OPENPUBLICA · PUBLIC MEETING RECORD
Record of Proceedings

Racine Common Council Meeting - March 17, 2026: Shoop Park Presentation, Vape Ordinance, Police Overtime Debate

Meeting Portal — Tuesday, March 17, 2026
BodyRacine, Wisconsin
SessionMeeting Portal
DateTuesday, March 17, 2026
StatusFILED
Video Record
0:00 / 3:42:33

Transcript — Verbatim
26:20

If Alders and guests could please take their seats, we will begin momentarily.

26:24

If Alders and guests could please take their seats.

27:57

It is my honor to call to order the city of Racine Common Council.

28:01

As always, our first order of business is the Pledge of Allegiance.

28:04

If you could please rise as you are able and join me in the Pledge of Allegiance.

30:00

The common council did have a committee of the whole meeting last week where this presentation was made just to clarify there is no action that is being taken on any proposal tonight that would commit the city to uh uh to any sort of action or agreement.

30:10

The information that we have giving to us tonight is a presentation on a vision uh for what could happen.

30:15

And so we just want to make sure that while we will vote later to receive and file, which is a nice way of saying that we're taking the information that's giving us, but there's no action being taken here tonight.

30:24

Craig, do you want to begin?

30:26

Yep, thank you.

30:29

Okay, so uh thank you for having me back uh tonight to give another uh brief presentation on the proposed golf course project is Shoot Park.

30:37

Um I'll keep it to 10 minutes, so I'm gonna read my notes, so I'm sure that I do that.

30:42

Uh my name is Craig Haltum.

30:44

I design and build golf courses mostly in Wisconsin, but all over the country, and I'm glad to be here to present our vision for the Shoot Park Golf Course.

30:53

Uh as it is listed on the agenda tonight.

30:55

This project is not just about improving the golf course, although that is a primary goal.

31:01

Uh, we can create one of the very best nine-hole golf experiences anywhere in the world here.

31:07

And if that sounds uh dramatic, uh it it happens to be true.

31:13

Um, the combination of uh the setting and its location on the water and the people involved gives us great confidence that the golf course can really turn out to be something special.

31:26

Um but an equally important part of the project is the bluff and shoreline stabilization work, which is how the project is listed in the agenda tonight, which I think is correct, and the habitat restoration that will be completed as part of the course renovation.

31:43

Uh, as we are uh proposing to repair uh the erosion on the bluff and to install stone revetment and erosion protection along the entire shoreline.

31:55

Uh we're also going to restore a lost shoreline landscape that nobody has seen at Shoop since the 1800s and the brick factory days.

32:03

Uh it will be a beautiful blend of low sand dunes, healthy trees and healthy forest, and enhanced wetland areas.

32:11

And yes, there will still be plenty of trees on the golf course, and I'll explain that with some images in a minute.

32:17

Uh this is the type of golf course and landscape restoration work that we have been involved with over the past 15 years with Michael Kaiser and his family.

32:25

Uh the Kaisers are the most celebrated golf course owners and developers uh maybe in the history of golf, and they operate many of the world's best golf courses, including Sand Valley in central Wisconsin, um, where they've uh uh been operating for over 10 years now.

32:45

Uh Michael Kaiser is partnering in this proposal with Helen Johnson and Craig Leopold to offer his expertise and experience in delivering the vision for the course.

32:54

And Helen and Craig are generously offering to fund the complete revitalization of the golf course and all new infrastructure, including the shoreline work, the golf course improvements, and a new clubhouse at no cost to the city.

33:08

We are proposing to lease the golf course and is under a golf management company lease right now, so it isn't a departure really in how the city operates the course.

33:18

The Leopold Johnson family's goal is to help make sure that the Shoot Park golf course thrives for the next hundred years with the reinforced shoreline and all the new infrastructure and a mission that serves the entire community more broadly.

33:45

And they will be happily paying a higher price to play the course.

34:17

If you know the golf course at all, you know that it's a very uh basic layout right now.

34:22

Um it's been uh uh but what we are proposing uh is all new greens, tees, bunkers, and fairways, so essentially a new golf course on top of the existing course.

