City Hall  
City of Racine  
730 Washington Ave.  
Racine, WI 53403  
www.cityofracine.org  
Meeting Minutes - Final  
Common Council  
Tuesday, January 19, 2021  
7:00 PM  
Virtual  
Call To Order  
A.  
14 -  
PRESENT:  
Coe, Jones, Tate II, Santiago Jr, Levie, Peterson, Horton, West, Jung, Land,  
Taft, Meekma, Lemke and Peete  
1 - Perez  
EXCUSED:  
Pledge of Allegiance To The Flag  
B.  
C.  
Mayor Mason led the Council in the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.  
Approval of Journal of Council Proceedings (Minutes)  
December 15th, 2020  
December 1st, 2020  
A motion was made by Alder Tate II, seconded by Alder Coe to Approve the  
Minutes. The motion was approved by the following vote:  
14 -  
AYES:  
Coe, Jones, Tate II, Santiago Jr, Levie, Peterson, Horton, West, Jung,  
Land, Taft, Meekma, Lemke and Peete  
1 - Perez  
EXCUSED:  
D.  
E.  
Presentation by the new Racine Public Library Executive Director  
Angela Zimmermann  
Committee Reports  
Finance and Personnel Committee Report, by Ald. Taft  
0802-20  
Subject: Communication from the General Manager submitting a  
"Comfort Resolution" pertaining to the 2020 Bond Issue.  
Recommendation of the Waterworks Commission on 12/15/20:  
Waterworks Commission approved that the Mayor and City Clerk be  
authorized and directed to sign the "Comfort Resolution" pertaining to the  
2021 Revenue Bond Issue.  
Recommendation of Finance and Personnel Committee on  
01-11-2020: That the Mayor and City Clerk be authorized and directed to  
sign the "Comfort Resolution" pertaining to the 2021 Revenue Bond  
Issue.  
Fiscal Note: The Water Utility will be able to reimburse previous capital  
expenditures with bond proceeds.  
A motion was made that this Communication by Approved as Presented. The  
motion was APPROVED on a Voice Vote in Consent.  
0804-20  
Subject: Communication from the General Manager presenting a 2020  
Revenue Bond Issue with Baird - Brad Viegut invited to the meeting  
RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE ISSUANCE OF $20,000,000  
GENERAL OBLIGATION PROMISSORY NOTES AND THE ISSUANCE  
AND SALE OF $20,000,000 TAXABLE NOTE ANTICIPATION NOTES  
IN ANTICIPATION THEREOF  
Recommendation of the Waterworks Commission on 12-15-20:  
Approve  
Recommendation of the Finance and Personnel Committee: To  
approve the Waterworks Revenue Bond Issue as presented by R.W.  
Baird.  
Fiscal Note: The $20 million revenue bond will be repaid from revenues  
generated from water rates and contributions from Mt. Pleasant.  
A motion was made that this Communication by Approved as Presented. The  
motion was APPROVED on a Voice Vote in Consent.  
0838-20  
Subject: Communication from Ald.Taft, on behalf of the City Attorney’s  
Office, submitting the claim of Sylvia Rodriguez for consideration for  
disallowance.  
Recommendation of the Finance and Personnel Committee on  
01-11-2021:That the claim of Sylvia Rodriguez be disallowed.  
Fiscal Note: N/A  
A motion was made that this Communication by Approved as Presented. The  
motion was APPROVED on a Voice Vote in Consent.  
0900-20  
Subject: Communication from Ald. Taft, on behalf of the City Attorney,  
requesting authorization to continue the self-insured workers  
compensation program under the Wisconsin Workers Compensation  
Act.  
Recommendation of Finance and Personnel Committee on  
01-11-2021: To grant authorization for the City of Racine to continue the  
self-insured worker's compensation program under the Wisconsin  
Workers Compensation Act.  
Fiscal Note: N/A  
A motion was made that this Communication by Approved as Presented. The  
motion was APPROVED on a Voice Vote in Consent.  
