Monday, October 21, 2024

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Democratic VP candidate Gov. Walz visiting Racine on Tuesday

From The Journal Times.com:

Journal Times staff

RACINE — Democratic vice presidential nominee Gov. Tim Walz will be in Racine on Tuesday to rally voters on the first day of early voting in the state. 

Walz is holding a rally at 6:45 p.m., according to the Harris for President campaign. The event is taking place at Memorial Hall, 72 7th St., according to Festival Park. 

The visit to Racine is the second of two stops the candidate is making in Wisconsin on Tuesday.

Walz will appear in Madison earlier in the day alongside former President Barack Obama at a campaign rally.

In-person absentee voting runs Oct. 22 through Nov. 3.

Voters can find their in-person absentee voting location at https://myvote.wi.gov/en-us/Vote-Absentee-In-Person. 

From: https://journaltimes.com/news/local/government-politics/elections/democratic-vp-candidate-tim-walz-racine/article_863ced00-8fc9-11ef-a85a-e7d873ff66be.html#tracking-source=home-top-story

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This Wisconsin county has backed the winning presidential candidate for the last 6 elections

JD Vance visits crucial Waukesha County to encourage Catholics to vote for Trump

From JSOnline:

Hope KarnoppSophie Carson
Milwaukee Journal Sentinel

Republican vice presidential nominee JD Vance traveled to Waukesha Sunday to deliver remarks aimed at turning out Wisconsin's large number of Catholic voters for former President Donald Trump.

"As a Christian, as a person who was baptized for the first time just a few years ago, there is something really bizarre with Kamala Harris' anti-Christian rhetoric and anti-Christian approach to public policy," Vance said at a rally at Stein’s Aircraft Services, located near the Waukesha County Airport. "If Christians get out there and vote, we are going to win, my friends."

Vance, a Catholic convert, has been a key part of efforts to mobilize conservative Catholic voters in swing states, including Wisconsin, Michigan and Pennsylvania. He appeals to those who have embraced a traditionalist take on the faith — a growing movement among some younger Catholics.

Vance has hoped that hitting on issues like abortion and transgender rights will appeal to conservative Catholics, who could give Trump an edge in a tight presidential race. At the Waukesha rally, Vance spent most of his speech hitting on the campaign's main talking points, including the economy, immigration and the fentanyl crisis.

Vance criticized Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, a campaign surrogate for Harris, who filmed a video placing a Dorito on the tongue of a podcaster, seizing on a social media trend. The Michigan Catholic Conference said Whitmer was mocking receiving the sacrament of Communion.

"Whether you're a Christian, a Catholic, or any other faith, or no faith at all, when you see an American leader, when you see a surrogate of Kamala Harris, insulting people of the Christian faith, I think that we should say to every single one of those people: You're fired," Vance said.

Whitmer released an apology, saying she "would never do something to denigrate someone's faith" and explaining the video was meant to be about the CHIPS Act.

Harris on Sunday attended and spoke at two churches in Georgia. On Thursday, Harris skipped a Catholic charity dinner in New York that traditionally has been a place where both presidential candidates meet in the runup to the November election. She campaigned in Wisconsin and filmed a video that was shown at the event.

Trump criticized Harris’ absence at the Al Smith dinner, calling it “deeply disrespectful,” and urged Catholics to vote for him, according to the Associated Press.

Polling finds Catholics about split in partisan support

In general, Catholics do not vote as a bloc. About half — 52% — of Catholic registered voters identify with Republicans, and 44% identify with Democrats, according to Pew. Hispanic Catholics tend to lean more Democratic, while white Catholics lean more Republican.

In the last three rounds of Marquette University Law School polls of Wisconsin voters, 42% of Roman Catholic respondents said they would vote for Harris, while 58% support Trump.

Though Milwaukee has historically been a Catholic stronghold, the number of Catholics has been dwindling in recent decades as more people claim no religious affiliation. Today, there are about 530,000 Catholics affiliated with a parish in the Archdiocese of Milwaukee, which encompasses 10 counties in southeast Wisconsin. They make up about 22% of the population of the region

More:Milwaukee Catholic parishes are at a reckoning point. Here are several ways to understand the decline.

