[{"_1":2,"_111":-5,"_112":-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",[32,75,87,99],{"_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",6478473,"mediaKeyId","5708906-3d90154b0b0dd276dc23dea11a8124f5","parentId",5708906,"title","Monroe City Council approves demolition bid, sets early voting dates and schedules special meeting on 75 Scott Street redevelopment","audioSeconds",185,"startMs",7019000,"endMs",7204000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=5708906-3d90154b0b0dd276dc23dea11a8124f5&start=7019&end=7204","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5708906-3d90154b0b0dd276dc23dea11a8124f5/thumbnail_7019000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6478473/Monroe-City/Monroe-County/Michigan/Monroe-City-Council-approves-demolition-bid-sets-early-voting-dates-and-schedules-special-meeting-on-75-Scott-Street-redevelopment","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6478473-27971e1afb49d7c6e2c0c0528c8553e5/orig.mp4?Expires=1771110680&Signature=LVdMRK7-AZpkb2qalHY7T3Ifr3AdnTJmoU0sc4QBi56Q-AmtiHY-6tXZkZWxnkJ-8YQLZXCmYm~mByZ-t8AJgdYWQyMf2e72Hek5Nmvu5T6OrywoUvRt6MYhbsm-FAwPo7lmEwwTUedduQXu1iBfSsgtV8QOFRjfa5ZXyx~0dVp-xUUbB51uT~HSL12VhGQQ8ME0d4Tw9WtYfqu03RlxGrCv8u9HWXMSZmIbvpq5LVsThCfnFWJX6yysXNfttNnIAC1kPMdo3W4LyvW-CrqbuqtCGgo6MJeFZ54xV~njk~KDiOs9k8NcS61r8F-8C6b~GetNVvFQRu4A-RIWh61yMg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Monroe","date","2025-09-03T00:41:06.71Z","article","Monroe City Council took several formal actions Wednesday night, including awarding a demolition contract for a foreclosed property, establishing limited early voting for the November municipal election, scheduling a Sept. 29 special meeting to consider the 75 Scott Street redevelopment, and approving an amended purchase agreement with Monroe County that adds a county first right of refusal for 60 Wadsworth Street.

Demolition award: Council voted unanimously to award the demolition of 211 Winchester Street to David C. Hoffman & Sons Inc. The contract amount is $19,730 with a 15% contingency of $2,959.50, for a total not to exceed $22,689.50. City staff said the parcel is currently county-owned following a tax foreclosure, and the city and county executed a memorandum of understanding to split demolition costs; the city will pay the contractor and then invoice the Monroe County Treasurer for the county’s share.

Early voting for November: Council approved a resolution to offer limited early voting at City Hall (120 East First Street) on Oct. 31 and Nov. 1 from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Clerk Treasurer Lavoy told council the state does not require early voting for nonfederal elections but clerks may offer it; staff said inspectors will staff the hours and the option is intended to broaden access for voters who cannot attend on election day or who wish to cast absentee ballots on a tabulator.

Special meeting and public hearings for 75 Scott Street: Council scheduled a special meeting for Monday, Sept. 29 at 6:30 p.m. to hold public hearings related to the 75 Scott Street redevelopment. Agenda items to be considered at that special meeting include a planned-unit-development (PUD) amendment and a preliminary site plan for 75 Scott Street, and a proposed payment-in-lieu-of-taxes (PILOT) ordinance to support project financing. City staff said timelines for funding applications require the council to act on a compressed schedule.

Purchase-agreement amendment for 60 Wadsworth Street: Council approved an amendment to the purchase agreement with Monroe County for the city’s acquisition of the 60 Wadsworth Street property. The county asked the amendment to include a first right of refusal if the city later decides to sell the parcel; council approved the change and authorized the mayor and clerk-treasurer to execute the revised agreement.

