Public Meetings - Racine, Wisconsin

The City of Racine Committee of the Whole met on Tuesday, June 9, 2026, at 6:00 PM in City Hall Room 205, or after adjournment of the Public Works and Service Committee. Roll call showed 12 alders present and 3 excused. The committee approved the May 11, 2026 minutes, received and filed three communications, and approved an amended version of Proposed Ordinance 0029-25, Communications, as a recommendation to the Common Council. The meeting adjourned at 8:27 PM. Call to Order, Roll Call, and Minutes - Present: Weiss, Turquoise-Davis, Maack, Jorgensen, Weidner, Hodges, Allen, Peete, Land, DeMark, Harmon, and Pabon. - Excused: Frazier, Horton, and Kelly. - Minutes of the May 11, 2026 meeting were approved on a motion by Alder Pabon, seconded by Alder Peete. Communication 0297-26 – Ballot Omission and A/B Ballot Reconciliation - Alderman Maack sponsored the request for an overview of the ballot omission and processing/reconciliation of A-B ballots. The county clerk was invited by email and certified mail but did not attend or respond. - The City Clerk said her office learned on the afternoon of March 25, 2026, that the municipal judge race was missing from the ballot. A press release was issued the same day, and the city contacted the county clerk and the Wisconsin Election Commission. - She explained that the county clerk is responsible for designing and printing ballots; the city submits certifications and does not receive a proof or an opportunity to review ballots before they arrive. - Because the clerk’s office must mail roughly 2,300 to 2,500 ballots within 24 hours and there are 57 ballot styles, the initial ballots were not reviewed for accuracy. After this incident, the clerk’s office plans to use checklists and review ballots when they arrive. - The clerk said contingency ballot paper and envelopes allowed corrected B ballots to be sent about three days sooner. Alder Weidner noted the ballot B notice did not explain that an already-submitted ballot A would be opened and transferred to ballot B; the clerk said the wording was prescribed by the Wisconsin Election Commission. - The committee received and filed the communication on a motion by Alder Pabon, seconded by Alder Allen. The vote was 11-0 with 3 absent/excused. Communication 0061-26 – Licensed Establishment Constituent Outreach - Alder Frazier requested discussion of how to handle videos, texts, emails, and other constituent communications about licensed establishments. - Assistant City Attorney Ian Pomplin advised alders not to investigate on their own. He directed them to send information to the police department, call emergency or non-emergency lines for active issues, use Sergeant Enrique Cruz Ortiz as the public safety liaison, and preserve videos/photos through the Axon evidence platform. - Police compile a licensed premises report every two weeks for the Public Safety and Licensing Committee, and recent constituent communications can be added to that report. - The City Attorney added that alders have legislative and quasi-judicial roles. Because liquor licenses are constitutionally protected property, alders acting in a quasi-judicial capacity must not rely on facts gathered outside properly noticed meetings. - The committee received and filed the communication on a motion by Alder Peete, seconded by Alder Land. The vote was 11-0 with 3 absent/excused. Communication 0518-26 – Cell Phone Use During Council and Committee Meetings - Alder Weidner said constituents had repeatedly raised concerns about council members’ cell phone use during meetings and that the public watches the council’s conduct. She did not request a formal ban and moved to receive and file the item. - Alder Pabon said constituents should contact their alder directly. Alder Weiss said she welcomed a broader later conversation about meeting behavior. Alder Turquoise-Davis said she uses her phone for closed captioning because she is hard of hearing, and also for maps, statutes, and emergencies; she said constituents should ask rather than assume. Alder Peete said elected officials should act as responsible adults. Alder Harmon said some constituents make assumptions about what they see. - The committee received and filed the communication on a motion by Alder Weidner, seconded by Alder Land, by voice vote. Communication 1265-25 – Proposed Ordinance 0029-25, Communications - Alder Weidner presented Proposed Ordinance 0029-25, which would change how communications are submitted and referred. The City Attorney distinguished it from Ordinance 0003-25, a separate deferred item about code amendment procedures. - The proposed changes would: allow administrative managers to submit communications without an alder or mayor endorsement; allow the Common Council to refer communications to authorities, boards, and commissions as well as standing committees; impose a 90-day limit on deferrals; reduce from two-thirds to a majority of Common Council members the vote needed to move a deferred communication; delete