Others identify as Catholic in surveys but rarely or never go to church. In Wisconsin, about a quarter of the population identified as Catholic in 2014, according to a Pew Research Center study.

"There's more to Catholicism than rituals, there is a justice and truth element that unfortunately, a lot of Catholics don't know. Certainly Vance does not know that," Greg Garland, a reform Catholic, said at a Waukesha canvass launch for Democrats Sunday morning. "(Vance) is going to try to be a one-trick pony and focus in on abortion."

Vance touched on abortion briefly Sunday, claiming taxpayers are funding abortion at nine months. Fact-checks have found that abortions are rare in late-term and not performed at full term, unless for maternal or fetal complications.

While the Catholic Church opposes abortion, a national survey from Pew this year found 59% of self-identified Catholics believe abortion should be legal in most or all cases, while 40% believe it should be illegal in most or all cases. That split is nearly on par with the general U.S. population’s views on the issue.

Linda Best, another Catholic voter at the Democrats' event Sunday morning, referenced "God Bless the USA" Bibles that Trump has promoted. "Desecrating the Bible, manufacturing it in China, profiting off of it, or using it as a political prop, certainly does not align with my values," she said.

Harris campaign notes Vance hasn't been in Wisconsin frequently

In a statement, Wisconsin Democratic Coordinated Campaign Rapid Response Director Kristi Johnston said Vance has been "too busy defending Donald Trump’s increasingly unhinged and extreme behavior over the past month to campaign in Wisconsin."

"Vice President Kamala Harris and Governor Tim Walz have been traveling across our state sharing their plans to lower costs, protect reproductive freedoms, and chart a new way forward," Johnston said.

Vance's Sunday visit is his first since Sept. 17, when he campaigned in Eau Claire. He has also made stops in De Pere, Kenosha and Milwaukee. Earlier on Sunday, Vance spent time in Green Bay around a Packers home game at Lambeau Field.

More:Trump, Harris are ramping up their travel in Wisconsin. See all the places they've been

Harris will return to Wisconsin Monday with Republican former U.S. Rep. Liz Cheney, also in Waukesha County. Waukesha was once a Republican stronghold, but Democrats are cutting into margins in the Milwaukee suburb.

Vance on Sunday called Cheney "a resentful, petty, small person. And if Kamala Harris wants to parade her around, she's welcome to."

Democratic vice presidential nominee Tim Walz and former President Barack Obama will also rally in Madison on Tuesday, the first day of early voting in Wisconsin, and Walz will continue on for a second rally in Racine.

More:Once a GOP juggernaut, Waukesha County's shifting voters makes for Wisconsin battleground

From: https://www.jsonline.com/story/news/politics/elections/2024/10/20/jd-vance-urges-catholic-voters-to-support-donald-trump-in-waukesha/75736712007/

A guide to Halloween in Racine County

From The Journal Times.com:

Caroline Neal

RACINE COUNTY — With Halloween quickly approaching, kids around Wisconsin are getting their costumes ready. For families planning on trick-or-treating, different areas in the county have designated trick-or-treating times. Here’s a guide to all things Halloween in Racine County.

