Monona council approves EV chargers, grants a temporary liquor license; moves to closed session

Monona — At its March 2 meeting the City Council approved several routine items on a long agenda and took procedural steps on litigation matters.

Approvals
- EV charging stations: Council considered resolution 26-2-2867, which would allow public electric vehicle charging stations at Houska Park (brought forward by the Parks and Recreation Board). The city attorney and staff indicated terms and funding are in place with final attorney review pending; the motion to approve carried.
- Liquor license: Council approved a Class B fermented malt beverage and Class C wine-only license for WB Gourmet Development Inc., 2451 West Broadway, to cover the current licensing year (licenses run July 1–June 30).

Procedural and next steps
- Closed session: Council voted to convene a closed session under Wis. Stat. § 19.85(1)(g) to confer with legal counsel regarding litigation strategy for mutual-aid/risk-management and a Walgreens settlement offer. Roll-call votes were recorded.

Other first reads and items
- The council held first readings and presentations on a revised general development plan for a multi-family development on Dillon/Owen Road (unit count increased from 237 to 259), an amendment to shore up technical floodplain/wetland reviews, multiple capital projects (including a water-tower painting project with a low base bid of $264,600 and alternates making a combined $287,600), and library HVAC budget amendments.

Public comment and staff notes
- Residents from Roselawn Avenue asked the city to consider speed humps after reported close calls; staff said a traffic counter is active and a study will be processed soon. Police Chief Brian Cheney said the city will not purchase an armored rescue vehicle and is exploring alternatives.

What happens next: Many items were first reads or pending final attorney review; several will return for votes at upcoming meetings.