34:36

Uh infrastructure improvements like I've described, and a wider and more fun and playable golf course for everyone in a style which we've talked about it being a dunes course or a Lynx golf course.

34:48

What that means is it's more similar to the type of golf that you uh that is played in Scotland.

34:55

So it's a traditional golf, and it's unlike uh anything that you would typically find in a in this type of setting.

35:06

The Kaiser family that I mentioned who are partners in the project, these are some images of their courses in Sand Valley that I mentioned in Central Wisconsin and Bandon Dunes in Oregon.

35:19

I put these images up to remind everyone how these golf courses are not standard golf landscapes as you might picture.

35:27

You should not have a country club or a standard golf course in your mind.

35:31

These are kind of wild and natural landscapes that the golf weaves in and out of.

36:31

Guiding those efforts will be Jens Jensen, who's a leading ecologist in the Midwest.

36:38

Jens is someone that we've worked with successfully on several projects, including Sand Valley for over a decade.

36:44

And closer to here, we worked with him and the city of Madison on a project at uh Glenway Golf Park.

36:53

And uh Jens uh is excellent at this type of work, and he has the experience of these types of hybrid projects of golf construction and ecological restoration.

37:07

And uh also a nice thing about Jens is he has a wonderful family history where his great great grandfather was the uh uh landscape architect for the park system in Racine.

37:18

So it will be wonderful to have Jens on site, and he's already been to the site several times.

37:24

And if the project goes forward, um he'll be a big part of the team.

37:29

Uh shoreline protection.

37:32

There is uh these are some preliminary drawings, but we have done uh enough work to know what the what is necessary and and the project includes reinforcing the entire shoreline all the way from the lighthouse to the to the parking lot with engineered stone revetment.

37:52

Uh this will be done to the highest standard and uh provide a level of protection that currently doesn't exist.

38:02

If you've been out to the site uh in recent years, you can see that there are some spots that are badly eroded, and particularly the the parking lot is you know seemingly eroding uh each year.

38:14

So this will repair the bluff and stabilize the shoreline.

38:20

And then uh the community aspects uh for revitalized shoot park.

38:26

Um I can't uh read these.

38:28

Um of the benefits of having a busier golf course will mean that it will provide better jobs, uh more traveling golfers coming in and spending money in Racine, and a sustainable future for golf and and shoot park for like I said, for for the next hundred years.

38:52

Uh fair pricing for locals.

38:54

Um the uh Craig and Helen have committed to uh 25% discount forever for for windpoint and racine locals, and um and then they're gonna grandfather in a $24 rate for the first two years.

39:11

So they're already thinking about ways that they can maintain the golf course and keep it accessible to locals.

39:18

Uh as I said, the strategy would be that visiting golfers from out of town would be paying a higher rate, and that's in a way that's supplementing the lower rates for locals with the goal of having a sustainable golf operation that funds itself.

39:35

Umproved access to the beach and a uh walking path along Lighthouse Drive.

Discussion Breakdown — Share of Meeting
Public Safety█████████████████████████████████33%
Parks and Recreation█████████████13%
Cannabis Regulation███████████11%
Procedural██████████10%
Public Engagement██████████10%
Transportation Safety███████7%
Environmental Protection████4%
Public Works███3%
Engineering And Infrastructure██2%
Summary of Proceedings

Racine Common Council Meeting - March 17, 2026

The Common Council met on Tuesday, March 17, 2026, at 6:00 PM in City Hall Room 205. Mayor Mason led the Pledge of Allegiance. All 15 aldermen were present. The meeting included a presentation on bluff stabilization and habitat restoration at Shoop Park Golf Course, public comments, two public hearings, committee reports, and several votes on zoning, licensing, and funding matters. The meeting adjourned at 9:27 PM.

