1 00:00:00,000 --> 00:00:02,000 You 2 00:00:30,000 --> 00:00:32,000 You 3 00:01:00,000 --> 00:01:02,000 You 4 00:01:30,000 --> 00:01:32,000 You 5 00:02:00,000 --> 00:02:02,000 You 6 00:02:30,000 --> 00:02:32,000 You 7 00:03:00,000 --> 00:03:02,000 You 8 00:03:30,000 --> 00:03:32,000 You 9 00:04:00,000 --> 00:04:02,000 You 10 00:04:30,000 --> 00:04:32,000 You 11 00:05:00,000 --> 00:05:02,000 You 12 00:05:30,000 --> 00:05:32,000 You 13 00:06:00,000 --> 00:06:02,000 You 14 00:06:30,000 --> 00:06:32,000 You 15 00:07:00,000 --> 00:07:02,000 You 16 00:07:30,000 --> 00:07:32,000 You 17 00:08:00,000 --> 00:08:02,000 You 18 00:08:30,000 --> 00:08:32,000 You 19 00:09:00,000 --> 00:09:02,000 You 20 00:09:30,000 --> 00:09:32,000 You 21 00:10:00,000 --> 00:10:02,000 You 22 00:10:30,000 --> 00:10:32,000 You 23 00:11:00,000 --> 00:11:02,000 You 24 00:11:30,000 --> 00:11:32,000 You 25 00:12:00,000 --> 00:12:02,000 You 26 00:12:30,000 --> 00:12:32,000 You 27 00:13:00,000 --> 00:13:02,000 You 28 00:13:30,000 --> 00:13:32,000 You 29 00:13:32,000 --> 00:13:34,000 You 30 00:13:34,000 --> 00:13:36,000 You 31 00:13:36,000 --> 00:13:38,000 You 32 00:13:38,000 --> 00:13:40,000 You 33 00:13:40,000 --> 00:13:42,000 You 34 00:13:42,000 --> 00:13:44,000 You 35 00:13:46,000 --> 00:13:50,000 If we 36 00:13:50,000 --> 00:13:52,000 If 37 00:13:52,000 --> 00:13:53,000 We 38 00:13:53,000 --> 00:13:54,000 Group 39 00:13:54,000 --> 00:13:55,000 The 40 00:13:55,000 --> 00:13:57,000 We 41 00:13:57,000 --> 00:13:59,000 With 42 00:13:59,000 --> 00:13:59,500 Here. 43 00:13:59,500 --> 00:14:00,440 Anastacio. 44 00:14:00,440 --> 00:14:00,880 Here. 45 00:14:00,880 --> 00:14:01,520 Caris. 46 00:14:01,520 --> 00:14:02,020 Here. 47 00:14:02,020 --> 00:14:02,600 Pollack. 48 00:14:02,600 --> 00:14:03,100 Here. 49 00:14:03,100 --> 00:14:03,800 DeGroote. 50 00:14:03,800 --> 00:14:05,040 He is here. 51 00:14:05,040 --> 00:14:06,280 Join us for the Pledge of Allegiance. 52 00:14:09,400 --> 00:14:12,600 I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States 53 00:14:12,600 --> 00:14:16,320 of America and to the republic for which it stands. 54 00:14:16,320 --> 00:14:19,520 One nation, among not, in the business world, 55 00:14:19,520 --> 00:14:21,360 with the liberty and justice for all. 56 00:14:21,360 --> 00:14:30,440 OK, the first item is a presentation 57 00:14:30,440 --> 00:14:34,160 by the Racine County Economic Development Corporation, 58 00:14:34,160 --> 00:14:36,720 their 2026 mid-year review. 59 00:14:36,720 --> 00:14:39,120 And we are joined by Laura Millian. 60 00:14:39,120 --> 00:14:39,880 Welcome, Laura. 61 00:14:39,880 --> 00:14:40,920 All right, thank you all. 62 00:14:40,920 --> 00:14:41,880 Hi, I'm Laura Millian. 63 00:14:41,880 --> 00:14:44,480 I'm deputy director with Racine County Economic Development. 64 00:14:44,480 --> 00:14:46,000 I'm pleased to be here this evening 65 00:14:46,000 --> 00:14:50,840 to share where we are on our mid-year under our contract 66 00:14:50,840 --> 00:14:53,480 with the village of Mount Pleasant, as well as across our work 67 00:14:53,480 --> 00:14:56,960 for Racine County to promote economic development. 68 00:14:56,960 --> 00:15:00,040 So included in your packet, you have our mid-year report. 69 00:15:00,040 --> 00:15:03,280 And I just want to provide a few highlights of our activities. 70 00:15:03,280 --> 00:15:08,200 So our CDC's assisted over 420 businesses 71 00:15:08,200 --> 00:15:09,760 over the last five years. 72 00:15:09,760 --> 00:15:12,360 59 of those have occurred in Mount Pleasant, 73 00:15:12,360 --> 00:15:16,720 resulting in about $1.7 billion worth of investment 74 00:15:16,720 --> 00:15:18,800 in the village of Mount Pleasant. 75 00:15:18,840 --> 00:15:22,400 Included in our contract are several special projects. 76 00:15:22,400 --> 00:15:24,480 We work as extensions of your staff 77 00:15:24,480 --> 00:15:26,800 to provide economic development services. 78 00:15:26,800 --> 00:15:29,960 But we also have special projects that are assigned to us. 79 00:15:29,960 --> 00:15:33,120 Included in that are working with village staff 80 00:15:33,120 --> 00:15:35,920 on bolstering and coordinating marketing efforts. 81 00:15:35,920 --> 00:15:40,560 Some of the highlights were working on solidifying 82 00:15:40,560 --> 00:15:42,880 and bringing Kedali America to Mount Pleasant 83 00:15:42,880 --> 00:15:46,480 and announcing that to the community, 84 00:15:46,480 --> 00:15:49,040 helping promote the small business growth program 85 00:15:49,040 --> 00:15:52,400 that the village has launched across our platforms. 86 00:15:52,400 --> 00:15:54,960 And also just making sure that, you know, 87 00:15:54,960 --> 00:15:58,240 the village is sharing the resources that our CDC has. 88 00:15:58,240 --> 00:16:01,560 So when we have programs like our BizDarts program 89 00:16:01,560 --> 00:16:05,040 that those are being shared out via social media, 90 00:16:05,040 --> 00:16:08,360 we continue to provide support around TID 5 development, 91 00:16:08,360 --> 00:16:11,760 as well as engaging with housing development prospects 92 00:16:11,760 --> 00:16:15,320 on site opportunities, especially at this point in time, 93 00:16:15,320 --> 00:16:19,360 working with Racine County on identifying creative financing 94 00:16:19,360 --> 00:16:21,480 for for sale single family housing 95 00:16:21,480 --> 00:16:24,400 to make it more affordable or attainable 96 00:16:24,400 --> 00:16:27,560 for individuals in our communities. 