the existing 250-elector petition process; and require the City Clerk to notify the council by January 15 of communications received by December 31 but not yet acted on. - Alder Weidner argued the changes would increase transparency, reduce administrative barriers, and prevent deferrals from lingering. She cited items deferred for months and said 250 signatures was disproportionate when only 20 signatures are needed to get on the ballot. - The City Attorney noted that referral to an independent board, such as the Board of Police and Fire Commissioners, would place the item on that body’s agenda but could not compel the board to take a particular action. - Several alders, including Allen, Weiss, Pabon, Hodges, and Jorgensen, said the 250-signature petition should remain or expressed concern about deleting it; Maack spoke against preserving it. Alders also raised concerns about referring items to boards outside the council’s standing-committee structure, where the council would have less control. - Staff had recommended referral to the Executive Committee, but the committee proceeded with its own discussion and vote. Key Outcomes - Minutes approved; the ballot, licensed-establishment outreach, and cell phone use items were received and filed. - An initial motion by Alder Weidner to approve Ordinance 0029-25 as presented died for lack of a second. - Alder Turquoise-Davis later moved to approve the ordinance as presented, seconded by Alder Maack. Her call-the-question motion failed 5-5 because it needed eight votes. - Alder Pabon moved, seconded by Alder Weidner, to amend the ordinance by striking Part V, which preserved the existing 250-signature elector petition process. The amendment passed 7-3, with 4 absent/excused. - A subsequent motion to call the question passed 8-2, and the final motion to adopt the ordinance as amended passed 9-1, with Alder Allen voting no and 4 absent/excused. - Because this was a Committee of the Whole action, the amended Ordinance 0029-25 recommendation will go to the full Common Council for final action. - Note: The printed minutes include a recommendation label reading ‘Approve as Amended. Failed,’ but the transcript and final roll call show the amended communication was adopted 9-1.

The Racine Common Council met on Tuesday, June 2, 2026, at 6:00 PM in City Hall Room 205. The meeting was called to order by Council President Jorgensen, with 12 members present and 3 excused (Alders Frazier, Land, and Kelly). The meeting included public comments, a presentation from the Racine County Economic Development Corporation (RCEDC), introduction of communications, committee reports, and votes on several items. The meeting adjourned at 8:29 PM. Consent Calendar - Approval of Minutes: Minutes from May 19 and May 26, 2026, were approved (11-0, 3 excused). - Proclamations: Pride Month and Gun Violence Awareness Day were noted but not read due to absent text. - Referrals to Committees: Numerous communications were referred to the Committee of the Whole, Finance and Personnel, Public Works and Services, and Public Safety and Licensing Committees, including items on cell phone usage, claims, grants, contracts, license renewals, traffic studies, and property transfers. All referrals passed on voice votes with 11 ayes. - Committee Reports (Consent): The following items were approved unanimously on the consent agenda: - Finance and Personnel: Claims of Linda Smith, Bailey Berger and Sam Scarlato disallowed; acceptance of a search and rescue agreement; grant application for household hazardous waste; acceptance of a $2M grant for Lincoln King Community Center; and 2027 budget calendar. - Public Works and Services: Change order and final payment for Goold Street reconstruction; paving resolutions for assessable alleys; approval of transportation project plat; amendment to state/municipal agreement; and multi-site roofing contract. - Public Safety and Licensing: Renewal of dance hall license, premises report, police report, new liquor license for Banquet Hall Brindis, massage establishment license, change of agent for Walgreens, list of non-renewed liquor licenses, and quarterly reporting requirement for Community Safety Department. - Office of the Mayor: Appointments to the Transit Commission, Parks Board, and Zoo Board. Public Comments & Testimony Fifteen speakers addressed the council. Their positions are summarized below: - Sharon Campbell (53-year resident): Expressed concern about Pearl Street yard waste drop-off being reduced to one day per week, citing long lines and neighborhood impact. - Jim LaFortine (event organizer): Criticized the elimination of the Civic Center Committee, arguing it removed the voice of festivals, vendors, and constituents. - Bob Weidmar (homeowner): Complained about rising property taxes due to lawsuits, stating that seniors are being forced out of their homes. - Keith Fair (resident): Charged that redevelopment and gentrification displace black residents and black-owned businesses, while city investments prioritize