Trick-or-treating times

  • City of Burlington: Thursday, Oct. 31 from 6-8 p.m.
  • City of Racine: Thursday, Oct. 31 from 5-7 p.m.
  • Town of Burlington: Thursday, Oct. 31 from 6-8 p.m.
  • Town of Dover: Thursday, Oct. 31 from 6-8 p.m.
  • Town of Norway: Saturday, Nov. 2 from 5-8 p.m.
  • Town of Waterford: Thursday, Oct. 31 from 5-7:30 p.m.
  • Village of Caledonia: Thursday, Oct. 31 from 5:30-7:30 p.m.
  • Village of Elmwood Park: Thursday, Oct. 31 from 5-7 p.m.
  • Village of Mount Pleasant: Thursday, Oct. 31 from 5-7 p.m.
  • Village of North Bay: Thursday, Oct. 31 from 5-7 p.m.
  • Village of Rochester: Sunday, Oct. 27 from 1-4 p.m.
  • Village of Sturtevant: Thursday, Oct. 31 from 5-7 p.m.
  • Village of Union Grove: Thursday, Oct. 31 from 5:30-7:30 p.m.
  • Village of Waterford: Thursday, Oct. 31 from 5:30-7:30 p.m.
  • Village of Wind Point: Sunday, Oct. 27 from 4-6 p.m.
  • Village of Yorkville: Thursday, Oct. 31 from 5:30-7:30 p.m.

Other Halloween events:

  • Candy Crawl: On Saturday, Oct. 19 and Saturday, Oct. 26, join Downtown Racine Corporation from 12-2 p.m. for its sixth annual Candy Crawl and Halloween Scavenger Hunt. Some downtown businesses participating in the Candy Crawl include Maple Table, Red Onion Cafe, Vintage & Modern Books and Reefpoint Brew House. Kids who complete the hunt have a chance of winning one of three prize packs.
  • Mount Pleasant Trunk-or-Treat: Mount Pleasant Parks and Recreation and the Village of Mount Pleasant is hosting its annual trunk or treat on Saturday, Oct. 26 from 4-6 p.m. at Campus Park, 8500 Campus Drive. At the free event, attendees can enjoy decorated trunks, tasty treats and games.
  • Fall Family Fun Fest at the Wustum: Check out Racine Art Museum’s Fall Family Fun Fest on Saturday, Oct. 26 from 1-4 p.m. at the Wustum Museum, 2519 Northwestern Ave. Visitors can participate in a costume contest, decorate pumpkins and go on a scavenger hunt. Admission is free, and no prior registration is required.
  • Jack-O’-Lantern Nights: From Thursdays to Sundays until Nov. 3, Racine Zoo visitors can enjoy animal-themed pumpkin sculptures and complimenting light displays. The event runs from 6-10 p.m. after regular zoo hours. Admission to the event is $10 per person and does not include daytime zoo access.
  • Boo at the Zoo: The Racine Zoo, 2131 N. Main Street, is hosting Boo at the Zoo on Saturday, Oct. 26 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Attendees can trick-or-treat, decorate pumpkins and cookies, play in bounce houses, and enjoy food and drinks. Boo at the Zoo is included with zoo admission.
  • Trunk-or-Treat Family Halloween Event: The City of Racine’s Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services Department is hosting a trunk-or-treat, sponsored by Southside Sundays. The event is on Sunday, Oct. 27 from 2-5 p.m. in the Bryant Center Parking Lot, 601 Caron Butler Drive.
  • 9th Annual Trunk-or-Treat: St. John’s Lutheran, 198 Westridge Ave., Burlington, is hosting its 9th Annual Trunk-or-Treat on Thursday, Oct. 31 from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Attendees will be able to enjoy food trucks, prizes for the “Best Trunk” and “Best Costume,” a maze, and other activities. Those wishing to decorate their car and pass out candy can begin setting up at 4:30 p.m. in the parking lot.

Sunday, October 20, 2024

Tim Walz will rally in Racine Tuesday after campaigning with Obama in Madison

From JSOnline:

Hope Karnopp
Milwaukee Journal Sentinel

Democratic vice presidential nominee Tim Walz will rally in Racine Tuesday night after campaigning with former President Barack Obama earlier in the day in Madison, the campaign announced Sunday.

The two rallies come on the first day of early voting in Wisconsin, which allows voters to cast an absentee ballot in-person ahead of Election Day. Obama has been rallying in several battleground states in the final weeks of the campaign.

Obama and Walz are expected to take the stage around 1:30 p.m. in Madison, and Walz will continue on to Racine, where he will deliver remarks at 6:45 p.m. No locations have been announced yet.