97 00:16:27,560 --> 00:16:30,600 So one of the other areas of focus for Racine County 98 00:16:30,600 --> 00:16:33,520 under our work is business attractions, 99 00:16:33,520 --> 00:16:37,320 specifically around industrial and residential development. 100 00:16:38,160 --> 00:16:40,840 Certain things that we have initiated this year, 101 00:16:40,840 --> 00:16:44,840 we continue to work on outreach to our site selectors, 102 00:16:44,840 --> 00:16:48,000 but we've initiated more focus on Northern Illinois 103 00:16:48,000 --> 00:16:50,480 for a business attraction campaign, 104 00:16:50,480 --> 00:16:54,160 as well as housing developers to be very specific 105 00:16:54,160 --> 00:16:56,040 on who our targets are. 106 00:16:56,040 --> 00:16:59,360 Our prospect activity has been a bit slower 107 00:16:59,360 --> 00:17:00,520 for the first half of the year. 108 00:17:00,520 --> 00:17:03,920 It's about 20% down from the first half of 2025. 109 00:17:04,920 --> 00:17:06,200 Mount Pleasant continues, though, 110 00:17:06,200 --> 00:17:08,440 to be of significant interest to businesses 111 00:17:08,440 --> 00:17:12,240 coming, looking at locating in Southeast Wisconsin. 112 00:17:12,240 --> 00:17:14,840 What we've engaged was 16 different prospects 113 00:17:14,840 --> 00:17:17,160 across advanced manufacturing, food and beverage, 114 00:17:17,160 --> 00:17:18,600 as well as distribution. 115 00:17:20,880 --> 00:17:23,080 And one of the things that we are seeing 116 00:17:23,080 --> 00:17:24,600 in terms of prospect activity, 117 00:17:24,600 --> 00:17:27,120 a prospect activity, one of the reasons it's slower, 118 00:17:27,120 --> 00:17:29,240 is because of some of the uncertainty 119 00:17:29,240 --> 00:17:33,000 in the global economy, as well as tariff situation companies, 120 00:17:33,000 --> 00:17:36,000 especially if they're international looking to come to the US. 121 00:17:36,000 --> 00:17:39,760 They're just making their decision to make a decision 122 00:17:39,760 --> 00:17:41,680 on a location has been slowed 123 00:17:41,680 --> 00:17:44,240 due to those increasing costs. 124 00:17:44,240 --> 00:17:47,200 We are seeing new construction investment. 125 00:17:47,200 --> 00:17:50,120 As you look at our overall dashboard is a little bit lower 126 00:17:50,120 --> 00:17:52,800 than what we had anticipated, a lot of that is due 127 00:17:52,800 --> 00:17:55,120 to the fact that so many buildings were built 128 00:17:55,120 --> 00:17:59,280 in the 2020, 2021, 22 time period, 129 00:17:59,280 --> 00:18:01,960 and businesses that are coming into the community, 130 00:18:01,960 --> 00:18:06,000 they're not having to spend as much on new construction. 131 00:18:06,000 --> 00:18:07,520 So that is what's happening as you look 132 00:18:07,960 --> 00:18:10,920 at the projects that have been approved. 133 00:18:10,920 --> 00:18:12,600 Other things, just to highlight, 134 00:18:12,600 --> 00:18:15,800 we continually regularly engage with Microsoft 135 00:18:15,800 --> 00:18:19,320 on their project, as well as providing ongoing support 136 00:18:19,320 --> 00:18:23,040 to Kidali America as they come into the community 137 00:18:23,040 --> 00:18:25,200 making sure that they've got access 138 00:18:25,200 --> 00:18:29,240 to the local resources they need to transition to the area. 139 00:18:30,120 --> 00:18:31,760 On the business expansion side, 140 00:18:31,760 --> 00:18:33,280 this really focuses on helping 141 00:18:33,280 --> 00:18:35,560 our existing businesses access resources 142 00:18:35,560 --> 00:18:38,200 that includes our business financing programs. 143 00:18:38,200 --> 00:18:39,720 We do a lot of outreach to make sure 144 00:18:39,720 --> 00:18:42,120 that our businesses are aware of our programs, 145 00:18:42,120 --> 00:18:44,480 as well as just understanding what their needs are. 146 00:18:44,480 --> 00:18:46,560 And we're finding, as we've talked to them, 147 00:18:46,560 --> 00:18:49,000 there's a really mixed business performance. 148 00:18:49,000 --> 00:18:52,220 Our manufacturers, many of them are doing well. 149 00:18:53,720 --> 00:18:55,720 They're in the logistics sector. 150 00:18:55,720 --> 00:18:58,560 They're also doing fine on the manufacturing side 151 00:18:58,560 --> 00:19:00,480 especially if they're in energy defense 152 00:19:00,480 --> 00:19:04,240 or in data centers, they're doing really well. 153 00:19:04,240 --> 00:19:06,200 And those companies are actually starting 154 00:19:06,200 --> 00:19:08,760 to do more hiring, which is good to hear. 155 00:19:08,760 --> 00:19:12,120 Small businesses, though, are continuing to have challenges 156 00:19:12,120 --> 00:19:15,200 on revenue growth, rising costs are affecting everyone. 