MONROE — Members of the Monroe Common Council discussed a request from the Behring Senior Center to conduct a feasibility study Monday over whether the facility should build anew or renovate where it stands.

Coordinator Tammy Derrickson said the request to spend roughly $15,000 to $20,000 of donated funds on the study was presented to the council as a way to ensure the governmental body was in favor of the earliest stages of planning.

“This doesn’t mean we’re building a new facility,” Derrickson said. “This is just a baby step to see what can be done.”

Alderman Michael Boyce said the center does not require council approval to spend donated funds, which City Administrator Phil Rath verified. However, the group felt informing aldermen about their plans to hire an architect would be beneficial. 

“I feel, as the director, that’s the appropriate approach,” Derrickson said.

Boyce said he had found the center board’s attempts to change the facility “admirable” in the past and was not against the construction of a new facility in East School Park, which had been proposed in recent years. Derrickson said she also felt the plan was positive, but that residents of the neighborhood objected to the loss of the majority of the park. She also said water running underneath the location could have caused complications with building there.

Derrickson said one of the problems of the current location is not the space, but how it’s used, noting that the layout is segmented. A more open floorplan could allow for a needed larger gym and gathering area.

Mayor Louis Armstrong said because no one voiced an objection to the plan presented by the senior center, the council generally agreed with the plan. 

The Monroe Common Council also: 

♦ Heard news from the mayor that a resolution may soon be considered to have Turner Hall act as the November polling location.

♦ Approved a special event permit application from Shakespeare on The Edge for a theatrical event at Twining Park Aug. 17 and 18. 

♦ Created a no parking zone on W. 10 1/2 St. from 4th Ave. W going 310 ft to the west.

♦ Scheduled the zoning map and ordinance draft for a public hearing Sept. 4 contingent upon approval by the Plan Commission.

♦ Approved a special event permit application for the Newman/Johnson wedding reception to be used at the south and west shelter and band shell of Twining Park from 1 p.m. to 11 p.m. Aug. 25.

♦ Hired E&N Hughes to install storm sewer along 18th Avenue from 12th Street to 10th Street for the lowest responsible proposal of nearly $85,000, which will be paid from the storm water utility fund.

♦ Approved a contract to perform the construction of an odor control system at the city wastewater treatment plant.

♦ Created a no parking zone on the west side of the 800 block of 17th Ave. as requested by a resident who had reported issues with accessing their driveway near Monroe One Hour Cleaners.

♦ Heard a second request from Alderwoman Donna Douglas to have the council members recite the Pledge of Allegiance at the beginning of each meeting.

♦ Approved a special event permit application from Green County House Inc. to host the Huber Bock Run in the 1400 to 1600 blocks of 13th Street and 1200 block of 14th Avenue from 1 p.m. to 1:30 p.m. Sept. 15.

♦ Authorized appropriate signers on the newly established Wisconsin Bank & Trust accounts.