Votes at a glance
- Demolition of 211 Winchester Street: Award to David C. Hoffman & Sons Inc.; $19,730 + 15% contingency; motion passed (unanimous). Mover: Councilwoman Jermaine; second: Councilwoman Stringham.
- Early voting resolution (Nov. election): Authorized early voting Oct. 31–Nov. 1, 8 a.m.–4 p.m.; motion passed (unanimous). Mover: Councilman Hader; second: Councilwoman Stillgrave.
- Special meeting scheduling (75 Scott Street): Set 09/29/2025 at 6:30 p.m.; motion passed (unanimous). Mover: Councilwoman Stringham; second: Councilwoman Germani.
- PUD and PILOT public hearings scheduling: Council scheduled hearings for 09/29/2025; motions passed (unanimous).
- Purchase-agreement amendment (60 Wadsworth Street): Approved; motion passed (unanimous). Mover: Councilwoman Stillgrave; second: Councilwoman Germani.

Ending: Council recessed briefly for an executive session later in the meeting and returned to complete other business; staff said the demolition and redevelopment items will proceed under the timelines discussed and that funds or invoicing arrangements with the county will follow the county-city memorandum of understanding.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","City of Monroe City Council Meetings 9-2-25","oneSentenceSummary","Monroe City Council awarded a demolition contract for a tax-foreclosed house, authorized limited early voting for the November city election and set a Sept. 29 special meeting to consider the 75 Scott Street redevelopment and associated PILOT ordinance.","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},6478478,"Detroit River International Wildlife Refuge group seeks community support; benefit set for Sept. 25",366,6302000,6668000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5708906-3d90154b0b0dd276dc23dea11a8124f5&start=6302&end=6668","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5708906-3d90154b0b0dd276dc23dea11a8124f5/thumbnail_6302000.jpg","/articles/6478478/Monroe-City/Monroe-County/Michigan/Detroit-River-International-Wildlife-Refuge-group-seeks-community-support-benefit-set-for-Sept-25","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6478478-08a69ee664fad8ee64fc6870e3de7b13/orig.mp4?Expires=1771110680&Signature=k1fIj97gdz0QWucivrLdkSJD25reOnIBN9GOrTQuq4XJ-kcIAXp0xw5Sat-luWuKWQoghFmjIeki4soN9tnWzVoomUg-Qe66COXk4Oj91wtgpjE8n2vtwv31fJUUcKDNcmFq~1b9T3JP-Leu7T5SOx9he1xj5knW4HfqrX7C8VZ9O4Wm48bYz-qoDHi1tVv3DoQ0qmeCM1Y64jRjxBrfjInP8Kr2xSGkcjMag~q1eX9sU3jGP8sQ4qbQMVqAA8ODmNWF~Qa6swbLQcEPSoclVo~CREruX2MJHaBoI2efcVVoEnlZl5EOmUP31Tpkx5Gp0rClzmh9hAgi-dCoxyRfrw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Leaders of the Detroit River International Wildlife Refuge’s friends group told Monroe City Council that the refuge protects more than 6,200 acres across the U.S. and Canada and that Monroe County contains a large share of the refuge’s holdings. The presentation highlighted the Port of Monroe and Ford Marsh units within the city.

Gary Kirsch, board chair of the International Wildlife Refuge Alliance, asked for municipal support and attendance at the alliance’s annual benefit dinner on Sept. 25 at Silver Shores Waterfront. Kirsch said the alliance’s goal is to sell up to 400 seats and to raise $75,000 to support refuge operations, education programs, habitat work and equipment purchases such as a Marshmaster used to manage invasive species.

\"We have in excess of 500 foot, fishing pier. There's a visitor center,\" Kirsch said, describing refuge amenities that serve both recreational and subsistence users.

Why it matters: The refuge includes units and public amenities within Monroe City that draw visitors and provide habitat-management needs that rely on both federal staffing and local nonprofit fundraising. Alliance leaders said recent federal budget pressures make the annual fundraiser an important source of operating support.

What the alliance asked: Kirsch described sponsorship and ticket levels, the option for organizations to donate tables back to volunteers or partner charities, and a planned \"community challenge\" to track participation by municipality in the area. The board also plans to unveil a five-year strategic plan at the event.

Council reaction and next steps: Councilmembers acknowledged the regional value of the refuge and noted the city’s units link to other nearby parks and historic sites. Council took no formal action; alliance representatives left brochures and contact information for sponsorships and ticket purchases.

