MONROE - Monroe Main Street signed off as a city program Tuesday, and Main Street Monroe, Inc. took its place as the independent entity created to take up the efforts to revitalize the downtown.
According to the resolutions requesting termination with the city, passed by the board Tuesday, "Monroe Main Street has evolved to where it should be able to maintain its programs and volunteer base independent of the city's administrative support system."
According to City Administrator Phil Rath, various issues that arose in recent years - including who would be responsible and provide insurance for the numerous events held on city streets - prompted the split.
"Main Street was never intended to remain a city program," he added.
Main Street Monroe, Inc. board members adopted new by-laws Tuesday, as well as reviewed its financial status and its committee appointments for the coming year. According to Ryan Wilson, Monroe Main Street board chairman, the city is expected to transfer about $27,000 to the new organization, part of which the city budgeted from the tax increment district for 2011.
The City of Monroe Common Council created the Monroe Main Street Initiative as a three-year program on Dec. 2, 2003, as a way to promote Monroe's historical downtown commercial district around the Green County courthouse. The entire business district has been on the National Register of Historic Places since 1982.
Wilson acknowledged City Attorney Rex Ewald Tuesday as one of the initial promoters of establishing the program. Ewald also helped set up the new Main Street's articles of incorporation and by-laws.
"He was instrumental in setting up the original program," Wilson said.
"And in getting BID (the Business Improvement District board) to even look at it," added Dr. David Riese, a board member appointed by BID.
Ewald said Monroe Main Street has created a lot of memories for him.
"With a whole bunch more to come," he added.
In July 2005, then-Gov. James Doyle announced that Monroe had been selected for the Wisconsin Main Street program. Bill Ross was mayor at the time.
Riese was one of the original board directors, as was Michael Sanders and John Baumann. Riese and Baumann continue to serve on the new Main Street Monroe, Inc. board.
Susan Rolander served as Main Street coordinator from July 2004 through October 2006. Barb Nelson served as the coordinator and executive director from January 2007 until July 2010.
The city council renamed the program Monroe Main Street in October 2006 and extended it through 2009, and in April 2008, extended the program again through December 2011.
Monroe Main Street has hosted numerous recurring events in downtown Monroe, including holiday parades, Maxwell Street sales and Concerts on the Square.
The organization also was lead promoter and designer of a $4 million reconstruction and streetscape project in 2009.
According to the resolutions requesting termination with the city, passed by the board Tuesday, "Monroe Main Street has evolved to where it should be able to maintain its programs and volunteer base independent of the city's administrative support system."
According to City Administrator Phil Rath, various issues that arose in recent years - including who would be responsible and provide insurance for the numerous events held on city streets - prompted the split.
"Main Street was never intended to remain a city program," he added.
Main Street Monroe, Inc. board members adopted new by-laws Tuesday, as well as reviewed its financial status and its committee appointments for the coming year. According to Ryan Wilson, Monroe Main Street board chairman, the city is expected to transfer about $27,000 to the new organization, part of which the city budgeted from the tax increment district for 2011.
The City of Monroe Common Council created the Monroe Main Street Initiative as a three-year program on Dec. 2, 2003, as a way to promote Monroe's historical downtown commercial district around the Green County courthouse. The entire business district has been on the National Register of Historic Places since 1982.
Wilson acknowledged City Attorney Rex Ewald Tuesday as one of the initial promoters of establishing the program. Ewald also helped set up the new Main Street's articles of incorporation and by-laws.
"He was instrumental in setting up the original program," Wilson said.
"And in getting BID (the Business Improvement District board) to even look at it," added Dr. David Riese, a board member appointed by BID.
Ewald said Monroe Main Street has created a lot of memories for him.
"With a whole bunch more to come," he added.
In July 2005, then-Gov. James Doyle announced that Monroe had been selected for the Wisconsin Main Street program. Bill Ross was mayor at the time.
Riese was one of the original board directors, as was Michael Sanders and John Baumann. Riese and Baumann continue to serve on the new Main Street Monroe, Inc. board.
Susan Rolander served as Main Street coordinator from July 2004 through October 2006. Barb Nelson served as the coordinator and executive director from January 2007 until July 2010.
The city council renamed the program Monroe Main Street in October 2006 and extended it through 2009, and in April 2008, extended the program again through December 2011.
Monroe Main Street has hosted numerous recurring events in downtown Monroe, including holiday parades, Maxwell Street sales and Concerts on the Square.
The organization also was lead promoter and designer of a $4 million reconstruction and streetscape project in 2009.