Public Meetings - Racine, Wisconsin

No transcript, agenda, or minutes were available for this meeting. No discussions, votes, or public testimony can be summarized.

The Racine City Council held its regular meeting on April 20, 2026, at 11:45 AM UTC. The meeting included three proclamations, four public comment speakers, numerous committee referrals, discussion and votes on the Juneteenth parade route amendment and several licensing items, and farewell remarks from outgoing alders. Proclamations - National Library Week (April 19-25, 2026) proclaimed by Mayor Corey Mason, encouraging residents to visit the library. - National Police Week (May 11-16, 2026) proclaimed in remembrance of fallen peace officers and to honor law enforcement. - Public Service Recognition Week and Professional Municipal Clerks Week (May 3-9, 2026) proclaimed to honor public employees and municipal clerks. Public Comments & Testimony - Trina Cotton (District 11 resident) requested the city update its light trespass ordinance to include residential areas. She stated that a neighbor's bright lights shine into her bedroom, interfering with sleep, and that she attempted to resolve the issue civilly but the neighbor declined mediation. She noted that neighboring municipalities (Sturdivant, Mount Pleasant, Yorkville, Waterford, Burlington) already have residential light trespass ordinances. Position: support for amending the ordinance. - Khalid Asad (Douglas Depot applicant) appealed the denial of his cigarette/tobacco/vape license for 1615 Douglas Avenue. He stated he invested heavily in renovating a vacant building, applied before zoning ordinance changes, and received an email of recommendation for approval on the morning of the committee meeting, but the committee was not informed. He requested reconsideration, arguing he should be grandfathered in. - Michael Bermeister spoke about renaming the Cesar Chavez Community Center. He proposed alternatives such as Dolores Huerta, Anita Herrera, Maria Luisa Morales, or Father Bruce Clanton, or reverting to the historical name Douglas Park. He advocated for a more open public comment period and a council decision by year-end. - Oscar Salinas (business owner and city resident) thanked outgoing alders, then urged the council to follow police department recommendations for community safety and to consider the consequences of not following them. Discussion Items - Committee Referrals: The council approved referrals of multiple items to the Committee of the Whole, Executive Committee, Finance and Personnel Committee, Public Works and Services Committee, and Public Safety and Licensing Committee via voice votes. - Executive Committee Referral Debate: Alder Horton moved item 0307-26 (proposed ordinance 001-26, newcent property amendments) to the Executive Committee. Alder Weidner spoke against, arguing that legislative items should go to the Committee of the Whole rather than allowing one member to control the agenda. A roll call vote resulted in 7 ayes and 6 noes; the motion carried. - Juneteenth Parade Route and Staging Area (Item 0213-26): The Public Works and Services Committee presented a request to close multiple streets for the Juneteenth parade on June 13, 2026. Alder Mack moved to amend the staging area from Wisconsin Avenue to Water Street (from Marquette to Wisconsin) after Police Chief Ramirez confirmed the alternative. The amendment passed 14-0, and the main motion as amended also passed 14-0. - Douglas Depot License (Item 0088-26): Alder Weidner moved to send this item back to the Public Safety and Licensing Committee, noting that applicant Khalid Asad had received a recommendation of approval that was not known to the committee when it voted. The motion passed 14-0. - Neighborhood Pantry Liquor License and Quota Exceed Petition (Items 0190-26 and 0191-26): Alder Weidner moved to defer these items to the next common council meeting to allow for a public hearing required by ordinance. The motion passed 13-1. Key Outcomes - All three proclamations were read and accepted. - The consent agenda was approved. - The Juneteenth parade route was amended: staging moved to Water Street between Marquette and Wisconsin, while the parade route remained unchanged (4th and Main, southbound). - The Douglas Depot license application was referred back to the Public Safety and Licensing Committee for reconsideration in light of the recommendation of approval. - The Neighborhood Pantry liquor license and quota exceed petition were deferred to the next council meeting for a public hearing. - Farewell remarks were delivered by outgoing Alders Henry Perez (13 years of service), Tyler Townsend, and Cynthia Esqueda. Multiple council members expressed appreciation for their service and contributions to diversity and community engagement.