Ending: The alliance requested that city leaders and residents consider attending or sponsoring the event to help restore the fundraiser to pre-pandemic attendance levels and to support refuge programming.","The International Wildlife Refuge Alliance briefed council on the refuge’s local units and asked the city to promote its Sept. 25 benefit dinner at Silver Shores Waterfront; the alliance aims to raise $75,000 to support refuge programs and operations.",{"_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},6478483,"Arthur Lesdell Community Center and Navarre Library construction progressing; city targets spring opening",433,2535000,2968000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5708906-3d90154b0b0dd276dc23dea11a8124f5&start=2535&end=2968","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5708906-3d90154b0b0dd276dc23dea11a8124f5/thumbnail_2535000.jpg","/articles/6478483/Monroe-City/Monroe-County/Michigan/Arthur-Lesdell-Community-Center-and-Navarre-Library-construction-progressing-city-targets-spring-opening","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6478483-b1e8e5d7fdca006e257457476659ba24/orig.mp4?Expires=1771110680&Signature=he0AAF4AGmxlVCi5OwHxQFwQkiiUdng7dc-7NAGwKXKtMHoOqDDDakGT2nvlJ3q3F-JptMBBfM5OW91JI3p1kd6Q6W93qAcPkJ1PMDYPM87cZV3ekLe5pJUNI9WrEnxH4IX2E6SjGKt3HGyCkRIefOqMU3Uze-zvszkEPNak~tSPu4PYkor2C5AKxDOvd1RjuppYFn3RiMA0lxdCE97w9z5gpq2Ehdq6yCuTer0Mwt6pSq6RjOpTPxL9LrKfLnXQuUrNF~r4huNYsqoUAhR5uGnW9DILXr76H-kiRdgEokg7feVRq5dnlwFWps7YPLlnYOOAMzvJWOXgXSr6WS8uQQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","City staff told the Monroe City Council that construction of the Arthur Lesdell Community Center (ALCC) and the adjoining Lillian Navarre Library and learning-bank facility is progressing as planned, with a target public opening next spring.

Work completed and under way: Staff said footings, foundations, underground plumbing and electrical, and the elevator shaft are in place; masonry and exterior skin work have advanced, and concrete floors were poured during the most recent week. \"You can see the building is now shaped,\" a city presenter said, summarizing recent progress photos taken on site.

Schedule and next steps: Contractors and the city are aiming for a substantial completion milestone in February 2026, after which furniture, fixtures and tenant moves would proceed; staff and building operators said they are preparing for a ribbon-cutting and a public opening in March–April 2026. City staff warned that furniture lead times have been pushed by tariff-driven cost and supply changes, so orders will be timed to arrive when the building envelope is ready.

Operational planning: City staff reported regular meetings with the library and the Learning Bank to work through lease and operating agreement details for the shared spaces (cleaning, utilities, and shared responsibilities). Meetings with the furniture vendor ISCG are ongoing to finalize fabrics and cabinetry and to coordinate delivery timing.

Community-use features: Photos shown to council highlight planned maker spaces, a second-floor promenade overlooking Labor Park, a dedicated youth area for the library, and a restroom with exterior access for Labor Park. Staff asked for patience after noting the splash pad could not open this summer due to construction sequencing.

Ending: Construction managers said they had encountered no major surprises beyond an unexpected concrete foundation discovered early in the project and that the work remains on schedule for the stated milestones; staff will provide regular updates to council as the project moves toward completion.","City staff reported foundations, masonry, and floor pours are complete or underway at the Arthur Lesdell Community Center and Lillian Navarre Library project, with substantial completion expected in February and tenant move-in and public opening targeted for March–April 2026.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6478487,"Monroe City staff propose clearer rules for naming public property, add categories and fee tiers",1522,354000,1876000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5708906-3d90154b0b0dd276dc23dea11a8124f5&start=354&end=1876","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5708906-3d90154b0b0dd276dc23dea11a8124f5/thumbnail_354000.jpg","/articles/6478487/Monroe-City/Monroe-County/Michigan/Monroe-City-staff-propose-clearer-rules-for-naming-public-property-add-categories-and-fee-tiers","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6478487-cbb7413b094e6d6a6b5e3f4170cdb87a/orig.mp4?Expires=1771110680&Signature=bwVjeZKJA0Ab183Nply~1CqjkB2~ryKTUK2Sy-i~T7QUfpb4IipWZj2aHTS3tTlHUusenn-5779tAtpYcZrrsOEKiO-DVj-fZXT8jjSlo5Iv7m~9D-CDZRW4egezkHbpckXP88ZijbcI78edPJH4Fnulk6iZBZTYMiw2UaKJwe4WubHSWQmaSfgTAe1TGE1v4~P5yV9ZEgEk84sp7F9CYFiKealzM6B014o8OAdqyioL7l4YyhIfhsrE4tjmQgrvph7A3olu-eIRQ8jezGbFGechHwR5yHiZuyRgcyOgFAcmKuY2UloqGxZbPvpR-hpcQpX2cDGCPISNis6Mzy9aCA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","City staff presented proposed amendments to Monroe City’s 2022 policy on naming public property during a work session, recommending clearer definitions, new categories for facilities and amenities, and a tiered fee structure.