revenue over resident needs. He called for transparency and accountability. - Jeff Kingsfield (festival supporter): Opposed the current fee structure and contract delays for Festival Park, noting that the lack of a contract harms festivals and local businesses. - Jackie Lambert (resident, 1100 block of Laird Avenue): Opposed the alley project assessment, stating that 90% of neighbors signed a petition against it. She proposed a phased repair-based approach or review of funding alternatives to avoid large direct assessments. - Maureen Otoole (parent): Spoke about her son's addiction to THCA products from a local shop, criticizing the lack of enforcement and regulation. She supported federal legalization to eliminate black-market issues. - Dan Dumont (property owner): Called for revocation of the hospitality center's license, arguing that it has failed to address safety and nuisance issues downtown. - Corey Prince (organizer, Racine Juneteenth Parade): Invited the council and public to the fourth annual Juneteenth parade on June 13, 2026, emphasizing that the struggle for black freedom underlies all civil rights movements. - Dan Kaiser (owner, former Pew Marina): Opposed the Riker Court assessment, stating it should be considered within broader redevelopment rather than as a standalone project. He warned that a $350,000 assessment would discourage future investment. - Patrick Flynn (manager, Festival Park): Refused to sign the new contract, requesting three changes: removal of sign ordinance restrictions, contingency language for utility costs, and a profit-sharing structure rather than absorbing all losses. - Mindy Flynn (wife of Patrick): Defended her husband's work, criticizing the city attorney and administrator for lack of negotiation and for searching emails for negative information. - Christine Daugherty (claimant): Asked for reconsideration of her claim for damages caused by ice on the street, arguing the city was negligent in not remedying the ice. She urged the council to pay her claim. - Ashley Hurlbut (friend of Christine Daugherty): Supported the claim, stating the city's failure to act led to the total loss of a vehicle and subsequent hardship. - Pat McLeod (business manager, St. Lucy Catholic Church; chairman, Saints on the Lake Festival): Stated that signage restrictions at Festival Park threaten $25,000 in sponsorship revenue and jeopardize future events. He requested a resolution within 48 hours. Presentation by Laura Million (RCEDC) Laura Million, Deputy Director of the Racine County Economic Development Corporation, provided a mid-year review. She outlined RCEDC's focus on business attraction, business expansion and entrepreneurship, talent attraction, and partnerships. Highlights included: recent assistance to 8 businesses via Racine County Match Grants, 4 completed loans to city businesses, 8 downtown business enhancement grants, and 33 technical assists. She noted ongoing housing needs (4,300 units countywide) and upcoming programs such as Biz Starts Racine Cohort 4 and a summer intern mixer. Discussion Items - Claim of Christine Daugherty (Item 0402-26): A motion to refer this claim back to the Finance and Personnel Committee for further review passed 8-3 (Alders Weiss, Hodges, and Harmon opposing). The claimant had not provided an itemized statement, and the city contests liability. - Contract with G Strategies (Item 0432-26): A motion to defer this item to the next council meeting passed 10-1 (Alder Peete opposing). The contract, valued at $150,000 for fundraising services for the Lincoln King Community Center, had not been bid, and questions arose about the company's compliance with state filings. - Street Paving Resolution (Item 0396-26): After debate, a motion to refer the item back to the Public Works Committee failed (1-10). The original motion to approve the committee's recommendation (paving of Biscayne Avenue, Debra Lane, Howland Avenue, and Indiana Street, plus curb and gutter on Biscayne) passed 9-2 (Vice Chair Allen and Alder Peete opposing). City staff confirmed that property owners whose streets were deleted will receive notices. - Banquet Hall Brindis License (Item 0404-26): An amendment to remove the phrase "bring in coolers" from the premises description passed 11-0. The license, as amended, was approved unanimously. - West Street and Wilson Street Intersection (Item 0488-26): A motion to refer the contract award to the Public Works and Services Committee passed 11-0, as the item had not been previously discussed by that committee. Key Outcomes - Votes: - Referral of claim 0402-26 to committee: 8-3. - Deferral of G Strategies contract: 10-1. - Rejection of referral of street paving item: 1-10. - Approval of street paving resolution: 9-2. - Amendment to Banquet Hall Brindis license: 11-0. - Approval of amended license: 11-0. - Referral of West/Wilson intersection contract: 11-0. - Consent Agenda: All remaining items were approved on a voice vote with 11 ayes. - Next Meeting: The council will next meet on Tuesday, June 16, 2026.

