City OKs 2025-28 contract for Racine Fire Staff Officers' union

RACINE — The Common Council on Tuesday approved the Racine Fire Staff Officers' Association's newest contract, which includes increases for members' health insurance premium contributions, among other gains.

Alders approved the 2025-28 collective bargaining agreement as part of the council's consent agenda.

The agreement increases bargaining unit members' employee health insurance premium contributions from 7.5% to 10% starting Jan. 1, 2027, and to 12.5% starting Jan. 1, 2028.

Cumulative costs of the contractual increases for the association during the four-year period are about $125,000 in wages and benefits over the life of the contract, according to city documents.

In other business, the council:

* Denied both a new application for a "Class A" retail fermented malt beverage and intoxicating liquor license and a new petition to exceed geographical and quota restrictions for the license for Neighborhood Pantry, 1511 W. Sixth St.

* Denied both a new application for a "Class A" retail fermented malt beverage and intoxicating liquor license and a new petition to exceed geographical and quota restrictions for the license for Spring Street Mobil, 3700 Spring St. The approval of both items required a two-thirds majority vote from the council to pass; eight alders voted in favor of approving the items and six alders voted against, so the motion to approve the license and the petition failed.

* Approved a new application for a cigarette, tobacco and electronic vape device retail license for Douglas Tobacco, 1615 Douglas Ave.

* Authorized the city to enter into a sole source, three-year contract with Environmental Systems Research Institute to maintain the city's Geographic Information Systems software, for a total cost of $180,900.

* Granted permission to the fire chief to accept the Wisconsin Emergency Management, Office of Emergency Communications FY 2026 Interoperable Radio Grant, providing up to $50,000 with a 20% local match requirement, for a total of $63,000.

* Granted permission to the Finance Empowerment Center Coordinator to apply for and accept a $3,000 donation from Landmark Credit Union to support the program operations and initiatives of the Financial Empowerment Center through 2026.

* Approved submission of final payment of $316,728 to LaLonde Contractors for the Island Park parking lot upgrade.

* Approved a change order to the contract for 2024 city resurfacing with LaLonde Contractors, reducing the contract amount by $153,607 for a total contract amount of $1,479,537.

* Authorized the submission of final payment of $1,479,537 to LaLonde Contractors for 2024 city resurfacing.

* Awarded the contract for 2026 assessable streets and alleys work to Milwaukee General Construction Co. for $1,339,264.

* Awarded the contract for 2026 city resurfacing to Payne & Dolan for $1,197,904.

* Authorized the city to sign an amendment to the contract for a state/municipal financial agreement for the construction project on the State Trunk Highway 38 bridge over the Root River. The estimated total cost of the project is $15.07 million for design and construction, with the city's share being $651,000. The amendment adds $55,000 to replace decorative light poles and railings on the bridge.

* Awarded a contract for the second phase of Rapids Drive lighting to WIL-Surge Electric Inc. for $179,548.

* Approved an amendment to the professional service agreement with K. Singh & Associates for the demolition of McMynn Ramp, covering the design, land survey and construction administration for a proposed parking lot to be constructed at the former site of the ramp. The work includes grading, crushed aggregated base course, asphalt paving, electrical, lighting and decorative fencing. The work will not exceed $50,306.

* Approved the transportation project plat for a road construction project on Mt. Pleasant Street from Rapids Drive to Romayne Avenue.

* Approved a new application for a "Class B" retail fermented malt beverage and intoxicating liquor license for Marci's 2nd Round at 236 Main St.

* Approved an application for a premise description change for Mi Jacalito Restaurant at 1318 Douglas Ave. to reflect that the establishment is no longer open on Mondays.

* Approved a change of agent application for a "Class B" retail fermented malt beverage and intoxicating liquor license for the Racine Art Museum, 441 Main St.

* Approved a new application for a "Class B" retail fermented malt beverage and intoxicating liquor license for Sam & Will's Pizzeria and Pub at 3840 Douglas Ave.

* Approved a change of agent application for a "Class B" club retail fermented malt beverage and intoxicating liquor license for Somerset Club at 201 Sixth St.

* Authorized carryover of 2025 budget items to 2026.

* Granted permission to Thomas Hasko from Pentecost Lutheran Church to close Jerome Boulevard between Coolidge Avenue and Case Avenue from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. on July 25 for the 22nd Annual Neighborhood Block Party. The street closure was approved with the following stipulations: a hold harmless agreement be executed and a $75 processing fee will be paid; a liability insurance certificate be filed prior to the event; any overtime costs incurred by any city department be charged to the sponsor; the sponsor shall notify all abutting property owners 72 hours in advance of the event; the sponsor shall pay a $300 special event fee; the sponsor is responsible for cleaning the streets; and the sponsor shall install parking meter hoods or temporary parking signs at least 24 hours in advance of the event and, if this is not done, the sponsor is responsible for vehicle towing and parking violation expenses of the violators.

* Approved the selection of Alder Mary Land as chair and Alder Maurice Horton as vice-chair of the Finance and Personnel Committee for the 2026-27 calendar year.

* Approved the selection of Alder Marlo Harmon as chair and Alder Nathan Pabon as vice-chair of the Public Works and Services Committee for the 2026-27 calendar year.

* Approved the selection of Alder Samuel Peete as chair and Alder Renee Kelly as vice-chair of the Public Safety and Licensing Committee for the 2026-27 calendar year.

* Approved the following appointments to the Library Board: Debra Jo Chiappetta as the RUSD Liaison for a term ending April 30, 2029; Maurizia Johnson for a term ending April 30, 2027; and Nathan Ortiz for a term ending April 30, 2029.

* Approved the appointment of Alder David Maack to the Board of Harbor Commission for a term expiring April 30, 2028.

* Approved the following appointments to the Due Process Board: Maack as the Aldermanic Position for a term expiring April 30, 2028; Brian O'Connell for a term expiring April 30, 2028; and Attorney Tom Binger for a term expiring April 30, 2028.

* Approved the following appointments to the Community Development Block Grant Advisory Board for terms expiring April 19, 2027: Alder Jens Jorgensen as the Council President; Alder Land as the Finance and Personnel Chair; Alder Harmon as the Public Works and Services Chair; and Alder Peete as the Public Safety and Licensing Chair.

* Approved the following appointments to the Community Development Authority: Q.A. Shakoor as Chair for a term expiring April 30, 2027; and Amanda Roman for a term expiring April 30, 2029.

* Approved the appointment of Sue Pingzer to the Board of Review for a term expiring April 30, 2031.

* Approved the following appointments to the Planning Heritage and Design Committee: Alder Peete for a term expiring April 30, 2028; and Marco Jaimez to the realtor position for a term expiring April 30, 2029.

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