[{"_1":2,"_99":-5,"_100":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6587905,"mediaKeyId","5529410-5f9f2e9eb176d9254a161fa93a309742","parentId",5529410,"title","Votes at a glance: Monroe council approves consent agenda, ethics ordinance amendments and other routine business","audioSeconds",370,"startMs",3900000,"endMs",4270000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=5529410-5f9f2e9eb176d9254a161fa93a309742&start=3900&end=4270","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5529410-5f9f2e9eb176d9254a161fa93a309742/thumbnail_3900000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6587905/Monroe-City/Monroe-County/Michigan/Votes-at-a-glance-Monroe-council-approves-consent-agenda-ethics-ordinance-amendments-and-other-routine-business","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6587905-17f4478dc66cd68b3c12e0b6e702dd41/orig.mp4?Expires=1773644824&Signature=l42ctIJnY8bCZ5EhlAMMHSCfDLxO9PnjdJMU2vv2Umn7y5CzxRM-A1z3Hs837ytgODqeEE98mI-hAcfDGF4zpD5mvuwOttmS8EkIOTKHp1i2uB2tMA5Oha2Ah2rJMskGa2U7mdhYhUDmzepC8huXyVWWBngkjU~Hn46LMBjMG~bMr6OTs0~PGRteleg-JYzgSqzAm1G1zpTVEfLvVr7ZC-VibatJ3tJZWV75jDH9fiv80WBGDpCCAysuD0IUkg5KiL9dMmsbnFHUtRbuJvifssVSPkNgBd0p4oBob7t8exs4p5IV925dnrk0Zo8-PPDXSkStLmTER7h0vK~FKOvzdw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Monroe","date","2025-08-05T01:11:36.713Z","article","Quick take: At the meeting following a work session, Monroe City Council handled multiple routine actions: it approved the consent agenda, moved a proposed amendment to the city code of ethics to a second reading and then carried the ethical-code ordinance change on a roll call vote.

Consent agenda
Council voted to accept the consent agenda, which included vendor payments and standard administrative items. The motion was made by Councilman Felder, supported by Councilwoman Stringham, and carried by unanimous roll call (Steelgrave, Jermaine Esparza, Stringham, Felder, Hader and Mayor Clark voted yes).

Ethics ordinance amendment (ordinance 25-004)
Council considered proposed ordinance 25-004 to amend chapter 58 (sections 3 and 4) of the city code of ethics. Councilman Felder explained the city had worked with administration to develop internal processes for transparency and enforcement. Felder moved to place the proposed ordinance on the floor for second reading; the council then voted in favor on the roll-call reading. Subsequent roll call on final passage recorded unanimous yes votes (Steelgrave, Jermaine Esparza, Stringham, Felder, Hader and Mayor Clark).

Other procedural items
- The council approved placing ordinance 25-005 (fireworks) on the floor for first reading and scheduled a public hearing for Aug. 18, 2025 (see separate article for full discussion).
- The meeting concluded with routine council reports and a motion to adjourn, approved by roll call.

