Public Meetings - Racine, Wisconsin

The Common Council of Racine met on Tuesday, May 20, 2025, at 6:00 PM in City Hall Room 205. Fifteen members were present (Alder Townsend, Turquoise-Davis, Maack, Jorgensen, Weidner, Horton, Esqueda, Allen, Peete, Land, Perez, Kelly, Harmon, Pabon, and Mayor Mason), with one excused (Alder Frazier). The meeting included a proclamation, public comments, numerous referrals to committees, committee reports with multiple votes, and a consent agenda. The meeting adjourned at 9:16 PM. Proclamations - 0552-25 Gun Violence Awareness Day – Proclaimed. Public Comments & Testimony - The following individuals appeared to speak before the Council (no transcripts available): Michael Schrader, Jeanette Brown, Van Carson, Joann Hattix, Suzanne Swiderski, Joni Chambers, Jeff Peterson, Jason Meekma, Greta Neubauer, Denis Navratil, Bruce Carter, Chris Steenrod, Robin Smerchek, Rachel Harrison. Communications (Referrals) - 0516-25 (Alder Perez – $50,000 donation to My Backyard crime prevention): Withdrawn by sponsor. - 0523-25 (Financial Empowerment Center contract with Housing Resources Inc., $200,000): Referred to Finance and Personnel Committee. - 0540-25 (1st Quarter 2025 Fiscal Results): Referred to Finance and Personnel Committee. - 0508-25 (Uptown Green Infrastructure Project, $589,660): Referred to Public Works and Services Committee. - 0509-25 (Road salt purchase, 7,000 tons at $88.75/ton): Referred to Public Works and Services Committee. - 0510-25 (Rhino Bar street closure for fundraiser, June 21, 2025): Referred to Public Works and Services Committee. - 0539-25 (Racine Pride Day sponsorship, June 29, 2025): Referred to Public Works and Services Committee. - 0446-25 (Renaming Carrol Street to Bishop Kirby Lane): Referred to Public Works and Services Committee. - 0493-25, 0494-25, 0495-25 (Liquor license applications for The New Cafe and Fuel & Save): Referred to Public Safety and Licensing Committee. - 0514-25 (Ordinance 0004-25 – Amended Public Comment Procedure) and 0515-25 (Ordinance 0003-25 – Proposed Amended Ordinance Procedure): Referred to Executive Committee by a vote of 8-7 (AYES: Jorgensen, Horton, Allen, Peete, Land, Harmon, Pabon, Mason; NOES: Townsend, Turquoise-Davis, Maack, Weidner, Esqueda, Perez, Kelly). - 0524-25 through 0531-25 (Various police reports, license reports, and ordinances): Referred to Public Safety and Licensing Committee. Committee Reports Finance and Personnel Committee (Ald. Land) - 0233-25 (Ordinance 0006-25 – Parking citation debt certification): Approved on voice vote. - 0341-25 (Update on Ackley et al. litigation): Received and filed on voice vote. - 0343-25 (Modify Charter Ordinances sections 2-2 and 2-206): FAILED (5-9; AYES: Maack, Jorgensen, Esqueda, Land, Perez; NOES: Townsend, Turquoise-Davis, Weidner, Horton, Allen, Peete, Kelly, Harmon, Pabon). - 0343-25 (Modify Code sections 2-361, 42-185, 46-26, 46-27): PASSED (10-4; AYES: Turquoise-Davis, Maack, Jorgensen, Horton, Esqueda, Allen, Peete, Land, Harmon, Pabon; NOES: Townsend, Weidner, Perez, Kelly). - 0347-25 (Purchasing Agent position posting): Received and filed on voice vote. - 0447-25 (Laurel Clark Memorial Fountain maintenance, $24,000/yr): Approved on voice vote. - 0449-25 (Carry forward $16,500 for assessment software): Approved on voice vote. - 0450-25 (Beer Garden services to Naus Brewing): Approved on voice vote. - 0451-25 (Festival Hall parking lot closure for Harbor Fest, June 13-14, 2025): Approved on voice vote. - 0452-25 (Settlement for Cassidy Nicolazzo, $15,658.70): PASSED (14-0). - 0454-25 (Employee retention discussion): Received and filed on voice vote. - 0457-25 (Community Violence Prevention Providers – RFP6-2025): Multiple votes on individual providers: - Safe Haven ($43,269): PASSED (13-0, 1 abstention). - Focus on Community ($50,000): PASSED (11-2, 1 abstention). - Neighborhood Watch ($25,000): PASSED (12-0, 1 abstention). - Awesome Young Authors ($30,000): PASSED (10-4). - Remaining four providers (Fight to End Exploitation, Racine Vocational Ministries, Women's Resource Center, 1000 Generations): PASSED (13-1). - 0459-25, 0460-25, 0461-25 (Claims disallowances): Approved on voice vote. - 0465-25 (Weights & Measures agreement with WI DATCP, $14,250): Approved on voice vote. - 0466-25 (ARPA COVID Recovery Fund extension, $245,286): Approved on voice vote. - 0473-25 (Payroll Manager grade change from J to K): PASSED (10-4; AYES: Turquoise-Davis, Maack, Jorgensen, Horton, Esqueda, Allen, Peete, Land, Harmon, Pabon; NOES: Townsend, Weidner, Perez, Kelly). - 0475-25 (Ord 0002-25 – Board and Commission Appointments): Received and filed (8-6; AYES: Maack, Jorgensen, Horton, Allen, Peete, Land, Harmon, Pabon; NOES: Townsend, Turquoise-Davis, Weidner, Esqueda, Perez, Kelly). - 0477-25 (Ackley et al. litigation response): Motion to strike the recommendation to request reconsideration and stay of back payment PASSED (8-7; AYES: Townsend, Turquoise-Davis, Weidner, Esqueda, Perez, Kelly, Pabon, Mason; NOES: Maack, Jorgensen, Horton, Allen, Peete, Land, Harmon). Then the communication as amended PASSED (12-2; AYES: Townsend, Turquoise-Davis, Maack, Jorgensen, Weidner, Horton, Esqueda, Land, Perez, Kelly, Harmon, Pabon; NOES: Allen, Peete). Fiscal note: over $1 million in back pay, up to $500,000 annual cost. Public Works and Services Committee (Ald. Maack) - 0435-25 (Johnson Financial Group food truck event, July 22, 2025): Approved on voice vote. - 0436-25 (Street paving final resolution): Amended to remove Jonathon Drive from Cul-de-sac to N. Main St. (14-0), then approved as amended (14-1, Mayor Mason dissenting). - 0443-25 (Multi-Site Roof Project, $553,300 to Kaschak Roofing): Approved on voice vote. - 0444-25 (Multi-Site Exterior Restoration Improvements, $1,000,000 to Berglund Construction): Approved on voice vote. - 0456-25 (Wustum Museum Renovation, $258,895 to Rasch Construction): Approved on voice vote. Public Safety and Licensing Committee (Ald. Weidner) - 0421-25 (La Esquina liquor license agent change): Approved on voice vote. - 0438-25 (Marshall on 6th change of ownership): Approved on voice vote. - 0439-25 (Liquor license renewals, except Honors Racine): Approved on voice vote. - 0440-25 (List of licenses not submitted renewal): Received and filed. - 0441-25 (Police license premise report): Approved. - 0442-25 (Formal expression of concern for Select 627 Bar): Approved. - 0464-25 (Appearance of Andrew Wensing, Pub on Wisconsin): Received and filed. Community Development Block Grant Advisory Board (Ald. Horton) - 0496-25 (CDBG home repair loan/grant for 1449 Douglas Avenue): Approved on voice vote. - 0497-25 (CDBG home repair loan/grant for 2309 Coolidge Avenue): Approved on voice vote. Office of the Mayor (Ald. Horton) - 0511-25 (Veto of claim by Margaret Morgenson, $20,644.56): Motion to override veto FAILED (6-8; AYES: Townsend, Turquoise-Davis, Weidner, Esqueda, Perez, Kelly; NOES: Maack, Jorgensen, Horton, Allen, Peete, Land, Harmon, Pabon). Key Outcomes - Veto sustained: Mayor's veto of claim 0339-25 (Margaret Morgenson) was upheld (6-8). - Charter ordinance changes: Sections 2-2 and 2-206 failed; other sections passed. - Violence prevention grants: Awarded to seven providers totaling $309,477.50, with an additional $30,000 to Awesome Young Authors. - Litigation response: Council struck the request for reconsideration and stay in the Ackley case, and approved the amended communication directing the City Attorney not to appeal and to rescind a portion of Resolution 1025-19. - Street paving: Approved for four streets, with Jonathon Drive removed. - Consent Agenda: All items from committee reports as approved were considered adopted by a vote of 14-0. The next scheduled meeting of the Council is Tuesday, June 3, 2025.

