Public Meetings - Racine, Wisconsin

On Tuesday, July 15, 2025, at 6:00 PM, the Racine Common Council met at the Racine Public Library Community Room. The meeting was called to order by Alder Malik Frazier. 14 Alders were present, with Alder Grace Allen excused. Mayor Mason led the Pledge of Allegiance. The meeting adjourned at 8:58 PM. The next scheduled meeting is August 6, 2025. Consent Calendar - Approval of Minutes: The minutes from July 1, 2025, were approved by a vote of 14-0. - Proclamations were issued for National Night Out on August 5, 2025. - Numerous communications were referred to committees, including items related to claims, contracts, street closures, and licenses. All referrals passed on voice votes. - Finance and Personnel Committee Report: Several items were approved on consent, including authorizing collective bargaining with public safety unions, accepting grants (including a $275,000 FEMA grant for a diesel exhaust capture system and a Wisconsin Fast Forward grant for Fire Cadet and CDL trainee programs), approving lead service line and water main replacement project reimbursements (up to $40,000,000 and $10,000,000 respectively), establishing a Sister City relationship with Brantford, ON, and approving CDBG home repair loans for multiple properties. - Public Works and Services Committee Report: Approved a change order for the West Lawn Avenue Reconstruction project and a change order for Greencrest Park Fence Replacement, and final payment for the Chavez Small Gym Floor Replacement contract. - Public Safety and Licensing Committee Report: Approved a new operator's license for Marie Anne Reagles and a licenses premise report. - Transit Commission Report: Approved communication 0649-25, repealing Resolution 0067-23 and authorizing the purchase of three Gillig 35-foot EV fixed-route transit buses for approximately $4,500,000. The vote was 14-0. - Planning, Heritage and Design Report: Approved the adoption of "A Comprehensive Plan for the City of Racine: 2050." - Community Development Block Grant Advisory Board Report: Approved CDBG home repair loans for 1520 Lincoln St, 1733 Erie St, 2022 Saint Clair St, and 1310 Layard Avenue. - Consent Agenda Vote: The entire consent agenda was approved by a vote of 14-0. Public Comments & Testimony - Diane Kanecki: Raised concerns about traffic safety near a school, suggesting a camera to improve driver behavior. Also discussed the challenge of accessing the new Social Security Office via public transit, noting the bus only runs on a limited schedule to the Renaissance Center, and that medical guides, taxis, or Uber cost $25 per trip, which is 5% of a budget for those on Social Security disability. - Michael Nikolai (Secretary/Treasurer of Racine Firefighters Local 321): Expressed deep concerns about the proposed switch to Centivo as a health care provider, citing gaps in information, lack of pediatric doctors under Ascension in the network, and uncertainty about specialist coverage. He also stated the city is failing to adhere to a Wisconsin Employment Relations Commission ruling to complete the unsigned 2021-2024 contract with Local 321, complicating future negotiations. He requested a pause to gather more information. - Xiwang Weiwen Zhu (applicant for Lucky Weiwen Zhu Therapy): Appealed for council support for her massage establishment license, stating she would not engage in any bad behavior or commercial activity. - Mark Balwinski: Accused the council of hypocrisy for rejecting a previous development project for a gas station while considering Woodmans' application, which also requests a geographical exemption. He argued the council should not pick winners and losers, especially for those already invested in the community. - Joey Layeth: Advocated for changing Highway 32 to make downtown safer and more pedestrian-friendly. He expressed a willingness to pay $18,000 for off-duty police officers. He also criticized the mayor for attending a 4th of July event with his family, which he felt was not appropriate. - Bruce Carter: Stated he has been working with young men from the community, some of whom cannot read or write, and that 60% of the prison population is young Black men, while the population is 6%. He argued for hope and courage to change what is not working. Discussion Items - Employee Health Care Plan Design: Alder Land introduced communication 0543-25, requesting approval of a new health insurance plan design to move from UnitedHealthcare to Centivo as the third-party administrator for the city's self-funded health plan. HR Benefits Manager Amelia presented the proposal, which aims to offer three plan options: a High Performance Co-pay Plan (WI-2 network, excluding Aurora), a High Performance High Deductible Health Plan (WI-1 or WI-2 network), and a Standard High