City of Monroe Regular Meeting & Special Meeting 5/4/26

The City of Monroe, Michigan held a regular and special meeting on May 4, 2026, focusing primarily on the city manager succession and various procurement and budget-related matters. The council discussed options for filling the city manager vacancy, ultimately appointing Mark Cochran as interim city manager through the end of the year with quarterly evaluations and an employment agreement to be prepared. The meeting also included approval of a $149,500 contract with Larry Rourke LLC for phase seven of the wastewater footing drain disconnection program, with a 15% contingency authorized. Additionally, the council approved a lease and service agreement with the Monroe County Library System for the ALCC facility, accepted a $750,000 predevelopment grant from Monroe County for the Saint Mary Academy redevelopment, and authorized submission of a $75,000 grant application to the Michigan Department of Natural Resources for urban forestry assistance. Public hearings were held on the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) consolidated plan and annual action plan, which were subsequently adopted. The council also scheduled a public hearing for proposed park rules amendments related to e-bikes and approved first reading of an ordinance amending bicycle and skateboard regulations. These actions reflect ongoing capital improvement projects, grant funding pursuits, and policy updates affecting city operations and procurement activities.