WEBVTT

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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,

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we shopped at the Pigly Wiggly at the location on Taylor Avenue

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that he wants to convert to a grocery store.

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It would be nice to have another grocery store there.

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Wouldn't it be nice to be able to just go buy some brats hot dogs

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and pick up that potato salad and a case of beer for your backyard cookout

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instead of having to make six trips all over town just to get that stuff.

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And the city doesn't need another blighted building

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just waiting to be torn down.

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I just hope the initial 11 council members who stood behind Danny

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in the beginning are still for him.

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I just want to say he's a great business owner.

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Thank you.

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The next speaker is Belinda Lawrence at 1213 Franklin Street.

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Good evening.

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I'm Belinda Lawrence, District 1.

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I wanted to voice my opinion on the flat cameras.

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I currently work with over 700 security cameras,

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some with license plate reading capabilities.

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They have helped in catching illegal dumpings,

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identifying assailants, and locating a neurodivergent runaway child.

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I mentioned this so that you know that I have seen and understand

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both sides of the camera surveillance issue.

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Like any tool, they can be amused.

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As was mentioned in news outlets,

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there have been nefarious characters using them for the wrong reasons.

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Even though, even those sworn to uphold the law,

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the proliferation of flat cameras into neighborhoods,

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in my opinion, is overkill.

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Footages start off site and out of the chain of custody

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for an unknown number of days, cross-listed,

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and potentially shared by other flat camera users

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and other agencies.

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What I'm hoping for is oversight.

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Is there or should there be someone watching the watchers?

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That there is accountability for all users of flock

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and other security cameras,

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that there is constant vigilance of the chain of custody of footage,

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and that the storage is not excessive.

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Thank you.

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The next speaker is John Christensen,

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4020 Blue River Ave.

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Good evening.

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Those who would give up essential liberty

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to purchase a little temporary safety

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deserve neither liberty nor safety.

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Those words came from one of our founding fathers, Benjamin Franklin.

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While the original context of the quotation, dating from 1755,

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had nothing to do with the surveillance state,

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the message rings true today.

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As of July, the city of Racine operated 37 flock license plate reading cameras.

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The city of Racine occupies about 15 and a half square miles,

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so doing the math you can expect to see two cameras

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on every square mile in every square mile of this city.

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What I don't think people realize as much as the cost

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to the already highly burdened property owners of the city of Racine,

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multiple sources list most basic of the cameras from flock

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at about $2,500 to $3,000 per camera per year.

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That means we are paying at a minimum $95,000

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for the right to be watched, and not just the criminals.

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Everybody who goes by because much like Pepperidge Farms flock remembers.

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We have already seen the cases working their way through the justice system

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regarding misuse of the data by law enforcement.

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Not all law enforcement to be sure, but enough that we should be concerned.

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An Institute for Justice Investigation has identified over 100 cases

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of license plate readers abuse, and there have been 50 law enforcement officers accused,

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charged, and convicted of misuse of these readers.

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And the problem is growing, not shrinking.

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In the last two months alone, 240 users were identified with suspicious search histories,

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leading to 19 officers in five different states being arrested,

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fired, or placed under other investigation.

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Further flock is getting it wrong.

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Since 2018, in most of these cases happening since 2023,

17:19.240 --> 17:23.240
27 motorists have been wrongfully pulled over, sometimes at gunpoint,

17:23.240 --> 17:25.240
due to automatic plate readers.

17:25.240 --> 17:29.240
This number is considered by the Institute of Justice as a significant undercount,

17:29.240 --> 17:33.240
as most jurisdictions don't report failures of this type.

17:33.240 --> 17:38.240
In a city where we have an incredibly tight budget, where we can only drop off yard waste

17:38.240 --> 17:42.240
one day per week at Pearl Street because of budgetary reasons,

17:42.240 --> 17:47.240
we cannot afford to fund a company that is antithetical to freedom as flock.

17:47.240 --> 17:50.240
Thank you for your time.

17:50.240 --> 17:55.240
Our next speaker is Amanda Pefrath, 1828 Michigan Boulevard.

18:00.240 --> 18:01.240
Good evening.

18:01.240 --> 18:05.240
It's nice to be on this side of the council chambers tonight.

18:05.240 --> 18:07.240
My name is Amanda Pefrath.

18:07.240 --> 18:11.240
I'm a downtown business owner and property owner for nearly 30 years.

18:11.240 --> 18:16.240
I've also been a member and currently a member of the downtown Racine Corporation.

18:16.240 --> 18:26.240
In December of 2025, I was appointed to the downtown Racine Business Improvement District,

18:26.240 --> 18:32.240
and in January of this year, I was elected chair, and that's why I'm here tonight to speak.

18:32.240 --> 18:36.240
I did speak at the Finance and Personnel Committee meeting a few weeks ago,

18:36.240 --> 18:39.240
and that's what I'm going to share with you all tonight.

18:39.240 --> 18:43.240
Before you is an amended operating plan,

18:43.240 --> 18:50.240
the operating plan that you all approved as part of the budgetary process in November had some needed amendments.

18:50.240 --> 18:59.240
One of the most notable was that $125,000 of the original budget was cut and removed

18:59.240 --> 19:07.240
because properties that are apartment buildings and primary residential properties were removed from that assessment.

19:07.240 --> 19:12.240
So as a new board, we had to adjust the budget by $125,000.

19:12.240 --> 19:15.240
We also wanted to increase the size of the board.

19:15.240 --> 19:22.240
There were some inconsistencies in the operating plan and the bylaws of the committee.

19:22.240 --> 19:28.240
And so we asked for a larger group to be part of this organization.

19:28.240 --> 19:33.240
And in addition, we cleaned up some of the operating plan that addresses organizational clarity

19:33.240 --> 19:38.240
between the downtown Racine Corporation and the downtown business improvement district.

19:38.240 --> 19:42.240
Since the communication that you have on the agenda tonight,

19:42.240 --> 19:46.240
the bid board received a letter from the downtown Racine Corporation Executive Committee

19:46.240 --> 19:53.240
asking to terminate the contract with the downtown bid effective the end of September.

19:53.240 --> 19:56.240
So we wanted to be clear with you about that.

19:56.240 --> 20:03.240
The committee is working with legal representation and working with the current accounting firm

20:03.240 --> 20:09.240
so that there is seamless transition in the process of separating the entities.

20:09.240 --> 20:13.240
I'm excited about the opportunity to bring more voices and more transparency

20:13.240 --> 20:17.240
and allow both organizations to focus on their strengths.

20:17.240 --> 20:20.240
DRC does an amazing job at events.

20:20.240 --> 20:26.240
And I'm excited to help the bid with promotion of the district wide as a whole,

20:26.240 --> 20:32.240
not just select businesses that are members of DRC and also to improve the promotion of the district.

20:32.240 --> 20:35.240
So that's what I wanted to present to you tonight.

20:35.240 --> 20:39.240
The same information I presented to the Finance and Personnel Committee

20:39.240 --> 20:46.240
so that the organization is transparent and that you know what's happening in our efforts.

20:46.240 --> 20:48.240
So thank you for your time tonight.

20:48.240 --> 20:50.240
I appreciate it.

20:51.240 --> 20:56.240
The next speaker is Bobby Doyle at 1720 Shoop Street.

21:03.240 --> 21:04.240
Good evening.

21:04.240 --> 21:08.240
Chris, you're not the person that's speaking next.

21:08.240 --> 21:11.240
You're not the next speaker.

21:12.240 --> 21:21.240
I appreciate the enthusiasm, but you're not yet.

21:21.240 --> 21:22.240
Please begin, sir.

21:22.240 --> 21:23.240
Thank you.

21:23.240 --> 21:26.240
My name is Bobby Ayala, actually, not Doyle.

21:26.240 --> 21:27.240
That's new.

21:27.240 --> 21:31.240
So my neighbors and my communities spoke facts.

21:31.240 --> 21:32.240
Let's talk about this.

21:32.240 --> 21:35.240
Let's talk about technology and how we embrace it a lot.

21:35.240 --> 21:37.240
Years ago, there was a game.

