Public Meetings - Racine, Wisconsin

This meeting was a presentation and discussion on strategies to address speeding issues within the city. Commissioner John Rooney (DPW/Engineering) and Police Chief (name not given) presented on engineering tools, enforcement efforts, and the need for a multi-faceted approach (education, enforcement, engineering). Alders asked questions and shared concerns about enforcement, road design, and consequences for reckless driving. No formal votes were taken; the meeting was informational and aimed at informing future budget decisions. Discussion Items - Commissioner Rooney’s Presentation (Engineering Tools): - Overview of DPW Engineering: Full staff of 5 project engineers, 4 engineering technicians, and a city engineer. Tools include traffic analysis, speed studies, and installation of traffic control devices per the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD). - Speed data collection: Pneumatic tube counters (seasonal), radar speed feedback signs (RSFS), and speed trailers. The 85th percentile speed is used to determine appropriate speed limits; drivers exceeding the speed limit by 10-11 mph are considered the problem group. - Engineering strategies to reduce speed: Narrowing lanes, adding bike lanes, bump-outs, speed humps, and roundabouts. These create friction and slow traffic without enforcement. - Speed hump process: Per recent ordinance, four property owners on a block can request a study; if conditions are met, a temporary hump is installed, and if effective, permanent installation is considered by the Common Council. - Photo enforcement is not allowed in Wisconsin; state law change would be needed. - Police Chief’s Presentation (Enforcement): - Enforcement statistics for 2024: 6,066 vehicles stopped (29% increase from 4,700 in 2023), and just under 6,000 traffic citations issued (26% increase). - The department has 181 officers (authorized strength 196), but many are in training or on leave, limiting enforcement capacity. - Speed trailers and speed boards are deployed based on complaints; nine pairs are currently in use, and 15 additional pairs (one per aldermanic district) are funded and will be installed. - Chief emphasized the need for consequences: many drivers pay tickets or avoid points, and repeat offenders often continue driving without a license. - Alder Comments and Concerns: - Alder Sebastian asked about pneumatic tube availability and requested more data collection. He noted the need for proactive vs. reactive measures. - Alder Widener raised concerns about lack of enforcement of alternate side parking (affecting snow removal) and shared a personal story of a hit-and-run that totaled her car, with no prosecution due to lack of referral from Mount Pleasant Police. She called for better communication between police and the District Attorney's office. - Alder Perez asked about the HAWK signal (high-intensity activated crosswalk). - Alder Kelly asked about the speed hump request process and urged more enforcement. - Commissioner Rooney suggested the council consider funding for friction-creating projects (e.g., protected bike lanes, bump-outs) in the 2026 budget, beyond the $100,000 previously allocated for speed humps. Key Outcomes - No formal decisions were made. The meeting was a discussion to inform future actions. - Alders were encouraged to work with DPW to deploy speed data collection tubes and to request speed boards for their districts. - The council was advised to consider funding for engineering measures (e.g., road narrowing, bump-outs) in the 2026 capital improvement budget. - The police chief will continue enforcement operations and deploy the new speed boards as requested by alders. - The issue of photo enforcement was noted as a possible legislative priority at the state level. - The meeting concluded with a call for continued collaboration between DPW, police, and the council to address speeding and reckless driving.