157 00:19:15,200 --> 00:19:17,960 And everything you hear in the news is true 158 00:19:17,960 --> 00:19:19,440 and it's affecting small businesses 159 00:19:19,440 --> 00:19:22,040 and something that we keep in mind. 160 00:19:22,040 --> 00:19:24,720 We continue to have a lot of technical assist requests 161 00:19:24,720 --> 00:19:27,240 come in and we connect those businesses 162 00:19:27,240 --> 00:19:29,080 with the resources that are available 163 00:19:29,080 --> 00:19:33,580 either through RCEDC or through our partner programs. 164 00:19:34,840 --> 00:19:38,160 In terms of programming, one thing I'd like to highlight 165 00:19:38,160 --> 00:19:41,440 is our BISTArts Racine Program, which I briefly mentioned. 166 00:19:41,440 --> 00:19:44,120 This is a program that we initiated in 2024 167 00:19:44,120 --> 00:19:48,200 to assist small businesses, aspiring entrepreneurs, 168 00:19:48,200 --> 00:19:51,560 really provide some additional structure and support 169 00:19:51,560 --> 00:19:53,480 to help them with business growth 170 00:19:53,480 --> 00:19:55,680 and establishing a new business. 171 00:19:55,680 --> 00:19:58,360 We've assisted over 30 businesses or individuals 172 00:19:58,360 --> 00:20:00,080 with this particular program. 173 00:20:00,080 --> 00:20:01,280 It includes three parts. 174 00:20:01,280 --> 00:20:03,760 It's phase one is training for six weeks. 175 00:20:03,760 --> 00:20:06,360 And there's mentoring support for an additional 176 00:20:06,360 --> 00:20:08,360 three to four months and then the opportunity 177 00:20:08,360 --> 00:20:10,600 to work with students from Carthage College. 178 00:20:10,600 --> 00:20:15,520 We are initiating our next cohort on September 3rd 179 00:20:15,520 --> 00:20:17,960 and really would encourage you to share that information 180 00:20:17,960 --> 00:20:18,840 with your residents. 181 00:20:18,840 --> 00:20:20,520 We've actually had seven residents 182 00:20:20,520 --> 00:20:22,120 from the village of Mount Pleasant 183 00:20:22,120 --> 00:20:25,240 participate in that particular program. 184 00:20:25,240 --> 00:20:29,240 Couple other highlights on our business expansion side. 185 00:20:29,240 --> 00:20:31,280 We've assisted seven different businesses, 186 00:20:31,280 --> 00:20:32,760 several of them with matching grants 187 00:20:32,800 --> 00:20:35,960 from Racine County, that's a very popular program 188 00:20:35,960 --> 00:20:40,960 that allows businesses that are minority women manufacturers 189 00:20:40,960 --> 00:20:44,080 and veteran owned businesses to access that grant 190 00:20:44,080 --> 00:20:47,600 up to $5,000 for marketing, a consulting support 191 00:20:47,600 --> 00:20:50,040 as well as training. 192 00:20:50,040 --> 00:20:51,960 That program is very popular 193 00:20:51,960 --> 00:20:54,760 and we're actually out of funds for this year. 194 00:20:54,760 --> 00:20:57,080 And then we also assisted Badger Meter 195 00:20:57,080 --> 00:21:00,680 as they have brought in additional production lines 196 00:21:00,680 --> 00:21:02,600 and resulted in about $4 million 197 00:21:02,600 --> 00:21:04,640 of additional investment at their facility. 198 00:21:06,000 --> 00:21:08,920 Another area of focus is our talent attraction effort 199 00:21:08,920 --> 00:21:11,120 which is showcasing Racine County's 200 00:21:11,120 --> 00:21:12,760 very place to live and work through our greater 201 00:21:12,760 --> 00:21:15,160 RacineCounty.com platform. 202 00:21:15,160 --> 00:21:18,600 We continue to update that and put resources 203 00:21:18,600 --> 00:21:20,760 into that program, making sure our employers 204 00:21:20,760 --> 00:21:23,520 are aware of the resources to help them 205 00:21:23,520 --> 00:21:26,840 as they work to attract new talent to the community. 206 00:21:26,880 --> 00:21:31,120 We've also worked with making sure 207 00:21:31,120 --> 00:21:32,720 that we're highlighting each of our communities 208 00:21:32,720 --> 00:21:34,880 which includes Mount Pleasant. 209 00:21:34,880 --> 00:21:38,560 Other areas of focus have included working 210 00:21:38,560 --> 00:21:41,520 with UW Parks side as they've had new students come in, 211 00:21:41,520 --> 00:21:43,200 talk to them about our businesses 212 00:21:43,200 --> 00:21:45,600 and our community as well. 213 00:21:46,760 --> 00:21:50,080 So as we look ahead to the next half of the year, 214 00:21:50,080 --> 00:21:52,560 we're a little more than halfway through here. 215 00:21:52,560 --> 00:21:55,480 Our CDC will be updating their strategic plan. 216 00:21:55,480 --> 00:21:58,640 So we'll be doing some outreach to our communities 217 00:21:58,640 --> 00:22:02,360 and key stakeholders as we work through those updates 218 00:22:02,360 --> 00:22:03,640 because there's been a lot of changes 219 00:22:03,640 --> 00:22:07,040 in our community over the last 10 years or so. 220 00:22:08,200 --> 00:22:11,160 We also will continue with our campaigns. 221 00:22:11,160 --> 00:22:13,880 Other things, I just wanna make sure that I highlight 222 00:22:13,880 --> 00:22:15,160 that are on our list. 223 00:22:15,160 --> 00:22:17,080 I mentioned BIST Arts, please promote it. 224 00:22:17,080 --> 00:22:19,520 And then the other one which is not really included 225 00:22:19,520 --> 00:22:21,760 in the report highlighted as much 226 00:22:21,760 --> 00:22:24,640 is that our CDC is working with economic development 227 00:22:24,680 --> 00:22:26,960 organizations in Kenosha and Walworth County 228 00:22:26,960 --> 00:22:28,880 on a new pitch competition. 