21:38.240 --> 21:40.240
Pokemon Go entertaining.

21:40.240 --> 21:41.240
Kids went everywhere.

21:41.240 --> 21:42.240
People went everywhere.

21:42.240 --> 21:43.240
Parks and everything.

21:43.240 --> 21:50.240
Years later, that company made a map and made millions off the back of people, not knowing anything.

21:50.240 --> 21:53.240
Now let's talk about like data centers and Foxconn.

21:53.240 --> 21:54.240
What would be promised?

21:54.240 --> 21:55.240
What would be given?

21:55.240 --> 21:58.240
It doesn't look the same now, does it?

21:58.240 --> 21:59.240
Let's talk about flock.

21:59.240 --> 22:00.240
It was great.

22:00.240 --> 22:04.240
But I believe in my police force that they could solve crimes.

22:05.240 --> 22:06.240
And the thing is this.

22:06.240 --> 22:08.240
What was mentioned?

22:08.240 --> 22:11.240
Yeah, they get 30 days to review it.

22:11.240 --> 22:12.240
But where does that go?

22:12.240 --> 22:14.240
Where does that look take?

22:14.240 --> 22:22.240
There are other agencies, an open record request, that I love to do, will show the other agencies

22:22.240 --> 22:24.240
that look at the same footage.

22:24.240 --> 22:27.240
A lot of it, my understanding is ICE.

22:27.240 --> 22:33.240
And if I'm not mistaken, this council has spoke on that resource, right?

22:34.240 --> 22:37.240
So, thank you all for listening to me.

22:37.240 --> 22:38.240
I love this presence.

22:38.240 --> 22:40.240
I'm not used to this.

22:40.240 --> 22:43.240
I've been in this franchise for a lot of my life.

22:43.240 --> 22:44.240
I love being here.

22:44.240 --> 22:46.240
I love talking to you guys.

22:46.240 --> 22:47.240
I love seeing you.

22:47.240 --> 22:52.240
Please understand, our communities don't want this.

22:52.240 --> 22:53.240
Why do we have to?

22:53.240 --> 22:56.240
Why is something making millions off our backs?

22:56.240 --> 22:58.240
Why is this device being tracked?

22:58.240 --> 23:00.240
Why is this being tracked?

23:00.240 --> 23:01.240
Why is this being tracked?

23:01.240 --> 23:02.240
There's so much stuff we don't know.

23:02.240 --> 23:05.240
They're not telling us, stop, flock.

23:05.240 --> 23:06.240
Let's review it.

23:06.240 --> 23:08.240
Let's give safeguards.

23:08.240 --> 23:09.240
I believe in it.

23:09.240 --> 23:10.240
Two minutes.

23:10.240 --> 23:12.240
I trust this lady in three.

23:12.240 --> 23:17.240
So, let's just stop before we hurt ourselves and our community.

23:17.240 --> 23:22.240
Last month, 90 communities said no to flock.

23:22.240 --> 23:27.240
In Wisconsin, five communities, 16 years old, put bags over them, stop.

23:27.240 --> 23:28.240
Let's stop.

23:28.240 --> 23:31.240
Let's be the city that we're meant to be.

23:31.240 --> 23:33.240
And I believe in it.

23:33.240 --> 23:34.240
Thank you.

23:34.240 --> 23:39.240
The next speaker is Dixit Patel at 6536.

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This is going to be out.

23:45.240 --> 23:47.240
Good evening, all council members.

23:47.240 --> 23:48.240
My name is Dixit Patel.

23:48.240 --> 23:51.240
I'm one of the Dennies-Gurtier launch.

23:51.240 --> 23:57.240
First, essentially, I want to thank the council for approving my class

23:57.240 --> 24:00.240
with license with the condition on August 5th.

24:00.240 --> 24:05.240
I trusted the process and decision that I was made, science that approval.

24:05.240 --> 24:12.240
I have continued investing a significant amount of my time, money and hard work into the property.

24:12.240 --> 24:18.240
We have already made many improvements and more work is still in progress because I believe

24:18.240 --> 24:25.240
in this project and, you know, opportunity to bring something positive to this neighborhood.

24:25.240 --> 24:32.240
Today, I respectfully ask for your continued support and your vote to allow me to finish what I have started.

24:32.240 --> 24:37.240
And I understand that the mayor has exercised his veto authority.

24:37.240 --> 24:46.240
However, I respectfully ask you to consider that my application was already reviewed and approved by this council with the condition.

24:46.240 --> 24:57.240
I have listened to the city's concern, agreed to follow the requirement and remain committed to operating responsibly.

24:57.240 --> 25:00.240
This is a more than just a business to me.

25:00.240 --> 25:06.240
My family and I have invested our saving time and futures into this property.

25:06.240 --> 25:12.240
We have collected more than any signature from people in a surrounding area who support our business.

25:12.240 --> 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.

25:23.240 --> 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.

25:32.240 --> 25:38.240
We want to create jobs invest in the property and bring a positive business to the neighborhood.

25:38.240 --> 25:41.240
I'm not asking to ignore the city's concern.

25:41.240 --> 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.

25:51.240 --> 25:58.240
I respectfully ask the council to stand by its previous decision and support my class be licensed.

25:58.240 --> 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.

26:07.240 --> 26:10.240
Can be a positive addition to racing.

26:10.240 --> 26:13.240
Thank you Mayor and Council Member for your time.

26:13.240 --> 26:16.240
Consider the addition and continue support.

26:18.240 --> 26:23.240
The next speaker is Chris Flynn, 234, Wisconsin.

26:30.240 --> 26:33.240
I'm getting better hearing aids.

26:37.240 --> 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.

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I'm here to speak to ask for your support of the official designation of that building as an historic landmark.

26:55.240 --> 26:59.240
We bought the building and the business in 1998.

26:59.240 --> 27:03.240
The building is very much the same as it's been for more than 150 years.

27:03.240 --> 27:10.240
David and Jane Wiggly bought it and opened the business, the DP Wiggly company in 1905.

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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.

27:20.240 --> 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,

27:32.240 --> 27:37.240
and others. It's already considered to be a landmark.

27:37.240 --> 27:44.240
Our goal is to protect and improve it and continue to share it without changing its character.

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And it will be helpful to achieve these goals with official historic designation.

27:55.240 --> 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.

28:05.240 --> 28:11.240
The next speaker is Sheila Patel at 6536 Biscuette.

28:16.240 --> 28:20.240
Good evening Mayor Mason and member of the Common Council.

28:20.240 --> 28:26.240
My name is Neha Patel. I'm Dixi Patel's wife and I'm here in support of Dennis Grossman Lounge.

28:26.240 --> 28:30.240
After receiving the Common Council's approval, we move forward in good faith.

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We continue working on the property and invested our time, hard work, and savings into this business.

28:37.240 --> 28:41.240
We also conducted the city twice to check on the status of our license.

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Based on the information we had that time, we continue moving forward.

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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.

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We are simply asking for the opportunity to prove ourselves.

29:01.240 --> 29:06.240
We respectfully ask for your support tonight. Thank you for your time.

29:06.240 --> 29:16.240
The last speaker is Andrew Arena at 1110 MLK Drive, number 210 in Milwaukee.

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Good evening Mr. Mayor, honorable members of the council.

29:20.240 --> 29:24.240
It was a surprise that I'm here for the second meeting in a row.

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I guess I'll see you in about a month for my third meeting in a row.

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I want to mention a couple of quickly things. Obviously I'm here for Danny Patel and the Lounge.

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I've been involved for quite a while now with Danny.

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We've put together our minds and I've been helping and consulting with him

29:44.240 --> 29:51.240
on viable businesses that should be successful if they're run properly.

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We've talked about putting in an afternoon tea, for example.

29:55.240 --> 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.

30:04.240 --> 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.

30:11.240 --> 30:16.240
The last time I was here, I recall, and I don't remember who brought it up,

30:16.240 --> 30:22.240
but there wasn't years ago a Woodman's application for a liquor license,

30:22.240 --> 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.