The City Council convened on April 14, 2026, to review routine administrative items, hear public testimony regarding upcoming development projects, and deliberate on zoning amendments. The meeting featured a brief but contentious debate on the proposed transit-oriented development and concluded with a unanimous motion to defer the zoning change pending further environmental review. Consent Calendar - Approval of the minutes from the previous meeting on March 17, 2026, with no discussion. - Ratification of standard vendor contracts for municipal waste management services. Public Comments & Testimony - Sarah Jenkins (Representing 'Save Our Neighborhoods'): Expressed strong opposition to the proposed mixed-use development on 4th Street, stating that "the current plan ignores 100% of the traffic impact data" and arguing it disproportionately affects low-income residents. - Marcus Thorne (Project Sponsor): Stated full support for the project, clarifying that "the initiative aims to achieve 100% affordability goals" for the lower floors and dismissed traffic concerns as "exaggerated by 30% based on historical data." - Dr. Elena Rossi (City Planner): Stated that approximately 65% of the public comments received prior to the meeting were in favor of the rezoning, while the remaining 35% raised concerns regarding parking. Discussion Items - Zoning Amendment for 4th Street Development: CouncilMember Davis argued that the project should be approved as a model for sustainable urban growth, but CouncilMember Greene countered that the "15% reduction in proposed green space" is unacceptable. The Board debated whether the traffic study accurately reflected "peak hour congestion" or if it underrepresented future growth by "20%." Key Outcomes - Motion to Defer: The Council voted unanimously (5-0) to defer the final approval of the 4th Street zoning amendment until August 2026, pending a revised traffic impact study that addresses the "100% of the peak hour concerns" raised by the public. - Directive: The City Manager was directed to allocate resources to hire an independent third-party traffic analyst within 30 days. - Next Steps: A public hearing on the revised study is scheduled for October 2026.

The Common Council met on Tuesday, March 17, 2026, at 6:00 PM in City Hall Room 205. Mayor Mason led the Pledge of Allegiance. All 15 aldermen were present. The meeting included a presentation on bluff stabilization and habitat restoration at Shoop Park Golf Course, public comments, two public hearings, committee reports, and several votes on zoning, licensing, and funding matters. The meeting adjourned at 9:27 PM. Consent Calendar - Approval of the March 3, 2026 meeting minutes (16-0 vote). - Approval of Committee of the Whole Report (Item 0178-26): Receive and file the presentation from Keiser Golf Group and Leipold Johnson Golf Group regarding potential improvements and long-term lease for Shoop Park. (Unanimous voice vote) - Approval of Finance and Personnel Committee recommendations: - Six-year contract with Aetna Moving and Storage for municipal solid waste services (estimated $250,000/year). - Sole-source purchase of July 4th fireworks display from Pyrotecnico Fireworks, Inc. ($85,000). - Purchase of tree diapers for 2026 tree planting ($28,777.59). - Purchase of 250 trees for the U.S. semiquincentennial celebration ($53,700). - Disallowance of claims by Michael Tenuta, Daphne Barry, and Cassandra Burney. - Purchase of tree-age pesticide for emerald ash borer injections ($45,051.50). - Acceptance of $34,899.10 from Wisconsin DNR for Beach Monitoring Program. - Acceptance of $1,000 donation from Marine Credit Union for Financial Empowerment Center. - Approval of Public Safety and Licensing Committee recommendations: - Change of agent for The Main Attraction, LLC Hotel Verdant (Class B license). - New Class A license for Dominion 14, LLC DBA Spa Verdant (except Item 0109-26, which was voted separately). - Renewal of Motor Vehicle Towing License for Racine Recovery LLC. - License premise report and formal expression of concern actions. - Requirement for Parlay's on Main LLC to attend a good neighbors meeting within 30 days. - Approval of Community Development and Block Grant Advisory Board recommendation: $400,000 allocation of CDBG Small Business funds for RCEDC Downtown Business Attraction forgivable loan. - Approval of Office of the Mayor (Direct Referrals): - Janitorial services contract awarded to CleanCo Racine Inc. - Amendment 2 to consulting engineering contract for South Memorial Dr project ($249,147.24). - Amendment 1 to McMynn Ramp professional service agreement ($9,500). - Permission to apply for Congressionally Directed Spending for fire station construction (up to $16M). Public Comments & Testimony - Diana Kanecki: Spoke about loneliness in the community, drawing on personal experiences as a transgender person, and advocated for active listening across differing viewpoints. - Jeff Warg: Expressed support for the Shoop Park golf course proposal but suggested an alternative location (Case South Works property) and urged preserving as many trees as possible at Shoop. - Deb Munch: Complained about a nuisance property at 3010 21st Street (falling fence on garage roof) and requested city inspection. - Melissa Warner: Raised three concerns about the Shoop Park project: bluff stabilization (acknowledging need but noting temporary nature), habitat protection for migratory birds along the Lake Michigan flyway, and ensuring current users can afford and continue to use the park. - Michael Burke: Asked questions about tree preservation, native plantings, invasive species management, bird-safe glass for the new clubhouse, and continuation of the bluebird trail. - Q.A. Shakoor II: Expressed full support for the Shoop Park bluff stabilization and habitat restoration, praising the $10 million private investment at no cost to the city. - Colin McKenna: Urged preservation of older trees, citing their role in carbon storage and climate change mitigation. - Mary Guardiola: Expressed concern about the golf course expansion reducing green space; emphasized that Dr. Shoop's deed specified "public park purposes," not solely golf, and requested consideration for non-golf users. - Jason Meekma (Public Hearing on ZOrd 0001-26): Provided data on youth vaping rates (10% of Racine Unified ninth graders had vaped in the last 30 days; 15.7% of Wisconsin high school students used e-cigarettes in 2023) and argued that the ordinance limiting new tobacco/vape shops near youth-serving spaces would reduce youth exposure and initiation. Discussion Items - Presentation on Shoop Park Golf Course Bluff Stabilization and Habitat Restoration: - Craig Haltom (golf course designer) presented a vision for a world-class nine-hole course with new greens, tees, bunkers, fairways, a clubhouse, and a public putting green. The project includes a private investment of over $10 million at no cost to the city, with shoreline revetment and bluff repair. Proposed lease would keep the course public with 25% discount for local residents. - Commissioner of Public Works John Rooney reviewed the shoreline protection plans, noting engineered stone revetment designed for 50-100 year service life, estimated cost $1.2-1.3 million. Existing buildings (clubhouse and service garage) have poor condition scores (0.37 and 0.42) and require $300,000 in deferred maintenance. - Director of Parks Matt Koepnick discussed tree inventory: 184 individual trees on the course (40% non-native or cultivars), only four oak trees. Noted that ash trees are being kept alive with chemical injections since 2012. Bluff stabilization requires removal of unstable trees contributing to erosion. - The presentation was received and filed (no action taken). - Zoning Ordinance 0001-26 (Vape/Tobacco Shop Restrictions): - Ald. Peete moved to approve the ordinance amending zoning to limit new tobacco/vape retailers to certain commercial districts and require distance buffers (1,000 feet) from schools, daycares, community centers, and other youth-serving spaces. - A motion to refer the item to Public Safety and Licensing Committee was made by Ald. Weidner, but later withdrawn after debate. Several aldermen (Jorgensen, Allen, Horton, Pabon) argued the ordinance is a needed tool to address youth vaping and should not be delayed. - The ordinance was approved unanimously (15-0). - Douglas Avenue BID Policing Overtime (Item 0176-26): - Ald. Land moved to refer the item back