Racine Common Council Meeting - August 19, 2025

The Common Council of Racine, Wisconsin, held its regular meeting on August 19, 2025, at 6:00 PM at the Racine Public Library Community Room. The meeting was called to order with 14 aldermen present (Alder Turquoise-Davis excused) and was adjourned at 6:47 PM. Mayor Mason led the Pledge of Allegiance.

Proclamations

• The council proclaimed August 26, 2025, as Woman's Equality Day in Racine.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Seven residents spoke: Kristin Nagao, Darlean Parhan, Tamara Patton, Joey Lagath, Sara Wroblewsk, Colin Mckenna, and Oscar Salas. The minutes did not record the content of their remarks.

Communications Introduced to Council (Referrals)

• A large number of communications were introduced and referred to appropriate committees. Key referrals included:
  • A communication from Alder Allen to discuss the definition of ex-officio committee member rights (referred to Finance and Personnel and Committee of a Whole).
  • A request for a mid-year review presentation from the Racine County Economic Development Corporation (RCEDC) (referred to Finance and Personnel).
  • Presentation of the Network Health Medicare Advantage plan renewal (referred to Finance and Personnel; monthly premium remains $163 per member).
  • A request for an update on Police and Fire contracts (referred to Finance and Personnel and Committee of a Whole).
  • A proposed settlement of $50,000 in the case of McMillian v. City of Racine (referred to Finance and Personnel).
  • Disallowance of a claim by Kelly Rainey (referred to Finance and Personnel).
  • Authorization to enter into an intergovernmental agreement establishing the Milwaukee-Area-Racine-Kenosha Passenger Rail Commission (referred to Finance and Personnel).
  • A contract award of $150,000 to Wil-Surge Electric for low voltage contracting services (referred to Finance and Personnel).
  • Several street closure and public works requests referred to Public Works and Services, including the Rhino Bar SafeRide fundraiser (September 6, 12:00 PM–9:00 PM), Walden III sidewalk closure (December 1, 2025–April 1, 2026), Jesus Alive Ministries community outreach (September 13, 9:00 AM–4:00 PM), and the Monument Mash Halloween event (October 25, 6:00 AM–4:00 PM).
  • Various public works contracts and change orders: Mount Pleasant Dry Retention Basin change order ($6,992.50), sanitary sewer repair contract award ($424,599 to Wanasek Corp), sanitary sewer lateral lining contract award ($1,576,650 to Musson Bros) with a deduct change order ($280,900), Graceland Cemetery paving change order ($24,850.94) and final payment ($61,559.56), Greencrest Park fence final payment ($75,050), Island Park shelter staircase removal final payment ($51,753.17).
  • Licensing items referred to Public Safety and Licensing: Speedway change of agent, Floyd & Sons towing license, B&B Cabs license and driver's license, new operator's licenses for Kimberly Binder and Juan Ortega, a review of the public dance hall license ordinance, and a presentation by Attorney Ian Pomplin on cigarette/tobacco/vape license ordinances.
  • The police department's license premise report and consideration of formal expressions of concern were also referred.

Committee Reports

• Finance and Personnel Committee (Ald. Land, Chair): The council approved the committee's recommendations on the following:
  • Disallowance of claims by Bennie Nunn, SubroIQ/Auto-Owners/Scott Olsen, and the State of Wisconsin/Darlene Bard.
  • Approval of the 2nd Quarter 2025 Fiscal Results and investment summaries.
  • Authorization to apply for a Washington Avenue HISP Grant (estimated $675,000 grant, $75,000 local match).
  • Authorization to enter into the Purdue Pharma settlement agreement (no cost to city, prospective recovery).
  • Authorization to enter into an agreement with the Racine Zoological Society for a Conservation Education Center site and a ground lease for a Maintenance Center and Veterinary Hospital on city-owned land within the zoo.
• Public Safety and Licensing Committee (Ald. Weidner, Chair): The council approved the committee's recommendations:
  • Denial of a new operator's license for Jesus Cortez.
  • Approval of a cigarette/tobacco/vape license for Zaks Vape & Smoke (1743 State St).
  • Receipt of a presentation from Attorney Pomplin regarding other municipalities' ordinances on cigarette/tobacco/vape licenses.
  • Approval of the police license premise report.
  • Approval of a settlement agreement for Select 627 LLC (1111 Washington Ave) consisting of a 30-day suspension, with the City Attorney's Office directed to pursue revocation if violated.
  • Receive and file the appearance of Natasha Evans (Select 627) and the formal expression of concern.
  • Approval of renewal cigarette/tobacco/vape licenses for three Dollar General stores (4111 Durand Ave, 4901 Washington Ave, 3440 Douglas Ave).
  • Receive and file the appearance of Marko Lazarevic (Marko's Neighborhood Bar) with a recommendation to attend a Good Neighbor's Meeting.
  • Receive and file communication 0774-25 regarding police report actions.
• Transit Commission (Ald. Horton, Chair): The council approved:
  • A contract with Racine Unified School District for student transit passes ($115,000 revenue).
  • Acceptance of $1,680,076 in Wisconsin DOT Public Transit Assistance Program (PTAP) capital funds, with a $420,019 local match ($2,100,095 total).
  • Acceptance of a $4,355,980 Federal Transit Administration (FTA) 5307 operating grant.
  • Acceptance of a $105,709 WisDOT paratransit assistance contract.
  • Acceptance of a $1,979,698 WisDOT 85.20 operating grant.
• Planning, Heritage and Design Commission (Ald. Peete, Chair): The council approved the rezoning of 1121 Lake Avenue from O-I Office/Institutional to R-2 Single-Family Residence District (ZOrd. 0003-25), consistent with the original neighborhood zoning.

Office of the Mayor Report

• The council approved a street closure request from Better Ways Deliverance Ministries for a back-to-school give away and cookout on August 30, 2025, amended to the hours of 12:00 PM to 8:00 PM and the location to 1100 Haze to Linderman Avenue (original request was Hayes from Washington to Lindermann, 8:00 AM to 7:00 PM). The amendment was passed by a 14-0 vote.
• The council approved the Transportation Project Plat for S. Memorial Drive (Durand Ave to 17th St) as part of a state project.
• The council approved a parking request from St. George Serbian Orthodox Church for their festival on August 30–31, 2025 (noon to 10:00 PM) on State Street and Superior Street.
• The council approved the discontinuance of a portion of Freeman Court.

Consent Agenda

• The council voted to approve the consent agenda, encompassing all communications, committee reports, and resolutions that were not separately voted on. The motion (by Ald. Horton, seconded by Ald. Peete) passed 14-0 (Alder Turquoise-Davis excused).

Key Outcomes

• Meeting adjourned at 6:47 PM. The next regular council meeting is scheduled for September 2, 2025.
• All votes on the consent agenda and individual items were unanimous (14-0, with one excused absence).
• Notable financial approvals include the $50,000 McMillian settlement, $150,000 low voltage contract, $1.58 million sanitary sewer lining contract, and over $10 million in transit grants accepted.
• The rezoning of 1121 Lake Avenue to R-2 was adopted.
• Street closure and parking permits were granted for upcoming community events.