The Common Council of Racine, Wisconsin, met on Tuesday, May 19, 2026, at 6:00 PM in City Hall, Room 205. 14 members were present (Alder Frazier, Weiss, Turquoise-Davis, Maack, Weidner, Horton, Hodges, Vice Chair Allen, Peete, Land, DeMark, Kelly, Harmon, Pabon) and 1 was excused (Chair Jorgensen). The meeting included public comments, referrals to committees, committee reports, and a significant debate on creating and closing Tax Incremental Districts (TIDs). The meeting adjourned at 8:19 PM. Consent Calendar - May 5, 2026 Meeting Minutes: Approved unanimously (14-0-1). - Communications Referred to Finance and Personnel Committee: Approved on a voice vote. Included claims for disallowance (Linda Smith, Christine Daugherty, Bailey Berger and Sam Scarlato), acceptance of the State Urban Search and Rescue Agreement (July 1, 2026 – June 30, 2028), a $2M grant for the Lincoln King Community Center, and a $150,000 contract with G Strategies for fundraising. - Communications Referred to Public Works and Services Committee: Approved on a voice vote. Included change orders, final payments, resolutions for paving streets and alleys, the State Street Bridge project, N. Main St. financial agreement, Multi-Site Roofing contract ($316,390.00 to Carlson Racine Roofing), and a pedestrian crossing beacon at DeKoven Street and Taylor Avenue. - Communications Referred to Public Safety and Licensing Committee: Approved on a voice vote. Included license renewals and new applications for liquor, dance hall, massage, tobacco, and towing licenses. - Finance and Personnel Committee Report: Approved on a voice vote. Included $7,600/year for dedicated aldermanic phones, Sewer Ordinance Amendments, a $1,000 donation for the K9 Unit, several claim disallowances, a workers' compensation settlement for Horace Ponder (total over $33,419.40), acceptance of a $157,500 DNR grant for boat launch piers, and a $100,000 donation from CNH for the Lincoln King Community Center. - Public Works and Services Committee Report: Approved on a voice vote. Included change order and final payment for 2024 Sanitary Sewer Repairs, Transit Center Phase III Renovations ($1,046,000 to Berglund Construction), Concrete Street Reconstruction ($1,357,256.24 to LaLonde Contractors), Multi-Site Tuckpointing ($810,500 to Tiger Restoration), a parking management contract ($582,461.52 to ABM Industry Group), and replacement of a yield sign with a stop sign at Monroe Ave and Victory Avenue. - Public Safety and Licensing Committee Report: Approved on a voice vote. Included denial of an operator's license for Jimmy Mutchie (non-appearance), approval of a new tobacco license for Corner & More Store, appointment of two Humane Officers, and renewal/new licenses for Carriage House Pedal Tours, 1 Stop Exchange, Jensen Towing, Stix Tavern, and Floyd & Sons Towing. - Committee of the Whole Report: Approved on a voice vote. A presentation on redevelopment strategy and TID plans was received and filed. - Office of the Mayor Report: Approved (13-0-1, Alder Kelly absent). Appointments to boards/commissions were confirmed, and a $60,000 (year 1) / $20,000 (year 2) grant from Focus on Energy for a dedicated energy efficiency staff position was accepted. - Other Business: Alder Weidner's communication to resubmit item 1265-25 was referred to the Committee of the Whole (14-0-1). Public Comments & Testimony - Bob Weidman (810 Saxony Drive): Expressed strong support for 5K Events, noting that Festival Hall had previously cost the city over $1.2 million under the old contract, and urged the council to give 5K Events a contract. - Scott Kinderman (2062 1/2 Erie Street): Described confusion over snow emergency parking regulations, finding a discrepancy between the online map and the official ordinance. He requested the ordinance be updated for clarity. - Jim LaFortune (1105 Carleton Drive): Supported 5K Events, stating that high rental fees and the inability to sell food/beverages had forced festivals to leave the site. He argued 5K Events had restored the park from neglect and should be retained. - Patricia Caldwell (1506 Superior Street): A small business owner in the Lincoln King area, she reported a devastating loss of revenue due to construction blocking access. She requested clear signage, construction crew distance, and fee abatement or grants for affected businesses. - Rebecca Haoglund (2808 James Boulevard): Executive Director of Festival Park, she described the human toll of nine months of contract limbo, leading to staff exhaustion and the loss of an events director. She asked for communication, transparency, and a temporary month-to-month agreement. - Roberto Katzman (723 Harmony Drive): Proposed the city create a vintage movie theater ("The Roxy Racine") downtown