Consent Calendar

  • Approval of the March 3, 2026 meeting minutes (16-0 vote).
  • Approval of Committee of the Whole Report (Item 0178-26): Receive and file the presentation from Keiser Golf Group and Leipold Johnson Golf Group regarding potential improvements and long-term lease for Shoop Park. (Unanimous voice vote)
  • Approval of Finance and Personnel Committee recommendations:
    • Six-year contract with Aetna Moving and Storage for municipal solid waste services (estimated $250,000/year).
    • Sole-source purchase of July 4th fireworks display from Pyrotecnico Fireworks, Inc. ($85,000).
    • Purchase of tree diapers for 2026 tree planting ($28,777.59).
    • Purchase of 250 trees for the U.S. semiquincentennial celebration ($53,700).
    • Disallowance of claims by Michael Tenuta, Daphne Barry, and Cassandra Burney.
    • Purchase of tree-age pesticide for emerald ash borer injections ($45,051.50).
    • Acceptance of $34,899.10 from Wisconsin DNR for Beach Monitoring Program.
    • Acceptance of $1,000 donation from Marine Credit Union for Financial Empowerment Center.
  • Approval of Public Safety and Licensing Committee recommendations:
    • Change of agent for The Main Attraction, LLC Hotel Verdant (Class B license).
    • New Class A license for Dominion 14, LLC DBA Spa Verdant (except Item 0109-26, which was voted separately).
    • Renewal of Motor Vehicle Towing License for Racine Recovery LLC.
    • License premise report and formal expression of concern actions.
    • Requirement for Parlay's on Main LLC to attend a good neighbors meeting within 30 days.
  • Approval of Community Development and Block Grant Advisory Board recommendation: $400,000 allocation of CDBG Small Business funds for RCEDC Downtown Business Attraction forgivable loan.
  • Approval of Office of the Mayor (Direct Referrals):
    • Janitorial services contract awarded to CleanCo Racine Inc.
    • Amendment 2 to consulting engineering contract for South Memorial Dr project ($249,147.24).
    • Amendment 1 to McMynn Ramp professional service agreement ($9,500).
    • Permission to apply for Congressionally Directed Spending for fire station construction (up to $16M).

Public Comments & Testimony

  • Diana Kanecki: Spoke about loneliness in the community, drawing on personal experiences as a transgender person, and advocated for active listening across differing viewpoints.
  • Jeff Warg: Expressed support for the Shoop Park golf course proposal but suggested an alternative location (Case South Works property) and urged preserving as many trees as possible at Shoop.
  • Deb Munch: Complained about a nuisance property at 3010 21st Street (falling fence on garage roof) and requested city inspection.
  • Melissa Warner: Raised three concerns about the Shoop Park project: bluff stabilization (acknowledging need but noting temporary nature), habitat protection for migratory birds along the Lake Michigan flyway, and ensuring current users can afford and continue to use the park.
  • Michael Burke: Asked questions about tree preservation, native plantings, invasive species management, bird-safe glass for the new clubhouse, and continuation of the bluebird trail.
  • Q.A. Shakoor II: Expressed full support for the Shoop Park bluff stabilization and habitat restoration, praising the $10 million private investment at no cost to the city.
  • Colin McKenna: Urged preservation of older trees, citing their role in carbon storage and climate change mitigation.
  • Mary Guardiola: Expressed concern about the golf course expansion reducing green space; emphasized that Dr. Shoop's deed specified "public park purposes," not solely golf, and requested consideration for non-golf users.
  • Jason Meekma (Public Hearing on ZOrd 0001-26): Provided data on youth vaping rates (10% of Racine Unified ninth graders had vaped in the last 30 days; 15.7% of Wisconsin high school students used e-cigarettes in 2023) and argued that the ordinance limiting new tobacco/vape shops near youth-serving spaces would reduce youth exposure and initiation.

Discussion Items

  • Presentation on Shoop Park Golf Course Bluff Stabilization and Habitat Restoration:

    • Craig Haltom (golf course designer) presented a vision for a world-class nine-hole course with new greens, tees, bunkers, fairways, a clubhouse, and a public putting green. The project includes a private investment of over $10 million at no cost to the city, with shoreline revetment and bluff repair. Proposed lease would keep the course public with 25% discount for local residents.
    • Commissioner of Public Works John Rooney reviewed the shoreline protection plans, noting engineered stone revetment designed for 50-100 year service life, estimated cost $1.2-1.3 million. Existing buildings (clubhouse and service garage) have poor condition scores (0.37 and 0.42) and require $300,000 in deferred maintenance.
    • Director of Parks Matt Koepnick discussed tree inventory: 184 individual trees on the course (40% non-native or cultivars), only four oak trees. Noted that ash trees are being kept alive with chemical injections since 2012. Bluff stabilization requires removal of unstable trees contributing to erosion.
    • The presentation was received and filed (no action taken).

