Racine City Council Meeting – June 20, 2025

The Racine City Council met on June 20, 2025, at the ADA-accessible library due to ongoing construction at City Hall. The meeting covered routine approvals, proclamations, public comments, committee referrals, alley assessments, liquor license deferrals, community development authority actions, mayoral appointments, and council announcements. Key debates included the referral of a cemetery fountain repair project and the removal of an alley from the assessment list.

Consent Calendar

• Approved the journal and minutes from May 20, 2025 (motion carried unanimously).
• Approved two proclamations:
  • Juneteenth Day (June 19, 2025) – recognizing the emancipation announcement in Galveston, Texas.
  • Pride Month – celebrating the LGBTQ+ community and the city’s perfect municipal equity index scores.

Public Comments & Testimony

Five speakers addressed the council:

• Michael Schrader (1636 Chatham Street) criticized the length and dysfunction of council meetings, urged a new form of city government, and noted that 16‑page agendas and 3.5‑hour meetings discourage citizen participation.
• Steve Belair (930 Crabtree Lane) complained about a neighbor operating a car sales business from a residential driveway, including dealer plate misuse and excessive noise. Requested enforcement.
• Jeff Poe (1044 Villa Street) voiced support for item 0495-25, a beer license for 930 Washington Avenue (formerly Total 24). Praised the applicant’s $1.5 million renovation and noted the area is a food desert.
• Diana Valencia (3919 Ruby Avenue) thanked Trevor Young and collaborators for providing bus service to the new Social Security office, highlighting proactive collaboration.
• Aaron Bainkey (1601 Washington Avenue) formally opposed the proposed alley pavement project affecting his property, stating alleys bring abandoned vehicles and trash without benefit. He expressed willingness to work with the city on a resolution.

Discussion Items

• Committee Referrals and Item 0550-25 (Fountain at Mound Cemetery) A lengthy debate occurred over whether to refer item 0550-25 (repair of a fountain donated by the Waterworks family) to the Public Works & Services Committee, the Finance & Personnel Committee, or both. Alderman Allen argued the item lacked a fiscal note and should go to Finance; Alderman Mac (district representative) insisted Public Works was appropriate. A motion for a joint referral was defeated 4‑11. The item was ultimately referred to Public Works & Services alone.
• Alley Vacation Assessments (Item 0476-25) An amendment was proposed to remove the alley at 16th Street – Washington Avenue – South Memorial Drive – Owen Avenue (east-west) from the list of alley vacations. The sole abutting property owner opposed the assessment. The amendment passed on a roll call vote (all ayes). The main motion approving the remaining alley vacations then carried unanimously.
• Liquor License Deferral (Items 0494-25 & 0495-25) Alderman Weiner moved to defer two items related to a new Class A beer license and gas station service license for “Ul and Save LLC” at 930 Washington Avenue. The city attorney noted that a public hearing on geographic restrictions was required by ordinance and had not been held. The motion was amended to defer the items directly to the next common council meeting (rather than back to the PSL committee) to expedite the process. The deferral passed unanimously.
• Community Development Authority Items
  • Approved resolution 2509 for acquisition of 1644 Packard Avenue (blight elimination). The property is unoccupied and for sale.
  • Approved change order #1 for demolition of 725 Lake Avenue (contract 2024-175), increasing cost by $236,000 (using funds from TID 9 and TID 17). The change was necessitated by DNR findings of additional contaminants. Vote: 12‑3 (Aldermen Weiner, Harmon, and Pavone opposed).
• Mayor’s Report
  • Approved street closure for the “Gentleton Festival” on June 14, 2024 (note: date discrepancy; transcript references 2024, but meeting is in 2025). Motion passed.
  • Approved appointments to various boards: Taylor Nelson (Library Board), Rosalind Thomas (Waterworks Commission and Wastewater Commission), Alderman Mac (Due Process Board), Dr. Burjee (Board of Health), Robert Turner (Police and Fire Commission), Sarah Boston (Board of Ethics), McKenna Quinter (CDBG Advisory Board), and Dr. Alison Weiss (CDBG Advisory Board). All appointments passed with one nay (Alderman Weiner).

Key Outcomes

• Minutes and Proclamations approved.
• Referrals completed as detailed (most items assigned to standing committees).
• Alley vacation list amended and passed.
• Liquor licenses deferred to next council meeting for required public hearing.
• CDA acquisitions and change order approved.
• Street closure and appointments approved.
• Consent agenda adopted.
• Council announcements included condolences, congratulations to graduates, and upcoming community events (Community Black Ride on June 14, Blood Drive on June 20, Wear Orange event, Sneaker Ball, Coffee with the Cop, Juneteenth celebrations).