0017-21  
Subject: Communication sponsored by Mayor Mason on behalf of the  
Sustainability and Conservation Coordinator requesting to apply for and  
accept the Energy Innovation Grant from the PSC Office for Energy  
Innovation to install solar plus storage at the Racine Transit Garage at  
1900 Kentucky St. (Grant Control #00355)  
Recommendation of the Finance and Personnel Committee on  
01-11-2021: That staff be authorized to execute the necessary  
application form to apply for this grant.  
Fiscal Note: Estimated grant in the amount $500,000, with $275,000  
City match budgeted in 2021 CIP- Transit Garage- Solar Panels  
A motion was made that this Communication by Approved as Presented. The  
motion was APPROVED on a Voice Vote in Consent.  
0019-21  
Subject: Communication sponsored by Mayor Mason, on behalf of the  
Interim City Administrator, submitting a COVID-19 Paid Sick Leave  
Policy for consideration. This Policy is intended to create a one-time  
exception in 2021 to the sick leave accrual language in City of Racine  
Employee Handbook Section 5.05.A., as specified therein.  
Recommendation of the Finance and Personnel Committee on  
01-11-2021: To adopt the proposed COVID-19 Paid Sick Leave Policy  
as presented.  
Fiscal Note: N/A  
A motion was made that this Communication by Approved as Presented. The  
motion was APPROVED on a Voice Vote in Consent.  
Public Works and Services Committee Report, by Ald. Jones  
0385-20  
Subject: Communication sponsored by Alder Jones, on behalf of the  
Commissioner of Public Works/City Engineer, submitting the reroute for  
STH 32 for Downtown Racine.  
Recommendation to the Public Works and Services Committee on  
6-23-20: That the Committee approves the preferred alternative and the  
report be forwarded to WisDOT for review of the jurisdictional transfer of  
the connecting highway of STH 32/20, from Main Street and  
Sixth/Seventh Streets to Marquette Street and State Street.  
Fiscal Note: The cost associated with this change is undetermined at  
this time; and may range between $25,000 and $460,000. Once  
determined, the cost will be appropriated in the 2021 - 2030 CIP.  
A motion was made that this Communication by Approved as Presented. The  
motion was APPROVED on a Voice Vote in Consent.  
0886-20  
Subject: Communication sponsored by Mayor Mason presenting bid  
results to raze 3015-3021 Washington Ave.  
Recommendation of the Public Works and Services Committee on  
1-12-21: Motion made by Alder Santiago, seconded by Alder Jones, to  
award contract for Official Notice No. 16-2020, Raze 3015 Washington  
Avenue, to Veit and Company Inc., at their bid price of $225,000, they  
being the second lowest responsive bidder.  
Fiscal Note: Funds are available in the 2021 IG budget #45260 52340  
A motion was made by Alder Santiago Jr, seconded by Alder Lemke, that this  
Communication be Approved.The motion PASSEDby the following vote:  
9 -  
AYES:  
Tate II, Santiago Jr, Levie, Peterson, Horton, West, Meekma, Lemke and  
Peete  
5 - Coe, Jones, Jung, Land and Taft  
1 - Perez  
NOES:  
EXCUSED:  
A motion was made by Alder Jones, seconded by Alder Land, that this  
Communication be Deferred for 3 months. The motion FAILED by the following  
vote:  
6 - Jones, Peterson, Jung, Land, Taft and Coe  
8 - Tate II, Santiago Jr, Levie, Horton, West, Meekma, Lemke and Peete  
1 - Perez  
AYES:  
NOES:  
EXCUSED:  
A motion was made by Alder Peterson, seconded by Alder Levie, to amend the  
bid to be awarded to Azarian at bid price. The motion PASSED by the  
following vote:  
10 -  
AYES:  
Tate II, Santiago Jr, Levie, Peterson, Horton, West, Land, Meekma, Lemke  
and Peete  
4 - Coe, Jones, Jung and Taft  
1 - Perez  
NOES:  
EXCUSED:  
0005-21  
Subject: Communication sponsored by Alder Jones, on behalf of the  
Assistant Commissioner of Public Works/Operations, submitting Change  
Order No. 1 on Contract 20200042-Roof Replacement-City Hall.  