The Racine Common Council met on Tuesday, May 6, 2025, at 6:00 PM in City Hall, Room 205. All 15 aldermen were present. The meeting covered proclamations, public comments, referral of numerous communications to committees, committee reports with multiple votes, and a consent agenda. Consent Calendar - Approval of Minutes – The minutes from April 14, 2025, and April 15, 2025, were approved by a unanimous 15‑0 vote. - Consent Agenda – A motion to adopt the consent agenda (encompassing all communications and committee reports not requiring separate roll‑call votes) passed unanimously (15‑0). Public Comments & Testimony - Eleven members of the public appeared to speak before the Council: Bruce Carter, Anthony Boney, Stanley Mehzie, Ejuane Bostick, Lakesha Davis, Dr. Richard Kemper, Diana Valencia, Kristina Campbell, Yusuf Buckly, Mike Shields, and April Wright. The minutes do not record the content or positions of their comments. Discussion Items - Proclamations – The Council recognized Public Service Recognition Week (0491‑25) and Police Week and Peace Officers’ Memorial Day (0492‑25). - Referral of Communications – Numerous communications were referred to the Finance and Personnel Committee, Public Works and Services Committee, and Public Safety and Licensing Committee, mostly on voice votes. One referral (0475‑25, regarding board and commission appointments) required a roll‑call vote, passing 8‑7 in favor of referring to the Finance and Personnel Committee. - Committee Reports - Finance and Personnel Committee Report – Items approved on voice vote included: a three‑year contract with Azteca Systems for Cityworks ($365,042.41), release of Zoo contract funds ($510,000 budget), release of Wustum Professional Services funds ($392,000 budget), waiver of bidding for fire engine refurbishment ($260,820), and acceptance of a BJA grant ($43,072). A claim settlement (0339‑25, Margret A. Morgenson) for $20,644.56 was adopted on an 8‑7 roll‑call vote. - Public Works and Services Committee Report – Approved on voice vote: a professional services agreement for Lathrop Avenue STP Project ($140,725), approval of encroachment report for Lathrop Avenue, a State/Municipal Agreement for Wisconsin Ave improvements ($687,000 total, $150,000 state share), a block party road closure (Jerome Blvd, July 26, 2025), and bid awards for Goold Street Reconstruction ($590,389.12), multi‑site roof project ($553,300), multi‑site exterior restoration ($1,000,000), and Wustum Museum renovation ($258,895). - Public Safety and Licensing Committee Report – Several items approved on voice vote, including a change of ownership license for Mahoffers on Main, annual committee training, and police premise reports. The major discussion item was Adream Social Lounge (0209‑25), a denied application for a Class B liquor license at 1518 Washington Ave. A motion to refer the denial back to committee failed (7‑8). Subsequent motions passed: to limit capacity to 150 individuals (12‑3), to amend the license business plan to set closing hours at 12am and approve for beer (12‑3), and finally to approve the license as amended (12‑3). - Board of Ethics Report – The annual report was received and filed unanimously (15‑0). - Office of the Mayor Report – Two direct referrals were adopted: a $325,000 budget amendment transferring general fund money to the EMS fund to reflect EMS billing revenues (passed 14‑0, one excused), and an extension of the No Mow May pilot, including a refund of the $25 sign fee and free distribution of remaining signs (passed 14‑0, one excused). Key Outcomes - Adream Social Lounge License Approved – After committee denial, the Council voted to approve the license with a 150‑person capacity and a closing time of 12am. Final vote 12‑3. - Claim Settlement Approved – The $20,644.56 settlement for Margret A. Morgenson was approved 8‑7. - EMS Budget Amendment Adopted – $325,000 moved from general fund to EMS fund, 14‑0. - No Mow May Extended – Temporary suspension of weed ordinance for registered participants, with sign fee refunds, 14‑0. - Consent Agenda Passed – All remaining routine items adopted unanimously. The meeting was adjourned at 8:43 PM. The next regular Council meeting is scheduled for May 20, 2025.