229 00:22:28,880 --> 00:22:31,600 This is the second year that we've done this. 230 00:22:31,600 --> 00:22:32,440 We've changed the name. 231 00:22:32,440 --> 00:22:34,080 It's 262 Founders Pitch. 232 00:22:34,080 --> 00:22:36,040 It's got opportunities for individuals 233 00:22:36,040 --> 00:22:37,760 who are interested. 234 00:22:37,760 --> 00:22:40,640 They have an idea around technology, biotechnology, 235 00:22:40,640 --> 00:22:44,240 manufacturing, but also an opportunity for individuals 236 00:22:44,240 --> 00:22:46,760 who have more of a community-based business. 237 00:22:46,760 --> 00:22:49,120 They can also pitch in that competition. 238 00:22:49,120 --> 00:22:51,800 The applications are due by September 1st. 239 00:22:51,800 --> 00:22:53,560 So that's the overview. 240 00:22:53,560 --> 00:22:55,120 I'll be happy to answer any questions 241 00:22:55,120 --> 00:22:56,560 you may have about my report. 242 00:23:00,640 --> 00:23:03,160 I have a question about the BIST Arts 243 00:23:03,160 --> 00:23:05,760 and how would you suggest that we promote that 244 00:23:05,760 --> 00:23:07,480 through our, do you have, like, 245 00:23:07,480 --> 00:23:08,800 we could go to your website and get it to the end of that? 246 00:23:08,800 --> 00:23:09,960 You can go to our website. 247 00:23:09,960 --> 00:23:12,800 We also have on our social media, 248 00:23:12,800 --> 00:23:15,200 there's access there too. 249 00:23:15,200 --> 00:23:17,520 Also happy to share, again, you know, 250 00:23:17,520 --> 00:23:20,680 that recent social media post, if that's the preference, 251 00:23:20,680 --> 00:23:23,360 if you want that or versus an application that's online. 252 00:23:24,560 --> 00:23:25,560 Okay. 253 00:23:28,040 --> 00:23:31,600 Laura, the under your receipt on new trends and efforts, 254 00:23:31,600 --> 00:23:34,080 the two businesses in Sturtivant that were issued, 255 00:23:34,080 --> 00:23:36,960 that issued one notices, 256 00:23:36,960 --> 00:23:39,320 the Cree lighting and UNFI, 257 00:23:39,320 --> 00:23:42,440 what, what, it sounds like what you were doing 258 00:23:42,440 --> 00:23:45,000 was helping those current employees 259 00:23:45,000 --> 00:23:47,240 find other employment, is that? 260 00:23:47,240 --> 00:23:49,320 So what we were doing is working 261 00:23:49,320 --> 00:23:52,120 with Southeast Wisconsin Workforce Development Board 262 00:23:52,120 --> 00:23:54,040 to connect with those businesses. 263 00:23:54,040 --> 00:23:56,480 So not, well, 264 00:23:56,480 --> 00:23:58,440 Southeast, the Workforce Development Board 265 00:23:58,440 --> 00:24:00,200 often is connected with those businesses, 266 00:24:00,200 --> 00:24:01,640 they're not always connected. 267 00:24:01,640 --> 00:24:04,400 So we try to make, smooth that connection, 268 00:24:04,400 --> 00:24:07,760 because in the case of UNFI, they reached out to us, 269 00:24:07,760 --> 00:24:10,520 and when they initiated the war notice, 270 00:24:10,520 --> 00:24:12,040 so we were able to connect, 271 00:24:12,040 --> 00:24:13,800 talk to them and make sure they were in contact 272 00:24:13,800 --> 00:24:15,360 with Workforce Development Board, 273 00:24:15,360 --> 00:24:19,360 and we worked with them on scheduling, you know, 274 00:24:19,400 --> 00:24:22,440 job fairs at the facility to be able to help with 275 00:24:22,440 --> 00:24:25,440 those people who were displaced from that downsizing. 276 00:24:25,440 --> 00:24:27,920 Okay, so it was to help them, okay. 277 00:24:27,920 --> 00:24:30,560 Yeah, yeah, so we weren't running the job fairs, 278 00:24:30,560 --> 00:24:32,240 we were just helping make those, you know, 279 00:24:32,240 --> 00:24:34,640 connections and also helping with the scheduling. 280 00:24:35,840 --> 00:24:36,680 Thank you. 281 00:24:39,760 --> 00:24:40,760 Well, I don't have any comment, 282 00:24:40,760 --> 00:24:42,760 but I want to commend you for all your efforts, 283 00:24:42,760 --> 00:24:44,520 because, you know, looking at your report, 284 00:24:44,520 --> 00:24:46,960 and every year that you make this presentation, 285 00:24:47,840 --> 00:24:50,880 you are the ears and eyes of the same county 286 00:24:50,880 --> 00:24:55,200 and Mount Pleasant, so I think we appreciate that, 287 00:24:55,200 --> 00:24:58,280 because you're the front lead, which goes 288 00:24:58,280 --> 00:25:02,720 and kind of look for, or make connection with the people, 289 00:25:02,720 --> 00:25:05,560 you know, who want to track them, so thank you very much. 290 00:25:05,560 --> 00:25:08,440 But I just said, as a curiosity, 291 00:25:08,440 --> 00:25:11,920 I understand what you said about the business 292 00:25:11,920 --> 00:25:14,080 based computation, you know, for the community based, 293 00:25:14,080 --> 00:25:17,360 but what does 262 founders stand for? 294 00:25:17,360 --> 00:25:20,800 So 262 is our area code. 295 00:25:20,800 --> 00:25:24,440 So it's area code of Vercine, Walworth, and Kenosha County, 296 00:25:24,440 --> 00:25:26,840 so that's the common denominator. 