Council discusses additional roadway annexations and tasks survey for small segment

Councilors spent part of the June 4 meeting discussing potential roadway annexations intended to square up right-of-way lines and make paving and maintenance more straightforward as Monroe grows.

Chair (S1) described several potential annexation targets: extending annexation of 50 South to 27, annexing areas from the north town limits of North Van Buren to 100 North, and completing the portion adjacent to South Adams Street. Attorney (S4) explained that extricating fringe or 'French' jurisdiction and exercising local zoning authority would require additional statutory steps and possibly drafting a zoning ordinance if the town sought to exercise that authority.

A resident (S6) asked whether any private properties were affected; council members confirmed the current proposal for the discussed segment involved only roadway/right-of-way. Committee member (S2) moved that Justin coordinate with Brett to complete a survey of the small roadway segment discussed; the motion was seconded by S3 and carried. Council directed staff to bring survey results back to a future meeting so the annexation and inventory changes can proceed in an organized fashion.

Council members cautioned that county approval or coordination may still be required for larger annexations and that any effort to take on zoning authority would involve a more substantial research and statutory compliance effort. The attorney estimated that preparing the statutory outline and necessary steps for zoning and enforcement would require work (the attorney estimated multiple hours of research).

Next steps: Justin to contact Brett to scope and order a survey for the small chunk of roadway and the council will review the survey results and any required county paperwork before making further annexation decisions.