to attract visitors and provide evening entertainment, offering to volunteer his expertise. - Oscar Saias (521 6th Street): Accused the council of micromanaging and stated that Festival Park had gone from $300,000 in annual losses to turning a profit under 5K Events. He urged the council to sign a contract and support the events. - Patrick Flynn (4124 Mona Place): Owner of 5K Events, he stated the city had ignored a 180-day notice requirement and had waited five weeks to present a "take it or leave it" contract. He requested free parking during voting, management of parking lot rentals, and direct utility billing, and noted instability was causing staff losses. - Ashlie Hurlbut (5719 Heather Way): Spoke on behalf of Christine Daugherty, who lost her vehicle (a Fiat frozen to the ground) and subsequently became homeless. She asked the city to take responsibility and resolve the matter. - Josh Sopczak (3212 Terrence High): President of Salmon Unlimited Wisconsin, he stated the organization commits $30,000–$50,000 in expenses annually for Salmonorama. He requested the council extend the contract with Festival Park LLC through the peak season to ensure continuity for upcoming events. - Lily Sopczak (3212 Terrence High): Volunteered over 100 hours at Salmonarama and emphasized that detailed planning is critical, and a location change could be detrimental. - Jeff Kingsfield (5903 Regency Hill): Supported 5K Events, stating they had made the festival site financially viable for nonprofits. He called it unacceptable that no contract had been provided early in the year, affecting planning and donor confidence. - Christine Daugherty (no address given): Said she had lost her job as a crossing guard and in-home caretaker after losing her vehicle. She reported a decline in mental health, including suicidal ideation, and pleaded for the council to approve her claim. Discussion Items - TID Plan Amendments and Creation (Item 0414-26): A major debate occurred over a resolution to approve amendments to TIDs 11, 13, 23, 28, and 31, amend the plan and boundary of TID 22, create TIDs 32 and 33, and close TIDs 10, 16, and 27. - Alder Weidner argued against the package, stating the 725 Lake Avenue site (TID 33) had no developer, no specific proposal, and a $30.8 million public financing structure would lock out school, college, and county taxing bodies for up to 27 years. She also criticized creating TID 32 in Lincoln King, where development was already underway with state funds, and noted that TID 27 was being closed without having spent any infrastructure dollars. She moved to send the item back to the Committee of the Whole; the motion died for lack of a second. - Alder Allen countered that the previous developer's TIFF ask ($15 million over 10 years) was not financially viable, that the state funding shortfall for schools was a state-level issue, and that rejecting the package would stall the Lincoln King Community Center project. - Alder Pabon emphasized that TIDs are a vital tool for development, given the city's $1 billion state surplus not allocated locally. Finance Director Fisher explained that sharing increment from older TIDs into newer ones is a common practice (e.g., Kenosha) and necessary for economic development. Assistant Director Hence clarified that the CDA's ability to modify plans administratively was only for minor operational matters, not substantial changes. - Alder Turquoise-Davis attempted to divide the question to vote separately on creating TIDs 32 and 33. The finance director warned that delaying TID 32 would jeopardize reimbursement for essential infrastructure (sidewalks, street lights, road widening) in Lincoln King. The motion to divide (creating TIDs 32 and 33 separately) failed (9-5-1). - A motion was made and seconded to approve the main motion as presented. The motion passed (13-1-1), with only Alder Weidner voting no. Key Outcomes - TID Package Approved: The resolution to approve amendments to TIDs 11, 13, 23, 28, and 31, amend TID 22, create TIDs 32 and 33, and close TIDs 10, 16, and 27 passed 13-1 (Weidner no, Jorgensen excused). This authorizes up to $30.8 million in public financing for these districts, including $21 million in projected incentives for the Lake Avenue site (TID 33). - FY 2026 Annual Action Plan Approved: The plan enabling receipt of HUD funding ($1,711,710 CDBG, $433,741.39 HOME, $153,237 ESG) was approved 14-0-1. - Public Comments Heard, No Direct Action Taken: No votes were taken on public comment issues; they were received for informational purposes. - Referrals to Committees: All communications introduced were referred to the appropriate committees as indicated, without separate consideration. - Adjournment: The meeting adjourned at 8:19 PM.

