Racine Common Council Meeting – July 7, 2026

The Common Council of Racine, Wisconsin, met on July 7, 2026, at 6:00 PM in City Hall, Room 205. Mayor Cory Mason presided, with 13 aldermen present (Alder Turquoise-Davis and Alder Horton excused). The meeting focused on the proposed Shoop Park redevelopment, multiple committee referrals, and approval of various routine items. The meeting was adjourned at 6:50 PM.

Consent Calendar

• Approval of Minutes (June 16, 2026): Passed 14-0 (voice vote).
• Committee Reports: All items from Public Safety and Licensing, Transit Commission, Planning Heritage and Design, and Office of the Mayor were approved on the consent agenda, except for one item pulled for separate consideration (see below).
• Referrals to Committees: Multiple communications were referred to the Executive Committee, Finance and Personnel Committee, Public Works and Services Committee, and Public Safety and Licensing Committee, all approved by voice vote. Notable referrals included:
  • Communication 0609-26 (Shoop Park agreement with Leipold Johnson Golf Group) referred to Executive Committee.
  • Communication 0610-26 (Police agreement with Passport Inc.) referred to Finance and Personnel.
  • Various liquor license, massage establishment, and tobacco license applications referred to Public Safety and Licensing.

Public Comments & Testimony

Public comments were dominated by the Shoop Park redevelopment proposal. Eight speakers were listed in the minutes (though the transcript shows seven speakers; Colin Mckenna did not appear to speak).

• Wendy Sornsen (1301 Romain) opposed the private development, citing the deed restriction from 1917 that the park be "forever held, maintained, and approved by the city of Racine for public park purposes." She urged the council to delay a vote until DNR/U.S. Army Corps permits are obtained.
• Michael Burke (1232 Lawrence Ave., President of Hoy Audubon Society) expressed mixed views: he noted the proposal's merits (new clubhouse, native plants) but strongly urged a "living shoreline" alternative to the planned rock revetment, which would preserve bird habitat for the 280+ species documented at the site. He asked the council to press pause and investigate this option.
• Karen Johnson (5062 Hunklub Road, Wind Point) opposed the plan, emphasizing environmental devastation to migratory birds, the illegality of violating the Shoop deed, and the risk of future fee increases. She called for a living shoreline, codified resident fees, and return of the parking lot to its original location.
• Rosalinda Salinas Hultman (Coming Together Racine) spoke about the city's 250th anniversary celebration and the untold stories program, connecting it to the importance of preserving heritage and parks.
• Harry Schulz (539 Newman Road) argued that a sand dunes golf course is not a restoration of the land's natural state, citing historical maps showing forest at Wind Point. He noted that only 5.9% of the U.S. population golfs regularly and that a world-class course would likely price out locals, estimating a per-round cost of $128.
• Jerry Johnson (6342 Berkshire, Mt. Pleasant) yielded his time to Helen Johnson Leopold, who spoke in support of the project. She stated that her family (Leopold) is the developer, not a third party, and that they are not out to make money; they are willing to listen to options for shoreline stabilization and tree preservation. She emphasized their deep roots in Racine and commitment to the community.
• Diana Valencia (3919 Ruby Street) invited the council to the 250th Wall of History celebration and urged cooperation to save Shoop Park.

Discussion Items

• Shoop Park Redevelopment (Communication 0609-26): Alder Jorgensen moved to refer the communication to the Executive Committee, which was approved by voice vote. The mayor noted the Executive Committee would meet after the Finance Committee on the following Monday, with possible council consideration on July 21.
• Update on Shoop Park Contract (Communication 0594-26): Alder Weidner submitted this item for an update on the existing golf course contract due to expire at year-end. Alder Jorgensen moved to receive and file it, arguing that the simultaneous discussion could cause confusion and that the new proposal would be handled in the Executive Committee. After debate (Alder Weidner opposed, wanting a discussion before the contract expires), the motion to receive and file passed 11-2 (roll call vote: 11 ayes, 2 noes).
• Ordinance 0003-26 – Unleashed Animals and Dog Parks (Item 0535-26): Alder Widener pulled this item for separate consideration. The city attorney explained the ordinance clarifies the leash requirement (on leash when off owner's property, except in designated dog parks, vehicles, carriers, or law enforcement canines) and adds Jones Park to the list of dog parks. It also makes it a violation to violate posted dog park rules. The ordinance passed unanimously (13-0) on a roll call vote.

Key Outcomes

• Minutes approved: 14-0 (voice vote).
• Shoop Park agreement referred to Executive Committee: Approved by voice vote.
• Shoop Park contract update (0594-26) received and filed: 11-2 (roll call).
• Unleashed animals ordinance (0535-26) approved: 13-0 (roll call).
• Consent agenda (all remaining committee reports and referrals): Approved by voice vote (14-0).
• **Mayor's appointments (Alder Hodges to CDA, Alder Weiss to PHD, Steve Reeves and Nate Ortiz to CDBG) approved on consent.
• **Updated polling location (District 4 moved to Racine Kenosha Community Action Agency) approved on consent.
• **Sole source vendors for police equipment (Ray O’Herron and Streichers) approved on consent.

The next regular meeting of the Common Council is scheduled for July 21, 2026.