June 30, 2027). No written or oral objections were received. The council then unanimously approved Resolution No. 15-2026, adopting the annual budget for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2027.

• Opened public hearing for FY2027 budget (5-0)
• Closed public hearing for FY2027 budget (5-0)
• Approved Resolution No. 15-2026, FY2027 budget (5-0)

Special City Council Meeting

The Monroe City Council held a public hearing on the proposed property tax levy. No written or oral objections were received, though negative social media posts were noted. The hearing was closed unanimously, and the council then adjourned.

• Public hearing for proposed property tax levy
• No written or oral objections received
• Negative Facebook posts noted by City Administrator
• Hearing closed unanimously

The Monroe City Council held a special meeting on April 6, 2026, solely to conduct a public hearing on the proposed property tax levy. No written or oral objections were received, though the city administrator noted negative social media posts. The hearing was closed and the meeting adjourned without any formal action on the levy itself.

• Closed public hearing on proposed property tax levy (unanimous)
• Adjourned special meeting at 5:35 p.m. (unanimous)

Regular City Council Meeting

The Monroe City Council will hold third readings on ordinances amending water, sewer, sanitation, and yard meter charges, potentially setting new rates. They will also set dates for FY2027 budget and FY2026 budget amendment hearings, and consider several other items including a street closing request, a GIS mapping agreement amendment, and a Board of Adjustment recommendation for a property at 105 W. Nevada Street.

• 3rd reading of water rate ordinance amendment
• 3rd reading of sewer service charge ordinance amendment
• 3rd reading of sanitation charge ordinance amendment
• Set FY2027 budget hearing date (April 23, 28, or 29)
• Street closing request for car show on June 13, 2026

The Monroe City Council approved three ordinances establishing new water, sewer, and sanitation rates, all by 5-0 votes. They also approved a change order for sewer work on Franklin Street, a GIS mapping agreement, a street closing for a car show, and a Board of Adjustment recommendation for an accessory building.

• Approved water rate ordinance (Ordinance No. 328) (5-0)
• Approved sewer service charge ordinance (Ordinance No. 329) (5-0)
• Approved sanitation charge increase to $22.25/month (Ordinance No. 330) (5-0)
• Approved first and second readings of yard meter charge ordinance (5-0)
• Approved Hydro-Klean Change Order No. 1 for Franklin Street sewer work, up to $25,000 (5-0)
• Approved GIS mapping and hosting agreement with Veenstra & Kimm, up to $70,000 (5-0)
• Approved street closing for Monroe Madness Car Show on June 13, 2026 (5-0)
• Approved Board of Adjustment recommendation for accessory building at 105 W. Nevada Street (5-0)

City Council Workshop

The Monroe City Council is holding a workshop to discuss spring projects and the future of the Monroe Elementary building. This is a discussion item only, with no formal decisions or votes scheduled.

• Discussion of spring projects
• Discussion of Monroe Elementary Building

The City Council held a workshop to discuss spring projects needing attention and whether the city would have interest in the Monroe Elementary Building. No formal decisions were made; the meeting was for discussion only.

• Discussed spring projects needing city attention
• Discussed potential interest in Monroe Elementary Building

Regular City Council Meeting

The Monroe City Council will hold its regular meeting on March 9, 2026, covering consent items, committee reports, and several ordinances. Key actions include second readings of ordinances to amend water, sewer, and sanitation rates, a resolution to increase the library director's pay, and setting a public hearing for the FY2027 budget. The council will also discuss purchasing land for the library, awarding an insurance contract, and hiring a public works employee.

• Second reading of ordinance amending water rates
• Second reading of ordinance amending sewer rates (Section 99.01)
• Second reading of ordinance amending sanitation rates (Section 106.08)
• Resolution for $0.50 pay increase for Library Director Mallory Hackett
• Insurance quotes: EMC $84,827 vs ICAP/IMWCA $89,879 plus $5,207 for workers comp

The Monroe City Council approved second readings of ordinances that will raise water rates by 15% and sewer rates by 7% inside and outside city limits, with final readings to come. They also approved a $0.50 hourly pay increase for the Library Director, awarded an insurance contract to EMC Insurance for $84,827, and set a public hearing for the FY2027 budget for April 6, 2026. The council declined to pursue purchasing more land around the library and tabled a document scanning presentation.

• Approved second reading of water rate ordinance (15% increase) (5-0)
• Approved second reading of sewer rate ordinance (7% increase) (5-0)
• Approved second reading of ordinance raising curbside collection fee to $22.25/month (5-0)
• Approved $0.50/hour pay increase for Library Director Mallory Hackett (5-0)
• Awarded property/liability/workers comp insurance contract to EMC Insurance for $84,827 (5-0)
• Approved placement agreement with Green Bins Iowa for clothes recycling bin at City Hall ($50/month) (5-0)
• Approved posting for Public Works employee position (5-0)
• Approved increasing yard meter water rate to $23.56 effective June 1, 2026 (5-0)

City Council Workshop

The Monroe City Council is holding a workshop to discuss and finalize the FY2027 budget figures. This is the primary item on the agenda, with no other substantive business listed.