Vice President Kamala Harris will also campaign in Waukesha Monday alongside Republican former U.S. Rep. Liz Cheney in efforts to reach undecided voters. Republican vice presidential nominee JD Vance is set to deliver remarks in Waukesha Sunday focused on Catholic voters in Wisconsin.

More:Last-minute campaigning: A tradition in presidential politics in Wisconsin

From: https://www.jsonline.com/story/news/politics/elections/2024/10/20/tim-walz-adds-stop-in-racine-tuesday-after-rally-with-obama-in-madison/75767093007/

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Saturday, October 19, 2024

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Friday, October 18, 2024

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Crash in I-94 prompts all lanes to close in Kenosha County

From JSOnline:

Drake Bentley
Milwaukee Journal Sentinel


Interstate 94 in Kenosha County was closed both directions following a crash Friday involving semitrucks.

The Wisconsin Department of Transportation said the incident occurred shortly after 3 p.m. near Somers and I-94 or Interstate 41 southbound is closed at County KR. The agency said all northbound lanes were open shortly before 6 p.m.

ABC 7 in Chicago helicopter footage showed a large presence of emergency responders and apparently two semitrailers badly damaged and charred.

The incident occurred just north of the Illinois border and is on an interstate that connects Milwaukee to Chicago.

This is a developing story.

From: https://www.jsonline.com/story/news/2024/10/18/i-94-in-kenosha-county-closed-in-both-directions-following-crash/75740197007/


 

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Former MPS teacher's aide found guilty of child enticement and other felonies

From JSOnline:

Jefferson was found not guilty on two of 10 felony charges, including second degree sexual assault of a child.


Cleo Krejci
Milwaukee Journal Sentinel


A Milwaukee jury has found Randell Jefferson, a former teacher's aide at the Oliver Wendell Holmes School, guilty of seven felonies related to his contact with children.

Those convictions include three counts of soliciting a child for prostitution, two for child enticement with sexual contact, and two for exposing a child to harmful material, according to the jury's Wednesday verdict in Milwaukee County Circuit Court.

Jefferson, 35, was found not guilty of two more charges related to second-degree sexual assault of a child and child enticement with sexual contact. One more count, exposing a child to harmful material, was dismissed.school

The charges were connected to Jefferson's contact with children at the Harambee neighborhood elementary and middle school between between 2021 and 2023. He worked there since the since the 2018-19 school year, according to state data

Jefferson is scheduled to be sentenced Nov. 21.

He could face up to 25 years and $100,000 for each enticement and solicitation charge. For the charges related to exposing a child to harmful material, he could face up to 3½ years in prison and $10,000 in fines.

Lawyers for Jefferson did not respond to request for comment before publication.

Cleo Krejci covers education and workforce development as a Report For America corps member based at the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. Contact her at CKrejci@gannett.com or follow her on Twitter @_CleoKrejciFor more information about Report for America, visit jsonline.com/rfa.

From: https://www.jsonline.com/story/news/education/2024/10/18/former-mps-teachers-aide-found-guilty-of-soliciting-a-child-for-prostitution/75723121007/

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'Just like the icicles, our hearts are melting': Ice Castles won't be in Lake Geneva this year

From JSOnline:

Amy Schwabe
Milwaukee Journal Sentinel


This story was updated to accurately reflect the most current information.

Ice Castles will not return to Lake Geneva this year.

The castles, which were hand-built from thousands of icicles to create slides, thrones and tunnels for visitors to walk through, had been a winter event in Lake Geneva since 2019 (their first Wisconsin appearance was in the Dells in 2018).

On Oct. 16, Ice Castles, LLC announced on its Facebook page that: "Just like the icicles, our hearts are melting as we share that we won’t be returning to Wisconsin this year. But we’re excited for new adventures on the horizon! We can’t wait to bring the magic back in future seasons and create even more unforgettable moments with you."


