City Hall  
City of Racine  
730 Washington Ave.  
Racine, WI 53403  
www.cityofracine.org  
Meeting Minutes - Final  
Planning Heritage and Design Commission  
Monday, September 15, 2025  
4:30 PM  
City Hall, Room 205  
Call To Order  
Due to the absence of Mayor Mason, Alder Peete chaired the meeting due to the  
absence of Mayor Mason.  
Alder Peete called the meeting to order.  
Mayor Mason, not listed in the attendance, was excused from the meeting.  
4 - Hefel, Kohlman, Chambers and Peete  
PRESENT:  
Approval of Minutes for the August 18, 2025 Meeting.  
A motion was made by Hefel, seconded by Kohlmann, to approve the minutes  
of the August 18, 2025, meeting. The motion PASSED by a Voice Vote.  
4:30 P.M. PUBLIC HEARINGS  
0788-25  
Subject: Consideration of a request from Alex Lambert for a major  
amendment to a conditional use permit to allow for a takeout/carryout  
restaurant at 1919 Mead Street, classified as a "retail use in an existing  
commercial building", as allowed by Sec. 114-308 of the Municipal Code  
and the construction of accessory structures for the purpose of housing  
meat smokers associated with the restaurant use.  
Attachments:  
Review and Recommendation  
Public Hearing Notice  
Applicant Submittal  
Alder Peete opened the public hearing.  
The owner of the property, Scott Underwood, explained that he was present to answer  
any questions. He explained that he was informed that the Wisconsin Department of  
Natural Resources (DNR) does not regulate smoke for commercial meat smokers.  
Jeff Hintz, Assistant Director of City Development, explained that Sadie Schuldt from  
the City’s Health Department was present in case the Commission had any questions.  
He explained that the DNR does not regulate anything specifically related to meat  
smokers.  
Ms. Schuldt explained that smokers and outdoor cooking equipment is at the  
discretion of the sanitarian that is doing the inspection. She stated that the actual  
smoking/grilling apparatus needs to be an approved material. She explained that  
drums that held chemicals or those with painted interiors could not be used; everything  
must be smooth and easily cleanable. She explained that the biggest concern is that  
there is enough cold storage inside the restaurant to hold the meat safely and that the  
components of the grill that are touching the raw meat product can be washed, rinsed,  
and sanitized in the provided sinks in the kitchen. Ms. Schuldt explained that there are  
no wear washing sinks yet, but in speaking with the applicant, that would be Phase II  
of his business plan.  
Kohlmann asked about any of the regulations regarding smoke.  
Ms. Schuldt stated not that she is aware of, as far as it being an environmental  
concern. She explained it could be a nuisance if the smoke gets too heavy and the  
neighbors have concerns.  
Hefel apologized and explained that she now understands how smoking works and that  
the smoke is what cooks the meat. She stated she no longer has concerns about air  
quality and that she appreciates the applicant’s patience.  
Chambers stated he did not notice any chimneys in the images that were shown to the  
Commission in the previous meeting. He stated, however, Hintz did inform him that  
there would be chimneys on the proposed smokers.  
Kohlmann’s asked the zoning of the other properties that had smokers in the city of  
Racine.  
Hintz stated – the one on State Street in particular – was zoned B2 – Community  
Shopping District.  
In response to Kohlmann, Hintz stated that this property is zoned R3, however it is a  
commercial building and has never been used for residential purposes. Brief  
discussion ensued about the history of the property and its zoning.  
In response to Kohlmann, Hintz explained that we are not changing the zoning of this  
property. The R3 zoning allows for certain commercial uses for certain properties built  
and used for commercial purposes.  
Kohlmann expressed concern about someone else coming forward with the same  
request.  
In response to Kohlmann, Attorney Brian VanSchyndel explained that each application  
is taken on its own. He explained everyone has different information and different  
plans, and the commission has a right to look at that.  
Kohlmann expressed further concern about the smoke from the smoker units.  
Ms. Schuldt stated that it would fall under the jurisdiction of the Health Department.  
She explained if it is causing issues, the way the food establishment is allowed to  
operate could be limited or there could be limited hours of outdoor grilling. She stated  
that it is something that the Health Department has approval through the Department  
of Trade, Agriculture, and Consumer Protection to regulate.  
Further discussion ensued by the Commission regarding the potential impacts of the  
smoke from the meat smoker units.  
Peete closed the Public Hearing.  
