Council members override mayor's veto

From The Journal Times.com:

Holly Gilvary

RACINE — The City of Racine Common Council on Wednesday voted to override Mayor Cory Mason's veto of an ordinance changing the council's structure.

The vote was 10-4, with Alders Terry McCarthy, Henry Perez, Renee Kelly, Jeff Coe, Olivia Turquoise-Davis, David Maack, Melissa Kaprelian, Sandy Weidner, Cinthia Esqueda and newly-appointed District 2 Alder Tyler Townsend supporting the override.

Alders Samuel Peete, Mary Land, Marlo Harmon and Maurice Horton voted against the motion.

Alder Cory Sebastian abstained, saying she did not want to make the decision for the members of the new Common Council, which will have its first meeting April 15.

Four districts will have new alders in the next council, as Sebastian, Kaprelian and Coe lost their districts' races, and McCarthy did not run for reelection. 

"I'm finding it very challenging for me to make a decision for those who are going to be operating in these seats moving forward," Sebastian said.

Prior to the vote, Sebastian offered a motion to defer action until the next meeting, which failed.

"We can say all we want, but we're gone in two weeks, so I think that we should allow them to make this decision," Sebastian said.

With the mayor's veto overridden, the following ordinance changes, approved by the Common Council on March 4, will go into effect:

• The council president, rather than the mayor, will appoint members to standing committees.

• Standing committee members will elect that committee's chair, and the committee chair will appoint a vice-chair.

• All alders will become ex-officio members of the standing committees.

• The role of council vice president will be created and will be elected by alders at the council's annual organizational meeting.

• The council president and vice-president will have a term length of two years.

• The vice-president can preside over Common Council meetings if neither the president nor the mayor are present.

• The Committee of the Whole will be added as a standing committee.

• Alders will no longer be able to serve more than two years as a chair or vice-chair of a standing committee.

The council also approved the appointment of Tyler Townsend as District 2 alder, filling the vacancy left by Alder Mollie Jones' death. Townsend was immediately sworn into office following the council's approval.

In other business, the council:

• Approved a development incentive agreement between the city and Dominion 12, Dominion 14 and AOA Racine for the Dominion Downtown Phase 2 project, for which the city will give developers a $9.7 million loan to redevelop multiple storefronts and buildings in Downtown Racine as part of the Hotel Verdant project in Tax Increment District No. 26.

• Approved an amendment to the project plan for Tax Increment District No. 9 allowing for excess revenue to be transferred to TID No. 26, including the transfer of $5.7 million for the loan for the Dominion Downtown Phase 2 project.

• Approved an amendment to the project plan and boundaries of Tax Increment District No. 26.

• Approved a major amendment to the Planned Development for Regency Mall to allow for a new use for a multi-family residential development at 5326 Durand Ave.

• Awarded a $14 million contract to KGI Construction Group for the construction of 33 townhomes for the Lincoln King Development Project.

• Approved a state/municipal agreement for a design and construction project on State Street Bridge over Root River. The city’s share of the project cost will be $640,000 and the state’s will be $14,375,000.

• Approved a three-party consulting engineering services agreement between the city, the Wisconsin Department of Transportation and EMCS Inc., for a road construction project on Spring Street from Fairway Drive to State Trunk Highway 38, not-to-exceed amount of $391,862. The city will pay $78,372 and WisDOT will pay $313,490.

• Referred back to the Public Safety and Licensing Committee an application from Adream Social Lounge, 1518 Washington Ave., for a "Class B" Intoxicating Beverage and Fermented Malt Beverage license.

• Granted permission for the City Development Department to apply for the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation’s $250,000 Community Development Investment grant for Hop Heads Hospitality & Events to build a restaurant and taproom at the Legion building at Belle City Square, 1907 St. Patrick St.

• Approved and ratified the formation of the Lincoln King Community Center and Clinic QALICB Inc., for the purposes of the New Market Tax Credit transaction associated with the construction of the King Center and allowed the city to execute all necessary documents associated with the project.

• Granted permission to the Racine Human Resources Department to apply for a workforce development fast forward grant at the Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development in relation to the public safety cadet and youth employment program. If awarded, the Fire Cadet Program would receive up to $176,000, and the Commercial Driver's License Program would receive up to $225,000.