The proposed changes would split public property into \"major facilities\" (buildings, standalone trails, parks, bridges, alleys and right-of-ways) and \"secondary facilities\" (amenities or identifiable spaces within a major facility such as tennis courts, playscapes and pavilions). Director Cochran said the revision would help match requests for things such as tennis-court or playscape namings to the appropriate review path.

Why it matters: The existing policy adopted June 20, 2022, created a workflow for naming requests but left key definitions and implementation steps undefined. City staff said the gap has led to confusion over when the ethics committee should review an item, what signage is allowed for smaller dedications, and what fees—if any—should be required of applicants.

Staff described core elements that would remain unchanged: eligibility criteria for naming (noteworthy persons with local ties, contributions to the city, or distinguished service), a requirement that honorees be deceased for at least three years, and that council retain final approval authority. Cochran summarized the policy history and process: \"An online form was created where people can request that piece of public property can be named after something or somebody,\" and then staff, the ethics committee and council review the request.

Key changes proposed
- Definitions: The draft separates \"major\" and \"secondary\" facilities to distinguish whole buildings, streets and standalone trails from features inside parks or buildings.
- Dedication displays: The draft adds a mechanism for interpretive or dedication displays (longer exhibits or wayside panels) to accompany names on major facilities; staff said such displays would go through a review process that includes people familiar with the honoree’s history and, when appropriate, the ethics committee. Staff noted work has begun on interior displays for the Arthur Lesdell Community Center and the Lillian Navarre Library.
- Signage limits for secondary facilities: For smaller dedications (benches, tree plaques, a single tennis court), signage would be limited to the person’s name, birth/death dates or service dates, and a brief one-line description of the contribution; staff would retain discretion on size and placement.
- Fees and endowments: Staff proposed a $2,000 threshold for the deposit/endowment rules. If the implementation cost is $2,000 or more, a 50% design/installation deposit would be required up front and the remainder due on installation. For projects under $2,000, staff recommended no endowment requirement and that the city retain discretion about future repair or replacement.

Council response and next steps
Council members asked about coordination with other local historical programs and museums and whether families or requesting organizations would be part of drafting dedication text; staff said they would include family and community input in wording and consult the county museum when a county marker might be more appropriate. Cochran said the administration plans to bring the revised policy back to council for formal approval at the next meeting and that one naming request is waiting in the queue.

The work session generated detailed procedural questions but no formal council vote; staff will return with a final draft for council action.

Ending: Councilmembers praised the effort to clarify policy language and asked staff to refine signage standards, museum coordination, and the ethics-committee review language before the item returns for formal approval.","City staff presented draft amendments to the 2022 naming policy to define ‘major’ and ‘secondary’ facilities, create guidance for dedication displays and signage, and set a $2,000 fee threshold for deposits and endowments; council took feedback and asked staff to return with a final ordinance.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Monroe City Council approves demolition bid, sets early voting dates and schedules special meeting on 75 Scott Street redevelopment

Detroit River International Wildlife Refuge group seeks community support; benefit set for Sept. 25

Arthur Lesdell Community Center and Navarre Library construction progressing; city targets spring opening

Monroe City staff propose clearer rules for naming public property, add categories and fee tiers