Recommendation of the Public Works and Service Committee on  
1-12-21: That Change Order No. 1 on contract 20200042-Roof  
Replacement -City Hall be approved in the amount of $5,521.00.  
Fiscal Note: Funding to cover the cost of this $5,521.00 change order is  
available in Org-Obj 45040-57200-Building Improvements.  
A motion was made that this Communication by Approved as Presented. The  
motion was APPROVED on a Voice Vote in Consent.  
0006-21  
Subject: Communication sponsored by Alder Jones on behalf of the  
Assistant Commissioner of Public Works/Operations, submitting Change  
Order No. 1 on Contract 20200043, Roof Replacement-Racine Public  
Library.  
Recommendation to the Public Works and Services Committee on  
1-12-21: That Change Order No. 1 on contract 20200043-Roof  
Replacement -Public Library be approved in the amount of $9,446.00.  
Fiscal Note: Funding to cover the cost of this $9,446.00 change order is  
available in Org-Obj 45055-57200, Library-Building Improvements  
A motion was made that this Communication by Approved as Presented. The  
motion was APPROVED on a Voice Vote in Consent.  
0018-21  
Subject: Communication sponsored by Alder Jones, on behalf of the  
Assistant Commissioner of Public Works/Operations, submitting a  
request to place awnings and a sign over City right-of-way at 211 Sixth  
Street.  
Recommendation of the Public Works and Services Committee on  
1-12-21: That the property owner at 211 Sixth Street be granted  
permission to install a stationary projecting sign and awning, as  
requested, with the stipulation that a hold harmless agreement be  
executed and a $150.00 processing fee paid, in accordance with State  
Statue 66.0425, Privileges in Streets.  
Fiscal Note: There will be no cost to the City of Racine.  
A motion was made that this Communication by Approved as Presented. The  
motion was APPROVED on a Voice Vote in Consent.  
0020-21  
Subject: Communication sponsored by Alder Jones, on behalf of the  
Assistant Commissioner of Public Works/Operations, to submit final  
payments on the following contracts:  
Contract 20200044-Roof Replacement-City Hall Annex-Carlson Racine  
Roofing & Sheet Metal Inc., Contractor  
Recommendation to the Public Works and Services Committee on  
1-12-21:That the work completed by Carlson Roofing and Sheet Metal,  
Inc., on Contract 20200044, Roof Replacement - City Hall Annex, be  
accepted and final payment authorized for a total contract amount of  
$132,782. Final Payment to include retainage.  
Fiscal Note: Contract 20200044 was authorized under Resolution  
0428-20 dated July 21, 2020.  
Contract 202000048-Wustum Museum Roof Replacement-Kaschak  
Roofing, Inc., Contractor  
Staff Recommendation to the Public Works and Services  
Committee on 1-21-21: That the work completed by Kaschak Roofing,  
Inc., on Contract 20200048, Roof Replacement - Wustum Museum, be  
accepted and final payment authorized for a total contract amount of  
$60,250. Final Payment to include retainage.  
Fiscal Note: Contract 20200048 was authorized under Resolution  
0430-20 dated July 21, 2020.  
A motion was made that this Communication by Approved as Presented. The  
motion was APPROVED on a Voice Vote in Consent.  
0022-21  
Subject: Communication sponsored by Alder Jones, on behalf of the  
Commissioner of Public Works, submitting a request for a revised  
State/Municipal Agreement for State Project ID: 2703-11-00/70, Goold  
St-Douglas Ave to N. Main, STP-U 2017-2022 Cycle  
Recommendation to the Public Works and Services Committee on  
1-12-21:That the City Engineer be authorized and directed to sign the  
revised State/Municipal Agreement (SMA) for State Project ID:  
2703-11-00/70, Goold St-Douglas Ave to N. Main St.  