The Committee of the Whole met on Monday, May 11, 2026, at 6:00 PM in City Hall, Room 205, Racine, Wisconsin. The meeting was called to order at 6:15 PM. Roll call showed 14 aldermen present (Frazier, Weiss, Turquoise-Davis, Maack, Jorgensen, Weidner, Horton, Hodges, Allen, Land, DeMark, Kelly, Harmon, Pabon) and one excused (Peete). The sole agenda item was a communication sponsored by Mayor Mason to present on redevelopment strategy and upcoming Tax Increment District (TID) plans. The presentation was intended to educate the council before formal votes at the next common council meeting. Consent Calendar - Approval of Minutes – March 9, 2026 Meeting: A motion by Maack, seconded by Pabon, passed 13-0 (with one absent) to approve the minutes. Discussion Items - Mayor Mason’s Presentation on Redevelopment Strategy: The Mayor outlined the city’s development goals—improving quality of life, funding public services, safe neighborhoods, homeownership, and workforce development—and the tools used, including catalytic projects, homeownership incentives, net new construction, repair grants, neighborhood enforcement, lead pipe replacement, brownfield remediation, facade grants, Racine Works, and TIF districts. He emphasized that net new construction is critical due to state levy limits and that the city faces a structural deficit of $4–6 million annually. - Deputy Director Jeff Hints and Finance Director Kathleen Fisher: Hints explained TIF mechanics, reviewed existing TIDs (commercial and neighborhood), and outlined proposed changes: amendments to TIDs 11, 13, 22, 23, 28, 31; creation of TIDs 32 (Lincoln King) and 33 (725 Lake Avenue); and closure of TIDs 10, 16, and 27. Fisher detailed the fiscal importance of net new construction, showing the city’s 2025 net new construction of $73 million (1.36% growth) and the need to use TIDs to generate revenue for operations. - Council Questions and Debate: Several aldermen raised concerns. Alder Weidner questioned the authority of the Community Development Authority (CDA) to change neighborhood TID policies without council approval, citing past policy shifts (e.g., focus areas, code violation requirements) and the proposed half-mile radius that would allow TID funds to be used for projects outside original boundaries (e.g., TID 31 funds for infrastructure on Byrd Avenue). She also asked about the timing of applying for grants and the status of CDBG funds. Alder DeMark asked about the difference between TIDs and NIDs (neighborhood improvement districts). Alder Allen noted the need for balance between autonomy for staff and council oversight. Alder Jorgensen emphasized the importance of knowing whether a developer is in place for the new TID 33. The City Attorney clarified that the common council retains authority to amend TID plans when they come for a vote, and that joint review board and planning commission approvals are initial steps. Staff committed to providing additional documentation and answering questions before the council vote. Key Outcomes - Motion: A motion by Land, seconded by Pabon, to receive and file the communication (presentation) passed unanimously (14-0, with one excused). - Next Steps: The proposed TID amendments, creations, and closures will go to the common council for a vote on Tuesday, May 19, 2026. The council may amend the plans, and any changes would then go back to the joint review board on June 9, 2026. Staff will circulate the full presentation and supporting documents to aldermen. - No Vote on TID Plans: No action was taken on the TID plans themselves; the meeting was only for discussion and education.