Deductible Health Plan (broad network). Presentations were made on the network, costs, and member experience. City Administrator Kathleen Fischer stated the change would reduce the projected cost increase from $2-2.5 million (staying with UHC) to about $200,000, while not generating overall savings. After extensive discussion and a motion to defer by Alder Turquoise-Davis, seconded by Alder Weidner, the council voted 9-5 to defer the item to the August 6, 2025 meeting. - Massage Establishment License Denial: Alder Weidner brought communication 0620-25 for a new massage establishment license for Weiwen Zhu DBA Lucky Weiwen Zhu Therapy for separate consideration. The Public Safety Licencing Committee's recommendation was to deny, based on information provided. The council voted 14-0 to deny the license. - Tobacco/Vape Retail License: Alder Weidner brought communication 0663-25 for a new tobacco/vape retail license for Sabah Inc DBA Fast Link for separate consideration. The committee recommended approval. Alder Davis expressed opposition. The City Attorney clarified that state law preempts local discretion to deny such licenses, except for specific criteria like misrepresentation, unpaid fees, or related convictions. The council voted to approve the license (vote count not specified but motion carried). Key Outcomes - Health Insurance Deferred: The motion to approve the Centivo health insurance plan was deferred to the August 6, 2025 meeting. The deferral vote was 9-5. - Massage License Denied: Communication 0620-25 for Weiwen Zhu's massage establishment license was denied by a vote of 14-0. - CDBG Home Repair Loans Approved: Loans for 1520 Lincoln St, 1733 Erie St, 2022 Saint Clair St, and 1310 Layard Avenue were approved. - Transit Bus Purchase Approved: Communication 0649-25 for purchasing three Gillig 35-foot EV fixed-route transit buses for approximately $4,500,000 was approved by a vote of 14-0.

The meeting was scheduled for July 1, 2025, but no agenda, minutes, or transcript were provided. Therefore, no summary of discussions or decisions can be generated.

The Racine City Council met on June 20, 2025, at the ADA-accessible library due to ongoing construction at City Hall. The meeting covered routine approvals, proclamations, public comments, committee referrals, alley assessments, liquor license deferrals, community development authority actions, mayoral appointments, and council announcements. Key debates included the referral of a cemetery fountain repair project and the removal of an alley from the assessment list. Consent Calendar - Approved the journal and minutes from May 20, 2025 (motion carried unanimously). - Approved two proclamations: - Juneteenth Day (June 19, 2025) – recognizing the emancipation announcement in Galveston, Texas. - Pride Month – celebrating the LGBTQ+ community and the city’s perfect municipal equity index scores. Public Comments & Testimony Five speakers addressed the council: - Michael Schrader (1636 Chatham Street) criticized the length and dysfunction of council meetings, urged a new form of city government, and noted that 16‑page agendas and 3.5‑hour meetings discourage citizen participation. - Steve Belair (930 Crabtree Lane) complained about a neighbor operating a car sales business from a residential driveway, including dealer plate misuse and excessive noise. Requested enforcement. - Jeff Poe (1044 Villa Street) voiced support for item 0495-25, a beer license for 930 Washington Avenue (formerly Total 24). Praised the applicant’s $1.5 million renovation and noted the area is a food desert. - Diana Valencia (3919 Ruby Avenue) thanked Trevor Young and collaborators for providing bus service to the new Social Security office, highlighting proactive collaboration. - Aaron Bainkey (1601 Washington Avenue) formally opposed the proposed alley pavement project affecting his property, stating alleys bring abandoned vehicles and trash without benefit. He expressed willingness to work with the city on a resolution. Discussion Items - Committee Referrals and Item 0550-25 (Fountain at Mound Cemetery) A lengthy debate occurred over whether to refer item 0550-25 (repair of a fountain donated by the Waterworks family) to the Public Works & Services Committee, the Finance & Personnel Committee, or both. Alderman Allen argued the item lacked a fiscal note and should go to Finance; Alderman Mac (district representative) insisted Public Works was appropriate. A motion for a joint referral was defeated 4‑11. The item was ultimately referred to Public Works & Services alone. - Alley Vacation Assessments (Item 0476-25) An amendment was proposed to remove the alley at 16th Street – Washington Avenue – South Memorial Drive – Owen Avenue (east-west) from the list of alley vacations. The sole abutting property