No agenda items, minutes, or transcript were provided for this meeting. Consequently, no discussions, public comments, votes, or decisions can be summarized. The meeting may have taken place as scheduled, but no substantive information is available from the supplied materials.

This summary covers the Regular Common Council meeting of the City of Racine, held on Tuesday, March 4, 2025, at 6:00 PM in City Hall Room 205. (Note: The meeting date provided with the records is March 7, 2025, but all agenda, minutes, and transcript reflect March 4, 2025. The summary follows the provided date.) The meeting included a consent calendar, public comments, committee reports, and extensive debate on multiple items, culminating in several notable votes. Consent Calendar - Approval of the Journal of Council Proceedings (minutes) of February 19, 2025, passed 13–0 (Perez excused). - Referral of numerous communications to the Finance and Personnel, Public Works and Services, and Public Safety and Licensing Committees for further review. These were approved without objection on voice votes. Public Comments & Testimony - Swoopy Shuster (Midwest Mountain Lions women’s football team) introduced the team, highlighting their efforts to restart women’s tackle football in Wisconsin. - Yolanda Adams (former Urban League CEO) spoke in support of the 801 Wisconsin Avenue project (historic church redevelopment), emphasizing the need for senior housing and preservation. - Robert Watring (Wazar Corporation) appealed for approval of the conditional use permit for 801 Wisconsin Avenue, citing the building’s historical significance and the need for density downtown. - Michael Schrader (resident) raised concerns about inconsistent application of public comment rules, urging equal treatment for all residents. - Todd Lauer (Racine Police Association) addressed the contract dispute with the city, stating that the RPA disagrees with the city attorney’s legal interpretation and that the mayor has not responded to requests for a meeting. - Sean Rivers (Racine County Veteran Service Officer) requested a parking fee waiver for the September 13, 2025, Veterans Stand Down event, noting that over 3,600 city veterans live in poverty. - Diane Lange (resident) supported the Juneteenth Parade permit, calling it a peaceful and community-building event. - Sonali Knotek (resident) also supported the Juneteenth Parade, emphasizing its historical significance. - Jen Musra (Midwest Mountain Lions coach) advocated for youth girls’ tackle football opportunities in Racine. Discussion Items 1. Baker Tilly Professional Services Agreement (0147-25) The council approved a $146,500 contract with Baker Tilly Advisory Group, LP to assist with IRA 22 tax credits for the Lincoln King Community Center and Clinic project. Alder Kaprelian questioned the contingency if tax credits do not materialize due to policy changes. Doug Bald Sarum (Baker Tilly) explained that tax credits are in the tax code and require an act of Congress to change; the contract is cancelable at any time. The motion passed 12–0 (Perez excused). 2. Veterans Stand Down Parking Fee Waiver (0163-25) The council approved a $1,500 parking fee waiver for the September 13, 2025, event at Festival Hall. Alder Kaprelian then moved to make the waiver annual, which passed unanimously. The final motion (as amended) passed 12–0. 3. $17 Million Bridge Loan for Lincoln King Community Center (0196-25) The council authorized up to $17,000,000 in general obligation promissory notes for the Lincoln King Community Center and Clinic project. Brad Vigo (Baird) reported a final rate of 3.89% (lower than the estimated 4.21%). Alder Weidner opposed, citing reliance on federal grants and potential taxpayer burden. The motion passed 8–4 (Coe, Kaprelian, Weidner, Kelly voted no). 