297 00:25:26,840 --> 00:25:27,840 Now I guess that. 298 00:25:31,840 --> 00:25:36,840 Just a question on who, well, without naming names, 299 00:25:37,960 --> 00:25:41,960 do you contract with all of the municipalities 300 00:25:41,960 --> 00:25:44,600 in Racine County, or are there others that? 301 00:25:44,600 --> 00:25:48,760 We have contracts with many of the municipalities, 302 00:25:48,760 --> 00:25:52,520 some of the towns we do not, but they are supporters, 303 00:25:52,520 --> 00:25:57,040 so it's most, I think all of the villages, 304 00:25:57,040 --> 00:25:58,920 I mean, there's some that are more residential, 305 00:25:58,920 --> 00:26:02,120 so village Elmwood, we don't have a contract with, right, 306 00:26:02,120 --> 00:26:04,840 so that doesn't make sense, but anybody who has 307 00:26:04,840 --> 00:26:07,960 the opportunity for development and businesses 308 00:26:07,960 --> 00:26:11,320 to come in, we typically have contracts with them. 309 00:26:11,320 --> 00:26:14,240 Well, again, echoing the other trustees, 310 00:26:14,240 --> 00:26:18,680 we certainly do appreciate the efforts that you do 311 00:26:18,680 --> 00:26:23,080 to procure a development business, 312 00:26:23,080 --> 00:26:25,680 particularly in the village of Mount Pleasant. 313 00:26:25,680 --> 00:26:26,520 You're welcome. 314 00:26:26,520 --> 00:26:27,360 Keep up the good work. 315 00:26:27,360 --> 00:26:29,400 Well, we appreciate the partnerships, so thank you. 316 00:26:29,400 --> 00:26:30,240 It's a great one. 317 00:26:33,960 --> 00:26:36,680 Okay, let's move on to public comment. 318 00:26:36,680 --> 00:26:40,080 Members of the public are welcome to provide comments 319 00:26:40,080 --> 00:26:42,920 on any matter, please listen for the president 320 00:26:42,920 --> 00:26:45,640 to recognize you, state, your name, and address 321 00:26:45,640 --> 00:26:48,760 for the record, comments are limited to three minutes. 322 00:26:50,440 --> 00:26:54,480 I've got one person signed up, Jacob Ferguson. 323 00:26:54,480 --> 00:26:56,120 If you'd like to go to the podium, 324 00:26:56,120 --> 00:26:58,840 that Laura just spoke from, give us your name 325 00:26:58,840 --> 00:27:01,760 and address for the record, share your thoughts. 326 00:27:03,800 --> 00:27:05,760 Good evening, my name is Jacob Ferguson. 327 00:27:05,760 --> 00:27:10,760 I live at 936 Sycamore Avenue 53406 in Mount Pleasant. 328 00:27:14,800 --> 00:27:16,120 Good evening, council members. 329 00:27:16,120 --> 00:27:18,920 I have lived in the Sycamore Avenue neighborhood 330 00:27:18,920 --> 00:27:21,520 of Mount Pleasant for nine years come October, 331 00:27:21,520 --> 00:27:25,160 and I am here speaking on the matter of flock cameras. 332 00:27:25,160 --> 00:27:28,080 Senator Ron Wyden of Oregon stated in a letter 333 00:27:28,080 --> 00:27:30,400 to flock CEO Garrett Langley, 334 00:27:30,400 --> 00:27:32,680 I now believe that abuses of your product 335 00:27:32,680 --> 00:27:35,120 are not only likely, but inevitable, 336 00:27:35,160 --> 00:27:39,760 and that flock is unable and uninterested in preventing them. 337 00:27:39,760 --> 00:27:43,120 Wyden continues, it is functionally impossible 338 00:27:43,120 --> 00:27:47,200 for people to drive anywhere without having their movements 339 00:27:47,200 --> 00:27:51,800 tracked, photographed, and stored in an AI-assisted database 340 00:27:51,800 --> 00:27:54,800 that enables the warrantless surveillance of their every move. 341 00:27:56,040 --> 00:27:59,440 A police chief in the state of Georgia used flock's cameras 342 00:27:59,440 --> 00:28:02,000 to track his ex-girlfriend and her teenage daughter 343 00:28:02,000 --> 00:28:04,440 nearly 600 times. 344 00:28:04,440 --> 00:28:07,080 He was one of 50 rogue officers charged with 345 00:28:07,080 --> 00:28:09,600 or accused of abusing flock cameras. 346 00:28:09,600 --> 00:28:12,720 Cameras, which security researcher John Gaines, 347 00:28:12,720 --> 00:28:15,920 gained root access of in under 30 seconds 348 00:28:15,920 --> 00:28:19,640 via the password security and by pressing a diagnostic button 349 00:28:19,640 --> 00:28:21,160 on the back of said camera. 350 00:28:22,160 --> 00:28:24,640 I bear no ill will towards the police department 351 00:28:24,640 --> 00:28:27,200 of Mount Pleasant, they help keep this neighborhood 352 00:28:27,200 --> 00:28:29,000 and city safe. 353 00:28:29,000 --> 00:28:33,920 However, these are the simply the most visible cases I found. 354 00:28:33,920 --> 00:28:38,920 In addition, Oshkosh recently rejected a flock contract 355 00:28:39,400 --> 00:28:41,640 after discovering the company had lied to them 356 00:28:41,640 --> 00:28:44,000 about the capabilities of the cameras. 357 00:28:45,480 --> 00:28:48,800 The original vote had been five, two in favor, 358 00:28:48,800 --> 00:28:52,400 and then seven, zero against after the discovery. 