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On the hour of six o'clock, having arrived

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on this 1st of September, 2026,

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it is my pleasure to call to order

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the City Racine Common Council.

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Our first order of business is the Pledge of Allegiance

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of the Flag.

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If you could please rise as you are able

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and join me in the Pledge of Allegiance.

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I pledge allegiance to the flag

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of the United States of America

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and to the Republic for which it stands,

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one nation under God, indivisible,

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liberty and justice for all.

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President Jorgensen, we have any excuse

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absences this evening.

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Alder Allen.

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Thank you, note that in the minutes.

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President Jorgensen, would you like to make a motion

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regarding the minutes of August 5th, 2026?

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Yes, I would move to approve the minutes.

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So motion to approve the minutes,

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seconded by Alder Mack.

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Any discussion on said minutes?

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Seeing none, all those in favor please say aye.

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Aye.

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Opposed?

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That motion carries.

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We don't have proclamations for this meeting,

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so we will move on to public comments.

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If the clerk could please read the procedure

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on public comments.

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The public comment segment is an opportunity

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for citizens to speak directly to the Common Council.

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Speakers will limit their remarks to three minutes.

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There shall be no dialogue or interaction

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between the speakers and elected officials or staff.

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This time is not intended to be a debate or discussion.

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The Common Council shall not hear personal complaints

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or attacks against any city employee or elected official

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or any matter related to an individual claim,

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citation, appeal or lawsuit.

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Profane, disruptive, threatening or conduct

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that otherwise impedes the safe, orderly

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and effective conduct of the Common Council meeting

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is equally unacceptable during the public comment period.

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As it is during all other portions of city meetings.

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Candidates for public office may not use this opportunity

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to campaign for office.

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Speakers during the public comment period

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shall follow all rules of the Common Council

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and rulings of the chair,

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including a decision to terminate the remarks

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if the speaker does not adhere to these rules.

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The public comment shall be limited to ideas or concerns

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regarding the city of Racine.

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We encourage you to submit any detailed concerns

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in writing to the city clerk's office

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or your aldermen,

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where they can be properly documented

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and directed for response.

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There will be 13 speakers this evening.

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The first is Diana Knecks at 5101, right, Ave.

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As the first speaker is coming up, as I say,

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at every meeting, every speaker is entitled to three minutes.

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There's a clock that has a countdown on those three minutes.

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After three minutes, the microphone has turned off.

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That is not a reflection or a commentary

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on what you're saying, but an effort rather

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to treat everybody equally.

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After the first speaker, I'd like to begin.

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Oh, hello.

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I'd like to speak of a concern of social media stalking.

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A few weeks ago, I had a fast food restaurant

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that I normally go to and have gone to for many years.

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I was social media stalked,

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and I didn't realize until I went shopping

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waiting after one person said,

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well, your Facebook famous,

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I didn't understand what that meant,

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and she showed me where someone took a picture,

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where I was at one fast food restaurant of my Barbies.

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I take my Barbies with me because I have social anxiety,

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and it helps me so they don't have to live as a recluse,

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because sometimes they get very strange looks,

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very strange comments.

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It's nice to see a smiling face.

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But the person showed me the couple that did this,

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and I talked with the manager.

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However, what followed was the capture was,

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it capitalized what the, and the letter starting with F,

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and then 200 comments about 100 negative, 100 positive.

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Those that were positive were from medical professionals

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or people that understood about people

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that have social anxiety,

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or that carry either a doubt,

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or a clingy thing on their purse or something else,

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and also those of us who are transgender.

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Because sometimes also what people went into,

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this is the diagnostic and statistical manual

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of mental disorders, DSM-4, the current versus DSM-5.

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I have a DSM-5 at home, but it's just a handful.

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Because I bought the phone book,

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it's just to show you how detailed it is.

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And many people, when they do make comments

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about transgender, especially people who have hateful attitudes,

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they use attitudes that date back to the DSM-1,

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which was used up to 1970,

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where there used to be what's called lavender grades,

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where basically gay bars related,

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like, for example, Stonewall, pink grades,

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where people who express infirmative behavior

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in the state with department were fired,

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or even in certain companies were fired.

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And DSM-4 and 5 addresses that,

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basically, those things are illegal.

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But the thing is, I do think we need an educational campaign,

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like the old EZ program,

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about social media stalking,

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and if that doesn't work, some sort of law,

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or some sort of policy on this.

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Consequently, social media stalking also makes it hard

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for people who may be transgender,

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asexual, to find employment.

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And in the 90s, many people who were transsexual

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and asexual could find employment,

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but with the change over internet,

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99, with data brokers and employment spies

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and employment folkers are present, it makes it hard.

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So, again, this is to ease of why we need

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to have an educational program, discussion, or a law.

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Thank you.

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The next speaker is Ron Pearson, 4720 Bird Ave.

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Good evening, all.

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The last time I was here in August sports,

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I mentioned the fact that we've had problems

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where I live in Oakview Manor with the elevators,

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and that happened on two occasions.

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Fortunately, that has been corrected

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at least temporarily.

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We hope the outcome of that thing was,

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I've not been served with an eviction notice

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for, I guess, retaliation.

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And part of that problem is there misconduct

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with the pest control people, as well as,

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Wisconsin Housing Preservation Corporation,

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which is under the management of Meridian.

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Apparently, you know, it's a power play, I think,

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because of the actions that they've taken.

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Our community room has been closed for two weeks

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because of pest control problems,

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and the pest control people that they've contracted with

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are a little bit more selective in different ways,

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and they have treated me kind of in a way

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where I've had to keep up with clutter,

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and their vendors are not exactly

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the most complimentary people.

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They give, you know, like a 12-hour notice that they have to,

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but we're not always sometimes sufficiently prepared.

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And again, our community room has been closed

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for two weeks because of pest control problems,

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which is an ongoing event,

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and in my case, I've seen that for eight years

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living there, often on with three different types

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of managers, besides Meridian.

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Meridian implies itself that they're,

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you know, under, you know,

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Wisconsin Preservation Corporation,

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which is supposed to be a prominent leader

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in the affordable housing industry,

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and their mission, supposedly,

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is to preserve, provide, and protect affordable housing

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for low- and moderate-income individuals and families

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moving in the state of Wisconsin.

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And I find it kind of hard and difficult to understand

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why, you know, they've not been scrutinized

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before with the city of Racine.

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And I hope that we can come to some agreement,

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not just with the Department of Agriculture

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and Consumer Affairs Protection,

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but with, you know, private legal needs that I've been invoked.

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And I hope that it can be resolved in the near future.

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It's an ongoing event,

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and I think the elevator will be going out again.

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The next speaker is Shavandalyn Jackson at 2317 21st Street.

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Good evening, everyone.

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My name is Shavandalyn Jackson.

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I'm here again on behalf of Danny Patel,

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who is a business owner in the community in which I live in.

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He is currently seeking a Class B license

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at the vacant property on Taylor Avenue,

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and I'm just saying that I'm here to support

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him.

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I've been a community member right across the street

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from the business that he currently runs.

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And I do believe that he is responsible

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and will follow city policies and regulations

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in regards to him running that new business.

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It also will bring jobs and opportunities

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to people that live nearby.

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So I'm just here to support him.

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So thank you guys for your time.

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The next speaker is Madeline Thompson at 1906 Erie Street.

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Good evening.

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My name's Madeline, and I'm a lifelong Racine resident.

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I'm here because I'm opposed to the continued use

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of the FLAC automated license plate readers in our city.

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I have many concerns, but only three minutes,

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so I'll keep it to the highlights.

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FLAC is not simply a license plate reader company.

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An article by 404 Media has documented its development of NOVA,

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a license plate people search information gathering

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and database that will start recording people's faces.

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They're not talking about this publicly yet.

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Separately FLAC's AI-powered camera search tools

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have already been used by police to search for people

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based on their physical appearance.

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FLAC says those tools do not use facial recognition,

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however, I have serious concerns about the company's transparency.

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FLAC recently held its annual conference for law enforcement agencies,

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but they barred the media from attending.

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What are they hiding from the public,

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but they're inviting the public officials to?

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There are also a tremendous conflict of interest

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to continue to allow their scene police department

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to audit their own FLAC cameras.

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We now know of two officers who so far

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who have been investigated for misusing the system.

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We have no idea how many more there could be.

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We're at Ever safeguard and might be in place,

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clearly haven't prevented misuse.

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And I don't believe an internal auditing system is sufficient oversight.

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At a time when public trust in police is so strained,

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this unchecked system only heads to the negative opinion.

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Supporters of FLAC will say,

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well, if you don't do anything wrong, you don't have anything to worry about.

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These cameras don't only capture suspects of crime, though.

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They capture ordinary residents going about their lives,

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creating searchable records,

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connecting vehicles, locations, places, and people.

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There are documented incidences of FLAC flagging the wrong car.

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You could do nothing wrong,

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and the police could still hold you at gunpoint

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because they're working off of bad intel.

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There's even a camera on the corner of Erie and English,

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Mr. Max District,

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that appears to point directly into a multi-family building,

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not facing the road.

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What is that intended to capture?

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There's no excuse to treat their residents

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like inmates in their own homes.

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I'm concerned not only about the system we're seeing has today,

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but about what we're connecting ourselves to in the future.

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And the contract.

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Racine deserves better.

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Thank you for your time.

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The next speaker is Deborah Svensson at 2033 Golf Ave.

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Hello, I'm Deborah Svensson.

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I previously lived at 2225 Jerome,

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across the street from Christianos.

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I've known Danny and his family for 26 years.

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I got to say Danny runs a class act.

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He's never had a problem in the neighborhood,

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loved having the corner store to run two for those little odds and ends.

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And back when I had my first apartment,

265
00:13:08,240 --> 00:13:11,240
we shopped at the Pigly Wiggly at the location on Taylor Avenue

266
00:13:11,240 --> 00:13:14,240
that he wants to convert to a grocery store.

267
00:13:14,240 --> 00:13:17,240
It would be nice to have another grocery store there.

268
00:13:17,240 --> 00:13:21,240
Wouldn't it be nice to be able to just go buy some brats hot dogs

269
00:13:21,240 --> 00:13:25,240
and pick up that potato salad and a case of beer for your backyard cookout

270
00:13:25,240 --> 00:13:30,240
instead of having to make six trips all over town just to get that stuff.

271
00:13:30,240 --> 00:13:33,240
And the city doesn't need another blighted building

272
00:13:33,240 --> 00:13:36,240
just waiting to be torn down.

273
00:13:36,240 --> 00:13:41,240
I just hope the initial 11 council members who stood behind Danny

274
00:13:41,240 --> 00:13:44,240
in the beginning are still for him.

275
00:13:44,240 --> 00:13:48,240
I just want to say he's a great business owner.

276
00:13:48,240 --> 00:13:50,240
Thank you.

277
00:13:50,240 --> 00:13:56,240
The next speaker is Belinda Lawrence at 1213 Franklin Street.

278
00:14:02,240 --> 00:14:03,240
Good evening.

279
00:14:03,240 --> 00:14:05,240
I'm Belinda Lawrence, District 1.

280
00:14:05,240 --> 00:14:09,240
I wanted to voice my opinion on the flat cameras.

281
00:14:09,240 --> 00:14:12,240
I currently work with over 700 security cameras,

282
00:14:12,240 --> 00:14:14,240
some with license plate reading capabilities.

283
00:14:14,240 --> 00:14:17,240
They have helped in catching illegal dumpings,

284
00:14:17,240 --> 00:14:22,240
identifying assailants, and locating a neurodivergent runaway child.

285
00:14:22,240 --> 00:14:26,240
I mentioned this so that you know that I have seen and understand

286
00:14:26,240 --> 00:14:29,240
both sides of the camera surveillance issue.

287
00:14:29,240 --> 00:14:32,240
Like any tool, they can be amused.

288
00:14:32,240 --> 00:14:34,240
As was mentioned in news outlets,

289
00:14:34,240 --> 00:14:38,240
there have been nefarious characters using them for the wrong reasons.

290
00:14:38,240 --> 00:14:41,240
Even though, even those sworn to uphold the law,

291
00:14:41,240 --> 00:14:44,240
the proliferation of flat cameras into neighborhoods,

292
00:14:44,240 --> 00:14:46,240
in my opinion, is overkill.

293
00:14:46,240 --> 00:14:50,240
Footages start off site and out of the chain of custody

294
00:14:50,240 --> 00:14:53,240
for an unknown number of days, cross-listed,

295
00:14:53,240 --> 00:14:56,240
and potentially shared by other flat camera users

296
00:14:56,240 --> 00:14:58,240
and other agencies.

297
00:14:58,240 --> 00:15:01,240
What I'm hoping for is oversight.

298
00:15:01,240 --> 00:15:05,240
Is there or should there be someone watching the watchers?

299
00:15:05,240 --> 00:15:08,240
That there is accountability for all users of flock

300
00:15:08,240 --> 00:15:10,240
and other security cameras,

301
00:15:10,240 --> 00:15:14,240
that there is constant vigilance of the chain of custody of footage,

302
00:15:14,240 --> 00:15:16,240
and that the storage is not excessive.

303
00:15:16,240 --> 00:15:18,240
Thank you.

304
00:15:18,240 --> 00:15:21,240
The next speaker is John Christensen,

305
00:15:21,240 --> 00:15:24,240
4020 Blue River Ave.

306
00:15:24,240 --> 00:15:27,240
Good evening.

307
00:15:27,240 --> 00:15:29,240
Those who would give up essential liberty

308
00:15:29,240 --> 00:15:31,240
to purchase a little temporary safety

309
00:15:31,240 --> 00:15:34,240
deserve neither liberty nor safety.