  • Zoning Ordinance 0001-26 (Vape/Tobacco Shop Restrictions):

    • Ald. Peete moved to approve the ordinance amending zoning to limit new tobacco/vape retailers to certain commercial districts and require distance buffers (1,000 feet) from schools, daycares, community centers, and other youth-serving spaces.
    • A motion to refer the item to Public Safety and Licensing Committee was made by Ald. Weidner, but later withdrawn after debate. Several aldermen (Jorgensen, Allen, Horton, Pabon) argued the ordinance is a needed tool to address youth vaping and should not be delayed.
    • The ordinance was approved unanimously (15-0).

  • Douglas Avenue BID Policing Overtime (Item 0176-26):

    • Ald. Land moved to refer the item back to Finance and Personnel Committee, citing concerns raised by the city attorney about potential discriminatory impact and lack of authority under BID operating plan.
    • The motion to refer failed (14-1, with Land the only aye).
    • Ald. Pabon, the author, argued the BID funds ($32,500 for 340 hours of police overtime) are a voluntary donation from businesses for supplemental speed enforcement, not taking away from other areas. He noted that off-duty police officers already work for private businesses.
    • Chief of Police Ramirez opposed the proposal, stating it sets a precedent of on-demand policing for those who can pay, undermines equitable deployment, and that the department already uses data-driven enforcement with increased traffic stops (16% increase in 2025 vs 2024). He suggested the money could be used for education.
    • City Attorney Leitner explained his memo warning of potential discrimination claims if enforcement is concentrated in an area with a particular demographic makeup, and noted that no other Wisconsin municipality has a similar BID-funded policing arrangement.
    • Ald. Weidner, Horton, Jorgensen, Kelly, and others supported the item as a pilot program to change behavior. Ald. Frazier and Harmon opposed, citing the chief's objection.
    • The main motion to approve the communication (accepting the $32,500 and authorizing the agreement) passed 11-4 (Frazier, Jorgensen, Allen, Harmon opposed).

  • Spa Verdant Class A Liquor License (Geographical/Quota Exception):

    • Ald. Frazier, representing the district, supported the exception for the spa at 512 Main St, noting it would only allow wine samples during spa services. Ald. Weidner voted against, citing fairness concerns after a previous similar request was denied. The city clerk clarified that the license is limited to samples for spa patrons. Approved 12-3 (Weidner, Turquoise-Davis, Esqueda opposed).

Key Outcomes

  • Shoop Park presentation received and filed (no action taken, but public comment noted).
  • Zoning Ordinance 0001-26 adopted (15-0): Restricts new tobacco/vape retailers near youth-serving spaces.
  • Douglas Avenue BID police overtime approved (11-4): $32,500 from BID funds for 340 hours of dedicated speed enforcement.
  • Spa Verdant Class A license with geographical/quota exception approved (12-3).
  • Consent agenda items approved (unanimous voice votes).
  • Next meeting scheduled: April 20, 2026.