359 00:28:53,400 --> 00:28:55,280 I urge the council to take a stand 360 00:28:55,280 --> 00:28:58,280 in defending the rights of the citizens of Mount Pleasant 361 00:28:58,280 --> 00:29:01,920 against flock and its contractors, third party entities 362 00:29:01,920 --> 00:29:04,600 who without warrant build databases 363 00:29:04,600 --> 00:29:07,120 to track the every movement of individuals 364 00:29:07,120 --> 00:29:09,840 who have no choice but to drive past them every day. 365 00:29:11,120 --> 00:29:13,520 There are models of camera that do not use AI 366 00:29:13,520 --> 00:29:15,400 or engage in the creation of a database 367 00:29:15,400 --> 00:29:18,400 whose near existence is a clear and present danger 368 00:29:18,400 --> 00:29:20,640 to the citizens of Mount Pleasant. 369 00:29:22,080 --> 00:29:25,080 I ask the council to swiftly and urgently deactivate 370 00:29:25,080 --> 00:29:28,040 and remove active flock cameras, if any, 371 00:29:28,040 --> 00:29:30,240 and to cancel any current contracts 372 00:29:30,320 --> 00:29:32,760 and reject any further propositions or contracts 373 00:29:32,760 --> 00:29:35,760 involving the installation and use of flock cameras 374 00:29:35,760 --> 00:29:38,040 or their business competitors. 375 00:29:38,040 --> 00:29:40,120 Thank you for your time, council members. 376 00:29:42,200 --> 00:29:44,120 I appreciate your thoughts. 377 00:29:44,120 --> 00:29:48,440 We are under contract and do have them in the village. 378 00:29:48,440 --> 00:29:52,120 I would encourage you to speak with Chief Vasha 379 00:29:52,120 --> 00:29:55,760 in terms of how we employ and deploy them. 380 00:29:55,760 --> 00:29:56,760 Thank you. 381 00:29:56,760 --> 00:29:57,600 Thank you. 382 00:29:58,600 --> 00:30:00,960 Anybody else wishing to speak for a public comment? 383 00:30:02,960 --> 00:30:04,560 Not hearing in from anybody. 384 00:30:04,560 --> 00:30:06,120 We'll close public comment 385 00:30:06,120 --> 00:30:08,280 and we'll move to the consent agenda. 386 00:30:10,880 --> 00:30:12,720 Mr. President, I make a motion to approve 387 00:30:12,720 --> 00:30:14,840 the item on consent agenda as presented. 388 00:30:15,760 --> 00:30:16,680 Second. 389 00:30:16,680 --> 00:30:18,440 So you're in motion and a second. 390 00:30:18,440 --> 00:30:20,400 All in favor signify by saying aye. 391 00:30:20,400 --> 00:30:21,240 Aye. 392 00:30:21,240 --> 00:30:22,400 Opposed? 393 00:30:22,400 --> 00:30:25,160 So that motion carries. 394 00:30:25,200 --> 00:30:28,520 So under new business, we've got discussion, 395 00:30:28,520 --> 00:30:32,520 possible motion regarding resolution 14-2026 396 00:30:32,520 --> 00:30:36,120 for the closure of tax incremental district number one. 397 00:30:38,000 --> 00:30:43,000 Mr. President, I make a motion to approve resolution 14-2026 398 00:30:44,320 --> 00:30:47,440 terminating tax incremental district number one 399 00:30:47,440 --> 00:30:50,920 effective September 10th, 2026. 400 00:30:50,920 --> 00:30:51,760 Second. 401 00:30:52,280 --> 00:30:57,280 So who wishes to speak to this then? 402 00:30:57,680 --> 00:30:58,600 Kathy? 403 00:30:58,600 --> 00:30:59,440 Sure. 404 00:30:59,440 --> 00:31:02,000 I'll be happy to take this item. 405 00:31:02,000 --> 00:31:04,720 We're actually pretty excited to present this to the board. 406 00:31:04,720 --> 00:31:06,240 This is something we've talked about 407 00:31:06,240 --> 00:31:08,720 in the last few cow meetings. 408 00:31:08,720 --> 00:31:11,600 This would be the closure of our first 409 00:31:11,600 --> 00:31:16,000 to district that we opened in September of 2006. 410 00:31:16,000 --> 00:31:19,520 Natural closure date of this kid is September 10th 411 00:31:20,480 --> 00:31:22,400 or September 11th of 2026. 412 00:31:22,400 --> 00:31:25,000 And we're asking for this termination resolution 413 00:31:25,000 --> 00:31:27,120 to take effect on September 10th. 414 00:31:27,120 --> 00:31:30,040 The DOR requires us to terminate the TID 415 00:31:30,040 --> 00:31:33,480 or extend the TID prior to the natural closure date. 416 00:31:33,480 --> 00:31:36,720 So we have enough money in the TID 417 00:31:36,720 --> 00:31:39,720 to pay off all of our obligations in this TID district. 418 00:31:39,720 --> 00:31:42,880 So this will close with that closure date 419 00:31:42,880 --> 00:31:46,520 on that September 10th. 420 00:31:46,520 --> 00:31:49,120 What will happen though, we will collect increment 421 00:31:49,120 --> 00:31:52,560 for this next tax collection year 422 00:31:52,560 --> 00:31:54,480 that will satisfy the obligations 423 00:31:54,480 --> 00:31:57,240 that we have within that TID district. 424 00:31:57,240 --> 00:31:59,680 And then we will have payments that go out 425 00:31:59,680 --> 00:32:02,600 to the other taxing jurisdictions 426 00:32:02,600 --> 00:32:03,920 that are on the tax bill. 427 00:32:08,240 --> 00:32:09,680 I have a question. 428 00:32:09,680 --> 00:32:13,000 So when you said that we will make payments 429 00:32:13,000 --> 00:32:14,440 to the other taxing districts, 430 00:32:14,440 --> 00:32:16,480 would that be the leftover money 431 00:32:16,480 --> 00:32:18,920 after all of our obligations are paid? 432 00:32:18,920 --> 00:32:19,760 Correct. 