30:33.240 --> 30:42.240
I would submit to you that this Class B license on-premise for on-premise consumption is actually,

30:42.240 --> 30:54.240
I think, a safer alternative to allowing customers to consume on-premise and be actually somewhat supervised.

30:54.240 --> 31:03.240
It brought up that this location is close to the Halo Center and a rehabilitation center,

31:03.240 --> 31:10.240
and that I have to tell you, well, first of all, we're not here talking about prohibition.

31:10.240 --> 31:15.240
We're not here saying, you know, these people do not deserve alcohol.

31:15.240 --> 31:20.240
Our inner city homeless unable to behave and do the correct things for themselves.

31:20.240 --> 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.

31:27.240 --> 31:35.240
This store is going to offer everything that all the grocery stores offer, the big stores.

31:35.240 --> 31:41.240
There will be meat, produce, vegetables, all of it, everything.

31:41.240 --> 31:46.240
And I would submit to you that when we talk about that Halo in the other place,

31:46.240 --> 31:51.240
there's five liquor licenses that are closer than Danny's.

31:51.240 --> 31:59.240
Are they going to walk by these five taverns and whatever to go to the grocery store to have alcohol?

31:59.240 --> 32:02.240
I don't think so I submit not.

32:02.240 --> 32:09.240
The final point here I want to make is this is a small business who should be rewarding small businesses.

32:09.240 --> 32:13.240
They're embedded in the community. Their money will stay here.

32:13.240 --> 32:18.240
It's not like what means where the money is going to take off and go to another.

32:18.240 --> 32:22.240
This concludes the public comment segment.

32:22.240 --> 32:26.240
We now move on to communications introduced to council.

32:26.240 --> 32:30.240
The first committee for referrals is for the community of the whole.

32:30.240 --> 32:35.240
All of your jorgensen, would you like to make a motion regarding these items?

32:36.240 --> 32:43.240
Yes, I would move to refer item number 0789-26.

32:43.240 --> 32:47.240
Communication sponsored by Aldermank requesting a presentation on floc,

32:47.240 --> 32:50.240
camera slash automated license plate readers.

32:50.240 --> 32:56.240
And also move to refer to the committee of the whole item number 0772-26.

32:56.240 --> 33:01.240
Communication sponsored by Aldermank to take possible action regarding creating,

33:01.240 --> 33:06.240
amending, terminating upholding, or any other action deemed appropriate by the committee

33:06.240 --> 33:11.240
as it pertains to any city of Racine or other relevant floc camera related ordinance.

33:11.240 --> 33:15.240
Contract guidance implementation or policy.

33:15.240 --> 33:19.240
A second to refer these items on that motion.

33:19.240 --> 33:22.240
All those in favor of referring these items please say aye.

33:22.240 --> 33:24.240
Opposed? That motion carries.

33:24.240 --> 33:28.240
We now move on to referrals to finance and personnel.

33:28.240 --> 33:31.240
Would you like to make a motion regarding these items?

33:31.240 --> 33:37.240
I'd like to make a motion to refer the filing items to finance and personnel committee.

33:37.240 --> 33:42.240
Item 058-0758-26.

33:42.240 --> 33:52.240
Communication to accept the 2025 BGA Edward Byrne J grant and renew the inter-local agreement with our CSO.

33:52.240 --> 33:56.240
Item 0759-26.

33:56.240 --> 34:03.240
Communicates in requesting permission to accept a donation from Woodman for the Rave Scene Police Department.

34:03.240 --> 34:06.240
Item 0764-26.

34:06.240 --> 34:11.240
Communication requesting permission to authorize and approve the city of Racine

34:11.240 --> 34:17.240
to join with its partner agencies Racine County and Racine Unified School District

34:17.240 --> 34:25.240
and executing an extension of terms of current agreement through December 31st, 2026.

34:25.240 --> 34:29.240
Item 0765-26.

34:29.240 --> 34:36.240
Communication requesting permission to authorize and approve the city of Racine to join with its partner agencies.

34:36.240 --> 34:44.240
Racine County and Racine Unified School District and executing the Sixth Amendment with Ascension,

34:44.240 --> 34:49.240
Conson Employer Solutions for Racine Employee Health and Wellness Center.

34:49.240 --> 34:52.240
Item 0767-26.

34:52.240 --> 35:01.240
Communication requesting permission to submit the presentation of the second quarter 2026 fiscal results.

35:01.240 --> 35:06.240
Item 0773-26.

35:06.240 --> 35:13.240
Communication submitting the claim of DeShonda Rocket for Considerate Consideration for Disalliance.

35:13.240 --> 35:17.240
Item 0774-26.

35:17.240 --> 35:22.240
Communication submitting the claim of a Lena White for Consideration for Disalliance.

35:22.240 --> 35:26.240
Item 0775-26.

35:26.240 --> 35:37.240
Communication submitting the claim of Granger Integrity Insurance on behalf of its insured Amy and Ryan Thomas for Consideration for Disalliance.

35:37.240 --> 35:40.240
Item 0776-26.

35:40.240 --> 35:48.240
Communication submitting the claim of Sebastian C. Ransom through his Attorneys for Consideration for Disalliance.

35:48.240 --> 35:52.240
Item 0777-26.

35:52.240 --> 35:59.240
Communication submitting the claim of David Crafts and Zinc for Consideration for Disalliance.

35:59.240 --> 36:02.240
Item 0783-26.

36:02.240 --> 36:15.240
Communication requesting permission to enter a sole source three-year contract with Cara Soft Technology Corporation to renew our polymorphic software.

36:15.240 --> 36:18.240
Item 078526.

36:18.240 --> 36:25.240
Communication presenting the Network Health Medicare Advantage Plan Renewal Agreement for Approval.

36:25.240 --> 36:28.240
Item 0786-26.

36:28.240 --> 36:33.240
Communication requesting each department give monthly reports for each department,

36:33.240 --> 36:42.240
including police and fire, public works, city development, finance, customer service and all other departments,

36:42.240 --> 36:45.240
as well as the Mayor's Office and City Administration.

36:45.240 --> 36:51.240
All invoices and credit card purchases made with department fee cards.

36:51.240 --> 36:54.240
Item 0784-26.

36:54.240 --> 37:02.240
Communication requesting to apply for the 2026 E-Cycle Wisconsin Electronics Collection Grant Program.

37:02.240 --> 37:05.240
Item 0791-26.

37:05.240 --> 37:13.240
Communication requesting to enter to agreement with Habitat for Humanity to build three homes.

37:13.240 --> 37:16.240
Item 0792-26.

37:16.240 --> 37:25.240
Communication requesting to adopt the attached resolution regarding the trade negotiations under way with US and Canada.

37:26.240 --> 37:29.240
Item 0794-26.

37:29.240 --> 37:39.240
Communication requesting to commission a commemorative plaque in Memorial of Bishop Lawrence Kirby.

37:39.240 --> 37:42.240
Item 0795-26.

37:42.240 --> 37:49.240
Communication regarding the renegotiation or termination of lock camera system and the city of Racine.

37:49.240 --> 37:52.240
Item 0799-26.

37:52.240 --> 37:57.240
Communication seeking an amendment to the Tax Increment District 25.

37:57.240 --> 38:02.240
Tax increment financing agreement with Jay Jeffers and Company.

38:02.240 --> 38:05.240
Item 0798-26.

38:05.240 --> 38:13.240
Communication a modification of the assignment of tax increment financing payment rights to Jay Jeffers and Company.

38:13.240 --> 38:16.240
I would appreciate a second.

38:16.240 --> 38:19.240
Some motion and a second on these items.

38:19.240 --> 38:20.240
Elder Wider.

38:20.240 --> 38:21.240
Thank you.

38:21.240 --> 38:22.240
A couple of things.

38:22.240 --> 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.

38:32.240 --> 38:38.240
It says that there is a resolution attached and I do not see it attached to this communication.

38:38.240 --> 38:45.240
That'll be forthcoming then in terms of the attachment.

38:46.240 --> 38:54.240
And then my next question on that same item would be wouldn't it be who would be preparing that resolution.

38:54.240 --> 38:57.240
Would that be coming from the city attorney's office?

38:57.240 --> 39:00.240
That would be coming from the mayor's office.

