Racine · issues
Civic issues
Topics getting the most attention in Racine public meetings, ranked by how frequently they come up.
2027 Office Space Lease Agreements
The city's 2027 leases for office space at City Hall, the City Hall Annex and the Safety Building were up for approval. The leases bring in roughly $260,000 a year in rental revenue. Action was postponed when the meeting was cancelled.
Alley considered for 2027 construction
Alders Kelly and Pabon want to revisit the city's alley paving and patching ordinance; the topic was referred to Public Works and Services.
Neighborhood TID Program application window in TID No. 27
Alder Weidner says the CDA changed neighborhood TID grant rules — like focus areas and code-violation requirements — without the council ever approving those changes, and the amended plans would let the CDA keep changing policy on its own. She wants the council, not the CDA, to control those changes.
2027 Sewer and Water Rates
Sewer rates stay flat for Racine residents but jump 12.5% for Caledonia and Mount Pleasant customers, and household hazardous waste fees rise $1 to $4 a year.
Public Health Grant Funding Package
The city's health department relies on a bundle of state grants to fund HIV services, infant mortality reduction, lead testing, immunizations, women's health clinics, and emergency preparedness. The committee recommended accepting about $1.16 million, most with no local match required.
Liquor and Business Licensing Docket
New Class B liquor licenses for Old English Pub and La Esquina del Barrio were referred to committee, and Doobies Beer Joint was called in for a formal expression of concern over a police report.
Flock camera system future
The Council fought over whether to terminate or keep the Flock surveillance cameras. The compromise: bag the cameras within 30 days, but let police keep using existing data for open investigations.
Kohl Philanthropies Donation for King Community Center
The $68 million Lincoln King center project has a $15 million gap after two federal funding sources vanished, and the council debated whether a $150,000 no-bid contract with the mayor's political-network firm was the right way to close it. Opponents warned about procurement rules and possible double payment; supporters said the alternative is higher property taxes.
2027 Special Assessment Rates for 2028 Paving Projects
Residents on Layard Avenue presented a near-unanimous block petition opposing roughly $6,500-per-property assessments to rebuild their alley, warning the 6% interest over ten years turns the bill into $9,000 for those who can't pay upfront. Marina owner Dan Kaiser opposed a Raker Court assessment of nearly $350,000. The council approved street paving 9-2 but sent the alley item through with the consent agenda after adding a notice requirement for deleted streets.
Election workers and election administration resolution
Mayor Mason proposed a resolution affirming support for election workers and free, fair, secure elections while opposing unlawful interference. It was referred to committee rather than adopted.