433 00:32:19,760 --> 00:32:22,720 We have some developer incentives 434 00:32:22,720 --> 00:32:23,920 that we still need to pay out. 435 00:32:23,920 --> 00:32:25,800 And we also have some loan obligations 436 00:32:25,800 --> 00:32:27,240 that need to be paid out. 437 00:32:27,240 --> 00:32:31,120 So in the 2027 budget, when you see that document, 438 00:32:31,120 --> 00:32:33,280 that will outline all of the obligations 439 00:32:33,280 --> 00:32:34,200 that need to be paid. 440 00:32:34,200 --> 00:32:37,520 And then the residual dollars left at the end 441 00:32:37,520 --> 00:32:39,600 of that accounting period, 442 00:32:39,600 --> 00:32:42,960 which will end as of September 10th of 2027. 443 00:32:42,960 --> 00:32:44,680 We'll take the rest of that, split it up 444 00:32:44,680 --> 00:32:47,320 between those taxing jurisdictions. 445 00:32:49,280 --> 00:32:51,040 Nice to see one close. 446 00:32:51,040 --> 00:32:52,600 Well, and that's just it, 447 00:32:52,600 --> 00:32:55,640 because those board members that were present 448 00:32:55,640 --> 00:32:59,880 when that was formed are long gone, 449 00:32:59,880 --> 00:33:02,640 if retired or otherwise moved on. 450 00:33:02,640 --> 00:33:06,240 And so it's a rare person that would be there 451 00:33:06,240 --> 00:33:08,640 when it was formed to see the ending of it. 452 00:33:08,640 --> 00:33:10,960 And so we get to see the ending of it. 453 00:33:10,960 --> 00:33:12,960 Well, in the meantime, we've formed a few more 454 00:33:12,960 --> 00:33:16,760 to push forward, but it's always a good day 455 00:33:16,800 --> 00:33:19,960 to be able to retire a tit. 456 00:33:19,960 --> 00:33:23,240 And it served as purpose, but for the tit, 457 00:33:23,240 --> 00:33:25,360 we wouldn't have had that development. 458 00:33:25,360 --> 00:33:27,800 We have the development now that's throwing off 459 00:33:27,800 --> 00:33:30,520 more tax revenue, but just a reminder 460 00:33:30,520 --> 00:33:33,440 to the board members, closing the tit, 461 00:33:33,440 --> 00:33:35,240 doesn't mean all the money goes to us. 462 00:33:35,240 --> 00:33:36,600 We get about a third of it. 463 00:33:37,960 --> 00:33:42,400 The new tax money is half of it goes to, 464 00:33:42,400 --> 00:33:46,720 we've seen unified about 10%, 10%, 11% to the county. 465 00:33:46,800 --> 00:33:48,360 And correct me if I'm wrong, 466 00:33:48,360 --> 00:33:51,200 wrong about one or 2% to the gateway. 467 00:33:51,200 --> 00:33:52,200 Very small, yeah. 468 00:33:54,800 --> 00:33:56,320 Any other thoughts? 469 00:33:56,320 --> 00:34:00,520 No, I echo your thoughts and again, 470 00:34:00,520 --> 00:34:02,240 Mr. President, as you said, 471 00:34:02,240 --> 00:34:05,840 I'm very pleased that we are able to close tit number one 472 00:34:05,840 --> 00:34:10,760 out of this seven, our taxpayers and community 473 00:34:10,760 --> 00:34:15,760 has invested very patiently and other than distribution 474 00:34:16,320 --> 00:34:17,960 according to the contract, 475 00:34:17,960 --> 00:34:20,640 main advantages that once you close the tit, 476 00:34:20,640 --> 00:34:23,880 our tax base is increased down the road. 477 00:34:23,880 --> 00:34:26,640 And that's the, again, I love the tits, 478 00:34:26,640 --> 00:34:28,680 I like the concept not for the residential, 479 00:34:28,680 --> 00:34:33,240 but for the commercial, but eventually that tax base, 480 00:34:33,240 --> 00:34:35,440 increased base helps everyone. 481 00:34:35,440 --> 00:34:40,440 And as far as distribution to the other partners, 482 00:34:40,680 --> 00:34:42,760 we don't have any control, but they do that. 483 00:34:42,760 --> 00:34:45,080 But in theory, when they get the money, 484 00:34:45,080 --> 00:34:48,320 they should also hopefully flow down to the tax base. 485 00:34:48,320 --> 00:34:50,440 At the end of the day, it should also be, 486 00:34:50,440 --> 00:34:52,200 it should be a lead to the tax base. 487 00:34:52,200 --> 00:34:53,040 Should be. 488 00:34:53,040 --> 00:34:55,320 One can hope, one can hope. 489 00:34:55,320 --> 00:35:00,320 So in the matter of closing the tit, 490 00:35:03,120 --> 00:35:04,960 let's do a roll call vote. 491 00:35:04,960 --> 00:35:06,040 Washburn. 492 00:35:06,040 --> 00:35:07,040 Aye. 493 00:35:07,040 --> 00:35:07,880 Ventraining. 494 00:35:07,880 --> 00:35:08,720 Aye. 495 00:35:08,720 --> 00:35:09,560 Batia. 496 00:35:09,560 --> 00:35:10,400 Aye. 497 00:35:10,400 --> 00:35:11,240 Anastacio. 498 00:35:11,240 --> 00:35:12,080 Aye. 499 00:35:12,080 --> 00:35:12,920 Caris. 500 00:35:12,920 --> 00:35:13,760 Aye. 501 00:35:13,760 --> 00:35:14,600 Pollock. 502 00:35:15,440 --> 00:35:16,280 Motion carries. 503 00:35:17,720 --> 00:35:22,280 So we have on the other page of the agenda under L, 504 00:35:22,280 --> 00:35:24,840 the discussion possible motion to approve the contract 505 00:35:24,840 --> 00:35:27,000 between the village of Mount Pleasant 506 00:35:27,000 --> 00:35:30,280 and the Mount Pleasant Police Officers Association 507 00:35:30,280 --> 00:35:33,440 of the Wisconsin Professional Fire Association 508 00:35:33,440 --> 00:35:36,920 from, excuse me, please, I'm sorry, 509 00:35:36,920 --> 00:35:41,920 Police Association, January 1, 2027 through December 31st, 510 00:35:42,280 --> 00:35:43,120 2030. 