• Approved the creation of a new part-time position to implement the outreach/education component of the DNR/IRA Urban Forestry grant that was awarded to the city's Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services Department in 2024.

• Approved the application and acceptance of a $500,000 from the Daybreak Fund for energy efficiency and/or nature-based solutions to stormwater retention.

• Approved a request from Katherine Rayner of Crew Carwash for a major amendment to the Planned Development for Regency Mall to add a new use of a carwash at 2521 S. Green Bay Road

• Approved a request from the Wisconsin Humane Society to host a large-scale pet vaccination event for cats and dogs that reside in the 53404 ZIP code, at Lincoln Park from 6 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, May 3.

• Authorized the Racine Public Health Department to enter into an agreement with the Wisconsin Department of Health Services and accept funding of $227,357 for syphilis case management and partner services within Racine County.

• Approved the proposed settlement of $50,000 in the case of Shannon Hollimon, et al., v. City of Racine, et al, Racine County Circuit Court Case No. 23CV1428.

• Authorized a change order to a contract for downtown street lighting, increasing the amount by $297 to $98,415, and authorized the final payment to contractor WIL-Surge Electric Inc.

• Awarded a contract to A.W. Oakes & Son Inc. of $1,159,020 for concrete street construction.

• Approved a change order to a contract with Musson Bros for sanitary sewer repairs, increasing the contract by $247,699 to $1.6 million.

• Authorized a final payment of $1.6 million to Musson Bros Inc., for sanitary sewer repairs.

• Authorized the city to enter into a consent and novation agreement with Coach USA Wisconsin for the assigning rights and obligations under the existing Kenosha-Racine-Milwaukee commuter bus purchased transportation agreement, because of a change in ownership. No interruption in purchased transportation services is anticipated, as two option years are included in the existing contract.

• Approved closing the following streets from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday, June 14 for the Third Annual Racine Juneteenth Day Parade: Lake Avenue from Fourth Street to Sixth Street; Fourth Street from Lake Avenue to Main Street; Main Street from Fourth Street to 14th Street; 14th Street from Main Street to Grand Avenue; and Grand Avenue from 14th Street to Caron Butler Drive.

• Submitted the alley from 20th Street to Dekoven Avenue and Case Avenue to Jay Eye See Avenue, running east to west, to be included in the 2025 public hearing for 2026 construction.

• Awarded a contract for a tree purchase to Chestnut Ridge Nursery for $36,182, and to Schichtel's Nursery for $64,526.

• Awarded a contract for tree and stump removal to Busch Tree Expert for $46,500 and to Homer Tree Service for $32,780.

From: https://journaltimes.com/news/local/government-politics/article_331ea2e2-cc92-4066-932a-5c88fa0dd9a8.html#tracking-source=home-top-story

One incumbent, four newcomers elected to Common Council

From The Journal Times.com:

Holly Gilvary

RACINE — Four new faces will join City of Racine Common Council this month, as decided by the April 1 election.

Voters on Tuesday unseated three incumbents in favor of newcomers, electing Malik Frazier for District 1, Jens Jorgensen for District 5 and Nathan Pabon for District 15.

Grace Allen won the race for District 9 against fellow newcomer Patrick Schwanke. District 9 incumbent Alder Terry McCarthy did not seek reelection.

District 11 incumbent Alder Mary Land secured her seat against challenger Michael Hansen.

Four districts get new alders

Jorgensen, who defeated District 5 incumbent Alder Melissa Kaprelian with just under 52% of the vote, said he’s most excited to collaborate with other council members and “really try to bring everyone together.”

“When I was knocking on doors, talking to voters, they shared time and time again that they wanted the council to come together and work together, and not be so divisive to where we have these boycotts and everything else that’s going on,” he said.

Jorgensen “fully intend(s)” to carry out the promises he made during the campaign, including protecting the Racine Public Library and addressing speeding and traffic issues to promote neighborhood safety.

Pabon, who won the race for District 15 against incumbent Alder Cory Sebastian, said it’s important that elected officials never forget the constituents who voted them into office.