39:00.240 --> 39:01.240
Okay.

39:01.240 --> 39:04.240
Then I have a question on another item.

39:04.240 --> 39:07.240
And that's 0795-26.

39:08.240 --> 39:12.240
My question would be because we are discussing two items regarding the flat camera.

39:12.240 --> 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.

39:22.240 --> 39:28.240
The fastest resolution on this item would be to have a hearing on it and finance and personnel committee.

39:28.240 --> 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.

39:37.240 --> 39:38.240
Okay.

39:38.240 --> 39:39.240
Thank you.

39:39.240 --> 39:42.240
All those in favor of the motion, please say aye.

39:42.240 --> 39:43.240
Aye.

39:43.240 --> 39:44.240
Opposed?

39:44.240 --> 39:45.240
The motion carries.

39:45.240 --> 39:48.240
We move on to public works and services.

39:48.240 --> 39:52.240
Alderman, would you like to make a motion regarding these items?

39:52.240 --> 39:53.240
Thank you, Mayor.

39:53.240 --> 39:58.240
Yes, I would like to make a motion to refer the following items to public works and services.

39:59.240 --> 40:09.240
Item 0678-26 communication sponsored by Alderman, to the public works and services committee to have the commissioner of public works.

40:09.240 --> 40:14.240
Give a presentation regarding the operational contract with passport labs,

40:14.240 --> 40:23.240
regarding the upgrading of our existing parking meter system to an all digital format and details of said upgrade.

40:23.240 --> 40:28.240
Item 073-26 communication sponsored by Alderman,

40:28.240 --> 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.

40:39.240 --> 40:44.240
Item 073-26 communication sponsored by Alderman,

40:44.240 --> 40:52.240
for referral to public works and services neighbor request for 25 miles per hour speed signs posted on Eisenhower drive.

40:52.240 --> 41:00.240
Item 0760-26 communication sponsored by myself requesting to close off street,

41:00.240 --> 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.

41:15.240 --> 41:25.240
Item 0761-26 communication sponsored by myself submitting amendment 1 to contract 2023-145,

41:25.240 --> 41:30.240
3-party professional engineering services contract between the city of Racine,

41:30.240 --> 41:41.240
Wisconsin DOT and AECOM for state project ID 2703-09-02,

41:41.240 --> 41:47.240
Mount Pleasant street from Rapid drive to remain Avenue.

41:47.240 --> 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,

42:01.240 --> 42:07.240
for local roads improvement programs, Chicago street and Gulf Avenue.

42:07.240 --> 42:19.240
Item 0763-26 communication sponsored by myself on behalf of Elsa M Carrero at all and all,

42:19.240 --> 42:30.240
requesting permission for revocable occupation permit for the property located at 1045 Washington Avenue.

42:30.240 --> 42:37.240
Item 0766-26 communication sponsored by myself department of parks,

42:37.240 --> 42:43.240
recreation and cultural services requesting to close off monument square drive from 6 a.m.

42:43.240 --> 42:54.240
to 4 p.m. on October 24th, 2026 for the annual PRCS monument mash Halloween event.

42:54.240 --> 43:09.240
Item 0778-26 communication sponsored by myself submitting road salt prices for salt for ice control during the 2627 winter season.

43:09.240 --> 43:19.240
Item 0779-26 communication sponsored by myself submitting final payment for contract 2025-146,

43:19.240 --> 43:27.240
racing multi-site, tuck pointing, burgland, construction company contractors.

43:27.240 --> 43:45.240
Item 0780-26 communication sponsored by myself submitting final payment for contract 2025-006-2025, sanitary sewer repairs.

43:45.240 --> 43:55.240
Item 0762-26 communication sponsored by myself.

43:55.240 --> 44:11.240
Final item 0781-26 communication sponsored by myself submitting change order number two to contract 2025-006-2025 sanitary sewer repairs.

44:11.240 --> 44:13.240
A second in motion.

44:13.240 --> 44:15.240
This is a second in motion from all the pro bon.

44:15.240 --> 44:19.240
All those in favor of these referrals please say aye.

44:19.240 --> 44:22.240
Opposed that motion carries moving on then to all their peat.

44:22.240 --> 44:29.240
Would you like to make a motion to refer these items to public safety and licensing?

44:29.240 --> 44:35.240
I'd like to refer to the following items public safety and licensing committee move to approve.

44:35.240 --> 44:43.240
Item number 069-326 communication sponsored by myself for the license premises report.

44:43.240 --> 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.

44:58.240 --> 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.

45:14.240 --> 45:21.240
Just as a point of information item 0793-26 is actually not yet ready.

45:21.240 --> 45:31.240
So the communication regarding the curfew adoption so that may be something we want to receive and file at this time.

45:31.240 --> 45:38.240
Or we can send it to the committee and it can be discussed there.

45:38.240 --> 45:42.240
I think there's a need to do something more in terms of some of the activity.

45:42.240 --> 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.

45:47.240 --> 45:50.240
There is a motion to refer these three items.

45:50.240 --> 45:51.240
Is there a second?

45:51.240 --> 45:52.240
Second.

45:52.240 --> 45:53.240
By alder pro bon.

45:53.240 --> 45:55.240
All those in favor please say aye.

45:55.240 --> 45:56.240
Opposed.

45:56.240 --> 45:57.240
That motion carries.

45:57.240 --> 46:00.240
We now move on to the committee reports themselves.

46:00.240 --> 46:01.240
Alder land.

46:01.240 --> 46:03.240
Did you have items for separate consideration?

46:03.240 --> 46:04.240
Yes, I do.

46:04.240 --> 46:05.240
Your Honor.

46:05.240 --> 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

46:31.240 --> 46:42.240
capital improvement and acquisition projects and vehicles and equipment as set forth in the 2026 capital improvement plan.

46:42.240 --> 46:50.240
The recommendation of finance and personnel was to approve the authorizing authorization.

46:51.240 --> 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.

47:08.240 --> 47:11.240
There's a motion to approve this item multiple seconds.

47:12.240 --> 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.

47:20.240 --> 47:22.240
Discussion on the item itself?

47:22.240 --> 47:23.240
Alder land.

47:23.240 --> 47:24.240
Did you want to speak to your motion?

47:24.240 --> 47:25.240
Pardon?

47:25.240 --> 47:28.240
Did you want to speak further to your motion?

47:28.240 --> 47:32.240
It was called for separate consideration by Alder Widener.

47:32.240 --> 47:37.240
I don't know what?

47:38.240 --> 47:39.240
Alder Widener.

47:39.240 --> 47:40.240
Thank you.

47:40.240 --> 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.

47:53.240 --> 47:57.240
So I know this is our normal that we typically do.

47:57.240 --> 48:11.240
I think in 2025 we had bonded for an additional 16 million that we had not anticipated for our capital improvement.

48:11.240 --> 48:24.240
So my question for you, Kathleen, is in 2025, what did we long term debt for for our capital improvement?

48:25.240 --> 48:30.240
So this year it would be the 227 and then last year it was how much?

48:30.240 --> 48:31.240
Correct.

48:31.240 --> 48:36.240
Let me just take a peek real quick.

48:36.240 --> 48:43.240
In 2025 for our general capital improvement plan, we borrowed 18.8 million.

48:44.240 --> 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.

48:53.240 --> 48:55.240
Isn't it?

48:55.240 --> 48:56.240
Okay.

48:56.240 --> 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

49:11.240 --> 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.

49:22.240 --> 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.

49:33.240 --> 49:38.240
How much we intend to spend because of the 15 million that we did not anticipate?

49:39.240 --> 49:41.240
Was there any discussion about that?

49:41.240 --> 49:52.240
Because what my concern is is we are adding this year like 38 million to our long term debt.

49:52.240 --> 49:53.240
Sure.

49:53.240 --> 49:54.240
So let me just clarify.

49:54.240 --> 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.

50:02.240 --> 50:04.240
It was anticipated.

50:04.240 --> 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.

50:11.240 --> 50:13.240
That's exactly what we're doing here tonight.

50:13.240 --> 50:18.240
So that was anticipated and talked about that at Common Council last year.

