Civic Issues
Topics getting the most attention in Monroe public meetings, ranked by how frequently they are discussed.
15 issues with low priority
Union County Parking Lot Partnership
An interlocal agreement would have Monroe and Union County share the cost and use of the public parking lot at 600 N. Church Street, with a capital project budget ordinance to back it.
Historic Landmark Designations
Two downtown properties — the Secrest Building at 101 W. Franklin and the F.M. Morgan House at 500 S. Hayne Street — were up for official historic landmark designation, which protects them from unsympathetic alteration.
Sidewalk and Streetscape Grant Applications
Two resolutions would commit local matching funds for regional grant applications — one for a Charles Street sidewalk and one for Skyway Drive streetscape improvements.
Lake Minehaha Dam Removal
The consent agenda included authorization to remove the Lake Minehaha dam, which affects the lake, its users, and downstream drainage.
Crowell Street Speed Limit Reduction
A code amendment to lower the speed limit on Crowell Street between Hayne and Depot streets — slower traffic near downtown.
Emergency call boxes citywide
Staff is studying emergency call boxes for the greenway, parks, community centers, downtown lots and fire stations, with installed costs of $40,000 to $70,000 each; vendor meetings are set and a broader recommendation will come back to council.
Emergency Water Support to Anson County
Monroe was set to be recognized for emergency water support provided to neighboring Anson County, highlighting regional mutual aid between utilities.
Return to one council meeting per month
The council was scheduled to discuss holding meetings out in the community rather than only at City Hall — an idea aimed at making participation easier for residents.
Street Improvement Deviation — Secrest Shortcut Road Development
Stillwell Engineers asked for a deviation from standard street improvement requirements for a proposed development on Secrest Shortcut Road.
Holding City Council Meetings in the Community
The council was scheduled to discuss holding meetings out in the community rather than only at City Hall — an idea aimed at making participation easier for residents.
Parks and Recreation Facility Rental Policy
A new rental policy for city recreation facilities was up for adoption, affecting how residents and groups book and use city spaces.
Sign Code Exemption for City Wayfinding Signs
The city wants to fix a gap in its 2022 sign code that lost an exemption allowing the city's own wayfinding and identification signs. Passing it would mean better signs helping folks find city facilities and know when they've entered city limits.
Sidewalk Deviation Request — 1815 N. Rocky River Road
Robert Moore requested a deviation from the city's sidewalk requirements for his property on N. Rocky River Road.
MLK Parade Special Event Permit
A special event permit for the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Parade, hosted by the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Committee, Inc. on January 18, 2026, was up for approval.
Penny Shortage Customer Service Policy
A customer service policy amendment was proposed to address the national penny shortage — a small but practical cash-handling fix.