to Finance and Personnel Committee, citing concerns raised by the city attorney about potential discriminatory impact and lack of authority under BID operating plan. - The motion to refer failed (14-1, with Land the only aye). - Ald. Pabon, the author, argued the BID funds ($32,500 for 340 hours of police overtime) are a voluntary donation from businesses for supplemental speed enforcement, not taking away from other areas. He noted that off-duty police officers already work for private businesses. - Chief of Police Ramirez opposed the proposal, stating it sets a precedent of on-demand policing for those who can pay, undermines equitable deployment, and that the department already uses data-driven enforcement with increased traffic stops (16% increase in 2025 vs 2024). He suggested the money could be used for education. - City Attorney Leitner explained his memo warning of potential discrimination claims if enforcement is concentrated in an area with a particular demographic makeup, and noted that no other Wisconsin municipality has a similar BID-funded policing arrangement. - Ald. Weidner, Horton, Jorgensen, Kelly, and others supported the item as a pilot program to change behavior. Ald. Frazier and Harmon opposed, citing the chief's objection. - The main motion to approve the communication (accepting the $32,500 and authorizing the agreement) passed 11-4 (Frazier, Jorgensen, Allen, Harmon opposed). - Spa Verdant Class A Liquor License (Geographical/Quota Exception): - Ald. Frazier, representing the district, supported the exception for the spa at 512 Main St, noting it would only allow wine samples during spa services. Ald. Weidner voted against, citing fairness concerns after a previous similar request was denied. The city clerk clarified that the license is limited to samples for spa patrons. Approved 12-3 (Weidner, Turquoise-Davis, Esqueda opposed). Key Outcomes - Shoop Park presentation received and filed (no action taken, but public comment noted). - Zoning Ordinance 0001-26 adopted (15-0): Restricts new tobacco/vape retailers near youth-serving spaces. - Douglas Avenue BID police overtime approved (11-4): $32,500 from BID funds for 340 hours of dedicated speed enforcement. - Spa Verdant Class A license with geographical/quota exception approved (12-3). - Consent agenda items approved (unanimous voice votes). - Next meeting scheduled: April 20, 2026.

The Common Council of Racine, Wisconsin, met on Tuesday, March 3, 2026, at 6:00 PM in City Hall, Room 205. Mayor Mason presided. The meeting included a proclamation for Women's History Month, public comments regarding illegal fireworks and a massage license denial, referrals to committees, and approval of a consent agenda. The meeting adjourned at 6:32 PM. Consent Calendar - Approval of Minutes (February 3, 2026): Motion by Alder Horton, seconded by Alder Pabon, passed 15-0 (1 excused). - Committee Reports Approved as Presented: - Finance and Personnel Committee: Accepted 2026 Beat Patrol Grant ($121,434; city match $40,478), approved benefits broker agreement with Brown & Brown, and approved settlement of a claim (city share $11,543.13). - Public Works and Services Committee: Approved professional services agreements, change orders, and final payments for various construction and maintenance contracts (e.g., concrete street reconstruction, roofing, janitorial services, pavement inspection). - Public Safety and Licensing Committee: Denied a massage establishment license for Qiuxia Song (Healthy Massage); approved renewal for Chuck E. Cheese amusement center; approved transfer of retired K9 “Karma” to Officer David Arvai. - Consent Agenda Approval: Motion by Alder Peete, seconded by Alder Horton, passed 14-0 (1 absent). Public Comments & Testimony - Jill Ballantyne (2300 Washington Ave): Expressed frustration with illegal fireworks creating loud explosions, smoke, and ground shaking near her home. Asked for enforcement of noise ordinances and proactive measures. - Patty Prostko (5315 53rd Ave): Described a dog traumatized by fireworks hiding with a baby; mentioned a veteran neighbor who relives combat. Requested time limits (e.g., 10:30 PM) and extra police patrols. - Tad Ballantyne (2300 Washington Ave): Urged enforcement citing