310
00:15:34,240 --> 00:15:38,240
Those words came from one of our founding fathers, Benjamin Franklin.

311
00:15:38,240 --> 00:15:42,240
While the original context of the quotation, dating from 1755,

312
00:15:42,240 --> 00:15:45,240
had nothing to do with the surveillance state,

313
00:15:45,240 --> 00:15:47,240
the message rings true today.

314
00:15:47,240 --> 00:15:53,240
As of July, the city of Racine operated 37 flock license plate reading cameras.

315
00:15:53,240 --> 00:15:57,240
The city of Racine occupies about 15 and a half square miles,

316
00:15:57,240 --> 00:16:00,240
so doing the math you can expect to see two cameras

317
00:16:00,240 --> 00:16:05,240
on every square mile in every square mile of this city.

318
00:16:05,240 --> 00:16:09,240
What I don't think people realize as much as the cost

319
00:16:09,240 --> 00:16:13,240
to the already highly burdened property owners of the city of Racine,

320
00:16:13,240 --> 00:16:17,240
multiple sources list most basic of the cameras from flock

321
00:16:17,240 --> 00:16:23,240
at about $2,500 to $3,000 per camera per year.

322
00:16:23,240 --> 00:16:26,240
That means we are paying at a minimum $95,000

323
00:16:26,240 --> 00:16:30,240
for the right to be watched, and not just the criminals.

324
00:16:30,240 --> 00:16:36,240
Everybody who goes by because much like Pepperidge Farms flock remembers.

325
00:16:36,240 --> 00:16:39,240
We have already seen the cases working their way through the justice system

326
00:16:39,240 --> 00:16:42,240
regarding misuse of the data by law enforcement.

327
00:16:42,240 --> 00:16:46,240
Not all law enforcement to be sure, but enough that we should be concerned.

328
00:16:46,240 --> 00:16:50,240
An Institute for Justice Investigation has identified over 100 cases

329
00:16:50,240 --> 00:16:55,240
of license plate readers abuse, and there have been 50 law enforcement officers accused,

330
00:16:55,240 --> 00:16:58,240
charged, and convicted of misuse of these readers.

331
00:16:58,240 --> 00:17:00,240
And the problem is growing, not shrinking.

332
00:17:00,240 --> 00:17:05,240
In the last two months alone, 240 users were identified with suspicious search histories,

333
00:17:05,240 --> 00:17:09,240
leading to 19 officers in five different states being arrested,

334
00:17:09,240 --> 00:17:12,240
fired, or placed under other investigation.

335
00:17:12,240 --> 00:17:14,240
Further flock is getting it wrong.

336
00:17:14,240 --> 00:17:19,240
Since 2018, in most of these cases happening since 2023,

337
00:17:19,240 --> 00:17:23,240
27 motorists have been wrongfully pulled over, sometimes at gunpoint,

338
00:17:23,240 --> 00:17:25,240
due to automatic plate readers.

339
00:17:25,240 --> 00:17:29,240
This number is considered by the Institute of Justice as a significant undercount,

340
00:17:29,240 --> 00:17:33,240
as most jurisdictions don't report failures of this type.

341
00:17:33,240 --> 00:17:38,240
In a city where we have an incredibly tight budget, where we can only drop off yard waste

342
00:17:38,240 --> 00:17:42,240
one day per week at Pearl Street because of budgetary reasons,

343
00:17:42,240 --> 00:17:47,240
we cannot afford to fund a company that is antithetical to freedom as flock.

344
00:17:47,240 --> 00:17:50,240
Thank you for your time.

345
00:17:50,240 --> 00:17:55,240
Our next speaker is Amanda Pefrath, 1828 Michigan Boulevard.

346
00:18:00,240 --> 00:18:01,240
Good evening.

347
00:18:01,240 --> 00:18:05,240
It's nice to be on this side of the council chambers tonight.

348
00:18:05,240 --> 00:18:07,240
My name is Amanda Pefrath.

349
00:18:07,240 --> 00:18:11,240
I'm a downtown business owner and property owner for nearly 30 years.

350
00:18:11,240 --> 00:18:16,240
I've also been a member and currently a member of the downtown Racine Corporation.

351
00:18:16,240 --> 00:18:26,240
In December of 2025, I was appointed to the downtown Racine Business Improvement District,

352
00:18:26,240 --> 00:18:32,240
and in January of this year, I was elected chair, and that's why I'm here tonight to speak.

353
00:18:32,240 --> 00:18:36,240
I did speak at the Finance and Personnel Committee meeting a few weeks ago,

354
00:18:36,240 --> 00:18:39,240
and that's what I'm going to share with you all tonight.

355
00:18:39,240 --> 00:18:43,240
Before you is an amended operating plan,

356
00:18:43,240 --> 00:18:50,240
the operating plan that you all approved as part of the budgetary process in November had some needed amendments.

357
00:18:50,240 --> 00:18:59,240
One of the most notable was that $125,000 of the original budget was cut and removed

358
00:18:59,240 --> 00:19:07,240
because properties that are apartment buildings and primary residential properties were removed from that assessment.

359
00:19:07,240 --> 00:19:12,240
So as a new board, we had to adjust the budget by $125,000.

360
00:19:12,240 --> 00:19:15,240
We also wanted to increase the size of the board.

361
00:19:15,240 --> 00:19:22,240
There were some inconsistencies in the operating plan and the bylaws of the committee.

362
00:19:22,240 --> 00:19:28,240
And so we asked for a larger group to be part of this organization.

363
00:19:28,240 --> 00:19:33,240
And in addition, we cleaned up some of the operating plan that addresses organizational clarity

364
00:19:33,240 --> 00:19:38,240
between the downtown Racine Corporation and the downtown business improvement district.

365
00:19:38,240 --> 00:19:42,240
Since the communication that you have on the agenda tonight,

366
00:19:42,240 --> 00:19:46,240
the bid board received a letter from the downtown Racine Corporation Executive Committee

367
00:19:46,240 --> 00:19:53,240
asking to terminate the contract with the downtown bid effective the end of September.

368
00:19:53,240 --> 00:19:56,240
So we wanted to be clear with you about that.

369
00:19:56,240 --> 00:20:03,240
The committee is working with legal representation and working with the current accounting firm

370
00:20:03,240 --> 00:20:09,240
so that there is seamless transition in the process of separating the entities.

371
00:20:09,240 --> 00:20:13,240
I'm excited about the opportunity to bring more voices and more transparency

372
00:20:13,240 --> 00:20:17,240
and allow both organizations to focus on their strengths.

373
00:20:17,240 --> 00:20:20,240
DRC does an amazing job at events.

374
00:20:20,240 --> 00:20:26,240
And I'm excited to help the bid with promotion of the district wide as a whole,

375
00:20:26,240 --> 00:20:32,240
not just select businesses that are members of DRC and also to improve the promotion of the district.

376
00:20:32,240 --> 00:20:35,240
So that's what I wanted to present to you tonight.

377
00:20:35,240 --> 00:20:39,240
The same information I presented to the Finance and Personnel Committee

378
00:20:39,240 --> 00:20:46,240
so that the organization is transparent and that you know what's happening in our efforts.

379
00:20:46,240 --> 00:20:48,240
So thank you for your time tonight.

380
00:20:48,240 --> 00:20:50,240
I appreciate it.

381
00:20:51,240 --> 00:20:56,240
The next speaker is Bobby Doyle at 1720 Shoop Street.

382
00:21:03,240 --> 00:21:04,240
Good evening.

383
00:21:04,240 --> 00:21:08,240
Chris, you're not the person that's speaking next.

384
00:21:08,240 --> 00:21:11,240
You're not the next speaker.

385
00:21:12,240 --> 00:21:21,240
I appreciate the enthusiasm, but you're not yet.

386
00:21:21,240 --> 00:21:22,240
Please begin, sir.

387
00:21:22,240 --> 00:21:23,240
Thank you.

388
00:21:23,240 --> 00:21:26,240
My name is Bobby Ayala, actually, not Doyle.

389
00:21:26,240 --> 00:21:27,240
That's new.

390
00:21:27,240 --> 00:21:31,240
So my neighbors and my communities spoke facts.

391
00:21:31,240 --> 00:21:32,240
Let's talk about this.

392
00:21:32,240 --> 00:21:35,240
Let's talk about technology and how we embrace it a lot.

393
00:21:35,240 --> 00:21:37,240
Years ago, there was a game.

394
00:21:38,240 --> 00:21:40,240
Pokemon Go entertaining.

395
00:21:40,240 --> 00:21:41,240
Kids went everywhere.

396
00:21:41,240 --> 00:21:42,240
People went everywhere.

397
00:21:42,240 --> 00:21:43,240
Parks and everything.

398
00:21:43,240 --> 00:21:50,240
Years later, that company made a map and made millions off the back of people, not knowing anything.

399
00:21:50,240 --> 00:21:53,240
Now let's talk about like data centers and Foxconn.

400
00:21:53,240 --> 00:21:54,240
What would be promised?

401
00:21:54,240 --> 00:21:55,240
What would be given?

402
00:21:55,240 --> 00:21:58,240
It doesn't look the same now, does it?

403
00:21:58,240 --> 00:21:59,240
Let's talk about flock.

404
00:21:59,240 --> 00:22:00,240
It was great.

405
00:22:00,240 --> 00:22:04,240
But I believe in my police force that they could solve crimes.

406
00:22:05,240 --> 00:22:06,240
And the thing is this.

407
00:22:06,240 --> 00:22:08,240
What was mentioned?

408
00:22:08,240 --> 00:22:11,240
Yeah, they get 30 days to review it.

409
00:22:11,240 --> 00:22:12,240
But where does that go?

410
00:22:12,240 --> 00:22:14,240
Where does that look take?

411
00:22:14,240 --> 00:22:22,240
There are other agencies, an open record request, that I love to do, will show the other agencies

412
00:22:22,240 --> 00:22:24,240
that look at the same footage.

413
00:22:24,240 --> 00:22:27,240
A lot of it, my understanding is ICE.

414
00:22:27,240 --> 00:22:33,240
And if I'm not mistaken, this council has spoke on that resource, right?

415
00:22:34,240 --> 00:22:37,240
So, thank you all for listening to me.

416
00:22:37,240 --> 00:22:38,240
I love this presence.

417
00:22:38,240 --> 00:22:40,240
I'm not used to this.

418
00:22:40,240 --> 00:22:43,240
I've been in this franchise for a lot of my life.

419
00:22:43,240 --> 00:22:44,240
I love being here.

420
00:22:44,240 --> 00:22:46,240
I love talking to you guys.

421
00:22:46,240 --> 00:22:47,240
I love seeing you.

422
00:22:47,240 --> 00:22:52,240
Please understand, our communities don't want this.

423
00:22:52,240 --> 00:22:53,240
Why do we have to?

424
00:22:53,240 --> 00:22:56,240
Why is something making millions off our backs?

425
00:22:56,240 --> 00:22:58,240
Why is this device being tracked?

426
00:22:58,240 --> 00:23:00,240
Why is this being tracked?

427
00:23:00,240 --> 00:23:01,240
Why is this being tracked?

428
00:23:01,240 --> 00:23:02,240
There's so much stuff we don't know.

429
00:23:02,240 --> 00:23:05,240
They're not telling us, stop, flock.

430
00:23:05,240 --> 00:23:06,240
Let's review it.

431
00:23:06,240 --> 00:23:08,240
Let's give safeguards.

432
00:23:08,240 --> 00:23:09,240
I believe in it.

433
00:23:09,240 --> 00:23:10,240
Two minutes.

434
00:23:10,240 --> 00:23:12,240
I trust this lady in three.

435
00:23:12,240 --> 00:23:17,240
So, let's just stop before we hurt ourselves and our community.

436
00:23:17,240 --> 00:23:22,240
Last month, 90 communities said no to flock.

437
00:23:22,240 --> 00:23:27,240
In Wisconsin, five communities, 16 years old, put bags over them, stop.

438
00:23:27,240 --> 00:23:28,240
Let's stop.

439
00:23:28,240 --> 00:23:31,240
Let's be the city that we're meant to be.

440
00:23:31,240 --> 00:23:33,240
And I believe in it.

441
00:23:33,240 --> 00:23:34,240
Thank you.

442
00:23:34,240 --> 00:23:39,240
The next speaker is Dixit Patel at 6536.

443
00:23:39,240 --> 00:23:45,240
This is going to be out.

444
00:23:45,240 --> 00:23:47,240
Good evening, all council members.

445
00:23:47,240 --> 00:23:48,240
My name is Dixit Patel.

446
00:23:48,240 --> 00:23:51,240
I'm one of the Dennies-Gurtier launch.

447
00:23:51,240 --> 00:23:57,240
First, essentially, I want to thank the council for approving my class

448
00:23:57,240 --> 00:24:00,240
with license with the condition on August 5th.

449
00:24:00,240 --> 00:24:05,240
I trusted the process and decision that I was made, science that approval.

450
00:24:05,240 --> 00:24:12,240
I have continued investing a significant amount of my time, money and hard work into the property.

451
00:24:12,240 --> 00:24:18,240
We have already made many improvements and more work is still in progress because I believe

452
00:24:18,240 --> 00:24:25,240
in this project and, you know, opportunity to bring something positive to this neighborhood.

453
00:24:25,240 --> 00:24:32,240
Today, I respectfully ask for your continued support and your vote to allow me to finish what I have started.

454
00:24:32,240 --> 00:24:37,240
And I understand that the mayor has exercised his veto authority.

455
00:24:37,240 --> 00:24:46,240
However, I respectfully ask you to consider that my application was already reviewed and approved by this council with the condition.

456
00:24:46,240 --> 00:24:57,240
I have listened to the city's concern, agreed to follow the requirement and remain committed to operating responsibly.