owner opposed the assessment. The amendment passed on a roll call vote (all ayes). The main motion approving the remaining alley vacations then carried unanimously. - Liquor License Deferral (Items 0494-25 & 0495-25) Alderman Weiner moved to defer two items related to a new Class A beer license and gas station service license for “Ul and Save LLC” at 930 Washington Avenue. The city attorney noted that a public hearing on geographic restrictions was required by ordinance and had not been held. The motion was amended to defer the items directly to the next common council meeting (rather than back to the PSL committee) to expedite the process. The deferral passed unanimously. - Community Development Authority Items - Approved resolution 2509 for acquisition of 1644 Packard Avenue (blight elimination). The property is unoccupied and for sale. - Approved change order 1 for demolition of 725 Lake Avenue (contract 2024-175), increasing cost by $236,000 (using funds from TID 9 and TID 17). The change was necessitated by DNR findings of additional contaminants. Vote: 12‑3 (Aldermen Weiner, Harmon, and Pavone opposed). - Mayor’s Report - Approved street closure for the “Gentleton Festival” on June 14, 2024 (note: date discrepancy; transcript references 2024, but meeting is in 2025). Motion passed. - Approved appointments to various boards: Taylor Nelson (Library Board), Rosalind Thomas (Waterworks Commission and Wastewater Commission), Alderman Mac (Due Process Board), Dr. Burjee (Board of Health), Robert Turner (Police and Fire Commission), Sarah Boston (Board of Ethics), McKenna Quinter (CDBG Advisory Board), and Dr. Alison Weiss (CDBG Advisory Board). All appointments passed with one nay (Alderman Weiner). Key Outcomes - Minutes and Proclamations approved. - Referrals completed as detailed (most items assigned to standing committees). - Alley vacation list amended and passed. - Liquor licenses deferred to next council meeting for required public hearing. - CDA acquisitions and change order approved. - Street closure and appointments approved. - Consent agenda adopted. - Council announcements included condolences, congratulations to graduates, and upcoming community events (Community Black Ride on June 14, Blood Drive on June 20, Wear Orange event, Sneaker Ball, Coffee with the Cop, Juneteenth celebrations).

Note on date discrepancy: The raw transcript indicates the meeting occurred on April 15, 2025, but per the provided metadata, this summary uses the date June 20, 2025. The meeting was called to order at 6:00 p.m. to swear in new aldermen, elect council leadership, and appoint standing committees. Oath of Office & New Alder Remarks - Incoming aldermen (Alder Jorgensen, Alder Pavan, Alder Allen, Alder Fraser, and Alder Escada) were sworn in. Returning Alder Land also made remarks. - Several new aldermen expressed gratitude to supporters. Alder Jorgensen announced his wife was about to give birth that evening. Alder Pavan emphasized unity, noting 'we are spokes on the wheel that is city government.' Alder Fraser thanked her church family and a key supporter. Alder Land thanked constituents for approving a firefighter referendum and acknowledged city staff. Election of Council President - Nominees: Alder Maurice Horton (nominated by Alder Land) and Alder David Mack (nominated by Alder Kelly). - Each nominee spoke for up to five minutes. Mack highlighted his experience as former council president and acting mayor, and pledged to restore collegiality. Horton emphasized seven years of service, committee leadership, and a vision for unifying the council. - Ballots were cast; the clerk did not initially read votes aloud. Alder Weiner questioned this, prompting a roll call on the subsequent VP vote. Result: Alder Horton received 8 votes, Alder Mack received 7. Horton elected Council President. Election of Council Vice President - Nominees: Alder Marlo Harman (nominated by Alder Pete), Alder David Mack (nominated by Alder Press; declined and nominated Alder Davis instead). Alder Davis accepted. - Harman spoke of fairness, team building, and seeing the glass half full; Davis thanked the council for the nomination and noted her long service. - Roll call vote: Harman received 8 votes, Davis received 7. Result: Alder Harman elected Vice President. Standing Committee Appointments - Council President Horton announced appointments: - Finance & Personnel: Alder Land, Alder Jorgenson, Alder Allen, Alder Townsend, Alder Horton - Public Works: Alder Harman, Alder Davis, Alder Mack, Alder Perez, Alder Escada - Public Safety & License: Alder Pete, Alder Fraser, Alder Pavan, Alder Wagner, Alder Kelly - The council then approved the mayor's communications on remaining committees (Item 0412-25) by voice vote. Adjournment - Motion to adjourn passed unanimously.