Serving as an elected official, he said, is not about playing “partisan politics, not rubber stamping, not being an obstructionist, but going there to represent our constituents and their voice, and helping to make our city a better place.”

While Racine faces a lot of issues, Pabon said, “we also have a lot to be proud of.”

“There’s a lot that has come from our city, so I think when we band together and we work together for the common goal of making our community a better place for everyone, that’s when we really win, because we are rooted in our city,” he said.

Pabon said he looks forward to working on the Racine Police Department contract, helping businesses in his district thrive and getting to know his constituents.

Frazier won District 1 with more than 61% of the vote against incumbent Alder Jeff Coe.

Frazier said he is especially excited to work with downtown businesses and discover “how I can best be that support from the city in terms of resources, relationships, exposure.”

Allen said in a Facebook post that she is “beyond honored” to be the alderman-elect for District 9.

“This victory is not just mine — it belongs to all of us who believe in a stronger, safer, and more connected community,” Allen said. “I am committed to working effectively with my fellow Common Council members to ensure that we are making the best decisions for Racine.”

Reactions from incumbents

Kaprelian said she respects the voters’ decision and that while her role has now changed, her “commitment to the community remains unwavering.”

“I wish the new, incoming alder success in addressing the challenges facing our district and our city,” she said. “Racine does deserve leadership that listens to all the voices and makes decisions with both present and future generations in mind.”

Sebastian said her time on the council, serving District 15 and the city as a whole has been a pleasure.

“I have maintained independence from any political party, as I have and as I will continue to do so,” she said.

The newly elected and reelected alders will be sworn in at Common Council’s April 15 meeting.

Frazier

Jorgensen

Land

Pabon

From: https://journaltimes.com/news/local/government-politics/elections/article_1801fc0f-191b-4b6b-9965-54e411258bcf.html#tracking-source=home-top-story

Racine Common Council fails to reach quorum Tuesday

From The Journal Times.com:

Holly Gilvary

RACINE — The Common Council could not proceed with its meeting Tuesday because it did not have a quorum.

Only six alders, along with Mayor Cory Mason, were present Tuesday: Marlo Harmon, Maurice Horton, Melissa Kaprelian, Mary Land, David Maack and Samuel Peete. State law requires that two-thirds of the council (10 alders) must be present for a quorum.

Alders Jeff Coe, Olivia Turquoise Davis, Sandy Weidner, Cinthia Esqueda, Terry McCarthy, Henry Perez, Renee Kelly and Cory Sebastian were absent.

It was not immediately clear Tuesday whose absences were excused or what alders’ reasons were for missing the meeting.

The council was scheduled to take action Tuesday on Mason’s veto of an ordinance that would change the structure of council proceedings, including removing the mayor’s ability to appoint committee members. Alders on March 4 approved the final ordinance with a 10-0 vote.

Tuesday’s agenda items will be rescheduled for the next Common Council meeting at 6 p.m. Wednesday, April 2.

Fr0m: https://journaltimes.com/news/local/government-politics/article_1da383e0-043a-11f0-a2b4-3f0dc62bad82.html#tracking-source=home-top-story

City to borrow $17M for Lincoln King center and clinic

From The Journal Times.com:

Holly Gilvary

City of Racine Common Council voted March 4 to approve borrowing $17 million in the form of a short-term bond that the city will cover with grant funding in order to fund the new Lincoln King Community Center and Health Clinic.

SUBMITTED

RACINE — The City of Racine will borrow $17 million for the construction of the Lincoln King Community Center and Health Clinic.

The Racine Common Council at its March 4 meeting approved promissory notes for the bridge loan with an 8-4 vote. Alders Jeff Coe, Melissa Kaprelian, Renee Kelly and Sandy Weidner voted against the motion.

City of Racine Finance Director Kathleen Fischer said the $17 million will be a short-term bond the city intends to cover with grant funding over the next two years.

Baird Managing Director Bradley Viegut said the final interest rate, locked in by the council’s vote to approve the borrowing, is 3.89%.

The city will refinance the bond in 2027 to pay the money back, with the option of prepaying the bond in 2026, if some grants come in early, as a way to reduce interest costs, Fischer said.

