MONROE — The Monroe Common Council approved financial compensation for the city’s interim fire chief, Al Rufer, who was picked by the Police and Fire Commission. The council approved the motion without opposition during its meeting Aug. 2.
Rufer is currently the deputy fire chief and takes over for Dan Smits, resignation of the position went into effect July 31. Rufer will not be paid his deputy fire chief wages while serving as interim fire chief. It is expected that Rufer will fill the role for the next four months, with a financial impact to the city of an additional $7,442.48 total.
Once the Police and Fire Commission select and approve a new fire chief, Rufer will return to his post as deputy fire chief.
Also on Aug. 2, the council approved five special events in the city that will take place over the next few months. Events include: Big Brothers/Big Sisters Tour de Cheese on Aug. 7; EAA Young Eagles Aviation Rally from 9 a.m. to noon Aug. 14 at the airport; Monroe High School Homecoming parade Sept. 17; Green County Fall Nationals truck and tractor pull from noon to midnight Sept. 25 at the fairgrounds; and Harley’s Hustle 5K and walk Oct. 2.
Other action items included:
● A service agreement with Tyler Technologies, Inc.;
● Curb and gutter installation contract with R&T Voegeli for $98,375
● Street construction projects from Rock Road Companies, the sole bidder for the project at $61,034.70. Project locations are 14th Avenue from 9th Street to 12th Street; 14th Street from 20th Avenue to 23rd Avenue
● Code revision for small businesses operating out of homes, also known as home occupations
On July 19, the Monroe Common Council:
● Recognized Smits for his 4.5 years of service, including 45 years of fire service overall.
● Appointed City Administrator Dave Lothspeich to the Joint Review Board.
● Approved a Community Development Block Grant for CLOSE Public Facilities, which will go toward funding utility installation for street projects in 2021 and 2022 construction. The grant, from the Wisconsin Department of Administration, is worth $1.2 million. Projects include the installation of a sanitary sewer and water main on 7th Street from 14th Avenue to 28th Avenue; 15th Avenue from 9th Street to 12th Street; 14th Avenue from 9th Street to 12th Street; and 14th Street from 20th Avenue to 23rd Avenue.