The allusion to a weather-related reason for the castles not returning doesn't come as a surprise as warm winters have plagued the Ice Castles for the past few years. In 2023, the Ice Castles had to close after just three days, as the company's Facebook page announced: "Over the last three days, the castle has melted beyond repair. We always say that Ice Castles is a delicate dance with Mother Nature. Sadly, this winter she didn't feel like dancing."

Last year, Lake Geneva's Ice Castles event was rebranded as "Winter Realms," and the ice structures were billed as more "weather-resilient," although Ice Castles CEO Kyle Standifird still encouraged people to hedge their bets, stating in a news release at the time that, "We do not know how long we will be able to remain open due to unpredictable weather forecasts, and we encourage guests to come as soon as possible and not wait."

That turned out to be good advice; in an interview with the Journal Sentinel, Standifird said last year's castles only lasted ten or 11 days. He did note, however, that the "weather-resilient" innovations — which included adding snow elements to the ice — did help, as the castles lasted longer than the previous year, even though last year's temperatures were even warmer.

"Last year, about half the castle was made out of snow, and we made ice igloos that we covered with snow as a form of insulation, with some ice features inside the igloos," Standifird said. "We also did things like have courtyards made of snow instead of ice, and we have some other ideas that we're working on that can keep the Ice Castles magic but also keep things open a little longer."

Although those innovations won't be used in Lake Geneva this year, Standifird described this year's cancellation as a pause that the business had to take in order to regroup in an effort to "bring the Ice Castles magic back to Wisconsin."

Quite a few Facebook comments noted that it might make sense to locate the Ice Castles in a more northern area of Wisconsin, where the weather is likely to be more cooperative. Standifird said that's a possibility, but also said that the company's preference is to return to Lake Geneva.

"We have been looking at other Wisconsin markets to see if we might have a better chance of success farther north, and we're evaluating if that would be necessary in order to return to Wisconsin," Standifird said. "But we have loved being in Lake Geneva, the community there and the partnership with Geneva National Resort

"Lake Geneva has just been a great place to do business with, and we hope to be back."

From: https://www.jsonline.com/story/life/2024/10/17/ice-castles-wont-return-to-lake-geneva-wisconsin-this-winter-2024-2025/75716099007/

Thursday, October 17, 2024

Lionel Railroad Club of Southeast Wisconsin hosting open house

From The Journal Times.com:

Liz Snyder


RACINE — The Lionel Railroad Club of Southeast Wisconsin will host an open house from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 19.

The public is invited to come and see Lionel Railroad Club members operate a variety of “O” and “S” gauge trains.

Admission is free, and everyone is welcome.

The club, founded in 1997, is located above American Coin & Jewelry, 4625 Washington Ave. The club entrance is on Ohio Street, on the west side of the building. Visitors are asked to park in the south lot.

The club features five model train layouts:

  • The 10-by-14-foot layout features a Plasticville city and a carnival scene with operating rides.
  • The second layout is 17-by-27 feet and features three loops of track with wide sweeping curves and numerous sidings.
  • An “O” gauge layout is pre-World War II.
  • A Thomas the Tank Engine track is set at a height for children to enjoy.
  • A newly created “S” gauge American Flyer track is 5-by-8 feet.

“The layouts will appeal to people of all ages,” said Tim Deadrick, the club’s president.

For more information, contact the club via email at Lionelrrsewi@gmail.com.

From: https://journaltimes.com/news/local/lionel-railroad-club-of-southeast-wisconsin-hosting-open-house/article_d77168f2-0d58-11ef-9911-2f0fe08be0ee.html#tracking-source=home-the-latest

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Racine Common Council passes boycott-related ordinances

From The Journal Times.com:

Holly Gilvary

RACINE — Two weeks after a Racine Common Council meeting failed to meet quorum largely because of an alder boycott, members approved multiple ordinances related to the boycott and overrode one veto from Mayor Cory Mason.

The council on Tuesday approved an ordinance changing the procedure for handling communications that come to the council, granting alders the ability to view each communication and refer it to a standing committee. 

