Monroe council rejects proposed 2026 meeting calendar; appoints mayor pro tem and administrative signatories

The Monroe City Council on Jan. 13 voted down a proposed 2026 regular meeting calendar after members split over whether the city should run a strategic, lighter schedule or meet more frequently.

City clerk Jody Weichau introduced Resolution 2026‑001, which would reserve the first (and fifth) Tuesdays for special meetings, convert some study sessions to business meetings and include an August recess. Council members who supported the proposal said the schedule allows strategic focus and reduces staff burden; opponents said fewer meetings last year left them feeling "disconnected" and preferred a weekly cadence.

Council member Hanford moved to adopt the resolution; after debate the motion failed on a 5‑2 vote. City staff said they will return a revised resolution and, if necessary, an ordinance to amend municipal code because last year an ordinance changed the regular meeting schedule.

At the same meeting the council completed ceremonial business and routine appointments. The council administered oaths of office for newly elected or re‑elected officials. Council member Fulcher nominated Jake Walker as mayor pro tem; the nomination was seconded and passed 7‑0. Council member Hanford moved to assign Council members Beaumont and Fulcher to review and sign accounts payable claims for 2026; the motion passed 7‑0. The consent agenda was approved earlier in the evening by a unanimous vote.

Votes at a glance:
• Consent agenda — Approve the consent agenda as presented (Mover: Council member Beaumont; Second: Council member Hanford). Result: Approved 7‑0.
• LTAC awards — Approve LTAC recommendations totaling $115,000 (Mover: Council member Hanford). Result: Approved 7‑0.
• Resolution 2026‑001 (2026 meeting calendar) — Motion to adopt calendar (Mover: Council member Hanford). Result: Failed 5‑2.
• Mayor Pro Tem — Appoint Jake Walker as Mayor Pro Tem for 2026 (Nominated by Council member Fulcher). Result: Approved 7‑0.
• Accounts payable signatories — Appoint Council members Beaumont and Fulcher to review and sign accounts payable claims for 2026 (Mover: Council member Hanford; Second: Council member Fisher). Result: Approved 7‑0.

Provenance: Motions and votes are recorded in the consent agenda (SEG 580–612), LTAC motion (SEG 736–819), calendar debate and vote (SEG 873–1025), mayor pro tem and accounts payable nominations and votes (SEG 1073–1112).