Note: The meeting minutes and transcript indicate the meeting occurred on February 4, 2025, but the provided instructions specify using the date February 13, 2025. The summary below reflects the content from the February 4 meeting. The Racine Common Council convened on the stated date at 6:00 PM in City Hall, Room 205, with Mayor Mason presiding. Twelve aldermen were present (Coe, Turquoise-Davis, Maack, Kaprelian, Weidner, Horton, McCarthy, Peete, Land, Perez, Kelly, Sebastian), one absent (Esqueda), and two excused (Jones, Harmon). The meeting included public comments, referrals to committees, committee reports, a consent agenda, and announcements. The meeting adjourned at 7:35 PM. Consent Calendar - Approval of the January 21, 2025, meeting minutes (passed 12-0). - Referrals to the Public Works and Services Committee (Communications 0108-25 and 0109-25 regarding downtown street lighting change order and final payment). - Referrals to the Public Safety and Licensing Committee (Communications 0107-25, 0110-25 through 0114-25 covering ordinance violations, license applications, and police reports). - Numerous items from committee reports placed on the consent agenda, including: - Finance and Personnel Committee: sole-source agreement with Kane Communications (ultimately voted separately), developer’s agreement for Hood’s Creek, claim disallowances, RCEDC contract ($94,760), several grants and donations, firefighting PPE bid waiver, and multiple grant applications for the Lincoln King Community Center. - Public Works and Services Committee: street closure for Thoughts for Food event, rescinding a resolution, fuel depot upgrade contract ($669,502.10), appraisal services agreement ($107,850), elevator upgrade change order, alley reconstruction, and St. Patrick’s Day Parade closure. - Public Safety and Licensing Committee: renewal of secondhand dealer licenses, waste tire generator licenses, and a premises report. - The consent agenda was approved on a voice vote. Public Comments & Testimony - Michael Schrader (topic: federal grants) warned that recent executive orders have changed grant eligibility rules, including bans on DEI initiatives, carbon reduction, and sanctuary city status. He urged the council to be cautious with grant applications and noted that retroactive withdrawal of funds is possible. - Kevin Conrad (1436 College Ave) expressed concern about trash disposal fees for items like broken toilets and tires, compared to neighboring Kenosha. He also said property tax increases exceed inflation and urged better services for taxpayers. - Sonali Knotek (3812 St. Clair) spoke in favor of funding for the Lincoln King Community Center and health centers, and for increased housing options. She also urged council members to resist political pressures that threaten community safety and to protect all residents. - Jim Palmer (Executive Director, Wisconsin Professional Police Association, representing Racine Police Association) criticized the city for initiating legal action in 2021 to strip health insurance benefits from police contracts, making Racine the only city in the state to do so. He noted officers have worked without a contract for five years, harming recruitment and retention. He urged the council to end the standoff. - Andrew Wagner (business agent, WPPA, reading a statement from Senator Van H. Weingard) argued that state law and court rulings have clarified that health care coverage is negotiable for public safety employees. He accused Mayor Mason of ignoring the law and urged the council to fulfill obligations and negotiate in good faith. Discussion Items - Kane Communications Contract (Communication 0027-25): A sole-source agreement for marketing and communications services for the Department of Community Safety, up to $100,000. Director Tingett explained funds would support brand development, an annual report, and partner communications. Alder Kaprelian questioned why $78,000 was spent in 2024 without visible results, calling the approach backwards. Alder Weidner criticized the use of successive no-bid contracts. Director Tingett responded that 2024 focused on learning and program setup, and the 2025 contract would share resources with partners. After discussion, the council voted 8-4 to approve. - Lincoln King Community Center Grants (Communications 0100-25, 0101-25, 0102-25, 0103-25): The council considered applications for grants totaling $1.1 million (Racine Community Foundation $50k, Walmart $300k, Home Depot $250k, Johnson Controls $500k). City Development Director Fisher confirmed these fall within the $5.5 million grant/donation bucket of the $68 million project. Alder Kaprelian noted that even with these grants, $14 million more is needed. Alder Sebastian abstained on the Racine Community Foundation application due to his role on the grants committee. The first application (0100-25) was approved with one abstention; the other three were initially moved but later withdrawn to be placed on the consent agenda after discussion. - Pub 41 Liquor License (0744-24): A Class B license for Pub 41 Banquet Hall at 3701 Durand Ave, with conditions that the banquet hall open only for private events. Discussion covered operating hours (Friday until 2:30 AM, which may conflict with statutory hours), whether the license could effectively become a liquor store, and deferral of cigarette, dance hall, and amusement device applications. Alder Land (11th district) supported it, noting no resident concerns. The license was approved 11-1 (Alder Kelly opposed). - Taylor Food Mart License Transfer (1105-24): Change of ownership for a Class A fermented malt beverage license at 2056 Taylor Ave. Alder Perez raised concerns that the new owners were already operating under the old owner's license, but Alder Coe explained that is legal until council approval. The transfer was approved 9-3 (Alders Perez, Kelly, Sebastian opposed). Key Outcomes - Kane Communications contract approved (8-4), with $100,000 for marketing and communications for the Department of Community Safety. - Grant applications for Lincoln King Community Center approved: Racine Community Foundation ($50k, with one abstention), and Walmart ($300k), Home Depot ($250k), and Johnson Controls ($500k) placed on and passed as part of the consent agenda. - Pub 41 Class B liquor license approved (11-1) with conditions; cigarette, dance hall, and amusement device applications deferred. - Taylor Food Mart Class A license transfer approved (9-3). - All referrals and consent calendar items approved. - Council members made announcements regarding birthdays, community events, and a police incident at Wisconsin Lutheran School (apprehended suspect, no injuries). - The meeting adjourned at 7:35 PM.