457
00:24:57,240 --> 00:25:00,240
This is a more than just a business to me.

458
00:25:00,240 --> 00:25:06,240
My family and I have invested our saving time and futures into this property.

459
00:25:06,240 --> 00:25:12,240
We have collected more than any signature from people in a surrounding area who support our business.

460
00:25:12,240 --> 00:25:23,240
That support means a great deal to my family and me because it shows that many people in this neighborhood believe in what we are trying to build.

461
00:25:23,240 --> 00:25:32,240
My goal is simple to create a clean, safe, responsible family-owned business with a grocery store, daily and a small, separate launch.

462
00:25:32,240 --> 00:25:38,240
We want to create jobs invest in the property and bring a positive business to the neighborhood.

463
00:25:38,240 --> 00:25:41,240
I'm not asking to ignore the city's concern.

464
00:25:41,240 --> 00:25:51,240
I'm asking to the opportunity to continue working under the condition that we're already approved and to prove that I can operate this business responsibly.

465
00:25:51,240 --> 00:25:58,240
I respectfully ask the council to stand by its previous decision and support my class be licensed.

466
00:25:58,240 --> 00:26:07,240
Please give me the opportunity to finish what I have started, open my business, create jobs, and show the community that their needs go to save loans.

467
00:26:07,240 --> 00:26:10,240
Can be a positive addition to racing.

468
00:26:10,240 --> 00:26:13,240
Thank you Mayor and Council Member for your time.

469
00:26:13,240 --> 00:26:16,240
Consider the addition and continue support.

470
00:26:18,240 --> 00:26:23,240
The next speaker is Chris Flynn, 234, Wisconsin.

471
00:26:30,240 --> 00:26:33,240
I'm getting better hearing aids.

472
00:26:37,240 --> 00:26:46,240
Good evening. I'm Chris Flynn. My husband Mark and I are the owners of the DP Wiggly building at 234 Wisconsin Avenue.

473
00:26:46,240 --> 00:26:55,240
I'm here to speak to ask for your support of the official designation of that building as an historic landmark.

474
00:26:55,240 --> 00:26:59,240
We bought the building and the business in 1998.

475
00:26:59,240 --> 00:27:03,240
The building is very much the same as it's been for more than 150 years.

476
00:27:03,240 --> 00:27:10,240
David and Jane Wiggly bought it and opened the business, the DP Wiggly company in 1905.

477
00:27:10,240 --> 00:27:20,240
We still sell many of the products that they sold then, and we've worked hard to preserve the historic character while maintaining the building to the best of our ability.

478
00:27:20,240 --> 00:27:32,240
We've tried to contribute to our community by sharing the building with nonprofit groups, including a received urban garden network, the River Council, Rotary Dragon Boat Races,

479
00:27:32,240 --> 00:27:37,240
and others. It's already considered to be a landmark.

480
00:27:37,240 --> 00:27:44,240
Our goal is to protect and improve it and continue to share it without changing its character.

481
00:27:44,240 --> 00:27:55,240
And it will be helpful to achieve these goals with official historic designation.

482
00:27:55,240 --> 00:28:05,240
Mark and I would like to thank members of the Common Council for your consideration and hopefully your approval of our request. Thank you.

483
00:28:05,240 --> 00:28:11,240
The next speaker is Sheila Patel at 6536 Biscuette.

484
00:28:16,240 --> 00:28:20,240
Good evening Mayor Mason and member of the Common Council.

485
00:28:20,240 --> 00:28:26,240
My name is Neha Patel. I'm Dixi Patel's wife and I'm here in support of Dennis Grossman Lounge.

486
00:28:26,240 --> 00:28:30,240
After receiving the Common Council's approval, we move forward in good faith.

487
00:28:30,240 --> 00:28:37,240
We continue working on the property and invested our time, hard work, and savings into this business.

488
00:28:37,240 --> 00:28:41,240
We also conducted the city twice to check on the status of our license.

489
00:28:41,240 --> 00:28:47,240
Based on the information we had that time, we continue moving forward.

490
00:28:47,240 --> 00:28:57,240
This has been a long and difficult process for our family, but we are committed to following the city's requirement and keeping the promises we made to the council.

491
00:28:57,240 --> 00:29:01,240
We are simply asking for the opportunity to prove ourselves.

492
00:29:01,240 --> 00:29:06,240
We respectfully ask for your support tonight. Thank you for your time.

493
00:29:06,240 --> 00:29:16,240
The last speaker is Andrew Arena at 1110 MLK Drive, number 210 in Milwaukee.

494
00:29:16,240 --> 00:29:20,240
Good evening Mr. Mayor, honorable members of the council.

495
00:29:20,240 --> 00:29:24,240
It was a surprise that I'm here for the second meeting in a row.

496
00:29:24,240 --> 00:29:29,240
I guess I'll see you in about a month for my third meeting in a row.

497
00:29:29,240 --> 00:29:36,240
I want to mention a couple of quickly things. Obviously I'm here for Danny Patel and the Lounge.

498
00:29:36,240 --> 00:29:39,240
I've been involved for quite a while now with Danny.

499
00:29:39,240 --> 00:29:44,240
We've put together our minds and I've been helping and consulting with him

500
00:29:44,240 --> 00:29:51,240
on viable businesses that should be successful if they're run properly.

501
00:29:51,240 --> 00:29:55,240
We've talked about putting in an afternoon tea, for example.

502
00:29:55,240 --> 00:30:04,240
If any of you have ever been to a place that offers an afternoon tea, it's an old English tradition in London.

503
00:30:04,240 --> 00:30:11,240
It's very popular in Vancouver. People really like it. It'll be something different. It'll make the place an event.

504
00:30:11,240 --> 00:30:16,240
The last time I was here, I recall, and I don't remember who brought it up,

505
00:30:16,240 --> 00:30:22,240
but there wasn't years ago a Woodman's application for a liquor license,

506
00:30:22,240 --> 00:30:33,240
and it was seen as important because it's a large grocer to bring them to town and they obtained a liquor license.

507
00:30:33,240 --> 00:30:42,240
I would submit to you that this Class B license on-premise for on-premise consumption is actually,

508
00:30:42,240 --> 00:30:54,240
I think, a safer alternative to allowing customers to consume on-premise and be actually somewhat supervised.

509
00:30:54,240 --> 00:31:03,240
It brought up that this location is close to the Halo Center and a rehabilitation center,

510
00:31:03,240 --> 00:31:10,240
and that I have to tell you, well, first of all, we're not here talking about prohibition.

511
00:31:10,240 --> 00:31:15,240
We're not here saying, you know, these people do not deserve alcohol.

512
00:31:15,240 --> 00:31:20,240
Our inner city homeless unable to behave and do the correct things for themselves.

513
00:31:20,240 --> 00:31:27,240
Are they not entitled to a nice grocery store? It's my understanding that the closest grocery store may be as far as two miles away.

514
00:31:27,240 --> 00:31:35,240
This store is going to offer everything that all the grocery stores offer, the big stores.

515
00:31:35,240 --> 00:31:41,240
There will be meat, produce, vegetables, all of it, everything.

516
00:31:41,240 --> 00:31:46,240
And I would submit to you that when we talk about that Halo in the other place,

517
00:31:46,240 --> 00:31:51,240
there's five liquor licenses that are closer than Danny's.

518
00:31:51,240 --> 00:31:59,240
Are they going to walk by these five taverns and whatever to go to the grocery store to have alcohol?

519
00:31:59,240 --> 00:32:02,240
I don't think so I submit not.

520
00:32:02,240 --> 00:32:09,240
The final point here I want to make is this is a small business who should be rewarding small businesses.

521
00:32:09,240 --> 00:32:13,240
They're embedded in the community. Their money will stay here.

522
00:32:13,240 --> 00:32:18,240
It's not like what means where the money is going to take off and go to another.

523
00:32:18,240 --> 00:32:22,240
This concludes the public comment segment.

524
00:32:22,240 --> 00:32:26,240
We now move on to communications introduced to council.

525
00:32:26,240 --> 00:32:30,240
The first committee for referrals is for the community of the whole.

526
00:32:30,240 --> 00:32:35,240
All of your jorgensen, would you like to make a motion regarding these items?

527
00:32:36,240 --> 00:32:43,240
Yes, I would move to refer item number 0789-26.

528
00:32:43,240 --> 00:32:47,240
Communication sponsored by Aldermank requesting a presentation on floc,

529
00:32:47,240 --> 00:32:50,240
camera slash automated license plate readers.

530
00:32:50,240 --> 00:32:56,240
And also move to refer to the committee of the whole item number 0772-26.

531
00:32:56,240 --> 00:33:01,240
Communication sponsored by Aldermank to take possible action regarding creating,

532
00:33:01,240 --> 00:33:06,240
amending, terminating upholding, or any other action deemed appropriate by the committee

533
00:33:06,240 --> 00:33:11,240
as it pertains to any city of Racine or other relevant floc camera related ordinance.

534
00:33:11,240 --> 00:33:15,240
Contract guidance implementation or policy.

535
00:33:15,240 --> 00:33:19,240
A second to refer these items on that motion.

536
00:33:19,240 --> 00:33:22,240
All those in favor of referring these items please say aye.

537
00:33:22,240 --> 00:33:24,240
Opposed? That motion carries.

538
00:33:24,240 --> 00:33:28,240
We now move on to referrals to finance and personnel.

539
00:33:28,240 --> 00:33:31,240
Would you like to make a motion regarding these items?

540
00:33:31,240 --> 00:33:37,240
I'd like to make a motion to refer the filing items to finance and personnel committee.

541
00:33:37,240 --> 00:33:42,240
Item 058-0758-26.

542
00:33:42,240 --> 00:33:52,240
Communication to accept the 2025 BGA Edward Byrne J grant and renew the inter-local agreement with our CSO.

543
00:33:52,240 --> 00:33:56,240
Item 0759-26.

544
00:33:56,240 --> 00:34:03,240
Communicates in requesting permission to accept a donation from Woodman for the Rave Scene Police Department.

545
00:34:03,240 --> 00:34:06,240
Item 0764-26.

546
00:34:06,240 --> 00:34:11,240
Communication requesting permission to authorize and approve the city of Racine

547
00:34:11,240 --> 00:34:17,240
to join with its partner agencies Racine County and Racine Unified School District

548
00:34:17,240 --> 00:34:25,240
and executing an extension of terms of current agreement through December 31st, 2026.

549
00:34:25,240 --> 00:34:29,240
Item 0765-26.

550
00:34:29,240 --> 00:34:36,240
Communication requesting permission to authorize and approve the city of Racine to join with its partner agencies.

551
00:34:36,240 --> 00:34:44,240
Racine County and Racine Unified School District and executing the Sixth Amendment with Ascension,

552
00:34:44,240 --> 00:34:49,240
Conson Employer Solutions for Racine Employee Health and Wellness Center.

553
00:34:49,240 --> 00:34:52,240
Item 0767-26.

554
00:34:52,240 --> 00:35:01,240
Communication requesting permission to submit the presentation of the second quarter 2026 fiscal results.

555
00:35:01,240 --> 00:35:06,240
Item 0773-26.

556
00:35:06,240 --> 00:35:13,240
Communication submitting the claim of DeShonda Rocket for Considerate Consideration for Disalliance.

557
00:35:13,240 --> 00:35:17,240
Item 0774-26.

558
00:35:17,240 --> 00:35:22,240
Communication submitting the claim of a Lena White for Consideration for Disalliance.

559
00:35:22,240 --> 00:35:26,240
Item 0775-26.

560
00:35:26,240 --> 00:35:37,240
Communication submitting the claim of Granger Integrity Insurance on behalf of its insured Amy and Ryan Thomas for Consideration for Disalliance.

561
00:35:37,240 --> 00:35:40,240
Item 0776-26.

562
00:35:40,240 --> 00:35:48,240
Communication submitting the claim of Sebastian C. Ransom through his Attorneys for Consideration for Disalliance.

563
00:35:48,240 --> 00:35:52,240
Item 0777-26.

564
00:35:52,240 --> 00:35:59,240
Communication submitting the claim of David Crafts and Zinc for Consideration for Disalliance.

565
00:35:59,240 --> 00:36:02,240
Item 0783-26.

566
00:36:02,240 --> 00:36:15,240
Communication requesting permission to enter a sole source three-year contract with Cara Soft Technology Corporation to renew our polymorphic software.

567
00:36:15,240 --> 00:36:18,240
Item 078526.

568
00:36:18,240 --> 00:36:25,240
Communication presenting the Network Health Medicare Advantage Plan Renewal Agreement for Approval.

569
00:36:25,240 --> 00:36:28,240
Item 0786-26.

570
00:36:28,240 --> 00:36:33,240
Communication requesting each department give monthly reports for each department,

571
00:36:33,240 --> 00:36:42,240
including police and fire, public works, city development, finance, customer service and all other departments,

572
00:36:42,240 --> 00:36:45,240
as well as the Mayor's Office and City Administration.

573
00:36:45,240 --> 00:36:51,240
All invoices and credit card purchases made with department fee cards.

574
00:36:51,240 --> 00:36:54,240
Item 0784-26.

575
00:36:54,240 --> 00:37:02,240
Communication requesting to apply for the 2026 E-Cycle Wisconsin Electronics Collection Grant Program.

576
00:37:02,240 --> 00:37:05,240
Item 0791-26.

577
00:37:05,240 --> 00:37:13,240
Communication requesting to enter to agreement with Habitat for Humanity to build three homes.

578
00:37:13,240 --> 00:37:16,240
Item 0792-26.

579
00:37:16,240 --> 00:37:25,240
Communication requesting to adopt the attached resolution regarding the trade negotiations under way with US and Canada.

