If alders and guests could please take their seats, we'll begin momentarily.

Well, good evening, everyone.

The hour of six o'clock having arrived on the 16th of June 2026, it is my honor to call to order the City of Racine Common Council.

The 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.

Move to approve.

Any discussion on those minutes?

Seeing none, all those in favor, please say aye.

Aye.

Opposed, that motion carries.

We have three proclamations that we'll be uh reading into the record this evening, and I will begin with the first one.

Uh we will start with Pride Month.

Proclamation reads, whereas on June 28th, 1969, New York City Police raided Stonewall Inn, a gay club located in Greenwich Village, and sparked a riot, leading to six days of protest and clashes with law enforcement known as the Stonewall Riots, which later served as the catalyst for the LGBTQIA plus rights movement.

And whereas since the Stonewall rising, the LGBT community has achieved significant progress, including the right to marry, equality across the country, state and federal workplace detections, and the Matthew Shepard and James Byrd Jr.

Hate Crimes Prevention Act.

Whereas Americans are 26 times more likely to die by gun homicide than people in other high-income countries, and firearms are the leading cause of death for U.S.

children and teens, with one in 10 victims aged 19 or younger.

Whereas National Gun Violence Awareness Day is observed on the first Friday in June, this year on June 5th, launching Wear Orange Weekend in honor of Hedeah Pendleton, who at age 15 was shot and killed in 2013.

Whereas the color orange, chosen by Hadia's friends, has become a national symbol honoring all victims and survivors of gun violence.

And then on this day on June the 5th, and throughout Wear Orange Weekend during gun violence awareness month, we join as one Racine community to support efforts that prevent gun violence, promote responsible gun ownership, and protect our children, families, and neighborhoods.

Now, therefore, I Corrie Mason Mayor of the City of Racine do hereby proclaim June 5th to be National Gun Violence Awareness Day here in the city of Racine, witness whereof I is hearing to set my hand and cause the seal of the city of Racine to be affixed.

This next proclamation is in memory of Officer John Hetland, who died in the line of duty protecting our community.

Um I want to acknowledge uh Alder Kelly for suggesting that we do this proclamation, and it reads, whereas Officer John Hetland joined the Racine Police Department in February 20 on February 28th, 1995, bringing with him a deep sense of duty, compassion, professionalism, and was highly respected for his commitment to serving and protecting the community.

Whereas John attended Racine Public Schools and graduated from Park High School in 1988, he continued his education at the University of Wisconsin Milwaukee, where he earned a degree in criminal justice.

Whereas John loved spending time in the Northwoods hunting and fishing with his children, family, and friends.

He enjoyed watching his children participate in sports and often help coach their teams.

John himself was an accomplished athlete, a devoted sports enthusiast, and an event and an avid Packers and Brewers fan.

Whereas John was a leader among his brothers and sisters in law enforcement, serving as vice president of the Racine Police Association and as a proud member of the Wisconsin Professional Police Association.

Whereas on June 17, 2019, while off-duty, Officer John Hetlin was shot and killed while courageously intervening to protect others during an armed robbery.

And whereas, although Officer John Hetlan's physical presence is no longer with us, his legacy continues to inspire current and future generations, reminding our community of the extraordinary sacrifices made by those who serve and the unbreakable bond between officers and the people they protect.

Now, therefore, I query Mason Mayor of the City of Racine to hereby formally honor and commemorate the life, service, and extraordinary legacy of Officer John Hetland and offer our deepest sympathies to Officer Hetland's family and all who mourn his passing.

A witness where of I have here in two set my hand and cause the seal of the city of Racine to be affixed the 16th day of June.

Again, thank you to Alder Kelly for making that suggestion.

We'll now move on to the public comment section of the evening.

I will ask the clerk to please read the procedures before we begin.

The public comments section.

The public comments segment is opportunity for citizen 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 the officials or staff.

This time is not attended to be a debate or discussion.

The common council shall not hear personal complaints or attack against city employees or elective officials or any matter related to an individual claim, citation, appeal, or lawsuit.

Profane destructive threatening or conduct that otherwise impates the CFD, orderly or effectiveness.

Conduct of the common council meeting is equally unacceptable during the public comment period and it is during all other portions of the city meetings.

Candidates for public office may not use this opportunity, campaign for office.

Speakers during the public comment period shall follow all the 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 any detailed concerns in writing to the city clerk's office or your aldermen where they can properly document and direct for a response.

There will be six speakers this evening.

And just before the clerk calls up the first speaker, I just want to remind everybody there is a clock that will appear on the screens for three minutes and it counts down.

When your three minutes are up, your microphone is turned off.

That is not a reflection on your commentary.

It is just an effort to treat everybody fairly and the same as they come and offer their comments.

If the clerk could please call the first speaker, the first speaker today will be Diane.

Hello.

Tonight I'd like to talk about two points, but the both are related to a single point.

I am a former third generation landlord.

They're running for about 12 years now, learning in Racine.

And some of the practices that others have told me about or share with me, and even a friend who's here with me today who will go in detail about his building.

Are some things that my parents never told me to do as a landlord.

I'll refer to my notes to do to make sure that it's said in detail.