The Common Council of Racine, Wisconsin, met on Tuesday, June 17, 2025, at 6:00 PM at the Racine Public Library Community Room. The meeting was called to order by Alder Malik Frazier, with 14 members present and one excused. Key actions included approval of the 2026 budget calendar (with a 11-3 vote after debate), several direct referrals for grants and contracts, a public hearing on a liquor license for Fuel & Save, and public comments addressing the repair of the Mound Cemetery fountain and police contract negotiations. The meeting adjourned at 6:51 PM. Consent Calendar - Approval of the June 3, 2025 meeting minutes (passed 14-0). - Numerous communications were referred to committees (Finance and Personnel, Public Works and Services, Public Safety and Licensing) and later approved on the consent agenda, including: - Modification of Ordinance 0006-25 (parking citation debt certification correction). - Settlement of Schoff et al. v. City of Racine for $55,000. - Disallowance of claims by Judith M. Erickson, Tanisha L. Norris, and Albert Dunn. - Contract with Racine Art Museum Association for operation of the Charles A. Wustum Museum of Fine Arts (five-year term, $392,000 in 2025, $400,000 annually thereafter). - Applications for 2025 Bureau of Justice Assistance Grant ($43,072), 2025 Federal Bulletproof Vest Partnership Grant ($76,034 with $76,034 city match), and 2026 Beat Patrol Grant ($121,434 with $40,478 city match). - Approval of the International Brotherhood of Teamsters Local 200 collective bargaining agreement (2025-2026) with 3% and 3.5% wage increases, plus residency differential and retention bonuses. - Sign permission for Racine Police Main Street Community Policing Office (434 Main St.). - Approval of encroachment report for S. Memorial Drive (Durand Ave to 17th St.). - Change Order No. 1 for Fuel Depot Upgrades ($16,739.78). - Lease agreement for Toys 4 Tots ($12,388.67 annually). - Denial of new massage establishment application for Relax 17 (3417 Douglas Ave). - Deferral of massage establishment application for Lucky Weiwen Zhu Therapy (906 State St.). - Renewal of public dance hall license for Banquet Hall Brindis (2025-2026). - Renewal of gasoline service station license for M&M Citgo (2101 Douglas Ave). - Deferral of appearance request for Twenty Grand Lux LLC (1307 Douglas Ave). - Approval of license premise report and formal expression of concern items. - Disallowance of claim of Marissia White. - Approval of addendum/non-disclosure agreement under Wisconsin Judicial Privacy Act. - Authorization for City Attorney to represent city employees in five lawsuits. - Sign permission for Junoesque (1422 Washington Ave). - Discontinuance of Freeman Court right-of-way (public hearing to be set). - Authorization for Ohio Street Road Improvement Project (R/W Project ID 2703-00-06). - Deferral and final receive-and-file of discussion on Sec. 42-63 of city ordinances. - Approval of new Class A fermented malt beverage and gas station licenses for Fuel & Save (930 Washington Ave) – deferred from June 3 meeting. - Renewal of liquor license for Honors Racine LLC (1330 Washington Ave). - Renewal of massage establishment license for Qiuxia Song DBA Main Massage (1324 Main St.). - Receive-and-file of formal expression of concern for Olive Garden Italian Restaurant 1371. - Approval of license premise report and formal expression of concern items. - Renewal of intoxicating liquor license for Twenty Grand Lux LLC (1307 Douglas Ave) with appearance request. - Reallocation of CDBG funds ($8,280.80) for Racine Public Library improvements. - CDBG home repair loan and forgivable grant for 1718 Charles Street ($25,500 total). - CDBG home repair loan and forgivable grant for 1220 Illinois Street ($36,450 total). Public Comments & Testimony - Mike Langendorf (Traeger Langendorf Funeral Home) spoke about the fountain at Mound Cemetery, noting that it is not operable. He urged the Council to repair the fountain to honor Racine’s history and those buried there, including founders, firefighters, and Officer John Hetland (killed in the line of duty six years ago on June 17, 2019). He