Oct. 15, 2024 9:15p
(WGTD)---Agenda items that prompted a boycott of Racine City Council meetings by some members of the council were approved Tuesday night. The proposals had been opposed by Mayor Cory Mason who didn’t immediately bring the matters to the council floor for a vote, angering some council members.
After consideration by the council’s Executive Committee last week, all three proposals were placed on Tuesday's council agenda, and then passed by veto-proof margins.
The cornerstone proposal makes changes in how issues are referred to council committees, and also requires all measures that are considered by a committee to be brought to the full council for a vote, even if they’re voted down in committee. Another proposal that passed prohibits city supervisory staff, and employees and private contractors who report directly to the mayor, from serving on various boards and commissions.
Supporters of the proposals were motivated by a desire to reset the balance of power between the mayor and the legislative branch.
Mason, who as mayor normally presides over council meetings, was absent Tuesday night. No reason was given.
In other action, the council by the narrowest of margins, overrode a mayoral veto on changes to the city’s vicious animal ordinance. The changes were primarily procedural in nature.
In his veto message, Mason said he wanted to extend the debate to discuss modifications to what the council had passed.
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