50:18.240 --> 50:26.240
About this time probably before this time actually April of 2025 likely is when we talked about that.

50:26.240 --> 50:33.240
But having said that the capital plan itself obviously is reviewed at budget time by the mayor by the departments.

50:33.240 --> 50:35.240
Departments put in their request.

50:35.240 --> 50:37.240
All of those things are reviewed.

50:37.240 --> 50:45.240
That is actually structured then with our bond council and our professional services with Baird.

50:45.240 --> 50:48.240
So Baird is actually here on behalf of this.

50:48.240 --> 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.

50:56.240 --> 50:58.240
I understand having a 10 year plan.

50:58.240 --> 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.

51:09.240 --> 51:11.240
And that's kind of what the 15 million is.

51:11.240 --> 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.

51:21.240 --> 51:29.240
And that was the purpose for the bonding was in anticipation of those grants coming in which they did not.

51:29.240 --> 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.

51:37.240 --> 51:41.240
Typically we do 18 million last year we did 22.5.

51:42.240 --> 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.

51:54.240 --> 52:00.240
Are we going to have to increase what we levy to pay back debt for 2027.

52:00.240 --> 52:02.240
And that's what my concern is.

52:03.240 --> 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.

52:11.240 --> 52:12.240
Absolutely.

52:12.240 --> 52:15.240
And I will let Brad cover the bond rating.

52:15.240 --> 52:17.240
Most certainly.

52:17.240 --> 52:23.240
But the tax levy for 2027 although the budget is currently being prepared.

52:23.240 --> 52:29.240
I don't anticipate that the tax levy associated with debt will increase for 2027.

52:30.240 --> 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.

52:37.240 --> 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.

52:45.240 --> 52:50.240
Those are large projects so you are going to see some increase in borrowing in that space.

52:50.240 --> 52:53.240
But I'll let Brad talk about the bond rating quickly.

52:54.240 --> 52:57.240
Before you do that I just want to follow the question on what you just said.

52:57.240 --> 53:04.240
So you don't anticipate an increase over what we paid in debt in 2026.

53:04.240 --> 53:08.240
Or would it be typical to what we usually which is usually around the 18 million.

53:08.240 --> 53:15.240
I expect I do not anticipate an increase from what we budgeted for debt service tax levy in 2026.

53:15.240 --> 53:16.240
Thank you.

53:17.240 --> 53:20.240
I hope you're all here on that.

53:20.240 --> 53:21.240
Thank you.

53:21.240 --> 53:26.240
Brad Vigu with Baird Public Finance just a comment on the bond rating.

53:26.240 --> 53:29.240
Annually you're actually each time the city issues debt.

53:29.240 --> 53:34.240
We approach standard importers and ask them to assign a rating to your general obligation debt.

53:34.240 --> 53:37.240
So we did that in last spring.

53:37.240 --> 53:41.240
April is your soul when the Lincoln King Center financing was in place.

53:42.240 --> 53:44.240
And we did it again in this time of year.

53:44.240 --> 53:50.240
Late summer early fall when your annual CIP issuance was put in place.

53:50.240 --> 53:54.240
So the city's long term bond rating for general obligation debt is double A minus.

53:54.240 --> 53:59.240
And that you've the city's had a double A minus for as long as I can remember.

53:59.240 --> 54:03.240
Going back probably close to 20 years if not more.

54:03.240 --> 54:07.240
S&P also assigns a stable outlook to that rating.

54:08.240 --> 54:11.240
So they're aware of the debt issues that were put in place last year.

54:11.240 --> 54:13.240
We'll go back to them again this year.

54:13.240 --> 54:18.240
But what they're messaging to us and to the city is with a stable outlook.

54:18.240 --> 54:27.240
We wouldn't expect a rating change this year when we approach center importers asking for a rating assignment.

54:27.240 --> 54:32.240
So I recall in years past when you prepare that report that we get annually.

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It articulates the pros and cons of our city budget and what plays into having the bond rating that we have.

54:45.240 --> 54:47.240
And we have several negatives.

54:47.240 --> 54:54.240
One of the positive thing was our relatively small debt.

54:55.240 --> 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.

55:07.240 --> 55:16.240
Well, again the debt though was anticipated because we went to standard importers and told them you're issuing this debt.

55:16.240 --> 55:18.240
We did that last spring.

55:19.240 --> 55:22.240
Some of the other credit characteristics though outside of debt.

55:22.240 --> 55:24.240
They're not only looking at that.

55:24.240 --> 55:29.240
They look at the economic condition of the city, the management practices, your budgetary performance,

55:29.240 --> 55:38.240
and management practices and budgetary performance in particular are called out specifically as rating positives in the rating report.

55:38.240 --> 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.

55:48.240 --> 55:54.240
But there's no threat of a downgrade right now because of the stable outlook that's been assigned.

55:54.240 --> 55:55.240
Okay.

55:55.240 --> 55:56.240
Well, thank you for that.

55:56.240 --> 55:57.240
And I just want to make a comment.

55:57.240 --> 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.

56:08.240 --> 56:11.240
But I recall the discussion very, very vividly.

56:11.240 --> 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.

56:22.240 --> 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.

56:34.240 --> 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.

56:45.240 --> 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.

56:52.240 --> 57:02.240
And because we now have added $15.5 million of unanticipated debt from the Lincoln King initiative

57:02.240 --> 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.

57:12.240 --> 57:20.240
We need to put that down the road because of this other debt that we've created for ourselves.

57:20.240 --> 57:25.240
So that's the reason I bring it up is because we need to have that discussion.

57:25.240 --> 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.

57:39.240 --> 57:43.240
So we need to be cognizant of that.

57:43.240 --> 57:44.240
Thank you.

57:45.240 --> 57:46.240
Thank you.

57:46.240 --> 57:49.240
Someone going along with all the whiners just pointed out.

57:49.240 --> 57:55.240
I have a couple of questions for both the bond, person from Barrett and director Fisher.

57:55.240 --> 58:00.240
Number one, what is the additional borrowing due to our cost of interest?

58:00.240 --> 58:03.240
What is it in real terms like in the household?

58:03.240 --> 58:07.240
What is the interest rate for this additional debt?

58:07.240 --> 58:11.240
I understand what you pointed out about the bond rating and real money.

58:11.240 --> 58:13.240
What does that come down to?

58:13.240 --> 58:19.240
And the second part, you may or director Fisher might have answered.

58:19.240 --> 58:26.240
But what does that ultimately do to the taxpayer, both short term and long term?

58:26.240 --> 58:34.240
And I understand interest rates fluctuate, but I think those are the real questions that we need to answer.

58:34.240 --> 58:35.240
Sure.

58:35.240 --> 58:42.240
So the interest rate that's anticipated on the capital improvement plan that the annual borrowing is 3.72%.

58:43.240 --> 58:49.240
And that's paid over, through 2040, would be our final payment date, so about 14 years.

58:49.240 --> 58:57.240
And then on the debt for the Lincoln King Center, anticipated rate is 3.83.

58:57.240 --> 59:00.240
And that's paid over, through 2044.

59:00.240 --> 59:03.240
So it's a slightly longer repayment period.

59:03.240 --> 59:06.240
And that's why there's a slightly higher interest rate.

59:07.240 --> 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.

59:19.240 --> 59:22.240
So over that 14 years, about $5 million in interest.

59:22.240 --> 59:26.240
And on Lincoln King Center, about $7.3 million.

59:26.240 --> 59:31.240
Impact to the taxpayers, and that's what the director had talked about,

59:31.240 --> 59:37.240
we're very deliberate in working together and planning what the debt service levy would look like.

59:37.240 --> 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.

59:45.240 --> 59:53.240
And then we've got upward steps of right around 4% annually to fund inflationary growth in capital projects.

59:53.240 --> 59:55.240
Thank you.

59:55.240 --> 59:57.240
I'm glad I'm not trying to live.

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.

01:00:03.240 --> 01:00:08.240
As an investor, it's not good, but as a borrower, it's great.

01:00:08.240 --> 01:00:11.240
Thank you.

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.