After the appropriate standing committee approves the communication, it will return to Common Council for discussion and final approval.

Other ordinances related to the boycott that the council approved include:

  • An ordinance prohibiting city employees who report directly to the mayor or have supervisory authority from serving on any city authority, board or commission, going against the Executive Committee's recommendation from Oct. 10 to disapprove.
  • Amendments to a current ordinance involving dangerous animals, overriding a veto from the mayor.
  • An amendment to a charter ordinance requiring the Common Council to establish a calendar in June of each year for the proposal, consideration and passage of a budget for the ensuing year, and requiring that the mayor present the budget to the council by Oct. 15.

Mason was not present at Tuesday's meeting. Council President Alder Terry McCarthy chaired the meeting.

The council also unanimously approved a recommendation to appoint Marlo Harmon to the vacant District 14 council seat until a special spring election in 2025.

The city clerk swore in Harmon immediately following the vote.  

In other business, the council:

  • Authorized a 2025 contract for RYDE Racine transit service in Caledonia, Mount Pleasant and Yorkville.
  • Approved a developer's agreement for the Wisconn Valley Way Water Main Extension Project, which will service the upcoming Microsoft data centers in Mount Pleasant.
  • Approved a developer's agreement for the Springs at Mount Pleasant Water Main Extension Project.
  • Approved a developer's agreement for the Highway KR Development Project in Mount Pleasant.
  • Novated the incentive agreements with J. Jeffers & Co. for phase IV of the Belle City Square redevelopment, which includes the city issuing a $8 million three-year bridge loan to the developer.
  • Approved a developer's agreement for the Mount Pleasant Tax Increment District No. 7 Development Project.
  • Voted to allow a claim filed to the city attorney's office requesting reimbursement for damages to the claimant's vehicle allegedly caused by concrete falling from the ceiling at the McMynn Parking Ramp, 120 Seventh St., where the claimant's car was parked.
  • Authorized the issuance and sale of $16,525,000 of 2024 general obligation promissory notes to be used for paying the cost of various capital improvement and acquisition projects, vehicles and equipment as set forth in the 2024 capital improvement plan.
  • Granted permission to the city to apply for the Environmental and Climate Justice Community Change Grant Program from the U.S Environmental Protection Agency in the amount of $15 million to support the construction of the Lincoln King Community Center.
  • Granted permission for the city to apply for the $500,000 Fiscal Year 2025 U.S. EPA Brownfield Community Wide Site Assessment Grant, and to accept the grant if awarded.
  • Authorized the issuance and sale of up to $959,615 taxable waterworks system revenue bonds.
  • Approved the donation from the Potawatomi Nation of a statue "Fire Keeper" to the city, which will be placed at the north entrance to Festival Hall along the Kipikawi Causeway.
  • Authorized adding $160,200 to a contract with Complex Security Solutions Inc. for fiber contracting services, in order to fund repair and maintenance and routine work.
  • Granted permission to the city to accept the 2024 Capital Project Fund Digital Connectivity and Navigators Program Grant of $576,049.
  • Extended a contract with Baker Tilly Vantagen for the Student Loan Repayment Assistance Program through Sept. 30, 2026, for an amount of up to $350,000.
  • Granted permission for the city to enter into a sole source agreement with Grant Galaxy LLC for grant writing services from Oct. 1, 2024, to Dec. 31, 2026, for a cost up to $150,000
  • Granted permission to the finance director to submit the presentation of the second quarter 2024 fiscal results and investment summaries.
  • Granted permission to the finance director to present the 2025 Operating Plan for Business Improvement District No. 1, Downtown Racine Corporation for review and approval.
  • Granted permission to the human resources benefits manager to present the healthcare employee premium equivalent rates for 2025, which are expected to be about $100,000 and will be incorporated into the 2025 healthcare budget.