4. Mobile Food Truck Hours of Operation (0896-24) Final approval of an ordinance setting closing hours at 1:00 AM for mobile food establishments. Chief of Police spoke in favor, noting a compromise with vendors. The motion passed 10–2 (Turquoise-Davis and Kaprelian voted no). 5. Common Council Committee Structure (Ord. 0001-25, Item 0166-25) This item sparked extensive debate and multiple amendments. Key votes: - A motion to refer to the Committee of the Whole failed 5–7. - Amendment: No council president or vice president may serve more than two consecutive one-year terms (passed 11–0, with Esqueda absent and Perez excused). Conflicting final vote counts: the transcript records 10 ayes and 2 noes for some items, while the minutes show 11–1. The discrepancy is noted. - Amendment: The three standing committees (Finance, Public Works, Public Safety) will elect their chairs from among their members, and the chair will select the vice chair (passed 11–0). - Amendment: Restore the mayor as an ex officio member of all standing committees (passed 8–2, with two noes). - Amendment: All aldermen are ex officio members of standing committees (passed 10–0). - Final ordinance as amended passed 10–0. 6. Appeal of Conditional Use Permit Denial – 801 Wisconsin Avenue (0245-25) The council considered an appeal of the Planning, Heritage, and Design Commission’s denial of a conditional use permit for a multi-family residence. City staff explained that the proposed seven-story addition did not meet design guidelines (National Park Service Brief 14) and had insufficient parking (needing 40–60 more spaces beyond the new commitment). The motion to allow the appeal (finding PHDC abused its discretion) failed 2–10 (Kaprelian and Weidner in favor). The motion to disallow the appeal passed 11–1 (Kaprelian opposed). 7. Lincoln King Community Center and Clinic – Property Transfers (0247-25, 0248-25, 0249-25) Three related items were approved: - 0247-25: Street privilege for a roof overhang encroachment on West Street (passed 11–1, Weidner no – per transcript; minutes show 11–1). - 0248-25: Initiate discontinuance of a portion of West Street between MLK Drive and 1329 West Street (passed 11–1, Weidner no). - 0249-25: Authorize transfer of property at 960 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Drive to the Lincoln King Community Center and Clinic QALICB, Inc. (per transcript passed 10–2, but per minutes passed 11–1 – discrepancy noted). The city attorney explained the legal process and that the city wholly owns the nonprofit entity. Key Outcomes - Consent agenda items approved (minutes, committee reports, and communications referrals). - Baker Tilly contract for tax credit services approved ($146,500). - Veterans Stand Down parking fee waiver approved, made annual. - $17 million bridge loan for Lincoln King Community Center approved (8–4). - Mobile food truck hours capped at 1:00 AM (approved 10–2). - Ordinance 0001-25 (committee structure) passed after amendments: council president appoints committee members; committees elect chairs; chairs select vice chairs; term limits for president and vice president (two consecutive one-year terms); mayor and all aldermen are ex officio members of standing committees. - Appeal of 801 Wisconsin Avenue conditional use permit denial was disallowed (11–1), upholding the PHDC decision. - Lincoln King Community Center property/street items approved (with a noted discrepancy on vote tallies for property transfer). - Council announcements and adjournment at 10:00 PM.