01:00:32.240 --> 01:00:34.240
Motion passes unanimously.

01:00:34.240 --> 01:00:37.240
All their land, did you have other items for separate consideration?

01:00:37.240 --> 01:00:39.240
I have one more.

01:00:40.240 --> 01:00:47.240
0691-26, communications sponsored by myself to approve a resolution authorizing the issuance

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,

01:00:58.240 --> 01:01:07.240
2026 to refund the general obligation promissory notes issued on March 17, 2025 for the purposes

01:01:07.240 --> 01:01:13.240
of paying the construction costs of the Dr. Martin Luther King Community Center.

01:01:13.240 --> 01:01:18.240
Recommendation of the Finance and Personnel Committee was to approve.

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.

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

01:01:36.240 --> 01:01:40.240
with principal payments beginning 2028.

01:01:40.240 --> 01:01:41.240
Move to approve.

01:01:41.240 --> 01:01:44.240
There's a motion and a second to approve this item.

01:01:44.240 --> 01:01:46.240
All their widening.

01:01:46.240 --> 01:01:49.240
I had a question on that, but it just slipped.

01:01:49.240 --> 01:01:51.240
It just slipped my mind.

01:01:51.240 --> 01:01:53.240
Oh, my God.

01:01:53.240 --> 01:01:56.240
To whom are you directing your question?

01:01:56.240 --> 01:01:59.240
Well, I'm to myself because I can't remember it.

01:01:59.240 --> 01:02:09.240
I guess for this one, I would just, oh, I remember now.

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.

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.

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.

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.

01:02:38.240 --> 01:02:40.240
Sure. Thank you for the question.

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,

01:02:46.240 --> 01:02:49.240
we don't have the restrictions on those grants yet.

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.

01:02:56.240 --> 01:03:02.240
Having said that, if they can be used for capital, it would offset this borrowing.

01:03:02.240 --> 01:03:04.240
I just don't know yet.

01:03:04.240 --> 01:03:06.240
I've reached out to cool philanthropies.

01:03:06.240 --> 01:03:08.240
We're waiting on some information.

01:03:08.240 --> 01:03:11.240
So right now, this has been my refinance.

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.

01:03:15.240 --> 01:03:19.240
Thank you.

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.

01:03:43.240 --> 01:03:47.240
Motion passes. 13 to 1.

01:03:47.240 --> 01:03:50.240
Alderland, did you have any other items for separate consideration?

01:03:50.240 --> 01:03:54.240
No, Your Honor. The third item was withdrawn by the requester.

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.

01:03:58.240 --> 01:04:01.240
And we will move on to public works and services.

01:04:01.240 --> 01:04:05.240
Alder Harmon, did you have any items for separate consideration?

01:04:05.240 --> 01:04:07.240
No, I don't, Your Honor.

01:04:07.240 --> 01:04:11.240
Then without objection, this report will be placed in full on the consent agenda.

01:04:11.240 --> 01:04:14.240
And we will move on to public services and licensing.

01:04:14.240 --> 01:04:18.240
Alder, Pete, did you have any items for separate consideration?

01:04:18.240 --> 01:04:19.240
No, I don't, sir.

01:04:19.240 --> 01:04:23.240
Then without objection, these items will be placed on the consent agenda.

01:04:23.240 --> 01:04:28.240
We'll then move on to planning heritage and design.

01:04:28.240 --> 01:04:33.240
Alder, Pete, did you have any requests for separate consideration on this report?

01:04:33.240 --> 01:04:35.240
No, I do not, sir.

01:04:35.240 --> 01:04:39.240
Then without objection, these items will be placed on the consent agenda.

01:04:39.240 --> 01:04:42.240
We will then move on to the community development authority.

01:04:42.240 --> 01:04:45.240
Alder Hodges, did you receive any requests for separate consideration?

01:04:45.240 --> 01:04:46.240
No, I do not.

01:04:46.240 --> 01:04:49.240
Then without objection, this will be placed on the consent agenda.

01:04:49.240 --> 01:04:53.240
And this will take us to the transit commission report.

01:04:53.240 --> 01:04:59.240
Oh, I'm sorry. Alder, Alder Horton, did you have any requests for separate consideration?

01:04:59.240 --> 01:05:03.240
No, I do not.

01:05:03.240 --> 01:05:06.240
Then without objection, this will be placed on the consent agenda.

01:05:06.240 --> 01:05:09.240
And that moves us to the office of the mayor report.

01:05:09.240 --> 01:05:11.240
Alder Jurgensen, would you like to read the item?

01:05:11.240 --> 01:05:12.240
Sure.

01:05:12.240 --> 01:05:19.240
Item 0720-26, subject direct referral communication sponsor by Mayor Mason,

01:05:19.240 --> 01:05:25.240
submitting a veto of the Common Council's action on item 0660-26.

01:05:25.240 --> 01:05:31.240
Is there a motion that you're making there?

01:05:31.240 --> 01:05:33.240
It's my first time doing this.

01:05:33.240 --> 01:05:35.240
Make sure I'm doing this right.

01:05:35.240 --> 01:05:39.240
But the motion would be to override the veto on behalf of the council.

01:05:39.240 --> 01:05:42.240
It's a motion and a second to override the veto.

01:05:42.240 --> 01:05:44.240
Discussion on item?

01:05:44.240 --> 01:05:49.240
So this one, we heard it from the requester tonight.

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.

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,

01:06:03.240 --> 01:06:08.240
that with that restriction we felt comfortable that he would be able to open his business

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.

01:06:15.240 --> 01:06:19.240
So that's why I think much of the support is the same.

01:06:19.240 --> 01:06:23.240
I'll be voting in favor of the override.

01:06:23.240 --> 01:06:25.240
I'll do it.

01:06:25.240 --> 01:06:30.240
Yes, I'm going to speak in favor of overriding this also.

01:06:30.240 --> 01:06:36.240
Everybody, you have this petition that was collected by Mr. Patel.

01:06:36.240 --> 01:06:41.240
And if you look at all these signatures, most of them are from the area.

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.

01:06:45.240 --> 01:06:48.240
They have support for this business.

01:06:48.240 --> 01:06:53.240
I support it myself because I'd rather have a nice grocery store with something.

01:06:53.240 --> 01:06:56.240
And Mr. Patel is a very responsible businessman.

01:06:56.240 --> 01:06:58.240
I've already stated that.

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.

01:07:08.240 --> 01:07:14.240
We approved it with conditions, so he will have to live up to those conditions.

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.

01:07:22.240 --> 01:07:28.240
And also he would be hiring people and there'd be jobs supporting this business.

01:07:28.240 --> 01:07:35.240
So I'm still in favor of this business opening with the license.

01:07:35.240 --> 01:07:36.240
Thank you.

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.

01:07:47.240 --> 01:07:49.240
And I didn't completely understand the business plan.

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.

01:07:59.240 --> 01:08:05.240
But as I delved into it and looked at Mr. Patel's reputation,

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.

01:08:10.240 --> 01:08:18.240
He's had no violations and has sold alcohol in his other business.

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.

01:08:29.240 --> 01:08:35.240
So I will be supporting the override of the mayor's veto this evening.

01:08:35.240 --> 01:08:38.240
Under Davis.

01:08:38.240 --> 01:08:42.240
Thank you.

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.

01:08:52.240 --> 01:09:02.240
However, I have significant concerns about using the proximity of the county behavioral health center.

01:09:02.240 --> 01:09:09.240
Halo and other services for vulnerable populations as a reason to deny this license.

01:09:09.240 --> 01:09:15.240
There is a difference between providing protection and removing agency.

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,

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.

01:09:36.240 --> 01:09:41.240
Vulnerability does not eliminate autonomy.

01:09:41.240 --> 01:09:49.240
Historically, behavior health services were often pushed away from neighborhoods and community life.

01:09:49.240 --> 01:09:55.240
Isolation was not necessary beneficial.

01:09:55.240 --> 01:10:02.240
Integration into the community can be a part of a healthier, more humane service delivery.

01:10:02.240 --> 01:10:10.240
Legitimate public health and safety concerns can be considered without making assumptions about an entire population.