580
00:37:26,240 --> 00:37:29,240
Item 0794-26.

581
00:37:29,240 --> 00:37:39,240
Communication requesting to commission a commemorative plaque in Memorial of Bishop Lawrence Kirby.

582
00:37:39,240 --> 00:37:42,240
Item 0795-26.

583
00:37:42,240 --> 00:37:49,240
Communication regarding the renegotiation or termination of lock camera system and the city of Racine.

584
00:37:49,240 --> 00:37:52,240
Item 0799-26.

585
00:37:52,240 --> 00:37:57,240
Communication seeking an amendment to the Tax Increment District 25.

586
00:37:57,240 --> 00:38:02,240
Tax increment financing agreement with Jay Jeffers and Company.

587
00:38:02,240 --> 00:38:05,240
Item 0798-26.

588
00:38:05,240 --> 00:38:13,240
Communication a modification of the assignment of tax increment financing payment rights to Jay Jeffers and Company.

589
00:38:13,240 --> 00:38:16,240
I would appreciate a second.

590
00:38:16,240 --> 00:38:19,240
Some motion and a second on these items.

591
00:38:19,240 --> 00:38:20,240
Elder Wider.

592
00:38:20,240 --> 00:38:21,240
Thank you.

593
00:38:21,240 --> 00:38:22,240
A couple of things.

594
00:38:22,240 --> 00:38:32,240
On item 0792 on page 5, the communication from the mayor to adopt the resolution regarding trade negotiations between the US and Canada.

595
00:38:32,240 --> 00:38:38,240
It says that there is a resolution attached and I do not see it attached to this communication.

596
00:38:38,240 --> 00:38:45,240
That'll be forthcoming then in terms of the attachment.

597
00:38:46,240 --> 00:38:54,240
And then my next question on that same item would be wouldn't it be who would be preparing that resolution.

598
00:38:54,240 --> 00:38:57,240
Would that be coming from the city attorney's office?

599
00:38:57,240 --> 00:39:00,240
That would be coming from the mayor's office.

600
00:39:00,240 --> 00:39:01,240
Okay.

601
00:39:01,240 --> 00:39:04,240
Then I have a question on another item.

602
00:39:04,240 --> 00:39:07,240
And that's 0795-26.

603
00:39:08,240 --> 00:39:12,240
My question would be because we are discussing two items regarding the flat camera.

604
00:39:12,240 --> 00:39:22,240
If it could be the whole, would it be appropriate to refer this item to the could be the whole and take up this discussion along with the other two items related to the flat camera.

605
00:39:22,240 --> 00:39:28,240
The fastest resolution on this item would be to have a hearing on it and finance and personnel committee.

606
00:39:28,240 --> 00:39:35,240
That is where the contract was initially adopted and it would give us the opportunity to review it in the next two weeks.

607
00:39:37,240 --> 00:39:38,240
Okay.

608
00:39:38,240 --> 00:39:39,240
Thank you.

609
00:39:39,240 --> 00:39:42,240
All those in favor of the motion, please say aye.

610
00:39:42,240 --> 00:39:43,240
Aye.

611
00:39:43,240 --> 00:39:44,240
Opposed?

612
00:39:44,240 --> 00:39:45,240
The motion carries.

613
00:39:45,240 --> 00:39:48,240
We move on to public works and services.

614
00:39:48,240 --> 00:39:52,240
Alderman, would you like to make a motion regarding these items?

615
00:39:52,240 --> 00:39:53,240
Thank you, Mayor.

616
00:39:53,240 --> 00:39:58,240
Yes, I would like to make a motion to refer the following items to public works and services.

617
00:39:59,240 --> 00:40:09,240
Item 0678-26 communication sponsored by Alderman, to the public works and services committee to have the commissioner of public works.

618
00:40:09,240 --> 00:40:14,240
Give a presentation regarding the operational contract with passport labs,

619
00:40:14,240 --> 00:40:23,240
regarding the upgrading of our existing parking meter system to an all digital format and details of said upgrade.

620
00:40:23,240 --> 00:40:28,240
Item 073-26 communication sponsored by Alderman,

621
00:40:28,240 --> 00:40:39,240
for referral to public works and services neighbors request for stop signs at the intersection of Eisenhower drive and Belmont Avenue and Eisenhower drive and Graham.

622
00:40:39,240 --> 00:40:44,240
Item 073-26 communication sponsored by Alderman,

623
00:40:44,240 --> 00:40:52,240
for referral to public works and services neighbor request for 25 miles per hour speed signs posted on Eisenhower drive.

624
00:40:52,240 --> 00:41:00,240
Item 0760-26 communication sponsored by myself requesting to close off street,

625
00:41:00,240 --> 00:41:15,240
to close off the south side of Robert Boulevard from Chicago street west to the cemetery during the 2026 through 2027 winter season.

626
00:41:15,240 --> 00:41:25,240
Item 0761-26 communication sponsored by myself submitting amendment 1 to contract 2023-145,

627
00:41:25,240 --> 00:41:30,240
3-party professional engineering services contract between the city of Racine,

628
00:41:30,240 --> 00:41:41,240
Wisconsin DOT and AECOM for state project ID 2703-09-02,

629
00:41:41,240 --> 00:41:47,240
Mount Pleasant street from Rapid drive to remain Avenue.

630
00:41:47,240 --> 00:42:01,240
Item 0762-26 communication sponsored by myself submitting a request to enter into state municipal agreement for state project ID 3950-8802 703,

631
00:42:01,240 --> 00:42:07,240
for local roads improvement programs, Chicago street and Gulf Avenue.

632
00:42:07,240 --> 00:42:19,240
Item 0763-26 communication sponsored by myself on behalf of Elsa M Carrero at all and all,

633
00:42:19,240 --> 00:42:30,240
requesting permission for revocable occupation permit for the property located at 1045 Washington Avenue.

634
00:42:30,240 --> 00:42:37,240
Item 0766-26 communication sponsored by myself department of parks,

635
00:42:37,240 --> 00:42:43,240
recreation and cultural services requesting to close off monument square drive from 6 a.m.

636
00:42:43,240 --> 00:42:54,240
to 4 p.m. on October 24th, 2026 for the annual PRCS monument mash Halloween event.

637
00:42:54,240 --> 00:43:09,240
Item 0778-26 communication sponsored by myself submitting road salt prices for salt for ice control during the 2627 winter season.

638
00:43:09,240 --> 00:43:19,240
Item 0779-26 communication sponsored by myself submitting final payment for contract 2025-146,

639
00:43:19,240 --> 00:43:27,240
racing multi-site, tuck pointing, burgland, construction company contractors.

640
00:43:27,240 --> 00:43:45,240
Item 0780-26 communication sponsored by myself submitting final payment for contract 2025-006-2025, sanitary sewer repairs.

641
00:43:45,240 --> 00:43:55,240
Item 0762-26 communication sponsored by myself.

642
00:43:55,240 --> 00:44:11,240
Final item 0781-26 communication sponsored by myself submitting change order number two to contract 2025-006-2025 sanitary sewer repairs.

643
00:44:11,240 --> 00:44:13,240
A second in motion.

644
00:44:13,240 --> 00:44:15,240
This is a second in motion from all the pro bon.

645
00:44:15,240 --> 00:44:19,240
All those in favor of these referrals please say aye.

646
00:44:19,240 --> 00:44:22,240
Opposed that motion carries moving on then to all their peat.

647
00:44:22,240 --> 00:44:29,240
Would you like to make a motion to refer these items to public safety and licensing?

648
00:44:29,240 --> 00:44:35,240
I'd like to refer to the following items public safety and licensing committee move to approve.

649
00:44:35,240 --> 00:44:43,240
Item number 069-326 communication sponsored by myself for the license premises report.

650
00:44:43,240 --> 00:44:58,240
Item number 069-426 communication is again sponsored by myself requesting any consideration and formal expression of concern or other actions pursuant to the police report.

651
00:44:58,240 --> 00:45:13,240
Items 0793-26 communication sponsored by Mayor Mason submitting the attached or curfew adoption which should be in your paperwork, your attachments.

652
00:45:14,240 --> 00:45:21,240
Just as a point of information item 0793-26 is actually not yet ready.

653
00:45:21,240 --> 00:45:31,240
So the communication regarding the curfew adoption so that may be something we want to receive and file at this time.

654
00:45:31,240 --> 00:45:38,240
Or we can send it to the committee and it can be discussed there.

655
00:45:38,240 --> 00:45:42,240
I think there's a need to do something more in terms of some of the activity.

656
00:45:42,240 --> 00:45:47,240
It's I guess the council's pleasure at very least would move it forward so we can have further discussion on it.

657
00:45:47,240 --> 00:45:50,240
There is a motion to refer these three items.

658
00:45:50,240 --> 00:45:51,240
Is there a second?

659
00:45:51,240 --> 00:45:52,240
Second.

660
00:45:52,240 --> 00:45:53,240
By alder pro bon.

661
00:45:53,240 --> 00:45:55,240
All those in favor please say aye.

662
00:45:55,240 --> 00:45:56,240
Opposed.

663
00:45:56,240 --> 00:45:57,240
That motion carries.

664
00:45:57,240 --> 00:46:00,240
We now move on to the committee reports themselves.

665
00:46:00,240 --> 00:46:01,240
Alder land.

666
00:46:01,240 --> 00:46:03,240
Did you have items for separate consideration?

667
00:46:03,240 --> 00:46:04,240
Yes, I do.

668
00:46:04,240 --> 00:46:05,240
Your Honor.

669
00:46:05,240 --> 00:46:31,240
The first one is item 0689-26 communication sponsored by myself to approve a resolution authorizing the issuance and establishing the parameters for the sale up to 22,700,000 of 2026 general obligation promissory notes dated October 28, 2026 to be used for paying the cost of various

670
00:46:31,240 --> 00:46:42,240
capital improvement and acquisition projects and vehicles and equipment as set forth in the 2026 capital improvement plan.

671
00:46:42,240 --> 00:46:50,240
The recommendation of finance and personnel was to approve the authorizing authorization.

672
00:46:51,240 --> 00:47:08,240
This is a city's normal annual borrowing for a long term capital projects of 18,806,000 and equipment of 3,893,000 that were approved and budgeted and 2026 budget moved to approve.

673
00:47:08,240 --> 00:47:11,240
There's a motion to approve this item multiple seconds.

674
00:47:12,240 --> 00:47:20,240
Just as an aside, I've been informed by the clerk that we will be able to engage in electric voting tonight, so be prepared to vote on your screens.

675
00:47:20,240 --> 00:47:22,240
Discussion on the item itself?

676
00:47:22,240 --> 00:47:23,240
Alder land.

677
00:47:23,240 --> 00:47:24,240
Did you want to speak to your motion?

678
00:47:24,240 --> 00:47:25,240
Pardon?

679
00:47:25,240 --> 00:47:28,240
Did you want to speak further to your motion?

680
00:47:28,240 --> 00:47:32,240
It was called for separate consideration by Alder Widener.

681
00:47:32,240 --> 00:47:37,240
I don't know what?

682
00:47:38,240 --> 00:47:39,240
Alder Widener.

683
00:47:39,240 --> 00:47:40,240
Thank you.

684
00:47:40,240 --> 00:47:53,240
I just have a couple questions for our finance director on this item and the somewhat attached item, which would be 0691.

685
00:47:53,240 --> 00:47:57,240
So I know this is our normal that we typically do.

686
00:47:57,240 --> 00:48:11,240
I think in 2025 we had bonded for an additional 16 million that we had not anticipated for our capital improvement.

687
00:48:11,240 --> 00:48:24,240
So my question for you, Kathleen, is in 2025, what did we long term debt for for our capital improvement?

688
00:48:25,240 --> 00:48:30,240
So this year it would be the 227 and then last year it was how much?

689
00:48:30,240 --> 00:48:31,240
Correct.

690
00:48:31,240 --> 00:48:36,240
Let me just take a peek real quick.

691
00:48:36,240 --> 00:48:43,240
In 2025 for our general capital improvement plan, we borrowed 18.8 million.

692
00:48:44,240 --> 00:48:53,240
This 22 that you see listed here is our regular capital improvement plan plus $2 million for the planning and design for the fire station as well.

693
00:48:53,240 --> 00:48:55,240
Isn't it?

694
00:48:55,240 --> 00:48:56,240
Okay.

695
00:48:56,240 --> 00:49:10,240
So I know and the reason I'm asking this question and why it's related to the item that we will be refunding bonds and adding to the general obligation

696
00:49:11,240 --> 00:49:22,240
for the 15 million, 610,000 was not anticipated when we approved both the capital improvement for last year and then this year.

697
00:49:22,240 --> 00:49:33,240
And my concern is that I don't know if there was any discussion that took place between you and the mayor regarding maybe we need to adjust our capital improvement plan.

698
00:49:33,240 --> 00:49:38,240
How much we intend to spend because of the 15 million that we did not anticipate?

699
00:49:39,240 --> 00:49:41,240
Was there any discussion about that?

700
00:49:41,240 --> 00:49:52,240
Because what my concern is is we are adding this year like 38 million to our long term debt.

701
00:49:52,240 --> 00:49:53,240
Sure.

702
00:49:53,240 --> 00:49:54,240
So let me just clarify.

703
00:49:54,240 --> 00:50:02,240
I don't know that it wasn't anticipated that we would borrow the $15 million for the Martin Luther King Center.

704
00:50:02,240 --> 00:50:04,240
It was anticipated.

705
00:50:04,240 --> 00:50:11,240
I stood right up here and said specifically this was a short term borrowing that would likely be refinanced into a long term borrowing.

706
00:50:11,240 --> 00:50:13,240
That's exactly what we're doing here tonight.