This meeting was scheduled to take place on February 6, 2025, at 09:00 UTC. However, no agenda, minutes, or transcript were provided for this summary. Therefore, no substantive content is available to report. The absence of these documents prevents an accurate summary of the proceedings, discussions, decisions, or public testimony. Note on Documentation - No agenda was provided. - No minutes were available. - No transcript was supplied. Given the lack of source material, this summary cannot represent the actual content of the meeting.

The Common Council met on Tuesday, February 4, 2025, at 6:00 PM in City Hall, Room 205. Mayor Mason led the pledge. 12 alders were present, 1 absent (Esqueda), 2 excused (Jones and Harmon). The meeting covered consent agenda items, committee reports, public comments, and several roll call votes on license and grant matters. Consent Calendar - Approval of Minutes (January 21, 2025): Passed 12-0-1. - Communication Referrals (all on voice votes in consent): - Public Works and Services: Change Order No. 1 for downtown street lighting ($297); final payment for same contract ($98,415.40). - Public Safety and Licensing: Review of mayoral appointments to Civic Center Commission (Ordinance 2-206/2-207); waste tire generator licenses for L-A Tires LLC (new and renewal); police department reports; new massage establishment application for Douglas Ave Spa. - Committee Reports (all approved on voice votes unless noted): - Finance and Personnel: Sole-source contract with Kane Communications for marketing/communications services for Dept. of Community Safety (max $100,000); Developer's Agreement for Settlement at Hood's Creek Phase 5 (water main est. $350,000); disallowance of claim of Nakreisha McFarland; 2025 RCEDC economic development services contract ($94,760); disallowance of claim of Progressive Insurance; acceptance of $25,000 Town Bank donation for "Keys to Financial Security" literacy program; acceptance of $10,000 Old National Bank grant for same program; waiver of formal bidding for firefighting PPE to MacQueen Emergency ($98,500); permission to apply for US DOT grant for resilient waterfronts planning (up to $1M, 20% city match); permission to apply for Racine Community Foundation grant for Lincoln King Community Center ($50,000) – approved 11-0-1 (Sebastian abstained); permission to apply for Walmart grant for Lincoln King Community Center ($300,000); permission to apply for Home Depot grant for Lincoln King Community Center ($250,000); permission to apply for Johnson Controls grant for Lincoln King Community Center ($500,000). - Public Works and Services: Street closure for Thoughts for Food event (March 1-2, 2025); rescinding Resolution 1056-24; award of fuel depot upgrades contract to M&M Service Station Equipment Specialist ($669,502.10); professional services agreement with Southern Wisconsin Appraisal for Ohio Street STP project ($107,850); change order extending City Hall elevator upgrades contract completion to July 31, 2025; inclusion of alley (20th St – Dekoven Ave to Case Ave – Jay Eye See Ave) in 2026 construction; street closure for St. Patrick's Day Parade (March 15, 2025). - Public Safety and Licensing: Renewal applications for secondhand dealers Belle City Resale and American Coin & Supply; waste tire generator licenses for Firestone Complete Auto Care (two locations); license premises report. - Council Vote on Consent Agenda: Motion to adopt as reported passed 12 ayes, 3 absent (Jones, Esqueda, Harmon). Public Comments & Testimony - Five members of the public appeared to speak: Michael Schrader, Kevin Conrad, Sonali Knotek, Jim Palmer, and Andrew Wagner. Their specific remarks are not recorded in the minutes. Discussion Items (Roll Call Votes) - Communication 0100-25: Permission to apply for a Racine Community Foundation grant ($50,000, no city match) for capital costs of Lincoln King Community Center. Approved 11-0-1 (Sebastian abstained, Esqueda absent). - Communication 0744-24: New "Class B" liquor license for Pub 41 Banquet Hall (3701 Durand Ave, Agent Arshedeep Singh), with condition that banquet hall side be open only when rented for private events. Approved 11-1-1 (Kelly voted no, Esqueda absent). Cigarette tobacco, public dance hall, and amusement device applications deferred back to Public Safety and Licensing Committee. - Communication 1105-24: Change of ownership for Class "A" fermented malt beverage license for Taylor Ave Food Mart (2056 Taylor Ave, Agent Numan Asad). Approved 9-3-1 (Perez, Kelly, Sebastian voted no, Esqueda absent). Key Outcomes - Approved numerous routine items, contracts, grants, and license renewals via consent agenda (12-0-3). - Approved applications for four grants for Lincoln King Community Center (Racine Community Foundation, Walmart, Home Depot, Johnson Controls) – three on voice votes, one on roll call. - Approved liquor license for Pub 41 Banquet Hall with operational condition; deferred related applications for tobacco, dance hall, and amusement devices. - Approved change of ownership for Taylor Ave Food Mart with three dissenting votes. - All committee recommendations were adopted as presented. - Meeting adjourned at 7:35 PM; next regular meeting scheduled for February 19, 2025.

