Racine Common Council Meeting Summary - January 20, 2026
Racine Common Council Meeting Summary - January 20, 2026
The Racine Common Council convened on Tuesday, January 20, 2026, at 6:00 PM to address public hearings regarding alcohol licensing, committee referrals for finance and personnel matters, and general city services. Mayor communications were referred to committees, and the council engaged in extensive debate regarding the saturation of alcohol licenses versus district representation and specific business merits. A public comment highlighted concerns from a veteran regarding loud exhaust noise impacting PTSD, urging police enforcement.
Consent Calendar
- Items from various committees (Finance, Public Works, Public Safety) referred to the appropriate standing committees for review before final action.
- The "Snow and Ice Removal Manual" (Item 1303-25) was received and filed after a robust discussion on winter preparedness, though Alder Mack requested separate consideration to propose future ride-alongs with DPW.
- A motion was passed to defer Item 1306-25 (engineering services for the McMinn parking ramp demolition) back to committee for further refinement, with 11 ayes and 1 nay, following concerns from the Public Works and Safety Committee that the proposal was not yet ready for approval.
Public Comments & Testimony
- Aval Tom (2021 Douglas Ave): A veteran and resident with PTSD expressed strong opposition to loud exhaust noise and popping mufflers from local vehicles. He stated that the noise causes severe episodes and potential self-harm. He noted that he has filed complaints with the police department with specific vehicle descriptions and license plates, but no action was taken. He urged the council to record the complaint and enforce existing ordinances.
Discussion Items
- Beer License Application (Item 1238-25) & Geographic Restriction Waiver (Item 1240-25):
- Alder Land (11th District): Expressed full support for Ms. Bazaar (MSBA Services, LLC) to obtain a class A retail malt beverage license, stating the owner runs a good business and noting that a competitor across the street already holds a license. She advocated for the city's decision to allow gas stations to sell beer.
- Alder Fraser (1st District): Expressed support for the application out of respect for Alder Land, but voiced concern regarding the high concentration of 15 licensed businesses between Lathrop and Durand Avenues. She questioned the discretion used in determining license locations.
- Alder Harmon (1st District): Expressed opposition to the granting of the license due to concerns about neighborhood oversaturation with liquor, vape, and massage establishments. She stated she would not support the approval despite respecting the alder of the district.
- Alder Weidner (14th District): Expressed support, noting that while oversaturation is a valid concern, the business owner has committed over a decade of investment and labor to the rehabilitation of the property. She highlighted the lack of police reports associated with the location.
- Alder Babone (12th District): Expressed support for the license based on the principle of leveling the playing field among the four competing gas stations in the district. She argued that the government's role is to assist in competition and that packaged beer sales do not equate to bar-style intoxication.
- Alder Pabone (15th District): Expressed tentative support, leaning toward the recommendation of the concerned alder, noting the role of district representation. She emphasized that the council retains tools, such as "formal expressions of concern," if oversaturation becomes an issue.
- Alder Mack (2nd District): Expressed support but cautioned that the decision must consider the long-term vision of creating a family/tourist-friendly environment and the demographic impacts of alcohol saturation.
- Alder Allen (3rd District): Expressed support for the license, citing the positive maintenance of the facility by the owner and the lack of negative neighborhood impact, despite his general reluctance to approve alcohol licenses.
- Alder Jorgensen: Stated that the input from the district alder is a primary influence, noting that if the district is supportive and there are no extenuating circumstances, the council should go along with the request.
Key Outcomes
- Item 1238-25 (Beer License Approval): Motion to approve the new application for a Class A retail fermented malt beverage license for MSBA Services, LLC (Lath Cash Discount) carried with 11 ayes and 1 nay (Alder Harmon).
- Item 1240-25 (Geographic Restriction Waiver): Motion to approve the petition to exceed geographical restrictions carried with 10 ayes and 2 nays (Alders Harmon and Pabone). The City Attorney clarified that the two-thirds requirement applied to the full body of 15 (requiring 10 votes), not just those present.
- Item 1306-25 (McMinn Ramp Engineering Services): Motion to defer approval of the professional services agreement passed with 11 ayes and 1 nay (Alder Davis). The item will be returned to the Public Works and Safety Committee for further work before resubmission.
- Snow and Ice Removal Manual: Item 1303-25 was officially received and filed.
- Consent Agenda: All remaining routine items were approved via a unanimous voice vote.
Meeting Transcript
I was telling my son, I was like, I was born before Google. And I really welcomed him the first time. I love it. Yeah, and then we'll definitely not think he'll call it here. All right, we're gonna ask the others to please be seated as we get started, please. Tonight we're gonna start uh the Common Council meeting for Tuesday, January twentieth, twenty twenty-six is six uh the hour six o'clock has arrived. So first thing uh we're gonna stand for the pleasure leaders if you can. Thank you. Next item. So here we're gonna have a public hearing to exceed geographical restrictions for class A retail permitted malt beverage license, MSBA services, LLC, DBA, Lath Cash discount located at twenty-five oh one Lathroom Avenue. Uh and we're gonna turn it over to the city clerk. We have one speaker signed up, Sileth Bazaar at twenty-five oh one Lathra bath. Um I said for uh twenty-five oh one Latham Avenue. Thank you. Oh, I'm sorry. And to do a good business. Is there any other speakers for this item tonight? No. No. Okay. All right, thank you. You welcome at this time. We'll turn over to the clerk for our um for um our uh public comments. The public comment segment is an opportunity for citizens to speak directly to the common council. Speakers will limit their remarks to three minutes. There shall be no dialogue or interaction between the speaker and elected officials or staff. This time is not intended to be a debate or discussion. The common council shall not hear personal complaints or attacks against any city employee or elected official or any matter related to an individual claim, citation, appeal, or lawsuit. Profane, disruptive, threatening, or conduct that otherwise impedes the safe, orderly, and effective conduct of the common council meeting is equally unacceptable during the public comment period, as it is during all other portions of city meetings. Candidates for public office may not use this opportunity to campaign for office. Speakers during the public comment period shall follow all rules of the common council and rulings of the chair, including a decision to terminate the remarks if the speaker does not adhere to these rules. Public comments shall be limited to ideas or concerns regarding the city of Racine. We encourage you to submit a detailed concerns in writing to the city clerk's office or your aldermen, where they can be properly documented and directed for response. There will be one public speaker this evening. Uh Aval Tom at 2021, Douglas Av. Good evening. Um I was up here once before, and it's the uh the same complaint. Loud exhaust, popping mufflers, and everything else. Um I have a medical condition also. PTSD. I'm sure some of you are familiar with it. Those loud noises can cause me to do anything from uh jump to end up somewhere in my house not knowing how I got there. I can have episodes that can cause me to do things that could possibly cause harm to myself. I didn't want to have to do this the first time. I've got a veteran down the street that was from Vietnam War. Has the same issue. And I know there's plenty of other people in this city with that condition. This should not be allowed. There's city ordinances that take care of this. I have filed to the police department complaints.
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