The City of Racine Committee of the Whole met on March 7, 2025, at 5:30 PM in City Hall, Room 205, to discuss and decide on the process for filling the vacancy in the 2nd Aldermanic District following the passing of Alder Jones. The meeting lasted 16 minutes, adjourning at 5:46 PM. Nine aldermen were present, one absent, and four excused. The council considered whether the current (old) council or the incoming council (after the April 1 election) should make the appointment. Discussion Items - City Attorney summarized options: The council could fill the vacancy by appointment, call a special election, or leave the seat vacant until the end of the term (April 2026). The council must decide which body makes the appointment. - Alder Kaprelian expressed support for the old council making the decision, citing the wisdom and experience of the current body. - Alder Peete argued the new council should decide, stating the burden should be on the incoming council. - Alder Harmon also supported the new council deciding, noting it would allow the new members to choose whom they wish to work with and gain decision-making experience. Key Outcomes - Motion by Alder Maack, seconded by Alder Kaprelian, to have the old council select the replacement. - Motion passed by a vote of 5 to 4. Ayes: Coe, Davis, Maack, Kaprelian, Sebastian. Noes: Horton, Peete, Land, Harmon. Excused: Weidner, Perez, Kelly. Absent: Esqueda. - The meeting adjourned at 5:46 PM.

The meeting occurred on March 4, 2025, but no agenda items, minutes, or transcript were provided. Therefore, no substantive summary of discussions, decisions, or public comments can be generated. The available materials consist of an empty agenda template, a note stating "[No minutes available]," and a blank transcription. Without further information, the content of this meeting remains unknown.

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

The Racine Common Council met on March 4, 2025, at 6:00 PM in City Hall, Room 205. The meeting included public comments, a presentation on Festival Hall and Memorial Hall operations, referral of communications to committees, committee reports, a moment of silence for the late Alder Molly Jones, and council announcements. Key actions involved debate over the referral of a police contract update and a committee restructuring ordinance. Public Comments & Testimony - Deb Munch (2064 Dean Blvd.) reported garbage on a flat roof since July 2024, asking the council to help get it cleaned up. She stated she had filed two complaints and noted the landlord has not acted. Alder Land and Alder Kelly were mentioned as being aware. - Michael Schrader (1636 Chatham St.) requested two no-parking signs and rubber curbs on the 1200 block of North Maine Street, citing parking conflicts among businesses (George’s Encore, a barbershop, a “doggy weed place”) and residents blocking his driveway daily. - Todd Lauer (5817 Bonds Trail, speaking for the Racine Police Association) opposed the mayor’s interpretation of the law regarding health care as a prohibited subject for bargaining. He stated the administration was given a signed contract reflecting the tentative agreement in November 2024 but refused to sign it, costing taxpayers over $1 million in legal fees. He urged the council to demand the mayor sign the contract. - Ken Brown (Racine) argued against the mobile voting van, citing a Wisconsin Supreme Court decision that he claimed “ducked” the case. He said the van is not legal under state law and asked the council not to reauthorize its use in April. Presentation from 5K Events – Memorial and Festival Hall Update Patrick Flynn and Stacey Van Oost of 5K Events presented on their first year managing the facilities. Key points: - In 2024, the company had budgeted for a $200,000 loss but achieved a $33,000 profit (same revenue as predecessor VenueWorks’ best year, which lost $200,000). - They did not use all allocated CIP funds; a $149,000 operating subsidy was also under budget. - The campus is fully booked for 2025 with no free