The city will put the grant funds into a separate bank account earning a high rate of interest in order to offset the interest costs associated with the bond.

Fischer added that tax credits also will help offset interest.

Kaprelian said she was concerned what might happen if “even one” of the major grants pending for the city fails to materialize, and asked Fischer what the city’s contingency plan is to meet the 2027 repayment obligation.

According to Fischer, if any of the grants fall through and the city is unable to meet the 2027 repayment obligation, the $17 million would be amortized over a 20-year period and the principal and interest would be paid from debt service tax levy.

Prior to the vote, Weidner said she’d be voting against the motion because the payback is coming from grants, and if the grants fail to materialize, property taxpayers should not have to fund the project.

“I’m afraid that, should these grants not come through, which is a very big possibility, that property taxpayers are going to be paying for perpetuity for a health clinic that they did not ask for,” Weidner said.

She also said that for most of the years she’s served on Common Council, the city’s public safety building has been in need of upgrades.

“If we commit ourselves to almost $20 million in loans for a community center/health clinic, we will have no room to replace a building that’s been needing to be replaced for the last two decades,” Weidner said.

Common Council approved the development and construction of the Lincoln King Community Center and Health Clinic project in August with a 12-3 vote. Alders Coe, Kaprelian and Weidner voted against the motion.

More than 20 people spoke in support of the Lincoln King Center during the Aug. 20 meeting’s public comment period.

The city broke ground on the project in November, and completion is estimated for 2026.

From: https://journaltimes.com/news/local/government-politics/article_065eb30e-fde0-11ef-9518-5fa8434ebc08.html#tracking-source=home-top-story

Mason vetoes Racine Common Council structure changes

From The Journal Times.com:

Holly Gilvary 

RACINE — Mayor Cory Mason has vetoed an ordinance that would change the structure of Common Council proceedings, including stripping the mayor's ability to appoint members to standing committees.

Mason on March 7 vetoed Ordinance 0001-25, which Common Council approved on March 4. Mason was not present for the March 4 Common Council meeting.

Alders Melissa Kaprelian and Sandy Weidner introduced the ordinance. With amendments added by council members March 4, the ordinance would: give authority to the Common Council president, rather than the mayor, to appoint members to standing committees; establish a council vice president and give them the authority to preside over Common Council meetings when neither the president nor the mayor are present; allow committee members to elect their committee's chair, and the chair to select a vice-chair; establish term limits for committee chairs and vice-chairs; appoint all alders as ex-officio members of all standing committees; and establish the Committee of the Whole as a standing committee.

In a statement from Mason on Monday, he said he has "serious concerns about the impact these changes would have on the effective governance of our city."

"I have urged the members of the Common Council to sustain this veto. I remain fully committed to working collaboratively with the Council on meaningful reforms that will improve our processes and serve the best interests of Racine’s residents," he said.

Mason said that as the only elected official chosen by the entire city, the mayor plays a crucial role in ensuring that committee assignments are "balanced, representative, and functional."

"Stripping this authority diminishes the role of the mayor in shaping an effective legislative process," he said.

Establishing the Committee of the Whole as a standing committee would further complicate committees' structure and jurisdiction, according to Mason.

"Given the recent adjustments to our committee system, adding further layers of complexity at this time could hinder — not improve — our ability to govern efficiently," he said.

Kaprelian also released a statement Monday, in which she said Mason's veto "represents nothing less than an assault on the democratic principles upon which our government was founded."

"When the mayor controls both who serves on committees and what items those committees can consider, our citizens lose their ability to have their concerns meaningfully addressed," Kaprelian said. "This level of control means that community priorities can be sidelined or ignored, effectively silencing the voices of Racine residents who expect their local government to be responsive and accountable."

Common Council will vote on whether to override Mason's veto at its next meeting, scheduled for 6 p.m. March 18, in Room 205 of Racine City Hall, 730 Washington Ave.

Mason

Kaprelian

From: https://journaltimes.com/news/local/government-politics/article_0bba7f44-fdf5-11ef-ba58-33c9c75b6ae8.html#tracking-source=home-top-story