Meeting Transcript

If Alders and guests could please take their seats, we will begin momentarily. If Alders and guests could please take their seats. It is my honor to call to order the city of Racine Common Council. As always, our first order of business is the Pledge of Allegiance. If you could please rise as you are able and join me in the Pledge of Allegiance. The common council did have a committee of the whole meeting last week where this presentation was made just to clarify there is no action that is being taken on any proposal tonight that would commit the city to uh uh to any sort of action or agreement. The information that we have giving to us tonight is a presentation on a vision uh for what could happen. And so we just want to make sure that while we will vote later to receive and file, which is a nice way of saying that we're taking the information that's giving us, but there's no action being taken here tonight. Craig, do you want to begin? Yep, thank you. Okay, so uh thank you for having me back uh tonight to give another uh brief presentation on the proposed golf course project is Shoot Park. Um I'll keep it to 10 minutes, so I'm gonna read my notes, so I'm sure that I do that. Uh my name is Craig Haltum. I design and build golf courses mostly in Wisconsin, but all over the country, and I'm glad to be here to present our vision for the Shoot Park Golf Course. Uh as it is listed on the agenda tonight. This project is not just about improving the golf course, although that is a primary goal. Uh, we can create one of the very best nine-hole golf experiences anywhere in the world here. And if that sounds uh dramatic, uh it it happens to be true. Um, the combination of uh the setting and its location on the water and the people involved gives us great confidence that the golf course can really turn out to be something special. Um but an equally important part of the project is the bluff and shoreline stabilization work, which is how the project is listed in the agenda tonight, which I think is correct, and the habitat restoration that will be completed as part of the course renovation. Uh, as we are uh proposing to repair uh the erosion on the bluff and to install stone revetment and erosion protection along the entire shoreline. Uh we're also going to restore a lost shoreline landscape that nobody has seen at Shoop since the 1800s and the brick factory days. Uh it will be a beautiful blend of low sand dunes, healthy trees and healthy forest, and enhanced wetland areas. And yes, there will still be plenty of trees on the golf course, and I'll explain that with some images in a minute. Uh this is the type of golf course and landscape restoration work that we have been involved with over the past 15 years with Michael Kaiser and his family. Uh the Kaisers are the most celebrated golf course owners and developers uh maybe in the history of golf, and they operate many of the world's best golf courses, including Sand Valley in central Wisconsin, um, where they've uh uh been operating for over 10 years now. Uh Michael Kaiser is partnering in this proposal with Helen Johnson and Craig Leopold to offer his expertise and experience in delivering the vision for the course. And Helen and Craig are generously offering to fund the complete revitalization of the golf course and all new infrastructure, including the shoreline work, the golf course improvements, and a new clubhouse at no cost to the city. We are proposing to lease the golf course and is under a golf management company lease right now, so it isn't a departure really in how the city operates the course. The Leopold Johnson family's goal is to help make sure that the Shoot Park golf course thrives for the next hundred years with the reinforced shoreline and all the new infrastructure and a mission that serves the entire community more broadly. And they will be happily paying a higher price to play the course. If you know the golf course at all, you know that it's a very uh basic layout right now. Um it's been uh uh but what we are proposing uh is all new greens, tees, bunkers, and fairways, so essentially a new golf course on top of the existing course. Uh infrastructure improvements like I've described, and a wider and more fun and playable golf course for everyone in a style which we've talked about it being a dunes course or a Lynx golf course. What that means is it's more similar to the type of golf that you uh that is played in Scotland. So it's a traditional golf, and it's unlike uh anything that you would typically find in a in this type of setting. The Kaiser family that I mentioned who are partners in the project, these are some images of their courses in Sand Valley that I mentioned in Central Wisconsin and Bandon Dunes in Oregon. I put these images up to remind everyone how these golf courses are not standard golf landscapes as you might picture. You should not have a country club or a standard golf course in your mind. These are kind of wild and natural landscapes that the golf weaves in and out of. Guiding those efforts will be Jens Jensen, who's a leading ecologist in the Midwest. Jens is someone that we've worked with successfully on several projects, including Sand Valley for over a decade. And closer to here, we worked with him and the city of Madison on a project at uh Glenway Golf Park. And uh Jens uh is excellent at this type of work, and he has the experience of these types of hybrid projects of golf construction and ecological restoration. And uh also a nice thing about Jens is he has a wonderful family history where his great great grandfather was the uh uh landscape architect for the park system in Racine. So it will be wonderful to have Jens on site, and he's already been to the site several times. And if the project goes forward, um he'll be a big part of the team. Uh shoreline protection. There is uh these are some preliminary drawings, but we have done uh enough work to know what the what is necessary and and the project includes reinforcing the entire shoreline all the way from the lighthouse to the to the parking lot with engineered stone revetment. Uh this will be done to the highest standard and uh provide a level of protection that currently doesn't exist.

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