Why it matters: These votes move administrative and policy items forward without substantive dissent; the ethics ordinance clarifies private-gain and conflict-of-interest language and the fireworks ordinance proceeds to public hearing where residents may comment before final action.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","City of Monroe Work Session and Regular Meeting 8-4-25","oneSentenceSummary","Council approved the consent agenda, placed and passed an ethics ordinance amendment on second reading, and handled routine schedule items; no major contentious votes were recorded.","taxTitle","Monroe City, Monroe County, Michigan","taxId",61458,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6587912,"Monroe accepts small NRPA grant extension to continue Opportunity Center mentoring",255,4387000,4642000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5529410-5f9f2e9eb176d9254a161fa93a309742&start=4387&end=4642","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5529410-5f9f2e9eb176d9254a161fa93a309742/thumbnail_4387000.jpg","/articles/6587912/Monroe-City/Monroe-County/Michigan/Monroe-accepts-small-NRPA-grant-extension-to-continue-Opportunity-Center-mentoring","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6587912-0c4bbd7f18ad9c205fcf011162a5314b/orig.mp4?Expires=1773644824&Signature=JjUareGI5w1s3vKAB7MwVnKS1BSKJpGNNPK1S67dxzIch84HlkRCGgosv5P~wlGrxTROqU-5Jtb25PBZrUmefMZGOIt-bu6faWqeAzntGfoT2KeFh1~WshII8odU78SLaI7vfI88qXZsG3ykitqWPmon4-bbbocxPGQlT26vDwVrQg3~4Ooy7D379pzZfwiM5a5JqhNBXWdAzdZvvoXD6-omUOAS-xfxo2pxIDZzoV-Dwo~2DYaFrNbhQ98NukD9SZuzofJE-GQI0lkTpzBfTlnLYfyA89T1enGqnsQFBK80SD45pJFkci9WtaBiJvbQCr03j7kyTPVZqrFthNToCw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Monroe City Council voted to accept a revised memorandum of understanding that extends National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA) funding for an out-of-school-time (OST) youth mentoring program at the Opportunity Center.

Assistant City Manager Mark Cochran told the council the NRPA originally awarded funds in May 2023 and later added $10,000 after a site visit; within the past two weeks the association offered an additional $5,000 to continue the program. “This has been a great program,” Cochran said, noting NRPA praise for mentor and mentee work and the program\u000027s partnership with Orchard High School and Monroe Public Schools.

Council action
Councilwoman Jermaine Esparza moved to approve the revised MOU, authorize the city manager to sign, and authorize the finance director to amend the budget for the increased award; Councilperson Steelgrave supported the motion. The roll call showed unanimous support (Steelgrave, Jermaine Esparza, Stringham, Felder, Hader and Mayor Clark voted yes). The city will pass the additional funds through to the program partner identified in the MOU and continue quarterly reporting on mentor recruitment and mentee participation.

Why it matters: The added funding supports continued mentoring services for students served by the Opportunity Center; staff said the program has drawn nationally positive attention from NRPA and will continue under the city\u000027s partnership with the local provider.

Implementation notes: Cochran said the city, which applied as the NRPA member, has been passing funds through to MCOP and will monitor delivery via quarterly reports. The motion authorizes the manager to sign the updated agreement and the finance director to amend the city budget to reflect the $5,000 increase.","Council accepted a revised memorandum of understanding to extend NRPA-funded OST youth mentoring at the Opportunity Center, authorizing the city manager to sign and directing the finance director to amend the budget to reflect a $5,000 extension.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6587917,"Monroe officials propose fireworks ordinance that limits low-impact use to weekend nights; first reading set for Aug. 18",3810,620000,4430000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5529410-5f9f2e9eb176d9254a161fa93a309742&start=620&end=4430","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5529410-5f9f2e9eb176d9254a161fa93a309742/thumbnail_620000.jpg","/articles/6587917/Monroe-City/Monroe-County/Michigan/Monroe-officials-propose-fireworks-ordinance-that-limits-low-impact-use-to-weekend-nights-first-reading-set-for-Aug-18","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6587917-ed1529e818c7e03b3c9001fc0c3fb5df/orig.mp4?Expires=1773644824&Signature=ly061USU2Oz7pdkTqYwDeUE5lwqUGjHWJQVC0W6zPkLenFgFU0-7x2zB84Qe6byyKEiW0tIZFdeKwh381EPaSgnzP6famli3nHxnk856Q1U~8TdT2dUVsDNhx1rvMNT-vGb7UK3asGdYO1PWuvSC7nnh~vcDkEBJ0pMIUtwa1EoGTrxuYYGnA~931XI-VhV~82d5I5VidVclpavvEuDaZDDFuG7bNe9u1Y9Wlo3DAFzbS5KE15SfDncqqozzCohD8sXOQqtS7f8N9UZRGHRhPxlhnZEohcZibuiN9Be1wgzdHhdiHBKAF601gr0NgW~0DN5w3v9qyRkgTLIUDVoH1w__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","City officials reviewed a proposed fireworks ordinance during a work session and then placed it on the council agenda for first reading and a public hearing. The draft adapts state definitions for display, consumer and low-impact fireworks, adds local limits for where and when low-impact devices may be used, and adds application, inspection and escrow requirements for professional display permits.

