Thomas Buban

The meeting addressed several referrals to the City Plan Commission, including amendments to the Zoning Ordinance and rezoning applications for multiple properties, as well as a request for a Conditional Use Permit for a tattoo establishment. Several license applications were approved, including operator's licenses, successor of agent status licenses, and Class "B" beer/wine licenses. The Council concurred with the recommendation to approve a Yearly Cabaret License and granted a Class "A" Beer/Liquor License subject to demerit points. Key actions included approving preliminary resolutions for sidewalk and driveway approach assessment levies for various resurfacing projects. Furthermore, professional services agreements were approved for storm sewer lining design and the Eighth Amendment to a HOME Investment Partnerships Program Contract. The Council received and filed 2025 4th Quarter Loan Reports, approved a disbursement record, and accepted completion of several construction projects, notably the Kenosha Innovation Center and sidewalk/curb/gutter programs.

The meeting focused on license and permit applications and related administrative matters. Key discussions involved the approval of several new Operator's (Bartender's) Licenses, subject to demerit points or attendance requirements for some applicants. One application for an Operator's License was deferred pending applicant attendance and further review due to police record concerns. The committee also addressed an application for a Probationary Cabaret License, which was approved subject to amendment, and approved an application for a Yearly Cabaret License. A discussion was held with the Wisconsin Tavern League regarding Wisconsin State issued Operator's Licenses. The committee also tabled a request for a special meeting to hold revocation hearings and approved rescheduling a future committee meeting.

The key discussion centered on a Public Hearing regarding a Certificate of Appropriateness for the demolition of 302 58th Street (Eagles Club). Property owners argued that repair costs, including those for necessary code compliance, accessibility, and liquor licensing, made the building unprofitable and financially ruinous, suggesting denial of the application would deny economic use of the property. Concerns were raised by Commissioners regarding the condition of the building, the efforts made to preserve it, and the interpretation of the city ordinance regarding the six-month period for preservation discussions. Staff provided clarification on zoning (B-3) and relevant municipal codes, noting that while general commercial buildings have annual inspections, historic buildings do not have specific preemptive code protections. Following extensive debate and consideration of deferral to allow for potential tours and further negotiation, the Commission ultimately voted to deny the Certificate of Appropriateness and recommended preservation, aligning with staff recommendations.

The Committee meeting involved the approval of several contractual and project acceptance items. Key discussions included the Professional Services Agreement with Ruekert-Mielke for Multi-Plate Storm Sewer Lining Design. The committee also accepted the satisfactory completion of two projects handled by A.W. Oakes & Son, Inc.: the Sidewalk & Curb/Gutter Program North (final contract amount $351,568.77) and the Sidewalk & Curb/Gutter Program South (final contract amount $401,741.71).

The Public Works Committee meeting addressed several resolutions and requests requiring public hearings. Key items included an order to specially assess abutting property costs for the 35th Avenue Resurfacing Project (Project 26-1041). The committee also heard requests for street and sidewalk closures for the Kenosha YMCA's 48th Annual Firecracker Run/Walk and the Kiwanis Club's Taste of Wisconsin Event. A preliminary resolution was approved regarding intent to levy assessments for the 87th Place & 26th Avenue Resurfacing Project (Project 26-1046). Furthermore, the committee accepted the satisfactory completion of the 22nd Avenue Reconstruction Uptown Project (Project 21-1029) and awarded the contract for the Roosevelt Park Sports Court Improvements (Project 25-1428). Acceptances and change orders related to asphalt repairs at the Armory Building at Hobbs Park were also approved. Finally, an informational item discussed waiving public bidding requirements for two Sidewalk & Curb/Gutter Programs.