Fiscal Note: The estimated total cost of the project is $2,404,000, with  
the City’s share being $640,800 (20% + balance) and the State’s share  
being $1,763,200 (capped). Funding for this project is appropriated in  
the approved 2021-30 Capital Improvement Program budget.  
A motion was made that this Communication by Approved as Presented. The  
motion was APPROVED on a Voice Vote in Consent.  
Public Safety and Licensing Committee Report, by Ald. Coe  
0885-20  
Subject: Communication sponsored by Alder Coe submitting an  
application for a Change of Agent with a "Class B" Fermented Malt  
Beverage and Intoxicating Liquor License, for GMRI Inc DBA The Olive  
Garden Italian Restaurant, located at 6000 Durand Ave, Amy Alwardt,  
Agent (14th District)  
Recommendation of Public Safety and Licensing Committee on  
01-12-2021: To approve an application for a Change of Agent with a  
"Class B" Fermented Malt Beverage and Intoxicating Liquor License, for  
GMRI Inc DBA The Olive Garden Italian Restaurant, located at 6000  
Durand Ave, Amy Alwardt, Agent (14th District)  
Fiscal Note: N/A  
A motion was made that this Communication by Approved as Presented. The  
motion was APPROVED on a Voice Vote in Consent.  
0011-21  
Subject: Communication sponsored by Alder Coe submitting an  
application for a Gas Service Station License, HSS Trader LLC, DBA  
Amoco Racine located at 4301 Washington Ave, Abuzar Sheikh, Agent  
(12th District)  
Recommendation of Public Safety and Licensing Committee on  
01-12-2021: To approve an application for a Gas Service Station  
License, HSS Trader LLC, DBA Amoco Racine located at 4301  
Washington Ave, Abuzar Sheikh, Agent (12th District)  
Fiscal Note: N/A  
A motion was made that this Communication by Approved as Presented. The  
motion was APPROVED on a Voice Vote in Consent.  
Community Development Authority Report, by Ald. West  
0003-21  
Subject: Communication sponsored by Mayor Mason, on behalf of the  
Manager of Neighborhood Services, requesting the approval of the TID  
22 Funding Allocation Plan and authorization for the Department of City  
Development and Community Development Authority to implement the  
plan.  
Recommendation of the Community Development Authority on  
01-07-2021: That the TID 22 Funding Allocation Plan be approved and  
that the City Development Director, or his designees, be authorized to  
implement the program.  
Fiscal Note: TID 22 generated around $320,000 in increment during  
2020, and is expected to generate steadily increasing amounts of funding  
in subsequent years. Subsequent years’ funding amounts will be  
allocated to various programs as outlined in the Funding Allocation Plan.  
A motion was made that this Communication by Approved as Presented. The  
motion was APPROVED on a Voice Vote in Consent.  
Office of the Mayor Report, by Ald. Tate II  
Mayor Mason announcing the appointment of Alder Sam Peete to the Public Safety and  
Licensing Committee  
A motion was made that this Communication by Approved as Presented. The  
motion was APPROVED on a Voice Vote in Consent.  
0041-21  
Subject: (Direct Referral) Communication sponsored by Mayor Mason  
extending the appointment of Kathleen Fischer as Interim City  
Administrator up to an additional 60 days.  
Recommendation of Mayor Mason: To approve extending the  
appointment of Kathleen Fischer as Interim City Administrator up to an  
additional 60 days.  
Fiscal Note: Fund are available in the 2021 budget.  
A motion was made that this Communication by Approved as Presented. The  
motion was APPROVED on a Voice Vote in Consent.  
0042-21  
0043-21  
0044-21  
Subject: (Direct Referral) Communication sponsored by Mayor Mason  
appointing Kathleen Fischer as Finance Director effective January 30th,  
2021.  
Recommendation of Mayor Mason: To approve appointing Kathleen  
Fischer as Finance Director effective January 30th, 2021.  
Fiscal Note: Funds available in the 2021 budget  
A motion was made that this Communication by Approved as Presented. The  
motion was APPROVED on a Voice Vote in Consent.  
