All We Are Saying... is Give Bees a Chance
This May, Monona residents are encouraged to stop mowing their lawns, to benefit local bee and pollinator populations. City Council passed a resolution on April 18th, endorsing No Mow May in Monona. Allowing your lawn to grow in May gives spring pollinators better habitat, which is especially important for their health this time of year.
 Interested in participating?
Sign up to get a No Mow May yard sign!

People all over the community are getting involved, including the Monona Parks & Rec department and Monona Grove School District! Parks & Rec will not be mowing Woodland Park and Outlet Mound this month, and various Monona Grove schools will be letting their lawns grow too.
Please remember, when you go back to mowing your lawn, keep grass cuttings out of the road so they don't go into the storm sewer and out to the lake.
 
65th Monona Memorial Day Parade
2022 Grand Marshall: Pete Gunderson
Madison Metro Transit Proposal
The city is considering a proposal from Madison Metro to provide hourly bus service beginning in mid-late 2023. The Mass Transit Commission is evaluating the proposal and will be seeking public input in months to come. While the proposal would expand transportation opportunities for Monona, it would mean a major change for the city’s paratransit service. There are also safety considerations about Madison buses traveling on city streets already heavily used by bicyclists and pedestrians. To be notified of upcoming Mass Transit Commission meetings, go to "Notify Me" at mymonona.com.
Learn About Development In Monona!
San Damiano News
Walking Wednesday Tours
Join Parks & Recreation Director Jake Anderson and a special guest each Wednesday, May 11 - June 15 at 12PM on a walking tour of the San Damiano property and an inside tour of the Frank Allis House. Participants will learn about the history of the property, the efforts that led to the city purchasing the property, activities that have taken place since the city took ownership of the property and a current update on the planning process for the future of the property. There will be a post tour opportunity for feedback. Plan for an active walk through the grounds and house. Limited to 10 participants per session. Sign up today!
Steering Committee
The San Damiano Steering Committee met on April 26 to evaluate seven proposals received for master planning services for the property. The committee narrowed it to four – Ayres & Associates, MSA, SmithGroup and Vandewalle. Those four will make presentations to the steering committee on May 19, after which the group hopes to make a recommendation to the City Council. If all goes as planned, the master planning process is slated to begin in late July/early August.
Visit the library today to pick up your free book... While supplies last! 
Spring Water Main Flushing
Crews have begun the spring flushing of water mains throughout the City. When flushing, crews open fire hydrants to flush water through the water mains which causes the water to appear cloudy or discolored from the release of minerals. The water is safe to drink, but if the water is cloudy, residents are advised to run their COLD water tap nearest their water meter until the water runs clear.  
The Monona Grove School District Sustainability Committee is hosting a ribbon cutting and open house for the largest installed solar array on a K-12 building in Wisconsin
This project will supply about half the building's electrical needs to provide environmental and financial benefits to the district (an estimated savings of $1.5 million over the life of the array).
In addition, the solar array will replace coal-fired electricity that currently powers our district. Over the 30 year lifetime of the array it will offset the burning of more than 16,000 tons of coal, reducing harmful coal-related air emissions, including:
over 44,000 pounds of smog-producing nitrogen oxide emissions
5,400 pounds of particulate emissions
2.8 pounds of mercury emissions
and 31,000 tons of carbon dioxide
Board of Review
The City of Monona performs Full Value Assessment Services. This means that every property in the City is reviewed and adjusted to market value annually. Wisconsin is a market value state. This means that the assessed value of property must mirror the market value of what similar property sells for, on the open market. By revaluing property annually the City sees gradual changes in assessed value each year instead of large increases or decreases every 5 to 8 years.
 
The roll book of all property is available online and in the City Hall lobby. If you have further questions, or want to discuss your assessment, please contact the assessor’s office by email, [email protected], or by calling 920-749-8098. You can do this up until the Board of Review hearing date. If you are not satisfied with the outcome of your conversation with the Assessor, your intent to object notification, via form, telephone (608-222-2525), email or fax (608-222-9225), must be received by the City Clerk 48 hours prior to the hearing, which is Monday, June 6 at 6:00 p.m. Objection forms and limited copies of the Department of Revenue Guide for Property Owners are available in the City Hall lobby.
 
The Board of Review will meet in the Library Municipal Room on June 8 starting at 6:00 p.m. Your objection form is due at that time, if you haven’t submitted it before. It would be helpful to get your objection form and any backup material to the City Clerk ahead of time so she can make copies for Board members. Otherwise, you must provide 7 copies of any materials you plan to use as evidence at your hearing.
Fun With Monona Parks & Rec!
Watch Monona Community Media on YouTube
Silver Edition
City Council
Plan Commission
Farmers Market Opens for the Season
The Monona Farmers Market has returned for the 2022 season. The Market is open at Ahuska Park, 400 E. Broadway, from 8:30-12:30 every Sunday through October 30th rain or shine. Over 30 vendors from a variety of cultures and backgrounds offer top quality fresh, local produce, meat, cheese, eggs, honey, baked goods, salsa, spices, popcorn, soaps and plants. Free parking and bike racks are located adjacent to the vendors’ stalls. Enjoy local music at the market from 10-12 each week.
City Administrator Search Update
City Finance Director Marc Houtakker assumed the role of Interim City Administrator on May 2, following former Administrator Bryan Gadow’s departure. The City Administrator position has been posted and applications will be accepted through June 6. Mayor Mary O’Connor will be appointing a search committee within the next few weeks to evaluate the applications received and proceed with the interview process.
Monona Pride
Former Alder Andrew Kitslaar is once again taking orders for his popular Monona t-shirts and hooded sweatshirts. If you’d like to purchase one or more, please email him at [email protected]
All items are priced at cost.
T-Shirts $13.50 ($2 extra for 2XL-5XL) Sizes: Unisex, Women Material: Next Level CVC Crew 60% Combed Ring-Spun Cotton 40% Polyester Color: Heather Royal Blue
Hoodies $26.50 ($2 extra for 2XL-5XL) Sizes: Adult S-5XL Material: GILDAN 40% Cotton/ 60% Polyester Color: Heather Royal Blue
98.7FM WVMO - The Voice of Monona said good bye to one of it's very first volunteers on Tuesday May 17th. Kirk Swenson was host of Drive Swede Said every Tuesday at 4pm for 7 straight years. Kirk never missed a show! Not only was Kirk a program host since 2015, he also served as WVMO's volunteer music director for over 3 years. A BIG, BIG, BIG thank you to Kirk Swenson for all of his time and dedication to the radio station and the Monona community.
98.7FM WVMO -The Voice of Monona
Monona's community owned, locally programmed, volunteer driven radio station.
Upcoming Meetings & Events
Stay up to date on City of Monona meetings and events. Check out the
City calendar!
Monona Community Media
WVMO - The Voice of Monona