• Discussion and finalization of FY2027 budget figures

The Monroe City Council held a budget workshop and agreed to reduce budget expenses to achieve a balanced FY2027 budget. No specific cuts or amounts were detailed in the minutes. The meeting was adjourned at 7:41 p.m.

• Agreed to reduce budget expenses for a balanced FY2027 budget (5-0)

Regular City Council Meeting

The Monroe City Council will hold first readings of ordinances to set water, sewer, and sanitation rates, and will consider resolutions to transfer funds and hire two police officers. The council will also set dates for a budget workshop and a public hearing on the property tax rate, and discuss several other items including a sewer project contract and a potential land purchase for the library.

• 1st reading of water, sewer, and sanitation rate ordinances
• Resolution to hire Paul Kuhlman as part-time police officer
• Resolution to hire Micheal Feldmann as full-time police officer
• Consider award of contract for 2026 Franklin Street Sanitary Sewer Rehabilitation Project (low quote $27,206.32 from Hydro-Klean, LLC)
• Discussion of potential land acquisition for library solarium (confidential under Iowa Code 21.5(j))

The Monroe City Council approved first readings of ordinances raising water rates by 15%, sewer rates by 7%, and sanitation fees from $20.60 to $22.25 per month, all by 5-0 votes. They also approved resolutions to transfer funds, hire two police officers, and award a sewer rehabilitation contract. The council accepted a resignation, set a budget workshop and tax rate hearing, and tabled a library solarium land discussion.

• Approved first reading of water rate ordinance (15% increase) (5-0)
• Approved first reading of sewer rate ordinance (7% increase) (5-0)
• Approved first reading of sanitation rate ordinance ($20.60 to $22.25/month) (5-0)
• Approved Resolution No. 8-2026 for fund transfer (5-0)
• Approved hiring Paul Kuhlman as part-time police officer at $30.22/hr (5-0)
• Approved hiring Michael Feldmann as full-time police officer at $31.00/hr (5-0)
• Awarded Hydro-Klean, LLC contract for Franklin Street sewer rehab at $52,206.32 (5-0)
• Approved $1,800 donation to Monroe Senior & Community Center (5-0)

City Council Workshop

The Monroe City Council is holding a workshop to discuss the FY2027 city budget, focusing on expenses and priorities. This is a discussion item, not a final decision. The agenda is otherwise procedural, with roll call and adjournment.

• Discussion of City Budget FY2027 Expenses and Priorities

The Monroe City Council held a budget workshop to discuss FY2027 expenses and priorities. City Administrator Kim Thomas reviewed expense budget figures. No formal decisions or votes were made during the workshop.

City Council Workshop

The Monroe City Council is holding a workshop to discuss the FY2027 city budget, focusing on revenue and priorities. The agenda contains only this discussion item, with no votes or decisions scheduled.

• Discussion of City Budget FY2027 Revenue and Priorities

The City Council held a workshop to review FY2027 revenue figures and priorities. PFM Financial presented water and sewer fund revenue and expenses, suggesting rate increases. No formal decisions were made; the meeting was informational only.

• Discussed FY2027 revenue budget figures and priorities
• Reviewed water and sewer fund revenue and expenses with PFM Financial
• Suggested rate increases for water and sewer (no action taken)
• Adjourned at 7:00 P.M.

Regular City Council Meeting

The Monroe City Council will vote on several resolutions and discuss new business, including a proposal for the city to buy land behind the library for an arboretum, a possible new full-time police officer, and sewer work on Franklin Street. The agenda also includes routine items like approving bills, minutes, and appointments.

• Resolution 7-2026 to approve hiring a School Resource Officer
• Consider hiring Michael Feldman as full-time police officer; city to pay balance of his contract
• Library arboretum proposal: city to purchase land behind library; costs include attorney fees, survey, land purchase
• Quotes for Franklin Street sewer relining: $58,991.50 (Insituform) and $27,206.32 (Hydro-Klean)
• Invoice from Municipal Pipe and Tool for sewer lining removal reduced to $257,218.75

The Monroe City Council approved several resolutions and contracts, including paying a $257,218.75 invoice for Franklin Street sewer lining removal, which was $20,000 below the original. They also awarded a $29,750 mowing contract for Silent City Cemetery and hired a full-time police officer. Several items were tabled, including the GIS Mapping Project, Franklin Street sewer relining quotes, and construction drawings for the city hall/police department project.

• Approved Consent Agenda including bills and minutes (5-0)
• Approved Resolutions 1-2026 through 7-2026 (5-0)
• Awarded Brian Pfeifer 2026 mowing contract for Silent City Cemetery at $29,750 (5-0)
• Paid Municipal Pipe and Tool invoice for Franklin Street sewer lining removal at $257,218.75 (5-0)
• Hired Michael Feldman as full-time police officer (5-0)
• Tabled GIS Mapping Project discussion until after budget meetings
• Tabled Franklin Street sewer relining quotes until next month
• Tabled construction drawings for city hall/police department project