emphasized that the cemetery is a sacred place and that the fountain should be fixed "so we can begin to never forget." - Oscar Salas (521 4th Street) addressed the Council on two topics. First, he criticized the delay in finalizing a police contract, stating that officers have been promised a contract for over a year and that legal hurdles are supposedly resolved. He urged the Council to act, noting that officers risk their lives daily. Second, he spoke in favor of the Fuel & Save license at 930 Washington Ave, arguing that the business has contributed to community redevelopment, that the location is a gateway to downtown, and that the convenience store would not harm nearby businesses. He encouraged approval. Public Hearing: Fuel & Save Geographical Restrictions - A public hearing was held to consider exceeding geographical restrictions for a Class A Retail Fermented Malt Beverage License for Fuel & Save LLC at 930 Washington Ave. Oscar Salas appeared to speak in support, as noted above. No other public speakers came forward. The hearing was closed, and the item was later approved on the consent agenda. Discussion Items - 2026 Budget Calendar and Process Resolution (Item 0567-25): The Finance and Personnel Committee recommended approval. Alder Weidner called out the item for separate discussion, raising concerns about a new attached resolution that codifies budget amendment deadlines and restrictions. Specific points: amendments must be submitted in writing by close of business on Friday, October 31 (the day after the public hearing); late amendments will not be considered; amendments must identify cuts of equal or greater amount; and amendments for capital projects can only come from capital sources, operations from operations sources. Alder Weidner worried this would limit the Council’s ability to amend the budget during floor debate. The City Attorney explained that the resolution is a rule of procedure for this year’s budget only and can be suspended by a supermajority. Finance Director Fisher confirmed the city faces a structural deficit. Alder Pete and others argued the resolution provides necessary focus. After debate, the motion to approve passed 11-3 (Weidner, Perez, Kelly voting no). - Direct Referral – Wisconsin Emergency Management Hazardous Materials Response Team Contract (Item 0584-25): Mayor Mason requested authorization to sign a contract for July 1, 2025 – June 30, 2027, with the city receiving $98,190.25 per year. Alder Weidner asked why it was a direct referral; answer: timeliness. Passed 14-0. - Direct Referral – State Street Bridge Engineering Agreement (Item 0607-25): Three-party agreement between City, WisDOT, and Hardesty & Hanover LLC for structural rehabilitation of the State Street Bridge over Root River, not-to-exceed $1,241,240.58 (city share $310,310.15, state share $930,930.43). Passed 14-0. - Direct Referral – Law Enforcement Accreditation Grant (Item 0615-25): Application for 2025 Community Development Grant Supporting Law Enforcement Accreditation, up to $300,000 with no city match. Passed 14-0. Key Outcomes - 2026 Budget Calendar approved 11-3 (Ayes: Townsend, Turquoise-Davis, Maack, Jorgensen, Horton, Esqueda, Allen, Peete, Land, Harmon, Pabon; Noes: Weidner, Perez, Kelly; Excused: Frazier). - Hazardous Materials Response Team Contract approved 14-0. - State Street Bridge Engineering Agreement approved 14-0. - Law Enforcement Accreditation Grant approved 14-0. - Consent Agenda (including all committee reports and remaining items) approved 14-0. - The Council noted the sixth anniversary of Officer John Hetland’s death in the line of duty, observed a moment of silence, and lit a candle in his honor. Announcements - Alder Horton reminded of the Island Park beer garden bridge-cutting ceremony on Friday, June 20, at 4:00 PM. - Alder Land announced an NAACP/American Red Cross Blood Donor Day on June 20, 12:00-5:00 PM, with gift cards and a prize drawing. - Several Alders congratulated organizers of Juneteenth celebrations and other community events. - Personal milestones and memorials were shared. The meeting adjourned at 6:51 PM.

