Racine Common Council Meeting – May 6, 2025

The Racine Common Council met on Tuesday, May 6, 2025, at 6:00 PM in City Hall, Room 205. All 15 aldermen were present. The meeting covered proclamations, public comments, referral of numerous communications to committees, committee reports with multiple votes, and a consent agenda.

Consent Calendar

• Approval of Minutes – The minutes from April 14, 2025, and April 15, 2025, were approved by a unanimous 15‑0 vote.
• Consent Agenda – A motion to adopt the consent agenda (encompassing all communications and committee reports not requiring separate roll‑call votes) passed unanimously (15‑0).

Public Comments & Testimony

• Eleven members of the public appeared to speak before the Council: Bruce Carter, Anthony Boney, Stanley Mehzie, Ejuane Bostick, Lakesha Davis, Dr. Richard Kemper, Diana Valencia, Kristina Campbell, Yusuf Buckly, Mike Shields, and April Wright. The minutes do not record the content or positions of their comments.

Discussion Items

• Proclamations – The Council recognized Public Service Recognition Week (0491‑25) and Police Week and Peace Officers’ Memorial Day (0492‑25).
• Referral of Communications – Numerous communications were referred to the Finance and Personnel Committee, Public Works and Services Committee, and Public Safety and Licensing Committee, mostly on voice votes. One referral (0475‑25, regarding board and commission appointments) required a roll‑call vote, passing 8‑7 in favor of referring to the Finance and Personnel Committee.
• Committee Reports
  • Finance and Personnel Committee Report – Items approved on voice vote included: a three‑year contract with Azteca Systems for Cityworks ($365,042.41), release of Zoo contract funds ($510,000 budget), release of Wustum Professional Services funds ($392,000 budget), waiver of bidding for fire engine refurbishment ($260,820), and acceptance of a BJA grant ($43,072). A claim settlement (0339‑25, Margret A. Morgenson) for $20,644.56 was adopted on an 8‑7 roll‑call vote.
  • Public Works and Services Committee Report – Approved on voice vote: a professional services agreement for Lathrop Avenue STP Project ($140,725), approval of encroachment report for Lathrop Avenue, a State/Municipal Agreement for Wisconsin Ave improvements ($687,000 total, $150,000 state share), a block party road closure (Jerome Blvd, July 26, 2025), and bid awards for Goold Street Reconstruction ($590,389.12), multi‑site roof project ($553,300), multi‑site exterior restoration ($1,000,000), and Wustum Museum renovation ($258,895).
  • Public Safety and Licensing Committee Report – Several items approved on voice vote, including a change of ownership license for Mahoffers on Main, annual committee training, and police premise reports. The major discussion item was Adream Social Lounge (0209‑25), a denied application for a Class B liquor license at 1518 Washington Ave. A motion to refer the denial back to committee failed (7‑8). Subsequent motions passed: to limit capacity to 150 individuals (12‑3), to amend the license business plan to set closing hours at 12am and approve for beer (12‑3), and finally to approve the license as amended (12‑3).
  • Board of Ethics Report – The annual report was received and filed unanimously (15‑0).
• Office of the Mayor Report – Two direct referrals were adopted: a $325,000 budget amendment transferring general fund money to the EMS fund to reflect EMS billing revenues (passed 14‑0, one excused), and an extension of the No Mow May pilot, including a refund of the $25 sign fee and free distribution of remaining signs (passed 14‑0, one excused).

Key Outcomes

• Adream Social Lounge License Approved – After committee denial, the Council voted to approve the license with a 150‑person capacity and a closing time of 12am. Final vote 12‑3.
• Claim Settlement Approved – The $20,644.56 settlement for Margret A. Morgenson was approved 8‑7.
• EMS Budget Amendment Adopted – $325,000 moved from general fund to EMS fund, 14‑0.
• No Mow May Extended – Temporary suspension of weed ordinance for registered participants, with sign fee refunds, 14‑0.
• Consent Agenda Passed – All remaining routine items adopted unanimously.

The meeting was adjourned at 8:43 PM. The next regular Council meeting is scheduled for May 20, 2025.