Clearance.

Otherwise, can you hear us?

Yes, I can.

Okay, great.

We're about to start.

Are you okay if we have Alder Allen read your report?

Yeah, I already asked her to do so.

Okay, great.

Great.

And then uh, she hasn't received any, but have you received any requests for separate consideration?

No, I did not.

Okay, thank you very much.

Okay.

Well, good evening, everyone.

Welcome to this uh City of Counts City Council meeting for the City of Racine on this 20th day of April 2026.

First order of business is the call to order.

After that, uh, we have the opportunity to do the Pledge of Allegiance.

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

I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America, and to the Republic for which it stands one nation, under God, indivisible with liberty and justice for all.

Okay, we have three proclamations for this uh for this meeting, there are um many, many public servants who do great work, and in uh in this month, we recognize all of them in various forms, and we have three proclamations that uh recognize those in various forms.

The first is regarding National Libraries Week, and I'm gonna read the proclamation into the record, where it reads The Proclamation City of Racine, libraries spark creativity, fuel imagination, and inspire lifelong learning, offering spaces where people of all ages can find joy through exploration and discovery.

Whereas libraries serve as a vibrant community hub, connecting residents with knowledge, technology, and resources that foster civic engagement, critical thinking, and cultural enrichment.

And whereas libraries provide free and equitable access to books, digital tools, and innovative programming, ensuring that all individuals, regardless of background, have the support they need to learn, connect, and thrive.

And whereas libraries partner with schools, businesses, and organizations to maximize resources, expand access to essential services, and strengthen the community, that libraries empower job seekers, entrepreneurs, and lifelong learners by offering resources, training, and opportunities that support career growth and economic success.

Whereas libraries nurture young minds through story times, steam programs and literary literacy initiatives that foster curiosity and a lifelong love of learning.

Libraries protect the right to read, think, and explore without censorship, standing as champions of intellectual freedom and free expression, and that dedicated librarians and library workers create welcoming spaces that inspire discovery, collaboration, and creativity for all.

So now, therefore, I, Corey Mason, mayor of the City of Racine, do hereby proclaim April 19th through 25th, 2026 as National Library Week in the City of Racine.

I encourage all residents to visit their library, explore its resources, and celebrate the many ways libraries help our community find joy.

Here I have signed um the seal of of the city and cause my signature to be affixed.

Moving on to the next proclamation, it reads, Whereas the United States observes and pays tribute to local, state, and federal peace officers who have died or have been disabled in the line of duty.

And whereas President John F.

Kennedy signed public law 87726 on October 1st, 1962, designating May 15th as Peace Officers Memorial Day, and the calendar week in which May 15th occurs as National Police Week.

And whereas every day law enforcement officers across the nation face the threat of violence and danger, routinely putting their lives in jeopardy to defend others, placing themselves at the risk of injury, disability, or even death.

And whereas the Racine Police Department has made and continues to make important advancements in policy, policing, and transparency, and we recognize and appreciate the incredibly dangerous risk these individuals face each day while serving our community, reminding us of the sacrifices they make to protect and serve others.

Now therefore I, Corey Mason, mayor of the City of Racine, Wisconsin, do hereby proclaim the week of May 11th through 16th, 2026 as National Police Week in the City of Racine, and encourage all residents to pay tribute to and commemorate law enforcement's officers for the vital public services they provide.

The last proclamation is in regards to public recognition, I'm sorry, public service recognition week, and it reads, whereas public service recognition week honors federal, state, county, and local government employees whose dedication keeps our communities and nation running smoothly, and that many public servants, including police officers, firefighters, transportation workers, safety inspectors, health care professionals, and others, serve the public with courage and commitment, often at personal risk, and that the tireless work of public employees at every level of government ensures stability, continuity, and essential services for residents, businesses, and visit visitors.

And that the tireless work of public employees at every level of government ensures stability, continuity, and essential services for residents, businesses, and visitors.

And whereas the employee of the city of Racine exemplified professionalism and dedication, working each day to protect and enhance the quality of life in our city.

And whereas since 1985, the first week of May has been recognized nationwide as public service recognition week.

And whereas Professional Municipal Clerks Week, established in 1969, celebrates the vital role municipal clerks play in local governments through their stewardship of public records, supportive legislative processes, and administration of fair and free elections.

And whereas the city of Racine's municipal clerks demonstrate integrity, accuracy, and exceptional service, strengthening public trust and ensuring transparent, effective government.

Now, therefore, I, Corey Mason, mayor of the city of Racine do hereby proclaim the weeks of May 3rd through 9th, 2026 as Public Service Recognition Week and Professional Municipal Clerks Week in the City of Racine, and encourage all residents to join in recognizing the dedication and contributions of our public employees and municipal clerks.

We now move on to public comments.

I will ask the clerk to please remind everyone of the procedures before we begin.

The public comment segment is an opportunity for citizens to speak directly to counsel.

Speakers will limit their remarks to three minutes.

There shall be no dialogue or interaction between speakers 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 comment shall be limited to ideas or concerns regarding the city of Racine.

We encourage you to submit any 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 four speakers this evening.

The first is Trina Cotton at 3514 Republic Av.

And just as the first speaker is coming up, there will be a clock that appears on the screen that counts down from three minutes when your three minutes are up.

If we could pull the clock on the screen.

Good evening.

My name is Trina Cotton.