Discussion after the motion:  
In response to Kohlmann, Michelle Cook, Associate Planner, stated that the  
conditions were amended to allow one smoker due to the residential character of the  
neighborhood. She explained the applicant could come back to the Commission if he  
wanted to add the additional smoker.  
A motion was made by Chambers, seconded by Hefel, to approve the request  
subject to conditions a. – h**. The motion PASSED by a Voice Vote. Kohlmann  
voted no.  
END OF PUBLIC HEARINGS  
0919-25  
Subject: Consideration of a request from Larry Shepard, representing  
Tulip Tavern, for design review and approval of a fence at 509 - 6th  
Street.  
Attachments:  
Design Review  
Recommendation  
Applicant Submittal  
Cook explained the request and stated that the privacy fencing would be located at the  
rear of Tulip Tavern at 509 – 6th Street. She showed a picture of the fencing, stating  
that the fence is eight feet high – six feet of solid wood and two feet of lattice.  
Kohlmann asked if the fence was plain wood or treated lumber.  
Cook stated that it is treated lumbar and that it would be weathered.  
In response to Peete, Cook stated that it would not be blocking any traffic and that the  
fence was setback from the sidewalk.  
Cook explained the possible actions of the Commission and stated that staff is  
recommending approval of the fence subject to a. – c.  
Kohlmann asked if about the gate and whether it was blocking a second exit/entry and  
whether the gate was locked.  
Hintz stated that could be looked at once it goes through the Building Permit review.  
A motion was made by Kohlmann, seconded by Chambers, to approve the  
request subject to conditions a. – c. The motion PASSED by a Voice Vote.  
0920-25  
Subject: Consideration of a request from L Street Properties, LLC, for  
design review and approval of facade changes at 505 - 6th Street.  
Attachments:  
Recommendation  
Applicant Submittal  
Cook explained the request and the property’s location. She stated the applicant is  
proposing design changes including painting, signage, and lighting. There will also be  
changes to the rear of the façade facing 7th Street. She showed and explained the  
proposed colors for the project. Two signs, including a wall and projecting sign, are  
proposed for 505 – 6th Street. The colors for 507 – 6th Street will also be changed to a  
tan color with blue accents. She stated the brick on the rear of the building is already  
painted so the applicant is proposing to repaint that portion of brick. Cook showed  
images of the light fixtures that are being proposed.  
In response to Hefel, Cook stated that the buildings are on the same parcel.  
Peete asked if the lighting, painting and sign conform to the Downtown Design District  
guidelines.  
Cook stated yes.  
Hintz pulled up the image of the full 6th Street design and showed commission  
members.  
Cook explained the possible actions of the commission and stated that staff is  
recommending approval of façade changes subject to conditions a. – f.  
A motion was Hefel, seconded by Kohlmann, to approve the request subject to  
conditions a. – f. The motion PASSED by a Voice Vote.  
0921-25  
Subject: Consideration of a request from North Pointe Methodist  
Church, Inc. for approval of a 2-lot Certified Survey Map as prepared by  
Aaron T. Friess of Nielsen Madsen and Barber, for the property at 1013  
Harmony Drive.  
Attachments:  
Recommendation  
Applicant Submittal  
Cook explained the request. She showed the existing lot configuration and stated that  
there is a house the lot that belongs to the church, however, because of the pending  
sale of the church property the request is to separate the house from the church  
property. Cook showed the proposed lot configuration along with the proposed certified  
survey map.  
Cook stated staff is recommending approval of the certified survey map subject to  
conditions a. – c. Cook reviewed the conditions of approval.  
0923-25  
Subject: Consideration of a request from the Community Development  
Authority of the City of Racine for review and approval of a 3-lot Certified  
Survey Map, as prepared by Aaron T. Friess of Nielsen Madsen and  
Barber, for the property at 2504 - 16th Street.  
Attachments:  
Recommendation  
Applicant Submittal  
Cook explained the request and showed the current lot configurations. She stated that  
the purpose of the CSM is to divide the lot into three to make way for three single-unit  
dwellings. Cook showed how the lot would be configured and the certified survey map  
being requested for approval.  
Cook stated staff is recommending approval of the request subject to conditions a. –  
d. Cook reviewed the conditions of approval.  
A motion was made by Chambers, seconded by Kohlmann, to approve the  
request subject to conditions a. – d. The motion PASSED by a Voice Vote.  
Adjournment  
There being no further business, Alder Peete adjourned the meeting.