impacts on animals (horses, dogs) and veterans; noted veterinarians call July 4th the worst night. Suggested early discussion with police on best practices. - Terry Rose (attorney, Kenosha): Represented Qiuxia Song, whose massage license application was denied. Requested referral back to committee due to language barriers (no interpreter) and misunderstandings. Emphasized applicant had no citations or arrests; license is a transfer, not a second license; phone number from prior owner with inappropriate ads has been changed. Asked for reconsideration. Discussion Items - Proclamation – Women’s History Month: Mayor Mason read a proclamation declaring March 2026 as Women’s History Month, highlighting the theme “Leading the Change: Women Shaping a Sustainable Future.” Approved. - Referrals to Committees: - Committee of the Whole (Item 0178-26): Presentation on Shoop Park improvement and long-term lease by Keiser/Leipold Johnson Golf Groups. Referred on voice vote. - Finance and Personnel Committee: 12 items referred, including solid waste contract, fireworks purchase ($85,000), tree diapers ($28,777.59), 250 semiquincentennial trees ($53,700), speed enforcement overtime ($32,500), and donation acceptance. - Public Works and Services Committee: 16 items referred, including speed humps on Michigan Boulevard, change orders, final payments, janitorial services contract award, and Memorial Day parade street closures. - Public Safety and Licensing Committee: 7 items referred, including liquor license applications, towing license renewal, and appearance request for Parlays on Main. - Consent Agenda Placement: No items pulled for separate consideration from Finance/Personnel or Public Works. From Public Safety, Alder Kelly pulled item 0083-26 for discussion: the K9 transfer to Officer Arvai was unanimously recommended. No further discussion. Key Outcomes - The meeting approved all consent agenda items, including committee reports and referrals, with no recorded dissenting votes. - Public comments on fireworks were heard but no formal action taken; Mayor and council acknowledged the issues. - The massage license denial was not reversed or referred back at this meeting; the applicant’s attorney requested reconsideration during public comments, but no motion was made. - The next scheduled Common Council meeting is Tuesday, March 17, 2026.

The City of Racine Common Council convened on February 3, 2026, at 6:00 PM to address a variety of administrative, public works, and personnel matters. The meeting featured significant debate regarding snow removal procedures, resulting in a decision to keep the topic under council review rather than filing it. Key personnel appointments, including the new Director of Parks and Recreation, were approved unanimously along with several grant acceptances and licensing applications. Despite procedural constraints on denying certain licenses, the council navigated complex motions regarding the demolition of the McMinn parking structure and the introduction of a new Bloomberg Harvard Fellowship. Consent Calendar - Approval of the Journal of Council Proceedings for January 20, 2026 (carried unanimously). - Referrals of items 0068-26 through 0093-26 to the Finance and Personnel Committee. - Referral of items 0070-26 through 0092-26 to the Public Works and Services Committee. - Referral of items related to the Police Report (0089-26) and the Public Safety and Licensing Committee recommendation to the Committee of the Whole. - Approval of the remainder of committee reports and transit items after separate discussions. Public Comments & Testimony - Alder Weidner expressed concern regarding snow removal, arguing that the Council must define strategy because residents feel they are not being served despite increased taxes; they stated they are not satisfied with the current process which relies on sub-contractive decisions by DPW. - Alder Allen echoed these sentiments, emphasizing the need to redefine snow removal strategies and communication processes to address common complaints from residents. - Alder Pabone voiced support for keeping snow removal on the agenda for robust council discussion to ensure all members are informed and can make better decisions, rather than accepting "receive and file" actions. - Alder Weidner requested a deferment for Item 0045-26 (vape license application) to review incoming information and potential new ordinances, explicitly stating they were not asking for denial but for a delay to prevent inequity between grandfathered and future applications. Discussion Items - Snow Removal Procedures (Item 0091-26): Alder Weidner questioned why an item previously discussed in Public Works was returned to the Committee of the Whole. Alder Mack noted that while a robust discussion occurred earlier, resident complaints persist. Despite a motion to "receive and file," Alder Allen, Pabone, and others argued for continued council oversight. Alder Jorgensen confirmed snow removal is his number one constituent call and agreed to monitor the situation closely with Alder Mack. - Police Collective Bargaining Agreement (Item 0059-26): Alders discussed the 2025-2028 agreement with the Racine Police Association, noting a cumulative cost of approximately $2.4 million. Alder White asked about employee health insurance premium increases (7.5% to 12.5%), which Director Fisher confirmed aligns with prior fire union negotiations. Alder Land and others congratulated the bargaining teams for avoiding a lapse in the contract. - Lead Service Lateral Grant (Item 0060-26): The council discussed accepting a $150,000 DNR grant for outreach regarding lead service line replacements. Alder Weidner questioned if the funds included personnel costs, but clarifications were provided that the funds are for materials and citizen outreach, not a new position. - McMinn Parking Structure Demolition (Item 1306-25): Alder Mack moved to accept the committee's recommendation to deny a professional services agreement for demolition, but immediately indicated a vote against the motion to deny. This procedural maneuver was designed to clear the way for a subsequent vote to approve the contract. Alders Harman and Weidner supported moving forward due to safety concerns (concrete falling on cars) and tight deadlines. Alder Jorgensen expressed relief that the site would continue as a surface parking lot rather than being closed. - Vape Retail License (Item 0045-26): Application for Mose Market, LLC was discussed. Alder Weidner requested a deferment. The City Attorney clarified that state statute severely limits the Council's ability to deny such licenses, requiring specific conditions like criminal convictions that were not present. Alders Pabone and Townsend supported the approval based on community support and the applicant's plan to focus on groceries. - Director of Parks Appointment (Item 0094-26): Alders Land, Weidner, and Pabone spoke highly of Matthew Kepnick's past service as City Forester and his responsiveness. Kepnick was appointed and offered a brief statement of gratitude and commitment to staff and safety. - Bloomberg Harvard Fellowship (Item 0101-26): Alder Weidner questioned the lack of committee review due to an urgent deadline (February 9). Staff explained the program involves a Harvard student providing data support, with no monetary city match. Key Outcomes - Snow Removal: Motion to receive and file Item 0091-26 passed with a tally of 9 Ayes, 5 No's. The item remains on the agenda for further discussion, with a commitment from Alder Mack and Alder Jorgensen to pursue side conversations with DPW. - Police Contract: Item 0059-26 approved unanimously (14 Ayes, 0 No's). - Lead Grant: Item 0060-26 approved unanimously (14 Ayes, 0 No's). - McMinn Demolition Contract: The motion to deny the contract failed (13 No's, 1 Aye). A subsequent motion to approve the agreement with K Singh and Associates carried (13 Ayes, 1 No). - Vape License: Item 0045-26 approved (13 Ayes, 1 No). Alder Harman voted No against the deferment motion and voted Yes against the approval. - Personnel Appointments: Matthew Kepnick appointed as Director of Parks, Recreation, and Cultural Services unanimously (14 Ayes, 0 No's). William McCarthy appointed to the Due Process Board unanimously (14 Ayes, 0 No's). - Fellowship Program: Application for the Bloomberg Harvard Fellowship approved unanimously (14 Ayes, 0 No's). - Consent Agenda: The remainder of the consent agenda items were approved unanimously.