707
00:50:13,240 --> 00:50:18,240
So that was anticipated and talked about that at Common Council last year.

708
00:50:18,240 --> 00:50:26,240
About this time probably before this time actually April of 2025 likely is when we talked about that.

709
00:50:26,240 --> 00:50:33,240
But having said that the capital plan itself obviously is reviewed at budget time by the mayor by the departments.

710
00:50:33,240 --> 00:50:35,240
Departments put in their request.

711
00:50:35,240 --> 00:50:37,240
All of those things are reviewed.

712
00:50:37,240 --> 00:50:45,240
That is actually structured then with our bond council and our professional services with Baird.

713
00:50:45,240 --> 00:50:48,240
So Baird is actually here on behalf of this.

714
00:50:48,240 --> 00:50:56,240
But that is all scheduled out and that's why we do that 10 year plan because we do schedule out what we anticipate borrowing each year.

715
00:50:56,240 --> 00:50:58,240
I understand having a 10 year plan.

716
00:50:58,240 --> 00:51:09,240
But I also understand that kind of like at our homes we have to adjust our plans according to the incidences that come up that we don't we don't anticipate.

717
00:51:09,240 --> 00:51:11,240
And that's kind of what the 15 million is.

718
00:51:11,240 --> 00:51:21,240
And I recall our discussion about short term bonding as we were anticipating about 17 million in grants to come in from the federal government in 2025.

719
00:51:21,240 --> 00:51:29,240
And that was the purpose for the bonding was in anticipation of those grants coming in which they did not.

720
00:51:29,240 --> 00:51:37,240
So and here's what my concern is because last year we had such a huge jump in what we were paying back in long term debt.

721
00:51:37,240 --> 00:51:41,240
Typically we do 18 million last year we did 22.5.

722
00:51:42,240 --> 00:51:54,240
And with what we are borrowing this year for both our usual capital and then adding on top of that the 15 million for the Lincoln King facility.

723
00:51:54,240 --> 00:52:00,240
Are we going to have to increase what we levy to pay back debt for 2027.

724
00:52:00,240 --> 00:52:02,240
And that's what my concern is.

725
00:52:03,240 --> 00:52:11,240
And the other part of that concern is what is carrying all this debt going to do to our bond rating and interest rates that we pay.

726
00:52:11,240 --> 00:52:12,240
Absolutely.

727
00:52:12,240 --> 00:52:15,240
And I will let Brad cover the bond rating.

728
00:52:15,240 --> 00:52:17,240
Most certainly.

729
00:52:17,240 --> 00:52:23,240
But the tax levy for 2027 although the budget is currently being prepared.

730
00:52:23,240 --> 00:52:29,240
I don't anticipate that the tax levy associated with debt will increase for 2027.

731
00:52:30,240 --> 00:52:37,240
This is scheduled very specifically with bear to make sure that we do maintain a level or slight increase in tax levy.

732
00:52:37,240 --> 00:52:45,240
Having said that we do have two major projects that are starting right now one being fire station one and the next one being a police station.

733
00:52:45,240 --> 00:52:50,240
Those are large projects so you are going to see some increase in borrowing in that space.

734
00:52:50,240 --> 00:52:53,240
But I'll let Brad talk about the bond rating quickly.

735
00:52:54,240 --> 00:52:57,240
Before you do that I just want to follow the question on what you just said.

736
00:52:57,240 --> 00:53:04,240
So you don't anticipate an increase over what we paid in debt in 2026.

737
00:53:04,240 --> 00:53:08,240
Or would it be typical to what we usually which is usually around the 18 million.

738
00:53:08,240 --> 00:53:15,240
I expect I do not anticipate an increase from what we budgeted for debt service tax levy in 2026.

739
00:53:15,240 --> 00:53:16,240
Thank you.

740
00:53:17,240 --> 00:53:20,240
I hope you're all here on that.

741
00:53:20,240 --> 00:53:21,240
Thank you.

742
00:53:21,240 --> 00:53:26,240
Brad Vigu with Baird Public Finance just a comment on the bond rating.

743
00:53:26,240 --> 00:53:29,240
Annually you're actually each time the city issues debt.

744
00:53:29,240 --> 00:53:34,240
We approach standard importers and ask them to assign a rating to your general obligation debt.

745
00:53:34,240 --> 00:53:37,240
So we did that in last spring.

746
00:53:37,240 --> 00:53:41,240
April is your soul when the Lincoln King Center financing was in place.

747
00:53:42,240 --> 00:53:44,240
And we did it again in this time of year.

748
00:53:44,240 --> 00:53:50,240
Late summer early fall when your annual CIP issuance was put in place.

749
00:53:50,240 --> 00:53:54,240
So the city's long term bond rating for general obligation debt is double A minus.

750
00:53:54,240 --> 00:53:59,240
And that you've the city's had a double A minus for as long as I can remember.

751
00:53:59,240 --> 00:54:03,240
Going back probably close to 20 years if not more.

752
00:54:03,240 --> 00:54:07,240
S&P also assigns a stable outlook to that rating.

753
00:54:08,240 --> 00:54:11,240
So they're aware of the debt issues that were put in place last year.

754
00:54:11,240 --> 00:54:13,240
We'll go back to them again this year.

755
00:54:13,240 --> 00:54:18,240
But what they're messaging to us and to the city is with a stable outlook.

756
00:54:18,240 --> 00:54:27,240
We wouldn't expect a rating change this year when we approach center importers asking for a rating assignment.

757
00:54:27,240 --> 00:54:32,240
So I recall in years past when you prepare that report that we get annually.

758
00:54:33,240 --> 00:54:45,240
It articulates the pros and cons of our city budget and what plays into having the bond rating that we have.

759
00:54:45,240 --> 00:54:47,240
And we have several negatives.

760
00:54:47,240 --> 00:54:54,240
One of the positive thing was our relatively small debt.

761
00:54:55,240 --> 00:55:07,240
And I'm concerned that that portion of the report that we get is going to change when we are adding an unanticipated $15.5 million to.

762
00:55:07,240 --> 00:55:16,240
Well, again the debt though was anticipated because we went to standard importers and told them you're issuing this debt.

763
00:55:16,240 --> 00:55:18,240
We did that last spring.

764
00:55:19,240 --> 00:55:22,240
Some of the other credit characteristics though outside of debt.

765
00:55:22,240 --> 00:55:24,240
They're not only looking at that.

766
00:55:24,240 --> 00:55:29,240
They look at the economic condition of the city, the management practices, your budgetary performance,

767
00:55:29,240 --> 00:55:38,240
and management practices and budgetary performance in particular are called out specifically as rating positives in the rating report.

768
00:55:38,240 --> 00:55:47,240
The economic factors, you know, we would need to see improvement in the economic factors that go into the rating in order to have an upgrade.

769
00:55:48,240 --> 00:55:54,240
But there's no threat of a downgrade right now because of the stable outlook that's been assigned.

770
00:55:54,240 --> 00:55:55,240
Okay.

771
00:55:55,240 --> 00:55:56,240
Well, thank you for that.

772
00:55:56,240 --> 00:55:57,240
And I just want to make a comment.

773
00:55:57,240 --> 00:56:08,240
I'm not going to vote against these because we anticipated that we were going to have to probably borrow for the bond for the Lincoln King Center.

774
00:56:08,240 --> 00:56:11,240
But I recall the discussion very, very vividly.

775
00:56:11,240 --> 00:56:22,240
And we believed that we were bonding for almost $17 million because there were two federal grants that were supposed to come in and cover that bonding.

776
00:56:22,240 --> 00:56:33,240
So at the time this council voted on bonding $17 million whatever it was, it was with the belief that we were not going to be adding this to our long term debt.

777
00:56:34,240 --> 00:56:45,240
And the reason I'm bringing this up is our finance director just stated that we're going to spend $30 million on building a fire station.

778
00:56:45,240 --> 00:56:52,240
And I know we have been talking about building a new safety building for as long as I have been on council going back to 2000.

779
00:56:52,240 --> 00:57:02,240
And because we now have added $15.5 million of unanticipated debt from the Lincoln King initiative

780
00:57:02,240 --> 00:57:12,240
to our long term debt, I think it would be fiscally responsible for this council to say we've waited this many years for a new fire station.

781
00:57:12,240 --> 00:57:20,240
We need to put that down the road because of this other debt that we've created for ourselves.

782
00:57:20,240 --> 00:57:25,240
So that's the reason I bring it up is because we need to have that discussion.

783
00:57:25,240 --> 00:57:39,240
And it needs to be a discussion that this full body does because we have never before borrowed $38 million for long term debt that I'm aware of in the 26 years I've been around.

784
00:57:39,240 --> 00:57:43,240
So we need to be cognizant of that.

785
00:57:43,240 --> 00:57:44,240
Thank you.

786
00:57:45,240 --> 00:57:46,240
Thank you.

787
00:57:46,240 --> 00:57:49,240
Someone going along with all the whiners just pointed out.

788
00:57:49,240 --> 00:57:55,240
I have a couple of questions for both the bond, person from Barrett and director Fisher.

789
00:57:55,240 --> 00:58:00,240
Number one, what is the additional borrowing due to our cost of interest?

790
00:58:00,240 --> 00:58:03,240
What is it in real terms like in the household?

791
00:58:03,240 --> 00:58:07,240
What is the interest rate for this additional debt?

792
00:58:07,240 --> 00:58:11,240
I understand what you pointed out about the bond rating and real money.

793
00:58:11,240 --> 00:58:13,240
What does that come down to?

794
00:58:13,240 --> 00:58:19,240
And the second part, you may or director Fisher might have answered.

795
00:58:19,240 --> 00:58:26,240
But what does that ultimately do to the taxpayer, both short term and long term?

796
00:58:26,240 --> 00:58:34,240
And I understand interest rates fluctuate, but I think those are the real questions that we need to answer.

797
00:58:34,240 --> 00:58:35,240
Sure.

798
00:58:35,240 --> 00:58:42,240
So the interest rate that's anticipated on the capital improvement plan that the annual borrowing is 3.72%.

799
00:58:43,240 --> 00:58:49,240
And that's paid over, through 2040, would be our final payment date, so about 14 years.

800
00:58:49,240 --> 00:58:57,240
And then on the debt for the Lincoln King Center, anticipated rate is 3.83.

801
00:58:57,240 --> 00:59:00,240
And that's paid over, through 2044.

802
00:59:00,240 --> 00:59:03,240
So it's a slightly longer repayment period.

803
00:59:03,240 --> 00:59:06,240
And that's why there's a slightly higher interest rate.

804
00:59:07,240 --> 00:59:19,240
In terms of the real dollars, the interest cost on the $22.7 million is roughly $5 million over that repayment period.

805
00:59:19,240 --> 00:59:22,240
So over that 14 years, about $5 million in interest.

806
00:59:22,240 --> 00:59:26,240
And on Lincoln King Center, about $7.3 million.

807
00:59:26,240 --> 00:59:31,240
Impact to the taxpayers, and that's what the director had talked about,

808
00:59:31,240 --> 00:59:37,240
we're very deliberate in working together and planning what the debt service levy would look like.

809
00:59:37,240 --> 00:59:45,240
So there's actually anticipated to be roughly the same levy, maybe even a little bit of a drop, going into 2027s budget.

810
00:59:45,240 --> 00:59:53,240
And then we've got upward steps of right around 4% annually to fund inflationary growth in capital projects.

811
00:59:53,240 --> 00:59:55,240
Thank you.

812
00:59:55,240 --> 00:59:57,240
I'm glad I'm not trying to live.

813
00:59:57,240 --> 01:00:03,240
My retirement's not trying to live off of those low interest rates, but that's great for us.

814
01:00:03,240 --> 01:00:08,240
As an investor, it's not good, but as a borrower, it's great.

815
01:00:08,240 --> 01:00:11,240
Thank you.

816
01:00:11,240 --> 01:00:18,240
Seeing no further discussion on this matter, when the clerk opens the roll, please vote, as you wish.

817
01:00:32,240 --> 01:00:34,240
Motion passes unanimously.

818
01:00:34,240 --> 01:00:37,240
All their land, did you have other items for separate consideration?

819
01:00:37,240 --> 01:00:39,240
I have one more.

820
01:00:40,240 --> 01:00:47,240
0691-26, communications sponsored by myself to approve a resolution authorizing the issuance

821
01:00:47,240 --> 01:00:58,240
and establishing the parameters for sale up to $15,610,000 of 2026 general obligation refunding bonds dated October 28,

822
01:00:58,240 --> 01:01:07,240
2026 to refund the general obligation promissory notes issued on March 17, 2025 for the purposes

823
01:01:07,240 --> 01:01:13,240
of paying the construction costs of the Dr. Martin Luther King Community Center.

824
01:01:13,240 --> 01:01:18,240
Recommendation of the Finance and Personnel Committee was to approve.

825
01:01:18,240 --> 01:01:27,240
Fiscal note, the original note was $17 million, has been offset by grants and donations since the initial borrowing.

826
01:01:27,240 --> 01:01:36,240
This $16 million borrowing is the permanent borrowing for this project and will be amortized over 18 years

827
01:01:36,240 --> 01:01:40,240
with principal payments beginning 2028.

828
01:01:40,240 --> 01:01:41,240
Move to approve.

829
01:01:41,240 --> 01:01:44,240
There's a motion and a second to approve this item.

830
01:01:44,240 --> 01:01:46,240
All their widening.

831
01:01:46,240 --> 01:01:49,240
I had a question on that, but it just slipped.

832
01:01:49,240 --> 01:01:51,240
It just slipped my mind.

833
01:01:51,240 --> 01:01:53,240
Oh, my God.

834
01:01:53,240 --> 01:01:56,240
To whom are you directing your question?