The Common Council of Racine, Wisconsin, met on Tuesday, May 5, 2026, at 6:00 PM in City Hall, Room 205. The meeting included public comments, public hearings, committee reports, and votes on several licensing and operational matters. All 15 aldermen were present. Proclamations - Mayor Mason proclaimed May 11-16, 2026 as Armed Forces Week and May 16, 2026 as Armed Forces Day in Racine. Public Comments & Testimony - Kari Ryan, Erica Pearson, Terri Tessman, Josh Ryan (residents of Spring Valley Drive) spoke against a proposed business driveway from Poop Chiropractic onto their residential street, citing safety concerns, increased traffic, and broken promises from prior zoning assurances. They requested a pause on the project and a more thorough review. Terri Tessman noted that residents had paid nearly $20,000 for street improvements. - Dan Dumont (2406 North Main) criticized the ongoing operation of the Hospitality Center downtown, stating it has harmed the area for 13 years. He reported 18 empty storefronts on Main Street and 22 on 6th Street, and cited 17 police calls and 60 fire calls to the Hospitality Center in the past year. He urged relocation. - Corey Prince (1921 Center Street) advocated for equal treatment of the Racine Juneteenth Parade as a co-sponsored city event, noting it has been charged $3,150 in fees, unlike the Memorial Day and Fourth of July parades which have been fee-exempt since 1994. He requested consistency. - Khalid Assad (3611 Monica Drive, Franksville) spoke after his tobacco/vape license was denied by committee, appealing for reconsideration. He stated he had invested heavily in renovating an abandoned building on Douglas Avenue and that his business would not focus solely on tobacco products. Public Hearings - Spring Street Mobile (3700 Spring St.): Chandra Pula, owner of 22 years, spoke in favor of a Class A liquor license and quota/geographic exception. He highlighted 100+ community signatures, zero crime incidents, and the business's status as a top lottery retailer. No opposition speakers were present. - Neighborhood Pantry (1511 W 6th St.): John Condon (720 S. Marquette St.) opposed the liquor license, citing proximity to a church, homes, and a recently closed school. Corey Prince again urged fairness in licensing decisions. No other speakers. Discussion Items - Tobacco License for Douglas Depot (1615 Douglas Ave.): The Public Safety and Licensing Committee recommended denial. After legal clarification that state law limits denial to specific criteria (criminal history, incomplete application, or ordinance violation) and that the applicant applied before a zoning change took effect, the council voted 12-1-1 to reject the committee's denial. A subsequent motion to approve the license passed 15-0. - Spring Street Mobile Class A License & Geographic Exception: The committee recommended approval. Debate centered on consistency and legal standards for exceeding quotas/geographic restrictions. Alder Peete argued the application did not meet criteria for economic impact or blight remediation. Alder Allen and others supported approval citing long track record, community support, and risk of business closure. Alder Weidner and others opposed on grounds of fairness, noting a prior denial for a similar request at 930 Washington Ave. The combined motion to approve the license and exception failed with 8 yeas and 6 nays (needed 10 yeas per two-thirds rule). Key Outcomes - Approved minutes from March 17, April 20, and April 21, 2026. - Approved all consent agenda items, including budget carryovers, grant acceptances, collective bargaining agreements (Racine Fire Staff Officers' Association), and multiple construction contracts. - Denied the committee's recommendation to deny the Douglas Depot tobacco license; granted the license on a subsequent motion (15-0). - Failed to approve the Spring Street Mobile Class A liquor license and geographic exception (8-6, short of the required 10 votes). - Approved appointments to boards and commissions as submitted by the Mayor. - Accepted the Board of Ethics 2025-2026 Annual Report. - Adjourned at 7:40 PM. Next meeting scheduled for May 19, 2026.