The draft, presented by Assistant City Manager and Director of Economic and Community Development Mark Cochran, follows Michigan Public Act 256 (2011) and American Pyrotechnic Association guidance in separating fireworks into display, consumer and low-impact categories. Cochran told the council that “if it stays on the ground, produces light, it's a low impact firework. If it's handheld or other novelties as described in the state law, it's something we can't regulate.”

Why it matters: the ordinance would give the city local control over some uses of fireworks while preserving the state-mandated days when consumer fireworks cannot be restricted. The proposal aims to balance residents' desire for private celebrations with concerns about noise, debris and safety.

Key provisions in the draft
- Definitions and limits: The ordinance mirrors the state categories. It proposes to prohibit consumer fireworks outside the days state law requires they be allowed, and to permit low-impact, ground-based fireworks on Fridays and Saturdays until 11 p.m. (Sundays through Thursdays would remain prohibited for low-impact devices.)
- Public-property prohibition: The draft explicitly bars ignition or use of consumer fireworks and low-impact fireworks on public property, sidewalks, streets, parks, school property and another person's property.
- Sparklers and novelties: The presenter said the state statute prevents local regulation of “novelties” (handheld sparklers, smoke balls and similar items). The council and staff noted confusion about some handheld “sparkler” products that can be packaged or sized differently; the draft treats ordinary handheld sparklers as novelties the city cannot ban.
- Display permits: For professional displays the ordinance would require the state application form, a local site plan and a safety/storage plan, proof of insurance naming the city as additional insured, authority for city inspection, and the ability to collect an upfront escrow to cover expected city public-safety and cleanup costs. Any unused portion of an escrow would be returned.
- Violations and penalties: The draft cites state-prescribed penalties (for property damage, up to 90 days and fines up to $500; civil fines for litter up to $500) and adds municipal civil-infractions up to $1,000 for ordinance violations, with $500 of the fine directed to the public-safety department when applicable.

Council reaction and next steps
Councilmembers asked staff to clarify device categories (sparklers vs. sparklers-in-a-tree, fountain whistles that can be audible, and hand-held vs. ground-mounted devices) and to prepare public-facing guidance. Manager Robinson said a communications handout and examples would accompany the ordinance if council moves forward.

At the council meeting that followed the work session, Councilwoman Stringham moved to place proposed ordinance 25-005 on the floor for first reading and to schedule the second reading and public hearing for Aug. 18, 2025; the motion, supported by Councilwoman Jermaine (Esparza), carried unanimously (Steelgrave, Jermaine, Stringham, Felder, Hader and Mayor Clark voted yes). The ordinance will return for a public hearing and second reading before any final vote.

What remains unresolved: Council and staff acknowledged continuing ambiguity about some devices (notably larger handheld sparklers and “sparkler trees”) and said they will rely on APA standards and a printed handout to clarify which products the city will treat as novelties, low-impact or consumer fireworks.","City staff presented a draft fireworks ordinance that follows state law classifications, would allow low-impact (ground) fireworks Fridays and Saturdays until 11 p.m., and adds local permit, site-plan and escrow requirements for display shows. Council moved the ordinance to first reading and scheduled a public hearing for Aug. 18, 2025.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Votes at a glance: Monroe council approves consent agenda, ethics ordinance amendments and other routine business

Monroe accepts small NRPA grant extension to continue Opportunity Center mentoring

Monroe officials propose fireworks ordinance that limits low-impact use to weekend nights; first reading set for Aug. 18