weekends. - Renovations completed at low cost: refinishing the auditorium floor (done for $2,500 vs. a $50,000 quote), repairing doors, tuck-pointing, restoring the Marquee tent, and converting the ice rink warming house into a concession/gift shop. - Utility costs were higher than expected: $25,000 in a recent month (average $14,000/month in 2024); an energy audit is planned. - The company created a sponsorship-driven subsidy fund to help groups fund events. - No significant public safety issues reported; relations with neighbors (e.g., Lakeshore Towers) are positive. - Questions from aldermen addressed alcohol sales, farmers markets, and the potential reinstatement of the Civic Center Commission (advisory role preferred). Discussion Items - Police Contract Update – Communication 0164-25 - Sponsored by Alder Weidner and Alder Kelly, requesting an update from the City Administrator on the police contract status. - Staff recommended referral to Finance and Personnel Committee per ordinance 74-38 (collective bargaining under that committee). - Alder Horton moved to refer to Finance and Personnel; after debate, Alder Maack amended to refer jointly to both Finance and Personnel and Public Safety and Licensing Committees. - Amendment vote: 8 ayes, 4 noes (Coe, Turquoise-Davis, Weidner, Perez opposed). - Main motion as amended: 10 ayes, 2 noes (Weidner, Perez opposed). - Arguments: Alder Weidner and Alder Kelly argued public safety is the appropriate committee due to retention/morale issues; others favored joint referral to address both financial and safety aspects. - Committee Structure Ordinance – Communication 0166-25 - Sponsored by Alder Kaprelian and Alder Weidner, presenting Ordinance 0001-25 to change the Common Council committee structure. - Staff recommended referral to the Executive Committee (past practice); movers requested referral to Public Safety and Licensing. - Motion to send to Executive Committee failed: 4 ayes (Horton, Peete, Harmon, Sebastian), 8 noes (Coe, Turquoise-Davis, Maack, Weidner, McCarthy, Land, Perez, Kelly). - Motion to send to Public Safety and Licensing passed: 10 ayes, 1 no (Sebastian). - Debates centered on the mayor’s control of the Executive Committee versus regular meeting schedules of standing committees. - CDBG Advisory Board Report – Communication 0124-25 (New construction at 1644 S. Memorial Drive) - Recommended approval of up to $359,263 in HOME funds and $14,337 in non-federal revolving loan funds for a new home to be sold to a HOME-eligible homeowner. - Alder Weidner voted no, citing the $14,337 above HUD guidelines. Alder Perez also voted no. - Vote: 10 ayes, 2 noes (Weidner, Perez). Key Outcomes - Referred police contract update jointly to Finance and Personnel and Public Safety and Licensing Committees. - Referred committee restructuring ordinance to Public Safety and Licensing Committee. - Approved consent agenda items including: multiple public health grants (Well Woman, Preventive Health, Maternal Child Health, Lead, HIV Prevention, Immunization, HIV CTR Testing) totaling $287,672; claims of Earl Tucker, Patricia Peksa, Alex Madisen, and Adam A. Locke disallowed; parking fee waiver for Veterans Stand Down event; $17M general obligation promissory notes for Lincoln King Community Center Clinic; encroachment report for Ohio Street; professional services agreement with AECOM for pavement inspection ($113,400); waiver of bidding for Safety Building elevator jack repair; award of sanitary sewer lining contract to Visu-Sewer ($839,608.25); plowing policy review request; Harold’s Chicken and Ice Bar change of hours denied; request for Select 627 Bar appearance; license premises report approval; pet vaccination event at Lincoln Park approved; final payment for downtown street lighting ($98,415.40); change order for downtown street lighting ($297.00). - Approved CDBG allocation for 1644 S. Memorial Drive (10-2). - Council held a moment of silence and remembrance for deceased Alder Molly Jones, who served nearly 10 years. - Meeting adjourned at 8:05 PM.