835
01:01:56,240 --> 01:01:59,240
Well, I'm to myself because I can't remember it.

836
01:01:59,240 --> 01:02:09,240
I guess for this one, I would just, oh, I remember now.

837
01:02:09,240 --> 01:02:15,240
Further down in the Finance Committee report, there is a gift of a half a million dollars that's going to come in.

838
01:02:15,240 --> 01:02:23,240
I'm wondering if that half a million dollars is going to apply to this balance before we actually do the borrowing.

839
01:02:23,240 --> 01:02:32,240
And then there's also $1.9 million that the Johnson family is donating to the city of Racine for the Lincoln King.

840
01:02:32,240 --> 01:02:38,240
And I'm wondering if that $1.9 million is going to be attributed to that long-term debt on this.

841
01:02:38,240 --> 01:02:40,240
Sure. Thank you for the question.

842
01:02:40,240 --> 01:02:46,240
So both of those grants, both the $500,000 from cool philanthropies and then the $1.9 million from Johnson,

843
01:02:46,240 --> 01:02:49,240
we don't have the restrictions on those grants yet.

844
01:02:49,240 --> 01:02:56,240
Meaning I don't have a letter from either one of those two agencies yet saying what I can and cannot use those funds for.

845
01:02:56,240 --> 01:03:02,240
Having said that, if they can be used for capital, it would offset this borrowing.

846
01:03:02,240 --> 01:03:04,240
I just don't know yet.

847
01:03:04,240 --> 01:03:06,240
I've reached out to cool philanthropies.

848
01:03:06,240 --> 01:03:08,240
We're waiting on some information.

849
01:03:08,240 --> 01:03:11,240
So right now, this has been my refinance.

850
01:03:11,240 --> 01:03:15,240
But yes, every penny that I can pay down debt, I'm going to pay it down as fast as I can.

851
01:03:15,240 --> 01:03:19,240
Thank you.

852
01:03:19,240 --> 01:03:43,240
See no further discussion on this item when the clerk calls you roll the roll or opens the roll rather please vote on your screen as you wish.

853
01:03:43,240 --> 01:03:47,240
Motion passes. 13 to 1.

854
01:03:47,240 --> 01:03:50,240
Alderland, did you have any other items for separate consideration?

855
01:03:50,240 --> 01:03:54,240
No, Your Honor. The third item was withdrawn by the requester.

856
01:03:54,240 --> 01:03:58,240
All right. Then without objection, the remainder of these items will be placed on the consent agenda.

857
01:03:58,240 --> 01:04:01,240
And we will move on to public works and services.

858
01:04:01,240 --> 01:04:05,240
Alder Harmon, did you have any items for separate consideration?

859
01:04:05,240 --> 01:04:07,240
No, I don't, Your Honor.

860
01:04:07,240 --> 01:04:11,240
Then without objection, this report will be placed in full on the consent agenda.

861
01:04:11,240 --> 01:04:14,240
And we will move on to public services and licensing.

862
01:04:14,240 --> 01:04:18,240
Alder, Pete, did you have any items for separate consideration?

863
01:04:18,240 --> 01:04:19,240
No, I don't, sir.

864
01:04:19,240 --> 01:04:23,240
Then without objection, these items will be placed on the consent agenda.

865
01:04:23,240 --> 01:04:28,240
We'll then move on to planning heritage and design.

866
01:04:28,240 --> 01:04:33,240
Alder, Pete, did you have any requests for separate consideration on this report?

867
01:04:33,240 --> 01:04:35,240
No, I do not, sir.

868
01:04:35,240 --> 01:04:39,240
Then without objection, these items will be placed on the consent agenda.

869
01:04:39,240 --> 01:04:42,240
We will then move on to the community development authority.

870
01:04:42,240 --> 01:04:45,240
Alder Hodges, did you receive any requests for separate consideration?

871
01:04:45,240 --> 01:04:46,240
No, I do not.

872
01:04:46,240 --> 01:04:49,240
Then without objection, this will be placed on the consent agenda.

873
01:04:49,240 --> 01:04:53,240
And this will take us to the transit commission report.

874
01:04:53,240 --> 01:04:59,240
Oh, I'm sorry. Alder, Alder Horton, did you have any requests for separate consideration?

875
01:04:59,240 --> 01:05:03,240
No, I do not.

876
01:05:03,240 --> 01:05:06,240
Then without objection, this will be placed on the consent agenda.

877
01:05:06,240 --> 01:05:09,240
And that moves us to the office of the mayor report.

878
01:05:09,240 --> 01:05:11,240
Alder Jurgensen, would you like to read the item?

879
01:05:11,240 --> 01:05:12,240
Sure.

880
01:05:12,240 --> 01:05:19,240
Item 0720-26, subject direct referral communication sponsor by Mayor Mason,

881
01:05:19,240 --> 01:05:25,240
submitting a veto of the Common Council's action on item 0660-26.

882
01:05:25,240 --> 01:05:31,240
Is there a motion that you're making there?

883
01:05:31,240 --> 01:05:33,240
It's my first time doing this.

884
01:05:33,240 --> 01:05:35,240
Make sure I'm doing this right.

885
01:05:35,240 --> 01:05:39,240
But the motion would be to override the veto on behalf of the council.

886
01:05:39,240 --> 01:05:42,240
It's a motion and a second to override the veto.

887
01:05:42,240 --> 01:05:44,240
Discussion on item?

888
01:05:44,240 --> 01:05:49,240
So this one, we heard it from the requester tonight.

889
01:05:49,240 --> 01:05:56,240
He is okay with the restriction that the council placed on him of having it be approved conditionally and having to come back.

890
01:05:56,240 --> 01:06:03,240
And so I think that it still stands from many of what this body voted on previously,

891
01:06:03,240 --> 01:06:08,240
that with that restriction we felt comfortable that he would be able to open his business

892
01:06:08,240 --> 01:06:15,240
and then have to come back and show that there is a grocery store and there is more to it than just the alcohol portion of it.

893
01:06:15,240 --> 01:06:19,240
So that's why I think much of the support is the same.

894
01:06:19,240 --> 01:06:23,240
I'll be voting in favor of the override.

895
01:06:23,240 --> 01:06:25,240
I'll do it.

896
01:06:25,240 --> 01:06:30,240
Yes, I'm going to speak in favor of overriding this also.

897
01:06:30,240 --> 01:06:36,240
Everybody, you have this petition that was collected by Mr. Patel.

898
01:06:36,240 --> 01:06:41,240
And if you look at all these signatures, most of them are from the area.

899
01:06:41,240 --> 01:06:45,240
There's maybe a few norociders on there, but most of the people live in the area.

900
01:06:45,240 --> 01:06:48,240
They have support for this business.

901
01:06:48,240 --> 01:06:53,240
I support it myself because I'd rather have a nice grocery store with something.

902
01:06:53,240 --> 01:06:56,240
And Mr. Patel is a very responsible businessman.

903
01:06:56,240 --> 01:06:58,240
I've already stated that.

904
01:06:58,240 --> 01:07:08,240
And I'd rather have a nice store and everything there than a vacant lot in a vacant building just sitting there rotting.

905
01:07:08,240 --> 01:07:14,240
We approved it with conditions, so he will have to live up to those conditions.

906
01:07:14,240 --> 01:07:22,240
He's already started spending money because he didn't know this was going to happen on fixing up the place.

907
01:07:22,240 --> 01:07:28,240
And also he would be hiring people and there'd be jobs supporting this business.

908
01:07:28,240 --> 01:07:35,240
So I'm still in favor of this business opening with the license.

909
01:07:35,240 --> 01:07:36,240
Thank you.

910
01:07:37,240 --> 01:07:47,240
When I first saw the notice of the veto, I was inclined to support it, but I missed the last meeting.

911
01:07:47,240 --> 01:07:49,240
And I didn't completely understand the business plan.

912
01:07:49,240 --> 01:07:59,240
I was trying to figure out why are we serving alcohol or having a lounge adjacent to a grocery store.

913
01:07:59,240 --> 01:08:05,240
But as I delved into it and looked at Mr. Patel's reputation,

914
01:08:05,240 --> 01:08:10,240
the fact that he's been a long standing business owner here in the city of Racine.

915
01:08:10,240 --> 01:08:18,240
He's had no violations and has sold alcohol in his other business.

916
01:08:18,240 --> 01:08:29,240
And the fact that restrictions were placed on it, I was much more comfortable with the business plan and the project moving forward.

917
01:08:29,240 --> 01:08:35,240
So I will be supporting the override of the mayor's veto this evening.

918
01:08:35,240 --> 01:08:38,240
Under Davis.

919
01:08:38,240 --> 01:08:42,240
Thank you.

920
01:08:42,240 --> 01:08:52,240
I respect the mayor's authority to veto this item and understand his concerns regarding liquor license density and the previous owning decision.

921
01:08:52,240 --> 01:09:02,240
However, I have significant concerns about using the proximity of the county behavioral health center.

922
01:09:02,240 --> 01:09:09,240
Halo and other services for vulnerable populations as a reason to deny this license.

923
01:09:09,240 --> 01:09:15,240
There is a difference between providing protection and removing agency.

924
01:09:15,240 --> 01:09:27,240
People receiving this behavioral health services, folks experiencing homelessness or using those supportive services should not be automatically,

925
01:09:27,240 --> 01:09:36,240
should not automatically be treated as though they lack the capacity to make responsible decisions for themselves.

926
01:09:36,240 --> 01:09:41,240
Vulnerability does not eliminate autonomy.

927
01:09:41,240 --> 01:09:49,240
Historically, behavior health services were often pushed away from neighborhoods and community life.

928
01:09:49,240 --> 01:09:55,240
Isolation was not necessary beneficial.

929
01:09:55,240 --> 01:10:02,240
Integration into the community can be a part of a healthier, more humane service delivery.

930
01:10:02,240 --> 01:10:10,240
Legitimate public health and safety concerns can be considered without making assumptions about an entire population.

931
01:10:10,240 --> 01:10:17,240
If this license should be denied, the reason should withstand scrutiny on its own merits.

932
01:10:17,240 --> 01:10:20,240
I have some questions.

933
01:10:20,240 --> 01:10:39,240
One is, was the county behavioral health center halo or the behavioral health professionals or people with lived experience consorted before determining that the establishment would be injurious to harmful or harmful to these populations?

934
01:10:39,240 --> 01:10:42,240
Okay, and that's one.

935
01:10:42,240 --> 01:11:01,240
And then my other is, is the proximity to this behavioral health facility or homeless service provider in established criteria used when reviewing liquor license applications have this came up before?

936
01:11:01,240 --> 01:11:06,240
So I'll pause there.

937
01:11:06,240 --> 01:11:11,240
So my question, yeah, this would be to, I guess, to the mayor.

938
01:11:11,240 --> 01:11:23,240
Was these individuals consorted before determining that the establishment would be harmful to these populations?

939
01:11:23,240 --> 01:11:27,240
So at this point, I'm chairing the meeting that participating in the conversation.

940
01:11:27,240 --> 01:11:37,240
The reasons I gave her in the veto message and would encourage people to vote accordingly based on the previous meeting and the message that's in the veto message.

941
01:11:37,240 --> 01:11:38,240
All right.

942
01:11:38,240 --> 01:11:40,240
Thank you.

943
01:11:40,240 --> 01:11:52,240
I think it's been a while since we have had a veto before us and I believe we have at least three new members of this body that will now be participating in their first veto and perhaps.

944
01:11:52,240 --> 01:11:55,240
A veto override.

945
01:11:55,240 --> 01:12:03,240
I would ask the city attorney to explain to the council about a veto override.

946
01:12:03,240 --> 01:12:07,240
The city attorney could outline the conditions for a veto override.

947
01:12:07,240 --> 01:12:09,240
Sure.

948
01:12:09,240 --> 01:12:16,240
The mayor is required if he's going to veto an action to do so within five days of.

949
01:12:17,240 --> 01:12:21,240
The acts of the council being submitted to him by the clerk.

950
01:12:21,240 --> 01:12:23,240
Mason did that in this case.

951
01:12:23,240 --> 01:12:29,240
And then the objections are presented at the next regular common council meeting.

952
01:12:29,240 --> 01:12:34,240
Two thirds of the, if there's a motion to override the veto.

953
01:12:34,240 --> 01:12:41,240
If two thirds of all of the members of the common council, so that would be 10 people.

954
01:12:42,240 --> 01:12:45,240
Vote in favor of overriding the veto.

955
01:12:45,240 --> 01:12:48,240
Then the act of the council becomes effective.

956
01:12:48,240 --> 01:12:50,240
That was standing the objections.

957
01:12:50,240 --> 01:12:54,240
So two thirds, 10 votes would override the veto.

958
01:12:54,240 --> 01:13:02,240
All right.

959
01:13:03,240 --> 01:13:05,240
Thank you.

960
01:13:05,240 --> 01:13:10,240
I just want to remind the council when we voted on this item at the last council meeting,

961
01:13:10,240 --> 01:13:15,240
the vote was 11 to one in support of granting the license.

962
01:13:15,240 --> 01:13:22,240
I'm hoping that that doesn't change because it takes 10 aldermen to vote in support of,

963
01:13:22,240 --> 01:13:26,240
to vote I on the motion that was made to override the budget.

964
01:13:26,240 --> 01:13:29,240
So I just wanted to be real clear on that.

965
01:13:29,240 --> 01:13:36,240
So everybody understood how important their, their vote is on this whichever side you stand on.

966
01:13:36,240 --> 01:13:38,240
Thank you.

967
01:13:38,240 --> 01:13:44,240
Alder Herman.

968
01:13:44,240 --> 01:13:46,240
Just so that it could, just so that it's clear.

969
01:13:46,240 --> 01:13:47,240
All right.