No agenda, minutes, or transcript were provided for this meeting. Therefore, no summary is available.

This document summarizes the meeting held on February 3, 2025 at 09:45 UTC. No agenda, minutes, or transcript content was provided, so no substantive summary can be generated. Note - The source materials contained no agenda, minutes, or transcribed discussion.

The meeting agenda, minutes, and raw transcript were not provided. Therefore, no summary of the proceedings can be generated. The meeting was scheduled to take place on February 3, 2025 at 09:30 UTC. Note - No content was available to summarize. All sections (Consent Calendar, Public Comments, Discussion Items, Key Outcomes) are omitted due to lack of data.

Note: The official minutes indicate the meeting occurred on January 21, 2025, but the provided metadata specifies January 31, 2025. This summary uses the provided date as instructed, with the discrepancy noted. The Racine Common Council met to consider a range of items including a public-private partnership for Shoop Golf Course, the creation of a downtown Community Oriented Policing (COP) office, a marketing contract for the Department of Community Safety, and several alcohol licensing matters. Public comments were heard on food truck hours and city customer service. Consent Calendar - Approval of minutes from January 7, 2025 (11-0-1 absent, 3 excused) - Finance and Personnel Committee items approved on voice vote: - Lifeguard retention bonus (up to $400 each for 2025) - Janitorial services contract (Cleanco Racine Inc., $402,019.88) - IT part-time positions for Digital Connectivity Grant - Smart City Initiative part-time LTE position - 3rd Quarter 2024 Fiscal Results presentation - TIF amendment for Verdant Hotel project - Crisis Negotiation Team vehicle purchase - VITA program free parking at Library - Final payments for various public works contracts - Public Works and Services Committee items approved on voice vote: - Change orders and final payments for street lighting, breakwater restoration, transit center renovations, sidewalk replacement, alley paving, and green infrastructure design - Public Safety and Licensing Committee items approved on voice vote: - Secondhand dealer license for Wisconsin Gold & Coin Exchange - Massage establishment license for Main Massage - Change of ownership for Hometown, US Pantry, Toad Hall, and Wings & Drinks licenses - Licenses premise report - CDBG Advisory Board items approved on voice vote: - $373,600 HOME funds for single-family construction at 1644 S Memorial Dr - Revised terms for home repair loan at 1720 Grand Ave - Home repair loans at 3617 Clairmont St and 2915 Douglas Ave Public Comments & Testimony - Edrick Scarvers (owner, ID's Taste of Soul food truck) expressed full support for later operating hours, arguing that food trucks pay equal taxes as restaurants and that a midnight closing is unfair. He noted a willingness to negotiate with the police chief for a 1:30 AM compromise. - Kevin Lynch (owner, AK Wings and Things) similarly opposed midnight closing, stating it would hurt employees and that bars stay open later. He supported further discussion with the chief. - Sarah Heupel (resident) described ongoing frustration with garbage and recycling pickup issues, criticizing poor customer service from the clerk's office and lack of escalation. She asked for improved community service. - Jerry Franke and Craig Leipold (representing Leipold Johnson Golf Group and Keiser Golf Group) spoke in favor of an option to improve and operate Shoop Golf Course as a public-private partnership. They requested 6–12 months for due diligence, highlighting the need for drainage and ecological improvements. Discussion Items - Shoop Golf Course Option (0056-25): Unanimously approved after discussion. Alder Weidner asked about deed restrictions and existing contracts. City Attorney confirmed leasing/operating is allowed. Existing golf course operator contract expires 2026/2027, so no conflict. Vote: 11-0. - Downtown COP Office (0037-25 and 0054-25): Two items considered together: (1) Accept funding from Racine Community Foundation and SC Johnson for startup costs and one officer. (2) Lease space at 434 Main St. Chief Remirez explained the office will address downtown quality-of-life issues, with two officers on foot patrol. Discussion included sustainability after three-year grant, metrics, comparison to existing COP houses, and serving vulnerable populations. Alder Turquoise-Davis voted no on both; Alder Harmon abstained on the lease. Vote on funding: 10-1; on lease: 9-1-1. - Kane Communications Marketing Contract (0027-25): Referred back to Finance and Personnel Committee (7-4). Director Tate explained the $100,000 contract would cover branding, outreach, and communicating a public health approach to safety. Several aldermen questioned the cost, lack of bidding, and metrics. Alder Sebastian moved for referral to obtain more information. Vote to refer: 7-4. - Lincoln King Community Center Extension (0039-25): Approved 9-1 (Weidner no). $523,000 extension for owner’s representative services through December 2026. Finance director stated GO bond funds used as local match for grants. - Food Truck Hours Ordinance (0896-24): Referred back to Public Safety and Licensing Committee (10-0). Both food truck owners spoke, and the chief agreed to further negotiations. Alder Weidner moved referral for additional discussion. - Taylor Ave Food Mart Change of Ownership (1105-24): Referred back to committee (7-3). Concerns arose about five gaming machines listed on the application, which are illegal under state law. Alder Perez argued the application was deceptive. Committee will revisit with applicant. - Quota Exceed Petition for Taylor Ave Food Mart (1106-24): Denied 9-0-1 (Kelly abstained). The committee had recommended denial for exceeding quota. - Paving Preliminary Resolution (0015-25): Amendment to remove Belmont Avenue passed 10-0; then the amended list approved 10-0. Alder Weidner noted that property owners objected to Belmont Avenue. Key Outcomes - Unanimous approval of Shoop Golf Course option agreement. - Approval (10-1) of downtown COP office funding and lease (9-1-1). - Referral (7-4) of Kane Communications marketing contract back to Finance and Personnel Committee. - Approval (9-1) of Lincoln King Community Center extension. - Referral (10-0) of food truck hours ordinance back to Public Safety and Licensing Committee. - Referral (7-3) of Taylor Ave Food Mart change of ownership back to committee. - Denial (9-0-1) of quota exceed petition for Taylor Ave Food Mart. - Removal of Belmont Avenue from paving list; rest of list approved. - All consent calendar items passed as presented.