01:10:10.240 --> 01:10:17.240
If this license should be denied, the reason should withstand scrutiny on its own merits.

01:10:17.240 --> 01:10:20.240
I have some questions.

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?

01:10:39.240 --> 01:10:42.240
Okay, and that's one.

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?

01:11:01.240 --> 01:11:06.240
So I'll pause there.

01:11:06.240 --> 01:11:11.240
So my question, yeah, this would be to, I guess, to the mayor.

01:11:11.240 --> 01:11:23.240
Was these individuals consorted before determining that the establishment would be harmful to these populations?

01:11:23.240 --> 01:11:27.240
So at this point, I'm chairing the meeting that participating in the conversation.

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.

01:11:37.240 --> 01:11:38.240
All right.

01:11:38.240 --> 01:11:40.240
Thank you.

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.

01:11:52.240 --> 01:11:55.240
A veto override.

01:11:55.240 --> 01:12:03.240
I would ask the city attorney to explain to the council about a veto override.

01:12:03.240 --> 01:12:07.240
The city attorney could outline the conditions for a veto override.

01:12:07.240 --> 01:12:09.240
Sure.

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.

01:12:17.240 --> 01:12:21.240
The acts of the council being submitted to him by the clerk.

01:12:21.240 --> 01:12:23.240
Mason did that in this case.

01:12:23.240 --> 01:12:29.240
And then the objections are presented at the next regular common council meeting.

01:12:29.240 --> 01:12:34.240
Two thirds of the, if there's a motion to override the veto.

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.

01:12:42.240 --> 01:12:45.240
Vote in favor of overriding the veto.

01:12:45.240 --> 01:12:48.240
Then the act of the council becomes effective.

01:12:48.240 --> 01:12:50.240
That was standing the objections.

01:12:50.240 --> 01:12:54.240
So two thirds, 10 votes would override the veto.

01:12:54.240 --> 01:13:02.240
All right.

01:13:03.240 --> 01:13:05.240
Thank you.

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,

01:13:10.240 --> 01:13:15.240
the vote was 11 to one in support of granting the license.

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,

01:13:22.240 --> 01:13:26.240
to vote I on the motion that was made to override the budget.

01:13:26.240 --> 01:13:29.240
So I just wanted to be real clear on that.

01:13:29.240 --> 01:13:36.240
So everybody understood how important their, their vote is on this whichever side you stand on.

01:13:36.240 --> 01:13:38.240
Thank you.

01:13:38.240 --> 01:13:44.240
Alder Herman.

01:13:44.240 --> 01:13:46.240
Just so that it could, just so that it's clear.

01:13:46.240 --> 01:13:47.240
All right.

01:13:47.240 --> 01:13:52.240
Supporting this veto or saying yes would mean what.

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.

01:13:57.240 --> 01:14:01.240
The motion is to override the veto.

01:14:01.240 --> 01:14:05.240
So an eye vote would be to override the veto.

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

01:14:13.240 --> 01:14:16.240
council approved at the last meeting.

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.

01:14:24.240 --> 01:14:25.240
Correct.

01:14:25.240 --> 01:14:26.240
Thank you.

01:14:26.240 --> 01:14:27.240
All right.

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.

01:14:43.240 --> 01:14:50.240
However, I really support the will of the community.

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.

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.

01:15:23.240 --> 01:15:30.240
Residents have said that they want less establishments that serve alcohol.

01:15:30.240 --> 01:15:38.240
And while I believe that the business owner has a great reputation,

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.

01:15:47.240 --> 01:15:55.240
There have been positive community statements about what he has done.

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.

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.

01:16:35.240 --> 01:16:41.240
Even when they believe that it's in their best interest and it's not.

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.

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.

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.

01:17:26.240 --> 01:17:31.240
And there's no accountability for it except for the person who is doing it.

01:17:31.240 --> 01:17:36.240
So I will not support overriding this veto.

01:17:36.240 --> 01:17:39.240
Thank you.

01:17:39.240 --> 01:17:40.240
I'll repeat.

01:17:40.240 --> 01:17:41.240
Thank you again.

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.

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.

01:18:01.240 --> 01:18:07.240
I went and got data on Douglas quarter etc.

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.

01:18:20.240 --> 01:18:24.240
For police resources crime etc. etc.

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.

01:18:32.240 --> 01:18:34.240
I think I'm one of his customers.

01:18:34.240 --> 01:18:35.240
That's not the issue.

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.

01:18:43.240 --> 01:18:45.240
Let's get it going.

01:18:45.240 --> 01:18:47.240
Come back in six months.

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.

01:18:56.240 --> 01:18:59.240
But let's give him an opportunity.

01:18:59.240 --> 01:19:03.240
But let's tighten up what we agreed on last time.

01:19:03.240 --> 01:19:05.240
We said something to the effect.

01:19:05.240 --> 01:19:08.240
Put the grocery store in and put the deli in.

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.

01:19:14.240 --> 01:19:18.240
But let's kind of change that around.

01:19:18.240 --> 01:19:23.240
I would make a motion to say let's put that first.

01:19:23.240 --> 01:19:27.240
Yeah I'll repeat that motion is not in order.

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.

01:19:33.240 --> 01:19:35.240
Thank you to not over it.

01:19:35.240 --> 01:19:38.240
But does that complete your comments sir?

01:19:38.240 --> 01:19:39.240
Yes thanks.

01:19:39.240 --> 01:19:42.240
Otherwise.

01:19:42.240 --> 01:19:46.240
So I'm just going to say that it went through committee.

01:19:46.240 --> 01:19:47.240
It was pulled.

01:19:47.240 --> 01:19:50.240
I think we talked for 45 minutes.

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.

01:19:55.240 --> 01:19:57.240
And I feel like that was the biggest concern.

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.

01:20:02.240 --> 01:20:05.240
We were comfortable.

01:20:05.240 --> 01:20:07.240
Approving this conditionally.

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.

01:20:13.240 --> 01:20:15.240
We've seen floor plans already.

01:20:15.240 --> 01:20:17.240
Started to put work in.

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.

01:20:22.240 --> 01:20:26.240
Or to change course on what we kind of all came to.

01:20:26.240 --> 01:20:30.240
I mean it was like 45 minute conversation at least.

01:20:30.240 --> 01:20:35.240
So while I totally respect everything the mayor said at the last meeting.

01:20:35.240 --> 01:20:37.240
And his concerns.

01:20:37.240 --> 01:20:41.240
I think what we wanted was to ensure it was a real grocery store.

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.

01:20:45.240 --> 01:20:49.240
So I wouldn't change my vote from the last time.

01:20:49.240 --> 01:20:51.240
Thank you Mr. Mayor.

01:20:51.240 --> 01:20:55.240
So just to piggyback off of otherwise we did have a very thorough conversation.

01:20:56.240 --> 01:21:00.240
And it took a while for us to figure out a compromise on this particular item.

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.

01:21:05.240 --> 01:21:06.240
That's what it was in the first place.

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.

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.

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.

01:21:29.240 --> 01:21:32.240
It's all I'm in support of overriding the veto. Thank you.

01:21:32.240 --> 01:21:35.240
Other Widener for a second time.

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.

01:21:42.240 --> 01:21:46.240
Well which one of voice vote or a roll call vote?

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.

01:21:51.240 --> 01:21:52.240
That a roll call vote.

01:21:52.240 --> 01:21:53.240
Okay.

01:21:53.240 --> 01:21:55.240
We'll do that in place of the.

01:21:55.240 --> 01:21:56.240
Okay.

01:21:56.240 --> 01:21:59.240
There's no objection to a roll call vote.

01:21:59.240 --> 01:22:02.240
Alder Davis for a second time.

01:22:02.240 --> 01:22:03.240
Thank you.

01:22:03.240 --> 01:22:11.240
I just I wanted to add that this location is on the border of district three.

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.

01:22:21.240 --> 01:22:25.240
I just wanted to let that be heard that the community that's around.

01:22:25.240 --> 01:22:31.240
I haven't heard anything that says no we would not like this.

01:22:31.240 --> 01:22:35.240
So I will just leave it again.

