6 things to know from the September Monroe City Council meeting

1. The Lighted Parade for the Monroe Fire Department will be held Oct. 10. For 2020, there will be no meal or gathering with the event.

2. Adam Choat was approved for hire as the PCM School Resource Officer through the Monroe Police Department.

“I think he is going to be an excellent fit,” councilwoman Andrea Steenhoek said.

Mayor Doug Duinink echoed that thought and added it will work well with the city to have an extra officer when he is not at the school.

“I liked it from the start, as well as the school board,” Duinink said. “I think this is going to be a huge asset for everyone.”

3. The council approved the Monroe Elementary PTA Trunk or Treat event for 3 to 5 p.m. Oct. 17 in downtown Monroe. The organization requested the use of Commerce and Marion Streets for the 2020 event to help space out vehicles.

4. The council also approved a Christmas Tree Walk for the Monroe Elementary PTA. The event is still in the planning phases but will include decorated trees to be auctioned off set up in the downtown square.

5. To help keep up with other local communities, the council approved increasing the starting rate for part-time police officers in the Monroe Police Department. The starting rate will go up to $25 per hour.

“I just think with today’s society and it is going to be harder and harder to find police officers, I really think it is a good idea,” Steenhoek said.

6. Trick-or-Treat night was set for 5 to 7 p.m. Oct. 31 in Monroe.