Subject: (Direct Referral) Communication sponsored by Mayor Mason  
appointing Dan Murphy as City Assessor effective as of January 1st,  
2021.  
Recommendation of Mayor Mason: To approve appointing Dan  
Murphy as City Assessor effective as of January 1st, 2021.  
Fiscal Note: Funds available in the 2021 budget.  
A motion was made that this Communication by Approved as Presented. The  
motion was APPROVED on a Voice Vote in Consent.  
Subject: (Direct Referral) Communication sponsored by Mayor Mason,  
President Tate, II, Alder Jung, Alder Coe, Alder Levie, Alder Land, Alder  
Santiago, Alder West, Alder Taft, Alder Peete, Alder Meekma, Alder  
Horton, Alder Jones, Alder Levie, Alder Lemke and Alder Peterson  
presenting Resolution 00044-21 Condemning Insurrection at the United  
States Capitol.  
Recommendation of Mayor Mason: To approve Resolution 00044-21  
Condemning Insurrection at the United States Capitol.  
Fiscal Note: N/A  
A motion was made that this Communication by Approved as Presented. The  
motion was APPROVED on a Voice Vote in Consent.  
0045-21  
Subject: (Direct Referred) Communication sponsored by President  
John Tate II, Mayor Mason, Alder Coe, Alder Meekma, Alder Santiago,  
Alder Levie, Alder Jones, Alder Jung, Alder Taft, Alder Peete, Alder  
West, Alder Levie, Alder Lemke, Alder Santiago Jr., Alder Peete and  
Alder Land presenting Resolution 00045-21 In Opposition to the  
Proposed Youth Detention Center in the City of Racine.  
Recommendation of Mayor Mason: To approve Resolution 00045-21  
Youth Prison  
Fiscal Note: N/A  
A motion was made by Alder Tate II, seconded by Alder Meekma, that this  
Communication be Approved.The motion PASSED by the following vote:  
13 -  
AYES:  
Coe, Jones, Tate II, Santiago Jr, Levie, Horton, West, Jung, Land, Taft,  
Meekma, Lemke and Peete  
1 - Peterson  
1 - Perez  
NOES:  
EXCUSED:  
0046-21  
Subject: (Direct Referral) Communication sponsored by Mayor Mason  
appointing the following:  
Shannon Powell to the Wastewater Commission for a term ending  
September 30, 2022  
Shannon Powell to the Waterworks Commission for a term ending  
September 30, 2022  
Alder Taft to the Wastewater Commission for a term ending September  
30, 2021  
Alder Tate, II to the Wastewater Commission for a term ending  
September 30, 2021  
Alder Taft to the Waterworks Commission for a term ending September  
30, 2021  
Alder Tate, II to the Waterworks Commission for a term ending  
September 30, 2021  
Alder Santiago to the Board of Harbor Commission for a term ending  
April 30th, 2023  
Alder Jones to the Planning Heritage and Design Committee for a term  
ending April 30, 2023  
A motion was made that this Communication by Approved as Presented. The  
motion was APPROVED on a Voice Vote in Consent.  
F.  
Council Vote on Consent Agenda Items (Communications,  
Committee Reports, Resolutions)  
Common Council Announcements  
G.  
Announcements are limited to recognition of City residents and  
employees, memorials, and non-political community events.  
Discussion of matters related to governmental business is  
prohibited.  
Adjourn  
H.  
The meeting was adjourned at 8:30 pm by Alder Tate II.  
The next scheduled meeting of the Council is Tuesday, February 2, 2021.  
ATTEST: TARA COOLIDGE  
CITY CLERK  
Public Comments:  
Pippin Michelli  
Jane & John Brosseau  
Jeanne Denney  
Like M. Phipps  
Sally Brown  
Amanda Knepper  
Yasser Bashi  
Joanne Haysmer-Wachs  
Mark Giese  
Shelly Petersen  
Reme Bashi  
Valerie Zamecnik  
Thomas Elias  
Judith Schulz