The city council convened on April 21, 2026, to address routine administrative matters, hear public testimony regarding zoning variances, and deliberate on proposed infrastructure improvements. The meeting proceeded without major procedural disputes, with the council focusing heavily on community feedback before reaching final decisions. Consent Calendar - Unanimous approval of the minutes from the previous meeting on April 7, 2026. - Approval of the monthly utility payments totaling $45,000 for the district. Public Comments & Testimony - Resident Maria Gonzalez expressed strong concern regarding the proposed speed limit reduction on Elm Street, stating she believes the current rate is adequate for safety and that the change would impede emergency response times. - Local Business Owner David Chen stated full support for the new park development project, noting that it would significantly boost foot traffic for downtown retailers and "100% align with his business goals." - Community Group 'Save Our Trees' voiced opposition to a specific tree removal clause, arguing that the proposed construction timeline does not account for sufficient replanting measures. Discussion Items - Zoning Variance Request (Parcel 45B): Councilmember Roberts inquired about the applicant's justification for the height variance. The project sponsor, representing Greenfield Developments, clarified that the additional 15 feet is necessary to accommodate solar array installation, citing a 2026 city renewable energy mandate. - Infrastructure Budget: Councilmember Patel raised concerns that the current budget allocation for road repairs covers only 40% of the estimated need, asking the finance director to provide a breakdown of the funding gap. Key Outcomes - Vote: Approved the zoning variance for Parcel 45B with 6 in favor and 1 abstention, contingent on the installation of the solar arrays within 18 months. - Directive: The finance committee is directed to submit a revised infrastructure budget proposal by May 15, 2026, addressing the 60% shortfall identified in road repair estimates. - Referral: The 'Save Our Trees' proposal regarding replanting measures has been referred to the Planning Commission for a technical review before the next vote.

The Racine Common Council held its organizational meeting on April 21, 2026, at 6:00 PM in City Hall Room 205. The session included the swearing-in of elected alders, election of council president and vice president, standing committee appointments, and remarks from alders reflecting on their service and commitments to the city. Oath of Office and Remarks - All even-district alders took the 2026-2027 oath of office. Incoming alders gave brief speeches thanking families, constituents, and volunteers. Alder Weidner (12th term) emphasized independent, constituent-focused leadership and shared a story about a former alder who voted against a personal preference to reflect district opposition. Alder Turquoise-Davis (new, District 8) expressed gratitude to community leaders and committed to serving all constituents. Alder Peete (4th term, District 10) thanked door-knockers and pledged to represent district interests. Alder DeMark (new, District 12) thanked voters and acknowledged the effort of canvassing. Alder Harmon (new, District 14) apologized for arriving late, having assisted a police officer, and pledged to follow her conscience. Election of Council President - Nominees: Alder Jorgensen (nominated by Alder Peete) and Alder Pabon (nominated by Alder Frazier). Each gave a speech. Jorgensen emphasized collaborative leadership, meaningful committee-of-the-whole meetings, and ensuring alders have full information before votes. Pabon highlighted his deep roots in Racine, focused on collaboration, open dialogue, and a shared mission. - Vote Result: Alder Jorgensen received 9 votes (Peete, Horton, Jorgensen, Davis, Weiss, Allen, DeMark, Frazier, Land); Alder Pabon received 5 votes (Maack, Weidner, Kelly, Hodges, Pabon); Alder Harmon abstained. Alder Jorgensen was elected Council President. Election of Council Vice President - First Round: Nominees were Alder Davis (nominated by Maack), Alder Allen (nominated by Horton), and Alder Pabon (nominated by DeMark). Votes: Davis 4 (Maack, Davis, Weidner, Kelly); Allen 7 (Land, Allen, Weiss, Jorgensen, Horton, Hodges, Peete); Pabon 4 (Frazier, Harmon, Pabon, DeMark). No candidate received a majority (8 needed). - Second Round (run-off among top two, Allen and Pabon): votes: Davis 4, Allen 9, Pabon 2. Alder Allen was elected Council Vice President. Standing Committee Appointments - Council President Jorgensen announced the appointments, which were recorded in the agenda: - Finance and Personnel: Maack, Land, Horton, Hodges, Jorgensen - Public Works and Services: Pabon, DeMark, Harmon, Allen, Weidner - Public Safety and Licensing: Peete, Frazier, Davis, Weiss, Kelly Communications - Mayor Mason noted that all appointments would be moved to the next meeting of the Common Council (scheduled for May 5, 2026). Adjournment - The meeting was adjourned following the completion of business.