The Racine Common Council met on June 20, 2025, to approve routine items, hear public comments, and vote on several referrals and resolutions. The meeting featured extensive tributes to outgoing aldermen Jeff Cole, Melissa Caprillion, Corey Sebastian, and others, and included a divisive vote on a car wash conditional use permit at the Regency Mall. Consent Calendar - Approval of the Journal of Council proceedings from April 2, 2025 (motion by President McCarthy, seconded by Alder Mack, passed unanimously). - All committee reports not pulled for separate consideration were approved on the consent agenda. Public Comments & Testimony - Mary McElvain (1022 Villa Street) thanked outgoing Alder Jeff Cole for his years of service, specifically citing his work on neighborhood cleanups, community gardening, and the nuisance address at 1047 Villa Street. - Michael Nikolai (2137 Neptune Circle, Secretary-Treasurer of Racine Firefighters Local 321) thanked voters for their overwhelming support of the fire department referendum, expressing gratitude for the trust placed in the department. - Heather Coe (1044 Villa Street) praised her father, Alder Jeff Cole, for his dedication, noting his late-night patrols and responsiveness to resident concerns. - Kaisus Prague (address not stated) spoke about the importance of community and thanked outgoing aldermen for their service, referencing the veto override that returned power to the council. - Colin McKenna (724 Crabtree Lane) thanked Alders Melissa Caprillion, Corey Sebastian, Jeff Cole, and Terry McCarthy for their service. - Eva McGee (Layered Avenue) expressed disappointment that her previous concerns were not addressed but thanked outgoing aldermen for their stellar work. - Mike Wilcom (6840 Washington Avenue) spoke against the conditional use permit for a car wash at Regency Mall (item 0382-25), arguing that the parking plan was inadequate for employees and lacked handicap spaces. He requested the item be sent back to the planning commission for review. Discussion Items - Item 0235-25 – Investment Policy Approval: The resolution originally granted the finance director authority to approve the city investment policy. Alder Caprillion moved to amend the resolution to replace “finance director” with “common council” to align with policy language. The amendment passed 14-0, and the amended item was approved unanimously. - Item 0288-25 – Citywise Software Agreement: The city sought to enter into a service and licensing agreement with Citywise Software for a rental property database. Alder Widener moved to suspend the rules to allow the CEO, Dominic Anslow, to speak. The rules suspension passed 11-3. Anslow explained the platform’s success in other cities. The item was then approved unanimously. - Item 0298-25 – Legacy Planning Grant: The city requested permission to apply for and accept a $50,000 grant from Cities for Financial Empowerment to incorporate legacy planning (estate planning) services into the current Financial Empowerment Center model. Alder Caprillion asked for clarification, and Crystal Moore from HRI explained that the grant would expand estate planning services to residents. The item passed unanimously. - Item 0339-25 – Claim of Margaret Morgan: A claim for $20,644 for vehicle damage from a fallen city tree branch. Alder Widener argued the city had prior notice of the tree’s condition (multiple inspections and pruning from 2017–2023, plus calls from the resident). He moved to refer the claim back to the Finance and Personnel Committee for further review. The motion passed unanimously. - Item 0382-25 – Car Wash Conditional Use Permit (Regency Mall): The planning commission recommended approval of the final plans for a car wash. Alder Caprillion moved to refer the item back to the commission, citing parking concerns raised in public comment. The motion to refer failed 5-9. Staff noted that the mall’s parking lot has 20 acres shared among all uses, and ADA parking would be addressed during building permitting. The main motion to approve then passed unanimously. - Item 0413-25 – National Day of Prayer: The city sponsored the commemoration on May 1st. Alder Mack added as co-sponsor. Approved unanimously. - Item 0418-25 – West Street Discontinuance: A public hearing was held for discontinuing a portion of West Street to allow pedestrian access between a school and new community center. No public comments were received. Approved unanimously. Key Outcomes - Investment Policy Amendment: The council voted 14-0 to amend the resolution to require common council approval for changes to the investment policy, then approved the policy as amended. - Rules Suspension for Citywise Speaker: Passed 11-3, allowing the CEO to address the council; the agreement was then approved unanimously. - Legacy Planning Grant: Approved unanimously to apply for and accept the $50,000 grant. - Tree Damage Claim: Referred back to the Finance and Personnel Committee for further review (unanimous vote). - Car Wash Permit: Motion to refer back to planning commission failed 5-9; the permit was approved unanimously. - National Day of Prayer and West Street Discontinuance: Both approved unanimously. - Outgoing Alders Honored: Alder Jeff Cole, Alder Melissa Caprillion, Alder Corey Sebastian, and others gave farewell speeches. The council recognized their decades of service.

No agenda, minutes, or transcript were provided for this meeting. Therefore, no summary of proceedings, discussions, or decisions can be generated. Please provide the relevant documentation for a complete summary.

No meeting agenda, minutes, or transcript were provided for this date. Therefore, no summary can be generated.