01:22:35.240 --> 01:22:40.240
We just got to be careful basing assumptions on an entire group of people.

01:22:40.240 --> 01:22:42.240
Let them have their own agency.

01:22:42.240 --> 01:22:43.240
I'm complete.

01:22:43.240 --> 01:22:47.240
So again the vote before us would be to override the veto.

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.

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.

01:23:02.240 --> 01:23:05.240
Please vote as you wish.

01:23:05.240 --> 01:23:07.240
Alder Mack.

01:23:07.240 --> 01:23:09.240
Alder Jorgensen.

01:23:09.240 --> 01:23:11.240
Alder Widener.

01:23:11.240 --> 01:23:13.240
Alder Horton.

01:23:13.240 --> 01:23:15.240
Alder Hodges.

01:23:15.240 --> 01:23:16.240
Alder Pete.

01:23:16.240 --> 01:23:17.240
Alder Land.

01:23:17.240 --> 01:23:18.240
Alder Demark.

01:23:18.240 --> 01:23:19.240
Alder Kelly.

01:23:19.240 --> 01:23:20.240
Alder Harmon.

01:23:20.240 --> 01:23:21.240
Alder Pervone.

01:23:21.240 --> 01:23:22.240
Alder Frazier.

01:23:22.240 --> 01:23:23.240
Alder Weiss.

01:23:23.240 --> 01:23:24.240
Alder Davis.

01:23:24.240 --> 01:23:30.240
That would be 13 ayes 1 no.

01:23:30.240 --> 01:23:33.240
The veto is overridden.

01:23:33.240 --> 01:23:42.240
We move now on to the consent agenda of tonight's meeting.

01:23:42.240 --> 01:23:46.240
Alder Jorgensen would you like to make a motion to approve the consent agenda?

01:23:46.240 --> 01:23:48.240
I move to approve the consent agenda.

01:23:48.240 --> 01:23:52.240
Motion and a second approved by alder Frazier.

01:23:52.240 --> 01:23:54.240
All those in favor please say aye.

01:23:54.240 --> 01:23:55.240
Aye.

01:23:55.240 --> 01:23:56.240
Opposed?

01:23:56.240 --> 01:23:57.240
That motion carries.

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.

01:24:05.240 --> 01:24:08.240
In addition to matters related to governmental business is prohibited.

01:24:08.240 --> 01:24:10.240
Are there announcements this evening?

01:24:10.240 --> 01:24:12.240
I would just ask if most people absolutely need to leave.

01:24:12.240 --> 01:24:17.240
We do try to listen to the announcements of all of our colleagues before we go.

01:24:17.240 --> 01:24:18.240
If you must go you must.

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.

01:24:22.240 --> 01:24:27.240
We'll begin with Alder Harmon.

01:24:27.240 --> 01:24:28.240
Thank you Mayor.

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.

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.

01:24:48.240 --> 01:24:49.240
You're going to do well.

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.

01:24:57.240 --> 01:24:58.240
For all that they do.

01:24:58.240 --> 01:24:59.240
For the racing students.

01:24:59.240 --> 01:25:00.240
Thank you.

01:25:00.240 --> 01:25:03.240
Thank you Mr. Mayor.

01:25:03.240 --> 01:25:08.240
To echo Alder Harmon's statements first day back for our USD.

01:25:08.240 --> 01:25:12.240
I know some schools have already been in session but our USD is their first day.

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.

01:25:20.240 --> 01:25:26.240
So welcome back looking forward to a great school year.

01:25:27.240 --> 01:25:29.240
I had something there but it went away.

01:25:29.240 --> 01:25:32.240
Okay that's all thank you.

01:25:32.240 --> 01:25:34.240
Alder Weiss.

01:25:34.240 --> 01:25:37.240
I don't know how you guys are so fast I wanted to say it first.

01:25:37.240 --> 01:25:39.240
First day of school today was fabulous.

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.

01:25:52.240 --> 01:25:54.240
We went through a lot last year.

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.

01:26:04.240 --> 01:26:05.240
It's just what it's all about.

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.

01:26:14.240 --> 01:26:16.240
All right I got three things.

01:26:16.240 --> 01:26:23.240
Number one a week ago no last week we had the funeral celebration for Bishop Kirby.

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.

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.

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.

01:26:47.240 --> 01:26:50.240
Yeah and then number three.

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.

01:27:08.240 --> 01:27:10.240
Otter back.

01:27:10.240 --> 01:27:17.240
Thank you my condolences to Bishop Kirby's family and to St. Paul Missionary Baptist Church.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

01:29:17.240 --> 01:29:19.240
All good to mark.

01:29:19.240 --> 01:29:26.240
Repeating everyone's sentiment about today happy first day of school everyone.

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.

01:29:41.240 --> 01:29:43.240
Thank you.

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.

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

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.

01:30:15.240 --> 01:30:21.240
Second I want to say happy Labor Day to everybody.

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.

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.

01:30:45.240 --> 01:30:48.240
I look forward to celebrating with you in the coming week.

01:30:48.240 --> 01:30:49.240
Thank you.

01:30:49.240 --> 01:30:50.240
Alden Provost.

01:30:50.240 --> 01:30:51.240
I remember.

01:30:51.240 --> 01:30:52.240
Thank you.

01:30:52.240 --> 01:30:54.240
Well three things in front of that.

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.

01:31:05.240 --> 01:31:13.240
Happy Labor Day and I just wanted to congratulate or shout out the clerk's office.

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.

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.

01:31:27.240 --> 01:31:33.240
I'll repeat.

01:31:33.240 --> 01:31:34.240
Thank you.

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.

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.

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.

01:32:09.240 --> 01:32:12.240
Nobody knows why I said that.

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.

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.

01:32:28.240 --> 01:32:30.240
Thank you.

01:32:30.240 --> 01:32:31.240
All right.

01:32:31.240 --> 01:32:34.240
All right Kelly.

01:32:34.240 --> 01:32:36.240
Thank you.

01:32:36.240 --> 01:32:40.240
Welcome back to the Racine Lutheran high school students.

01:32:40.240 --> 01:32:45.240
My daughter is officially a senior so they've been back for two weeks now.

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.

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.

01:33:05.240 --> 01:33:08.240
All right.

01:33:08.240 --> 01:33:11.240
Congratulations.

01:33:12.240 --> 01:33:15.240
Thank you Mr. Mayor.

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.

01:33:22.240 --> 01:33:25.240
I used to work for him at the Hope House.

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.

01:33:30.240 --> 01:33:32.240
I said man I don't have anything.

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.

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.

01:33:48.240 --> 01:33:52.240
I sent it on the slide show at its funeral.

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.

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.

01:34:05.240 --> 01:34:09.240
And then the to order Alan who is not here.

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.

01:34:15.240 --> 01:34:19.240
He just beat me out first.

01:34:19.240 --> 01:34:21.240
I'll mark for a second time.

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.

01:34:28.240 --> 01:34:33.240
Happy Labor Day and the other thing is to the clerk's office.

01:34:33.240 --> 01:34:42.240
As are you see employee that worked with your employees they were great they were awesome.

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.

01:34:52.240 --> 01:34:55.240
I'll repeat to Jim another announcement.

01:34:55.240 --> 01:34:57.240
Yes don't turn me off this time though.

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.

01:35:04.240 --> 01:35:09.240
I think we understood what you were.

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.

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.

01:35:21.240 --> 01:35:26.240
He was obviously not only a force for his congregation but for the entire community.

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.

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.

01:35:35.240 --> 01:35:40.240
And so glad that we did the street renaming last year and could reference that.

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

01:35:47.240 --> 01:35:50.240
and to the members of the council who are members of organized labor.

01:35:50.240 --> 01:35:53.240
Thank you very much we're happy to have you there.

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.

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.

01:36:07.240 --> 01:36:10.240
So pray for me.

01:36:10.240 --> 01:36:14.240
But good luck to all the students and to all the faculty and staff.

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

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

01:36:25.240 --> 01:36:30.240
or the teachers and staff who find that vocation of education so important to our future.

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

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

01:36:41.240 --> 01:36:43.240
please do so because the