The Racine Common Council met on January 31, 2025, at 2:15 PM. The meeting covered approval of past minutes, a public comment on property taxes, a detailed discussion of a $2 million home fund allocation for property redevelopment, and a deferral of two garage-related items for further review. The consent agenda was approved, and council members made announcements recognizing community members and city staff. Consent Calendar - Approval of the December 3, 2024, council proceedings and the previously deferred November 19, 2024, minutes. (Moved by President McCarthy, seconded, approved unanimously.) - Items from the Public Services and Licensing committee report were placed on the consent agenda without objection. - After separate consideration and deferral of two items, the remaining CDBG advisory board item was placed on the consent agenda and approved. Public Comments & Testimony - Jerry Hueyman (3608 Wilshire, Racine) spoke about high property taxes in Racine compared to Appleton. He cited a Patch.com article ranking Racine ninth highest in the state for property taxes, while Appleton ranked 272nd. He noted his home is similar in size to his relative's in Appleton, but he pays over $4,000 in taxes versus $2,700, and his neighborhood experiences blasting from Pen and Dolan. He urged council members to contact their counterparts in Appleton to learn how to do more with less. Discussion Items - Item 0760-24: Communication from Mayor Mason requesting up to $2 million in HOME funds for property redevelopment at 2509 16th Street and 1624 Homes Avenue. Alder Weidner requested separate consideration. Director of City Development George Williams provided details: $100,000–$150,000 for demolition of the church, approximately $1.4 million to build four homes (two-story, three- to four-bedroom, similar to homes built on 12th Street), total cost $2 million. The HOME fund has a balance of $4.2 million; the project would clear 2018–2020 allocations to avoid losing funds. An environmental assessment for asbestos is underway. Alder Escada raised concerns about code violations and whether standalone garages (items 1091-24 and 1092-24) are eligible under HUD rules. Alder Caprillion requested specifications and noted insufficient detail in the minutes. Discussion led to a motion to defer the two garage items to the next meeting. Key Outcomes - Deferral of items 1091-24 and 1092-24: A motion to defer these two garage standalone projects to the next council meeting was made by Alder Caprillion, seconded by Alder Mack, and passed unanimously (12–0). The deferral allows time for additional HUD eligibility review. - Remaining CDBG item (0760-24): After the deferral, the item was placed on the consent agenda and approved without further discussion. - Consent agenda: Approved unanimously. - Announcements: Alder Mack wished his wife a happy 54th birthday and congratulated Joe Mooney's Jean's Jazz Series and the Racine Theater Guild on their 25th season. Alder Weidner commended Public Works drivers for snow plowing and Chief Electrical Inspector Charles Ward for saving a resident $16,000. Alder Press thanked Public Works for snow response. Alder Harman wished happy birthday to family members. - Adjournment: Motion carried with aye vote.