This regular meeting of the Racine Common Council, held on May 30, 2025, featured proclamations, public comments on violence prevention funding and a contested liquor license, referrals to standing committees, and several key votes. The council also debated a claim for tree damage, approved a budget amendment, and extended the No Mow May pilot program. Proclamations - Mayor Corey Mason proclaimed May 4–10 as Public Service Recognition Week and May 11–17 as National Police Week/Peace Officers Memorial Day. Public Comments & Testimony - Anthony Boney (349 Sixth Place) shared his experience with mission work and violence in Peru and Racine, expressing a desire to help make the city safer. - Stanley Messi (3207 Indiana Street) urged the council to reconsider the violence prevention funding awards, stating that proposed organizations do not fit the criteria and that the "Backyard Project" would better serve the community. - DeJuan Bastik (1415 South Emerson) supported the Backyard Project, saying it offers opportunities for youth and returning citizens. - Dr. Richard Kemper (1509 Washington Avenue) opposed a liquor license for a social club/bar at 1518 Washington Avenue, citing its 450-person capacity, noise, and parking issues; noted a petition signed by most businesses and residents. - Diana Valencia (city resident) asked the council to respect committee decisions on liquor licenses and avoid back-and-forth. - Lakeisha Davis (Loving Kindness Transitional Services) spoke about her nonprofit providing transitional housing and asked for support to expand. - Yusuf Buckley (1023 Grove Avenue) argued that economic development opportunities for African Americans are being silenced, and that the liquor license would enable capital improvements. - April Wright (business owner in Uptown) urged fair treatment for new businesses, stating that stereotypes should not prevent the applicant from getting a chance. - An unnamed speaker (from Dallas, with a President Obama pin for mentoring 500,000 kids) criticized the violence prevention grant process, alleging incompetence or corruption, and urged the council to fulfill its fiduciary duty. - April Wright (lessee for 1518 Washington Ave) addressed an omission on her application regarding a firearm incident, explaining it was unintentional and asked for a chance to open her establishment. Discussion Items - Referral of Ordinance 0475-25: Debate over whether to send the ordinance (dealing with appointments to boards/commissions) to Finance & Personnel or Public Safety & Licensing. Alder Widener (sponsor) wanted it in her committee; others cited staff recommendation and conflict-of-interest concerns. The council voted 8-7 to refer it to Finance & Personnel. - Claim of Margaret Morgenson (Item 0339-25): The Finance & Personnel Committee recommended paying $20,644 for tree damage to a car. New information revealed the claimant had already been compensated by insurance. After debate, the council voted 8-7 to approve the committee recommendation (i.e., pay the claim). - Liquor License for 1518 Washington Ave (Item 0209-25): Extensive debate on the committee's recommendation to deny the application for a Class B liquor license. A motion to refer back to committee failed (7-8). Then the council amended the motion to approve a beer-only (Class B "little B") license with conditions: reduced hours (midnight closing per revised business plan) and maximum capacity of 150 patrons. The amendment passed 12-3, and the full amended motion (approving little B, denying full liquor) passed 12-3. - Budget Amendment (Item 0445-25): The council approved transferring $325,000 from the general fund to the EMS fund by a 14-0 vote. - No Mow May Extension (Item 0467-25): The council approved temporarily suspending the weed ordinance for properties with No Mow May yard signs, refunding the $25 sign fee, and distributing remaining signs for free. The vote was unanimous. Key Outcomes - Vote on Referral of Ordinance 0475-25: 7 no, 8 aye – referred to Finance & Personnel Committee. - Claim of Margaret Morgenson: 8 aye, 7 no – approved payment of $20,644. - Liquor License for 1518 Washington Ave: Motion to refer back to committee failed 7-8; amendment to approve a Class B beer license with conditions (midnight closing, 150-person capacity) passed 12-3; final vote to deny the full liquor license and approve the beer license passed 12-3. - Budget Amendment (Item 0445-25): Approved 14-0. - No Mow May Extension (Item 0467-25): Approved unanimously. - Consent Agenda: Approved without objection. - Board of Ethics Annual Report: Received and filed unanimously. - Appointment: Alder Harmon appointed to the at-large Executive Committee seat. Announcements - Several aldermen recognized teachers, mothers, police memorial events, and mental health awareness month. Alder Jorgensen introduced his newborn daughter. Alder Pavone shared a personal loss (miscarriage) and expressed solidarity with those facing similar struggles. President Horton announced that summer meetings will move to the public library due to elevator repairs at City Hall.