970
01:13:47,240 --> 01:13:52,240
Supporting this veto or saying yes would mean what.

971
01:13:52,240 --> 01:13:57,240
I'll ask the city attorney to clarify procedurally what the result of the veto override would be.

972
01:13:57,240 --> 01:14:01,240
The motion is to override the veto.

973
01:14:01,240 --> 01:14:05,240
So an eye vote would be to override the veto.

974
01:14:05,240 --> 01:14:13,240
And if there are 10 votes, 10 eye votes or more, then the license would continue to be granted as the

975
01:14:13,240 --> 01:14:16,240
council approved at the last meeting.

976
01:14:16,240 --> 01:14:24,240
And so a no vote to override it would mean that the license would not be permitted.

977
01:14:24,240 --> 01:14:25,240
Correct.

978
01:14:25,240 --> 01:14:26,240
Thank you.

979
01:14:26,240 --> 01:14:27,240
All right.

980
01:14:27,240 --> 01:14:43,240
I really support the mayor and his ability to veto and his decision with regards to, to this item.

981
01:14:43,240 --> 01:14:50,240
However, I really support the will of the community.

982
01:14:50,240 --> 01:15:11,240
And Racine residents have stated loudly that there are enough businesses that serve alcohol in areas that are not necessarily in benefit.

983
01:15:11,240 --> 01:15:23,240
They're not, they're not, they don't benefit from alcohol being served in areas that have counseling and other things.

984
01:15:23,240 --> 01:15:30,240
Residents have said that they want less establishments that serve alcohol.

985
01:15:30,240 --> 01:15:38,240
And while I believe that the business owner has a great reputation,

986
01:15:38,240 --> 01:15:47,240
I believe that he has done a great job in the current business that he is operating.

987
01:15:47,240 --> 01:15:55,240
There have been positive community statements about what he has done.

988
01:15:56,240 --> 01:16:20,240
I see no public benefit for there being another business that serves alcohol where the people can drink the alcohol during the day and leave that facility and how that benefits the community as a whole.

989
01:16:21,240 --> 01:16:35,240
Our purpose as a, as a unit is to make decisions that are in the best interest of the community even when they don't know that it's in their best interest.

990
01:16:35,240 --> 01:16:41,240
Even when they believe that it's in their best interest and it's not.

991
01:16:42,240 --> 01:16:59,240
We have been voted to make decisions that sometimes aren't popular and sometimes may restrict what they typically would love to happen.

992
01:17:00,240 --> 01:17:12,240
But because my background is in alcohol and drug counseling and because I have worked at a prison and because I know what alcohol and drug treatment looks like and how hard it is.

993
01:17:12,240 --> 01:17:26,240
I cannot support a business plan even if a grocery store is attached to it that allows people to come and drink alcohol and leave during the day whenever it's open.

994
01:17:26,240 --> 01:17:31,240
And there's no accountability for it except for the person who is doing it.

995
01:17:31,240 --> 01:17:36,240
So I will not support overriding this veto.

996
01:17:36,240 --> 01:17:39,240
Thank you.

997
01:17:39,240 --> 01:17:40,240
I'll repeat.

998
01:17:40,240 --> 01:17:41,240
Thank you again.

999
01:17:41,240 --> 01:17:51,240
I'm going to say I hate to be one of the last speakers because it's very challenging not to repeat what's already been said by all the council members.

1000
01:17:51,240 --> 01:18:01,240
But I'm in support of what all the heart Carmen just stated for several reasons again being the nerd if you will that I am.

1001
01:18:01,240 --> 01:18:07,240
I went and got data on Douglas quarter etc.

1002
01:18:07,240 --> 01:18:20,240
And so I we all know I think it's common sense but I did get the data that proves that the more establishments that distribute alcohol increases your expenses.

1003
01:18:20,240 --> 01:18:24,240
For police resources crime etc. etc.

1004
01:18:24,240 --> 01:18:32,240
And because of that it's very challenging for me because I do know Mr. Patel personally.

1005
01:18:32,240 --> 01:18:34,240
I think I'm one of his customers.

1006
01:18:34,240 --> 01:18:35,240
That's not the issue.

1007
01:18:35,240 --> 01:18:43,240
But I would be willing to make a motion to say let's get the other part of make some amendment to what we agreed on last time.

1008
01:18:43,240 --> 01:18:45,240
Let's get it going.

1009
01:18:45,240 --> 01:18:47,240
Come back in six months.

1010
01:18:47,240 --> 01:18:56,240
If it's working out and again I know I don't have a prepared speech so my legal verbiage is not going to be accurate per se.

1011
01:18:56,240 --> 01:18:59,240
But let's give him an opportunity.

1012
01:18:59,240 --> 01:19:03,240
But let's tighten up what we agreed on last time.

1013
01:19:03,240 --> 01:19:05,240
We said something to the effect.

1014
01:19:05,240 --> 01:19:08,240
Put the grocery store in and put the deli in.

1015
01:19:08,240 --> 01:19:14,240
And then if you do that six months from now we'll give you the class B license.

1016
01:19:14,240 --> 01:19:18,240
But let's kind of change that around.

1017
01:19:18,240 --> 01:19:23,240
I would make a motion to say let's put that first.

1018
01:19:23,240 --> 01:19:27,240
Yeah I'll repeat that motion is not in order.

1019
01:19:27,240 --> 01:19:33,240
And what we had before us is if you know my opinion it's either a yes to override or a no.

1020
01:19:33,240 --> 01:19:35,240
Thank you to not over it.

1021
01:19:35,240 --> 01:19:38,240
But does that complete your comments sir?

1022
01:19:38,240 --> 01:19:39,240
Yes thanks.

1023
01:19:39,240 --> 01:19:42,240
Otherwise.

1024
01:19:42,240 --> 01:19:46,240
So I'm just going to say that it went through committee.

1025
01:19:46,240 --> 01:19:47,240
It was pulled.

1026
01:19:47,240 --> 01:19:50,240
I think we talked for 45 minutes.

1027
01:19:50,240 --> 01:19:55,240
And everybody was really uncomfortable about whether or not it was going to be an actual grocery store.

1028
01:19:55,240 --> 01:19:57,240
And I feel like that was the biggest concern.

1029
01:19:57,240 --> 01:20:02,240
And we all came to a consensus that with conditions to make sure it was a grocery store.

1030
01:20:02,240 --> 01:20:05,240
We were comfortable.

1031
01:20:05,240 --> 01:20:07,240
Approving this conditionally.

1032
01:20:07,240 --> 01:20:13,240
I think even what we've seen tonight shows us that he's committed to making it a grocery store.

1033
01:20:13,240 --> 01:20:15,240
We've seen floor plans already.

1034
01:20:15,240 --> 01:20:17,240
Started to put work in.

1035
01:20:17,240 --> 01:20:22,240
So I don't think there's any reason to assume that's not going to happen when that was our biggest concern.

1036
01:20:22,240 --> 01:20:26,240
Or to change course on what we kind of all came to.

1037
01:20:26,240 --> 01:20:30,240
I mean it was like 45 minute conversation at least.

1038
01:20:30,240 --> 01:20:35,240
So while I totally respect everything the mayor said at the last meeting.

1039
01:20:35,240 --> 01:20:37,240
And his concerns.

1040
01:20:37,240 --> 01:20:41,240
I think what we wanted was to ensure it was a real grocery store.

1041
01:20:41,240 --> 01:20:45,240
And so I think we're still on that path to ensuring it's a real grocery store.

1042
01:20:45,240 --> 01:20:49,240
So I wouldn't change my vote from the last time.

1043
01:20:49,240 --> 01:20:51,240
Thank you Mr. Mayor.

1044
01:20:51,240 --> 01:20:55,240
So just to piggyback off of otherwise we did have a very thorough conversation.

1045
01:20:56,240 --> 01:21:00,240
And it took a while for us to figure out a compromise on this particular item.

1046
01:21:00,240 --> 01:21:05,240
And as a reminder to anyone who may still be on the fence that this is a conditional approval.

1047
01:21:05,240 --> 01:21:06,240
That's what it was in the first place.

1048
01:21:06,240 --> 01:21:15,240
So in six months if those conditions aren't being met the public safety and licensing committee can determine whether or not they want to take it or leave it.

1049
01:21:15,240 --> 01:21:22,240
And I will say that I want to commend alder land for sticking by her constituent in business and going to bat.

1050
01:21:22,240 --> 01:21:29,240
And then you know Mr. Patel as long as he continues to have the community's back will continue to have his.

1051
01:21:29,240 --> 01:21:32,240
It's all I'm in support of overriding the veto. Thank you.

1052
01:21:32,240 --> 01:21:35,240
Other Widener for a second time.

1053
01:21:35,240 --> 01:21:42,240
I was just going to ask for a roll call vote on this when it comes up for a voice vote.

1054
01:21:42,240 --> 01:21:46,240
Well which one of voice vote or a roll call vote?

1055
01:21:46,240 --> 01:21:51,240
So voice vote is when we all vote at once a roll call vote is when we vote sequentially.

1056
01:21:51,240 --> 01:21:52,240
That a roll call vote.

1057
01:21:52,240 --> 01:21:53,240
Okay.

1058
01:21:53,240 --> 01:21:55,240
We'll do that in place of the.

1059
01:21:55,240 --> 01:21:56,240
Okay.

1060
01:21:56,240 --> 01:21:59,240
There's no objection to a roll call vote.

1061
01:21:59,240 --> 01:22:02,240
Alder Davis for a second time.

1062
01:22:02,240 --> 01:22:03,240
Thank you.

1063
01:22:03,240 --> 01:22:11,240
I just I wanted to add that this location is on the border of district three.

1064
01:22:11,240 --> 01:22:20,240
And I have not received any calls from constituents stating that they are against this business opening.

1065
01:22:21,240 --> 01:22:25,240
I just wanted to let that be heard that the community that's around.

1066
01:22:25,240 --> 01:22:31,240
I haven't heard anything that says no we would not like this.

1067
01:22:31,240 --> 01:22:35,240
So I will just leave it again.

1068
01:22:35,240 --> 01:22:40,240
We just got to be careful basing assumptions on an entire group of people.

1069
01:22:40,240 --> 01:22:42,240
Let them have their own agency.

1070
01:22:42,240 --> 01:22:43,240
I'm complete.

1071
01:22:43,240 --> 01:22:47,240
So again the vote before us would be to override the veto.

1072
01:22:47,240 --> 01:22:58,240
So function with that means if you vote yes that would override the veto and the license with its conditions would go into place if you voted no the veto to not grant the license would be sustained.

1073
01:22:58,240 --> 01:23:02,240
We're going to do a roll call vote at the request of alder wider when the clerk calls your name.

1074
01:23:02,240 --> 01:23:05,240
Please vote as you wish.

1075
01:23:05,240 --> 01:23:07,240
Alder Mack.

1076
01:23:07,240 --> 01:23:09,240
Alder Jorgensen.

1077
01:23:09,240 --> 01:23:11,240
Alder Widener.

1078
01:23:11,240 --> 01:23:13,240
Alder Horton.

1079
01:23:13,240 --> 01:23:15,240
Alder Hodges.

1080
01:23:15,240 --> 01:23:16,240
Alder Pete.

1081
01:23:16,240 --> 01:23:17,240
Alder Land.

1082
01:23:17,240 --> 01:23:18,240
Alder Demark.

1083
01:23:18,240 --> 01:23:19,240
Alder Kelly.

1084
01:23:19,240 --> 01:23:20,240
Alder Harmon.

1085
01:23:20,240 --> 01:23:21,240
Alder Pervone.

1086
01:23:21,240 --> 01:23:22,240
Alder Frazier.

1087
01:23:22,240 --> 01:23:23,240
Alder Weiss.

1088
01:23:23,240 --> 01:23:24,240
Alder Davis.

1089
01:23:24,240 --> 01:23:30,240
That would be 13 ayes 1 no.

1090
01:23:30,240 --> 01:23:33,240
The veto is overridden.

1091
01:23:33,240 --> 01:23:42,240
We move now on to the consent agenda of tonight's meeting.

1092
01:23:42,240 --> 01:23:46,240
Alder Jorgensen would you like to make a motion to approve the consent agenda?

1093
01:23:46,240 --> 01:23:48,240
I move to approve the consent agenda.

1094
01:23:48,240 --> 01:23:52,240
Motion and a second approved by alder Frazier.

1095
01:23:52,240 --> 01:23:54,240
All those in favor please say aye.

1096
01:23:54,240 --> 01:23:55,240
Aye.

1097
01:23:55,240 --> 01:23:56,240
Opposed?

1098
01:23:56,240 --> 01:23:57,240
That motion carries.

1099
01:23:57,240 --> 01:24:05,240
We now move on to announcements just as a reminder announcements are limited to recognition of city residents and employees memorials and non-political community events.

1100
01:24:05,240 --> 01:24:08,240
In addition to matters related to governmental business is prohibited.

1101
01:24:08,240 --> 01:24:10,240
Are there announcements this evening?

1102
01:24:10,240 --> 01:24:12,240
I would just ask if most people absolutely need to leave.

1103
01:24:12,240 --> 01:24:17,240
We do try to listen to the announcements of all of our colleagues before we go.

1104
01:24:17,240 --> 01:24:18,240
If you must go you must.

1105
01:24:18,240 --> 01:24:22,240
But as a courtesy generally we wait to hear people's announcements before we leave for the day.

1106
01:24:22,240 --> 01:24:27,240
We'll begin with Alder Harmon.

1107
01:24:27,240 --> 01:24:28,240
Thank you Mayor.

1108
01:24:28,240 --> 01:24:39,240
I just want to say to all of the students all of the educators all schools welcome back schools in session.