  • Granted permission to the human resources benefits manager to plan the design for the city's Retiree Medicare Advantage Health Plan, the changes of which will result in a $1.2 million decrease in the city-wide cost of the program for 2025.
  • Granted permission to the human resources benefits manager to discuss the city's Stop Loss Insurance Coverage for 2025 before the Finance and Personnel Committee.
  • Submitted bid results for CCTV Sewer Inspection, awarding the contract to Green Bay Pipe & TV LLC for $665,035.
  • Submitted bid results for City Hall elevator upgrades, awarding the contract to Express Elevator LLC for $315,000.
  • Submitted bid results for the Myers Park Breakwater Restoration project, awarding the contract to C.W. Purpero for $82,084 with an alternate bid of $99,918 for a total of $182,002.
  • Accepted and authorized the final payment for the Lincoln/Spring Street bridge removal of $116,827.
  • Approved a request from Jeff Sturdevant, directing principal of Walden III Middle and High School, to close the south sidewalk of Rupert Boulevard from Chicago Street west to the cemetery during the 2024-25 winter season.
  • Approved the use of 2131 N. Main St. for North Main Street Road Improvement Project.
  • Approved an amendment to the contract between the City of Racine and Waste Management adding Waste Management's Pheasant Run Landfill as an option for tipping municipal solid waste.
  • Approved a change order to a contract with Bukacek Construction for the Racine Public Works Transfer Station for $111,010.
  • Approved a change order to a contract with Berglund Construction for Core Building Tuckpointing for $116,263.
  • Authorized submitting a final payment to Globe Contractors for sewage work for a total contract amount of $704,139.
  • Authorized submitting a final payment to Absolute Construction Enterprises for work for Island Park Pavilion staircase relocation, for a total contract amount of $46,400.
  • Approved a change order to a contract with Beardsley Concrete LLC for College Avenue curb replacement and Erie Street joint repairs for $81,320.
  • Authorized submitting a final payment to Beardsley Concrete LLC for College Avenue curb replacement and Erie Street joint repairs for a total contract amount of $205,478.
  • Approved a transportation project plat for Ohio Street.
  • Authorized a state/municipal agreement for a project on Spring Street.
  • Approved a professional services agreement between the city and AECOM for 2024-25 sewer inspection for up to $184,660.
  • Authorized an amendment to the Three-Party Professional Engineering Services Contract between the city, the Wisconsin Department of Transportation and Stand Associates Inc. for a project on North Main Street for up to $450,486.
  • Granted permission to the Downtown Racine Corporation to use city right-of-way for the annual holiday parade on Saturday, Nov. 9, closing Ontario Street, State Street between Ontario and Main streets, Main Street from State to Sixth streets and Sixth Street from Main Street to City Hall
  • Authorized the city's purchase of about 7,000 tons of road salt from Cargil Inc. for ice control during the 2024-25 winter season under their proposed one-year contract price of $84.12 per ton delivered.
  • Authorized the approval of the FFY 2025 Federal Highway Administration/WisDOT Subrecipient Title VI/Nondiscrimination Assurances agreement, allowing for the city to continue to receive federal financial assistance from the U.S. Department of Transportation.
  • Approved the licenses premise report.
  • Approved a "Class B" fermented malt beverage and intoxicating liquor license for Olive Garden Italian Restaurant at 6000 Durand Ave. and Kafana LLC DBA Markos Neighborhood Bar at 3001 Douglas Ave.
  • Denied a "Class B" fermented malt beverage and intoxicating liquor license for Day 10 Bar & Grill at 1102 Mound Ave. and La Hacienda Bar at 1455 Douglas Ave.
  • Authorized the city attorney's office to represent all city employees and officers in BREG Pike River Development Inc. and BREG Pike River LLC v. City of Racine, et al., Racine County Case No. 2024CV964.
  • Approved free parking in downtown Racine on Nov. 29, 2024; Nov. 30, 2024; Dec. 7, 2024; Dec. 14, 2024; and Dec. 21, 2024.
  • Approved appointments from the mayor of Valena Coleman to the Board of Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services, county representative position; and Malik Frazier to the Affirmative Action and Human Rights Commission, each for terms ending April 30, 2027.