3/26/2024 Joint FHR, PWPF, & County Board Meeting

The Racine County joint meeting of the Finance and Human Resources Committee and the Public Works, Parks, and Facilities Committee on March 26, 2024, focused primarily on the proposed removal of the Horlick Dam. The meeting included a detailed presentation by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers on the integrated feasibility report and environmental assessment, highlighting the dam's safety concerns, environmental impacts, and the benefits of removal such as improved fish passage, water quality, and flood risk reduction. The project is estimated to cost just over $2.5 million, with a 65% federal and 35% non-federal cost share. The committees discussed real estate easements required for construction, monitoring plans for invasive species, and the adaptive management approach post-removal. The resolution to proceed with dam removal was moved, seconded, and approved for first reading. Additional procurement-related items included budget amendments for the purchase of a brine maker and reclassification of youth program positions funded within the 2024 Human Services budget. The meeting also featured a presentation from the Racine Zoo director on operations, attendance, and fundraising efforts, though this was informational and not procurement-related. Overall, the meeting advanced key infrastructure and environmental restoration projects with associated budget and contract considerations.