The Racine Common Council met on Wednesday, February 19, 2025, at 6:00 PM in City Hall Room 205. The meeting included a presentation on Memorial and Festival Hall, public comments, referral of multiple communications to committees, and a vote on a community development project. The council also observed a moment of silence for Alder Mollie Jones. The meeting adjourned at 8:05 PM. Consent Calendar - Approval of the February 4, 2025 meeting minutes passed unanimously (12-0-3). - Multiple communications were referred to the Finance and Personnel Committee on consent voice votes, including: - Professional services agreement with Baker Tilly Advisory Group for IRA 22 tax credits related to the Lincoln King Community Center Clinic project ($146,500 contract, estimated $1.3M-$2.0M in energy credits). - Acceptance of various Wisconsin Department of Health Services grants: Well Woman Program ($135,251), Preventive Health Block Grant ($11,855), Maternal Child Health Block Grant ($53,680 with $40,260 city match), Lead Contract ($25,456), HIV Prevention/Partner Services ($21,000), Immunization Contract ($34,040), HIV CTR Testing Fee ($6,390). - Disallowance of claims from Earl Tucker, Patricia Peksa, Alex Madisen, and Adam A. Locke. - Parking fee waiver for the September 13, 2025 Veterans Stand Down event at Festival Hall (cost not to exceed $1,500). - Status update on collective bargaining with General Teamsters Local Union No. 200. - Resolution authorizing up to $17,000,000 in general obligation promissory notes for Lincoln King Community Center Clinic construction (bridge loan, estimated 4.21% interest). - Communications referred to Public Works and Services Committee on consent: - Encroachment report for Ohio Street project. - Professional services agreement with AECOM for pavement inspection ($113,400). - Waiver of formal bidding for Safety Building elevator jack repair. - Bid award for 2025 Sanitary Sewer Main CIPP Lining to Visu-Sewer ($839,608.25). - Request to revise plowing policy for priority plowing around schools. - Communications referred to Public Safety and Licensing Committee on consent: - Change of hours application for Harold's Chicken and Ice Bar (later denied by committee). - Request for appearance of Select 627 Bar. - Licenses premise report. - Large-scale pet vaccination event at Lincoln Park on May 3, 2025 (rain date May 10) with temporary suspension of ordinance 70-90. Public Comments & Testimony - Four members of the public appeared to speak before the Common Council: Deb Munch, Michael Schrader, Todd Lauer, and Ken Brown. The minutes do not record the content of their comments. Presentation - Patrick Flynn from 5K Events presented on Memorial and Festival Hall. No further details provided in the minutes. Discussion Items - Communication 0164-25 (Police Contract Update): Sponsored by Alders Weidner and Kelly, requesting an update from the City Administrator on the status of the police contract. A motion to amend the referral to send it jointly to the Public Safety and Licensing Committee and the Finance and Personnel Committee passed 8-4 (Maack, Horton, McCarthy, Peete, Land, Kelly, Harmon, Sebastian in favor; Coe, Turquoise-Davis, Weidner, Perez opposed). The amended communication then passed unanimously (12-0-3). - Communication 0166-25 (Committee Structure Ordinance): Sponsored by Alders Kaprelian and Weidner, presenting Ordinance 0001-25 to change the Common Council committee structure. A motion to refer to the Executive Committee failed 4-8 (Horton, Peete, Harmon, Sebastian in favor; Coe, Turquoise-Davis, Maack, Weidner, McCarthy, Land, Perez, Kelly opposed). A subsequent motion to refer to the Public Safety and Licensing Committee passed 10-1 (Sebastian opposed; Horton, Jones, Kaprelian, Esqueda absent). - Committee Reports: - Public Works and Services Committee: Final payment for downtown street lighting ($98,415.40) and a change order ($297.00) approved on consent. - Community Development Block Grant Advisory Board: Allocation of up to $359,263 in HOME funds and $14,337 in non-federal revolving loan funds for new construction at 1644 S. Memorial Drive. A motion to approve passed 10-2 (Weidner and Perez opposed; Esqueda absent; Jones and Kaprelian excused). - Office of the Mayor: Announcement of reorganization of the Public Works and Services Committee. Key Outcomes - Police contract update: Referred jointly to Public Safety and Licensing and Finance and Personnel committees after a successful amendment (8-4). - Committee structure ordinance: Referred to the Public Safety and Licensing Committee after a failed attempt to send it to the Executive Committee. - 1644 S. Memorial Drive development: Approved by a vote of 10-2, allocating $359,263 in HOME funds and $14,337 in non-federal revolving loan funds for new construction, with the completed property to be sold to a HOME-eligible homeowner. - Consent agenda: All referrals and committee reports were approved as presented on a voice vote. - Moment of silence: The council observed a moment of silence and remembrance for Alder Mollie Jones. - Next meeting: Scheduled for Tuesday, March 4, 2025.