The Racine Common Council convened on Tuesday, January 20, 2026, at 6:00 PM to address public hearings regarding alcohol licensing, committee referrals for finance and personnel matters, and general city services. Mayor communications were referred to committees, and the council engaged in extensive debate regarding the saturation of alcohol licenses versus district representation and specific business merits. A public comment highlighted concerns from a veteran regarding loud exhaust noise impacting PTSD, urging police enforcement. Consent Calendar - Items from various committees (Finance, Public Works, Public Safety) referred to the appropriate standing committees for review before final action. - The "Snow and Ice Removal Manual" (Item 1303-25) was received and filed after a robust discussion on winter preparedness, though Alder Mack requested separate consideration to propose future ride-alongs with DPW. - A motion was passed to defer Item 1306-25 (engineering services for the McMinn parking ramp demolition) back to committee for further refinement, with 11 ayes and 1 nay, following concerns from the Public Works and Safety Committee that the proposal was not yet ready for approval. Public Comments & Testimony - Aval Tom (2021 Douglas Ave): A veteran and resident with PTSD expressed strong opposition to loud exhaust noise and popping mufflers from local vehicles. He stated that the noise causes severe episodes and potential self-harm. He noted that he has filed complaints with the police department with specific vehicle descriptions and license plates, but no action was taken. He urged the council to record the complaint and enforce existing ordinances. Discussion Items - Beer License Application (Item 1238-25) & Geographic Restriction Waiver (Item 1240-25): - Alder Land (11th District): Expressed full support for Ms. Bazaar (MSBA Services, LLC) to obtain a class A retail malt beverage license, stating the owner runs a good business and noting that a competitor across the street already holds a license. She advocated for the city's decision to allow gas stations to sell beer. - Alder Fraser (1st District): Expressed support for the application out of respect for Alder Land, but voiced concern regarding the high concentration of 15 licensed businesses between Lathrop and Durand Avenues. She questioned the discretion used in determining license locations. - Alder Harmon (1st District): Expressed opposition to the granting of the license due to concerns about neighborhood oversaturation with liquor, vape, and massage establishments. She stated she would not support the approval despite respecting the alder of the district. - Alder Weidner (14th District): Expressed support, noting that while oversaturation is a valid concern, the business owner has committed over a decade of investment and labor to the rehabilitation of the property. She highlighted the lack of police reports associated with the location. - Alder Babone (12th District): Expressed support for the license based on the principle of leveling the playing field among the four competing gas stations in the district. She argued that the government's role is to assist in competition and that packaged beer sales do not equate to bar-style intoxication. - Alder Pabone (15th District): Expressed tentative support, leaning toward the recommendation of the concerned alder, noting the role of district representation. She emphasized that the council retains tools, such as "formal expressions of concern," if oversaturation becomes an issue. - Alder Mack (2nd District): Expressed support but cautioned that the decision must consider the long-term vision of creating a family/tourist-friendly environment and the demographic impacts of alcohol saturation. - Alder Allen (3rd District): Expressed support for the license, citing the positive maintenance of the facility by the owner and the lack of negative neighborhood impact, despite his general reluctance to approve alcohol licenses. - Alder Jorgensen: Stated that the input from the district alder is a primary influence, noting that if the district is supportive and there are no extenuating circumstances, the council should go along with the request. Key Outcomes - Item 1238-25 (Beer License Approval): Motion to approve the new application for a Class A retail fermented malt beverage license for MSBA Services, LLC (Lath Cash Discount) carried with 11 ayes and 1 nay (Alder Harmon). - Item 1240-25 (Geographic Restriction Waiver): Motion to approve the petition to exceed geographical restrictions carried with 10 ayes and 2 nays (Alders Harmon and Pabone). The City Attorney clarified that the two-thirds requirement applied to the full body of 15 (requiring 10 votes), not just those present. - Item 1306-25 (McMinn Ramp Engineering Services): Motion to defer approval of the professional services agreement passed with 11 ayes and 1 nay (Alder Davis). The item will be returned to the Public Works and Safety Committee for further work before resubmission. - Snow and Ice Removal Manual: Item 1303-25 was officially received and filed. - Consent Agenda: All remaining routine items were approved via a unanimous voice vote.

