MONROE — The Monroe Common Council at its April 14 meeting welcomed a pair of new members, said goodbye to some old members, and elected a new council president.

Mayor Donald Douglas and the council praised outgoing members Andrew Kranig, who was elected in 2021 and served two terms; and Kyle Knoll, who was elected in 2023 and served a single term.

“It’s not an easy task,” said City Administrator Brittney Rindy, alluding to occasionally tense exchanges with council members, including the sometimes-outspoken Kranig. “I appreciate when we respectfully push each other and challenge each other.”

The new alderman sworn in at the Monday meeting, elected in the spring election, are Dylan McGuire and Craig Franke. McGuire previously served on the School District of Monroe Board of Education. Franke is the general manager at Monroe Golf Club.

“We want to give a warm welcome to Dylan McGuire and Craig Franke,” said Mayor Donna Douglas. “I know there is a bright future moving Monroe forward with your enthusiasm…”

She said it is a big commitment of “time and responsibility” to “serve the citizens of Monroe.”

Alder Tom Miller, meanwhile, was chosen as the council’s president by a 4 to 3 anonymous vote. 

He was re-elected in 2025 for a two-year term. Filling a vacant seat, he was appointed by the Common Council on June 6, 2022. The other Alderman nominated for president was Richard Thoman, currently serving his sixth term, having been re-elected to the council in 2024.

Alder Miller also served as an elected Alderperson of Monroe from 2012-2018.

“I would like to thank everyone for voting me as council president,” said Miller. “And I’d also like to welcome the two new members … I look forward to working with all of you.”

In other business, the council named the Monroe Times the city’s official newspaper, largely for another year’s worth of legal publication services; and to comply with state law. 

“So, we only have one, so we have no other choice but to use the Monroe Times,” said City Attorney Dan Bartholf. “We are bound to use the Monroe Times.”

Alder Miller motioned for the official newspaper question, and it passed with no dissenting votes.