Thomas officially Monroe’s city administrator

Along with her city clerk responsibilities, Kim Thomas is adding city administrator to her title, expanding her role in Monroe city government. The Monroe City Council approved a two-year contract for Thomas during its regular February meeting.

Monroe has been without an official city administrator since December 2016. Previously, Matt Mardesen served in the role before resigning to take the same position in Nevada.

At that time, the council discussed moving the city administrator duties to Thomas while evaluating the need for a full-time administrator. Just more than four years later, the move became official.

The council also hired additional staff to handle water billing, freeing up a portion of Thomas’ time for the new responsibilities.

Thomas has been employed with the City of Monroe since 2002. In 2004, she became an Iowa Certified Municipal Clerk through the Iowa State University Extension and in 2006 became certified by the International Institute of Municipal Clerks Association.

Monroe Librarian Brenda Tripp-Lanser was also approved for a 2 percent raise following her completion of Tier 2 Certification through the State of Iowa Library Association. Tripp-Lanser has been with the library for seven years serving the community through programming for all ages including the summer reading programs and special guest presentations such as Hugo Kringle, Mr. Taylor Sings and the Science Center of Iowa, among many others.

The council also discussed the use of snowmobiles and ATVs on the city streets. Since this year’s snowfall has blanketed the city, tracks have been seen on both public and private property throughout the city.

“We just had talked about this at the budget meeting and then they were all in the city park hanging out,” councilwoman Andrea Steenhoek.

Police chief Nick Chambers said the problems come with the snowmobiles and ATVs run through people’s yards, tear up the ditches and travel on already snow plowed roads. Legally, snowmobiles can run on streets until they are plowed.

“When we have time, maybe a special meeting, I would like to discuss it further because I think everybody has stories of it,” councilman Sean Wilson said. “There is a fine line because I hate to see a whole bunch of people lose privileges because there are a few people who take advantage.”

The council also approved a handicap parking space in front of Monroe Community Pharmacy after the business requested the signage.

“There is one handicap and then there is one spot that says pharmacy parking only Monday through Friday, 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.,” public works director Marc Van Wyk said.

Contact Jamee A. Pierson at 641-792-3121 ext. 6534 or jpierson@newtondailynews.com