511 00:35:44,120 --> 00:35:46,200 Mr. President, I'd like to make a motion 512 00:35:46,200 --> 00:35:48,360 to approve the contract between the village 513 00:35:48,360 --> 00:35:51,600 of Mount Pleasant and the Mount Pleasant Police Officers 514 00:35:51,600 --> 00:35:55,240 Association of the Wisconsin Police Association 515 00:35:55,240 --> 00:35:59,240 from January 1st, 2027 through December 31st, 516 00:35:59,240 --> 00:36:01,280 2030 as presented. 517 00:36:02,920 --> 00:36:03,960 Second. 518 00:36:03,960 --> 00:36:05,560 So we have motion and a second. 519 00:36:08,400 --> 00:36:09,560 Would that be Mary? 520 00:36:09,560 --> 00:36:14,560 So the current contract with the Mount Pleasant Police 521 00:36:16,000 --> 00:36:20,520 Officers Association does expire at December 31st. 522 00:36:20,520 --> 00:36:24,240 We were successfully able to negotiate a four-year agreement 523 00:36:24,240 --> 00:36:28,640 running from January 1st of 2027 through December 31st 524 00:36:28,640 --> 00:36:32,160 of 2030, just to mention a few things. 525 00:36:32,160 --> 00:36:35,520 There is a competitive wage package, 526 00:36:35,520 --> 00:36:37,760 but again, we did get some concessions 527 00:36:37,800 --> 00:36:41,280 from the Police Officers Association 528 00:36:41,280 --> 00:36:45,480 for post-retirement benefit, obligations to the village 529 00:36:45,480 --> 00:36:48,440 that will hopefully reduce some of those obligations 530 00:36:48,440 --> 00:36:50,360 for post-retirement benefits, 531 00:36:50,360 --> 00:36:52,520 as well as some of our training obligations. 532 00:36:52,520 --> 00:36:56,200 So again, I think it was a fair deal for both sides. 533 00:36:58,440 --> 00:36:59,840 And this is something that we discussed 534 00:36:59,840 --> 00:37:02,200 at the Mount Pleasant County. 535 00:37:03,200 --> 00:37:05,120 Any other thoughts from the board? 536 00:37:06,120 --> 00:37:09,920 I think it was just, I mean, just as a comment, 537 00:37:11,120 --> 00:37:12,880 we discussed this a couple of times 538 00:37:12,880 --> 00:37:14,280 at the Committee of the Whole. 539 00:37:14,280 --> 00:37:17,520 And these are tough negotiations 540 00:37:17,520 --> 00:37:22,440 because we as a village board aren't really involved in them. 541 00:37:22,440 --> 00:37:24,920 We have to approve the contract. 542 00:37:24,920 --> 00:37:29,240 We have Mary Cole from Human Resources there on our behalf, 543 00:37:29,240 --> 00:37:31,480 but it's really different. 544 00:37:31,480 --> 00:37:33,440 And it's really been a learning curve for me 545 00:37:33,480 --> 00:37:35,800 in the last six years that I've been here. 546 00:37:35,800 --> 00:37:40,640 So I'm really pleased to see that we were able 547 00:37:40,640 --> 00:37:42,560 to negotiate this the way we were. 548 00:37:42,560 --> 00:37:45,840 I think one of the things that has continued 549 00:37:45,840 --> 00:37:49,840 to cloud other states and other communities 550 00:37:49,840 --> 00:37:53,480 with these kinds of agreements is that post-development, 551 00:37:53,480 --> 00:37:58,440 our post-retirement, the post-retirement fund. 552 00:37:58,440 --> 00:38:01,520 And I think we finally now are starting to see 553 00:38:01,520 --> 00:38:03,720 where the younger people coming in, 554 00:38:03,720 --> 00:38:06,240 they're recognizing they're going to have to look out 555 00:38:06,240 --> 00:38:10,560 for themselves a little more in the world 556 00:38:10,560 --> 00:38:13,040 as they move forward towards retirement. 557 00:38:13,040 --> 00:38:15,080 And that that world is changing. 558 00:38:15,080 --> 00:38:16,800 So that was a big deal. 559 00:38:16,800 --> 00:38:19,360 And I wanted to just thank Mary and Ryan 560 00:38:19,360 --> 00:38:21,360 for their good work and sheep as well. 561 00:38:22,720 --> 00:38:25,160 And Patrick, that's Patrick. 562 00:38:26,160 --> 00:38:28,320 So all our staff did a great job. 563 00:38:28,680 --> 00:38:31,520 Between police and fire, those were tough contracts. 564 00:38:34,160 --> 00:38:38,520 Well, fire is still a work in progress. 565 00:38:38,520 --> 00:38:43,520 But yeah, I think that the board is going along fine 566 00:38:45,280 --> 00:38:47,480 with where the negotiations ended up. 567 00:38:47,480 --> 00:38:50,200 And again, they are tough negotiations. 568 00:38:50,960 --> 00:38:55,960 So regarding the contract between us and the police officers 569 00:39:01,400 --> 00:39:03,680 association, roll call. 570 00:39:05,600 --> 00:39:10,240 Washburn, Ventrini, Batia, Anastacio, 571 00:39:10,240 --> 00:39:14,000 Aye, Keras, Pollock, Aye, dole group. 572 00:39:14,000 --> 00:39:15,360 Aye, motion carries. 573 00:39:16,840 --> 00:39:17,680 Any reports? 574 00:39:20,200 --> 00:39:23,000 Anything from the minister? 575 00:39:29,680 --> 00:39:31,960 Who's seconding the motion to adjourn? 576 00:39:31,960 --> 00:39:33,520 Oh, it did so, maybe. 577 00:39:33,520 --> 00:39:34,360 Sorry. 578 00:39:36,520 --> 00:39:38,760 Yeah, you're a little bit off, Mike. 579 00:39:38,760 --> 00:39:39,800 Motion and a second. 580 00:39:39,800 --> 00:39:41,480 All in favor, signify by saying aye. 581 00:39:41,480 --> 00:39:42,480 Aye. 582 00:39:42,480 --> 00:39:43,320 We stand adjourned. 583 00:39:43,320 --> 00:39:44,560 Thank you very much. 584 00:39:50,200 --> 00:39:51,200 Thank you.