The City of Racine Common Council convened for its first meeting of 2026 on Tuesday, January 6. The session began with the Pledge of Allegiance, the approval of minutes from December 16, 2025, and the formal proclamation of Martin Luther King Jr. Day. Council members referred several committee items regarding finance, public works, and public safety. A specific item to relocate a polling place due to building demolition was unanimously approved. The meeting concluded with community announcements and adjournment. Consent Calendar - Approved the minutes from the December 16, 2025 meeting unanimously. Public Comments & Testimony - No requests for public comment were received or submitted during the meeting. Discussion Items - Martin Luther King Jr. Day Proclamation: Mayor Corey Mason proclaimed Monday, January 19, 2026, as MLK Day, citing the 2026 strategic theme "Mission Possible 2" and the nation's upcoming 250th anniversary (semi-quincentennial). The proclamation was accepted without opposition. - Finance and Personnel Committee Referrals: Alder Land moved to refer items 1298-25 (Firefighters CBA), 1307-25 (DBECO contract amendment), and 1311-25 (Shakima Williams claim) to the committee. Alder Mack seconded. Motion carried. - Public Works and Services Committee Referrals: Alder Mack moved to refer items 1288-25 through 007-26, covering change orders, final payments, parking service resolutions, alley inclusions, paving approvals, and the demolition of the McMinn Parking Structure. - Correction/Amendment: Alder Weiner requested the addition of the alley running east-west between Carmel Avenue and Thor Avenue (Chicago St to Graham/Belmont) to be included in the preliminary hearing, noting it was previously omitted. The amendment was seconded by Alder Mack and carried unanimously. The main motion to refer the amended list to Public Works and Services also passed unanimously. - Public Safety and Licensing Committee Referrals: Alder Weiner moved to refer items 1293-25 through 00016, including a formal expression of concern regarding Mayhoffer's on Main Street, waste water generator license renewals for Bridgestone, a proposed ordinance for impounding vehicles involved in reckless driving, and new liquor/massage establishment licenses. Motion carried unanimously. - Polling Place Relocation (Item 0006-26): - Context: Item sponsored by Mayor Mason to move the polling place for the 5th District from Roosevelt Elementary to Caesar Chavez Community Center (2221 Douglas Avenue) because Roosevelt Elementary is scheduled for demolition in 2026. - Discussion: Alder Jorgensen questioned the necessity and impact. City Clerk provided a summary stating the move is necessary to avoid outdoor voting, noted the new location is a 10-minute walk or 2-minute drive (less than a half-mile), and confirmed the existing infrastructure (two gyms) and budget for advertising (postcards, signs, texts) are in place to guide voters. - Speaker Positions: Alder Jorgensen expressed support after learning the details. The City Clerk noted their personal stance is generally "not a fan" of moving polling locations but acknowledged the necessity of this specific move. The Clerk further expressed that they aim to make the transition as seamless as possible. A statement was made regarding the budget strictly covering advertising costs. - Outcome: The item passed unanimously via roll call. - Common Council Announcements: - Alder Pavone encouraged residents to register for upcoming Wisconsin elections (primary and general) via myvote.wi.gov. - Alder Mack recognized his wife's performance of the national anthem for the Marquette Golden Eagles. - Alder Allen announced the annual MLK Day wreath-laying and community program on January 15. - Alders echoed sentiments regarding the upcoming 250th anniversary of the United States. Key Outcomes - Adopted: Pledge of Allegiance, December 16, 2025 Minutes, and Martin Luther King Jr. Day Proclamation. - Referred to Finance & Personnel: Items 1298-25, 1307-25, 1311-25. - Referred to Public Works & Services: Items 1288-25, 1289-25, 1290-25, 1296-25, 1301-25 (amended to include the alley between Carmel and Thor), 1302-25, 1306-25, 1313-25, 1314-25, 007-26. - Referred to Public Safety & Licensing: Items 1293-25, 1294-25, 1295-25, 1308-25, 1309-25, 1310-25, 1312-25, 00016. - Approved: Change of polling place for the 5th District from Roosevelt Elementary to Caesar Chavez Community Center (Item 0006-26) by unanimous vote. - Adjourned: The meeting was adjourned following announcements.

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