1109
01:24:39,240 --> 01:24:48,240
I want to say to my granddaughter Nora Harmon you're going to do well this season baby girl.

1110
01:24:48,240 --> 01:24:49,240
You're going to do well.

1111
01:24:49,240 --> 01:24:57,240
So just want to say to everyone again welcome back to school and thank all the educators and all of the schools for all that they do.

1112
01:24:57,240 --> 01:24:58,240
For all that they do.

1113
01:24:58,240 --> 01:24:59,240
For the racing students.

1114
01:24:59,240 --> 01:25:00,240
Thank you.

1115
01:25:00,240 --> 01:25:03,240
Thank you Mr. Mayor.

1116
01:25:03,240 --> 01:25:08,240
To echo Alder Harmon's statements first day back for our USD.

1117
01:25:08,240 --> 01:25:12,240
I know some schools have already been in session but our USD is their first day.

1118
01:25:12,240 --> 01:25:20,240
And so first day is the school can always be tough for students and teachers and can elicit numerous responses including terror or excitement or a happy side.

1119
01:25:20,240 --> 01:25:26,240
So welcome back looking forward to a great school year.

1120
01:25:27,240 --> 01:25:29,240
I had something there but it went away.

1121
01:25:29,240 --> 01:25:32,240
Okay that's all thank you.

1122
01:25:32,240 --> 01:25:34,240
Alder Weiss.

1123
01:25:34,240 --> 01:25:37,240
I don't know how you guys are so fast I wanted to say it first.

1124
01:25:37,240 --> 01:25:39,240
First day of school today was fabulous.

1125
01:25:39,240 --> 01:25:51,240
I know that none of my 21st century prep people are watching this meeting because they're all sleeping probably but just a huge shout out to the entire staff.

1126
01:25:52,240 --> 01:25:54,240
We went through a lot last year.

1127
01:25:54,240 --> 01:26:04,240
Today just felt like a rebirth on this first day seeing the kids come in with all their joy seeing the staff so happy seeing new teachers have their first day ever teaching.

1128
01:26:04,240 --> 01:26:05,240
It's just what it's all about.

1129
01:26:05,240 --> 01:26:13,240
So just thank you thank you thank you to everybody I work with in my building that worked so hard today for our first day of school.

1130
01:26:14,240 --> 01:26:16,240
All right I got three things.

1131
01:26:16,240 --> 01:26:23,240
Number one a week ago no last week we had the funeral celebration for Bishop Kirby.

1132
01:26:23,240 --> 01:26:33,240
So we want to shout out to him and his family let them know that as a city we're praying for the family as well as St. Paul Baptist Church in my district.

1133
01:26:33,240 --> 01:26:40,240
Number two happy first day of school so shout out to all the parents all the kiddos all the teachers.

1134
01:26:40,240 --> 01:26:47,240
I'm a school resource officer so shout out to the SROs that's in there dealing with kids I got 1200 kids so.

1135
01:26:47,240 --> 01:26:50,240
Yeah and then number three.

1136
01:26:51,240 --> 01:27:07,240
Otter Allen is not here because she is competing for Mrs. Wisconsin in Las Vegas and so we wanted to send her good luck vibes and can't wait for her to come back so you go get them.

1137
01:27:08,240 --> 01:27:10,240
Otter back.

1138
01:27:10,240 --> 01:27:17,240
Thank you my condolences to Bishop Kirby's family and to St. Paul Missionary Baptist Church.

1139
01:27:17,240 --> 01:27:36,240
My wife had the honor of singing in a combined community choir on Saturday for that service and prayers and thoughts go out to his family as a deal with a new normal.

1140
01:27:36,240 --> 01:28:02,240
I'd like to wish my wife welcome back to school she started her 21st year I think of teaching last Wednesday and my grandkids started their first day today up in Sheboygan and saw their smiling faces on Facebook wish I could have been there with them to see them off but unfortunately I wasn't able to.

1141
01:28:03,240 --> 01:28:12,240
Last month I missed the meeting so I couldn't well there was a reason I missed the meeting last month I went to hell and back.

1142
01:28:12,240 --> 01:28:28,240
Well hell Michigan that is and while there I was appointed mayor of the incorporated city of hell Michigan and I was also impeached on the same day.

1143
01:28:28,240 --> 01:28:46,240
I'm not sure if it was because I wasn't a resident of hell Michigan or Michigan itself or if it's because I declared free ice cream at the ice cream shop that the proprietors ran.

1144
01:28:46,240 --> 01:28:58,240
So my tenure was very very very short lived but it was a bucket list item and I'm proud to say that I was mayor for a day.

1145
01:28:58,240 --> 01:29:15,240
I'd also like to wish my wife a happy 36th wedding anniversary we celebrated last month also on August 11th and it's been a long ride an interesting ride and it's never been a dull moment thank you.

1146
01:29:17,240 --> 01:29:19,240
All good to mark.

1147
01:29:19,240 --> 01:29:26,240
Repeating everyone's sentiment about today happy first day of school everyone.

1148
01:29:26,240 --> 01:29:40,240
It was really nice seeing kids fill the hallways again with joy and rain as for the school year I keep telling all the staff at your stud that this is going to be a great year.

1149
01:29:41,240 --> 01:29:43,240
Thank you.

1150
01:29:43,240 --> 01:29:54,240
I just I want to start by thanking everyone who in this body that stays for these announcements I think it shows a lot of respect to listen to everybody.

1151
01:29:54,240 --> 01:30:09,240
You know there's 15 of us for a reason we were elected by our constituents I think every person in this body has made a comment at the end to recognize someone or something so I think it shows a lot of respect from everyone to listen to all of those voices

1152
01:30:09,240 --> 01:30:15,240
and opinions here and all the great things that are going on in our city so thank you for those that state.

1153
01:30:15,240 --> 01:30:21,240
Second I want to say happy Labor Day to everybody.

1154
01:30:21,240 --> 01:30:36,240
I think there's a great quote that really I think kicks off the Labor Day celebrations well it's a quote from Abraham Lincoln and it goes if any man tells you he loves America yet hates labor he's a liar.

1155
01:30:36,240 --> 01:30:45,240
If any man tells you he trusts America yet fear is labor he's a fool and so happy happy Labor Day to all my brothers and sisters out there.

1156
01:30:45,240 --> 01:30:48,240
I look forward to celebrating with you in the coming week.

1157
01:30:48,240 --> 01:30:49,240
Thank you.

1158
01:30:49,240 --> 01:30:50,240
Alden Provost.

1159
01:30:50,240 --> 01:30:51,240
I remember.

1160
01:30:51,240 --> 01:30:52,240
Thank you.

1161
01:30:52,240 --> 01:30:54,240
Well three things in front of that.

1162
01:30:54,240 --> 01:31:05,240
First I want to echo all their phrases sentiments regarding Bishop Kirby and then also cheering on all their Allen and her competition and then to all their Dorgensen's point as well.

1163
01:31:05,240 --> 01:31:13,240
Happy Labor Day and I just wanted to congratulate or shout out the clerk's office.

1164
01:31:13,240 --> 01:31:19,240
We had a primary that just happened in August after we went in between now and the last meeting and they did a fantastic job.

1165
01:31:19,240 --> 01:31:27,240
It ran smoothly and smoothly and there's a lot of hard work that goes into that so thank you for keeping things running.

1166
01:31:27,240 --> 01:31:33,240
I'll repeat.

1167
01:31:33,240 --> 01:31:34,240
Thank you.

1168
01:31:34,240 --> 01:31:40,240
Next time I'm going to start raising my hand first by the time you get to me it's all been said.

1169
01:31:40,240 --> 01:32:00,240
But again first of all echo the sentiments for all the Allen the Kirby family as all the Jurgensen said pointed out about Labor Day and I have to give a shout out to the school that we're seeing unified our school districts.

1170
01:32:01,240 --> 01:32:09,240
But I won't mention why but I have to say we had an awesome day our first day back in 21st century today.

1171
01:32:09,240 --> 01:32:12,240
Nobody knows why I said that.

1172
01:32:12,240 --> 01:32:20,240
And also speaking of 21st century I'm under the impression that one of our alderman will be having a birthday.

1173
01:32:20,240 --> 01:32:28,240
I'm not going to say she tells me she's like 30 or something but she'll be having a birthday next Tuesday so I'd give her a shout out.

1174
01:32:28,240 --> 01:32:30,240
Thank you.

1175
01:32:30,240 --> 01:32:31,240
All right.

1176
01:32:31,240 --> 01:32:34,240
All right Kelly.

1177
01:32:34,240 --> 01:32:36,240
Thank you.

1178
01:32:36,240 --> 01:32:40,240
Welcome back to the Racine Lutheran high school students.

1179
01:32:40,240 --> 01:32:45,240
My daughter is officially a senior so they've been back for two weeks now.

1180
01:32:45,240 --> 01:32:58,240
I also want to thank all of the city staff and my fellow council members for being patient with me on my long journey.

1181
01:32:58,240 --> 01:33:05,240
This coming Thursday I'm happy to announce is my last treatment so I get to bring the bell.

1182
01:33:05,240 --> 01:33:08,240
All right.

1183
01:33:08,240 --> 01:33:11,240
Congratulations.

1184
01:33:12,240 --> 01:33:15,240
Thank you Mr. Mayor.

1185
01:33:15,240 --> 01:33:22,240
First of all I'd just like to say to the Kirby family that Bishop Kirby is going to be truly missed.

1186
01:33:22,240 --> 01:33:25,240
I used to work for him at the Hope House.

1187
01:33:25,240 --> 01:33:30,240
And every time he received me I would say let me hold someone I said Bishop I ain't got that man.

1188
01:33:30,240 --> 01:33:32,240
I said man I don't have anything.

1189
01:33:32,240 --> 01:33:40,240
The second part of it is I just want to thank the council for those that are voted to get the name changed.

1190
01:33:40,240 --> 01:33:48,240
Mr. Kirby laying down there for we did not foresee this coming and that I sent it at the slide show.

1191
01:33:48,240 --> 01:33:52,240
I sent it on the slide show at its funeral.

1192
01:33:52,240 --> 01:33:59,240
The other part is that everybody that was at the funeral they know they are in trouble because we went over our bishop.

1193
01:33:59,240 --> 01:34:05,240
It was like three hours so those people three and a half hours so they are in trouble for doing that.

1194
01:34:05,240 --> 01:34:09,240
And then the to order Alan who is not here.

1195
01:34:09,240 --> 01:34:15,240
All the phrase to be me to the punch punch congratulating and saying go get him so I hope I'm still in good favor.

1196
01:34:15,240 --> 01:34:19,240
He just beat me out first.

1197
01:34:19,240 --> 01:34:21,240
I'll mark for a second time.

1198
01:34:21,240 --> 01:34:28,240
I have a couple things I forgot to say before I get yelled at by my brothers and sisters of union.

1199
01:34:28,240 --> 01:34:33,240
Happy Labor Day and the other thing is to the clerk's office.

1200
01:34:33,240 --> 01:34:42,240
As are you see employee that worked with your employees they were great they were awesome.

1201
01:34:42,240 --> 01:34:51,240
There was no issues that I could see of and I hope that I gave them a home where they felt comfortable.

1202
01:34:52,240 --> 01:34:55,240
I'll repeat to Jim another announcement.

1203
01:34:55,240 --> 01:34:57,240
Yes don't turn me off this time though.

1204
01:34:57,240 --> 01:35:04,240
I just forgot to mention that I've mentioned when I mentioned the birthdays all the wise.

1205
01:35:04,240 --> 01:35:09,240
I think we understood what you were.

1206
01:35:09,240 --> 01:35:16,240
All right so we'll adjourn in honor of all the wise's birthday next week and subtlety.

1207
01:35:17,240 --> 01:35:21,240
Just a couple other things just to mention again I too want to mention the passing of Bishop Kirby.

1208
01:35:21,240 --> 01:35:26,240
He was obviously not only a force for his congregation but for the entire community.

1209
01:35:26,240 --> 01:35:31,240
I was honored to be part of the three and a half hour funeral service on behalf of the city.

1210
01:35:31,240 --> 01:35:35,240
And it was quite a service people came from all over the country to honor a great man.

1211
01:35:35,240 --> 01:35:40,240
And so glad that we did the street renaming last year and could reference that.

1212
01:35:41,240 --> 01:35:47,240
Happy Labor Day to everyone who works and celebrates labor unions and people who fight for working families

1213
01:35:47,240 --> 01:35:50,240
and to the members of the council who are members of organized labor.

1214
01:35:50,240 --> 01:35:53,240
Thank you very much we're happy to have you there.

1215
01:35:53,240 --> 01:36:00,240
For tomorrow high schools all the students go back today at Case High School it was freshman orientation day.

1216
01:36:00,240 --> 01:36:07,240
So my youngest had his first day of high school today and I now have three teenagers at Case High School this year.

1217
01:36:07,240 --> 01:36:10,240
So pray for me.

1218
01:36:10,240 --> 01:36:14,240
But good luck to all the students and to all the faculty and staff.

1219
01:36:14,240 --> 01:36:18,240
I've said many times and I will say as many as we can the strength of our community is tied directly

1220
01:36:18,240 --> 01:36:25,240
to the strength of our public schools and so want to wish everybody well who's making that work as students

1221
01:36:25,240 --> 01:36:30,240
or the teachers and staff who find that vocation of education so important to our future.

1222
01:36:30,240 --> 01:36:35,240
A couple of just procedural things just as a reminder finance and personnel will not be Monday of next week

1223
01:36:35,240 --> 01:36:41,240
because it is Labor Day. It will be Tuesday and I was asked by IT to say if you have not yet picked up your phone

1224
01:36:41,240 --> 01:36:43,240
please do so because the