Residents urge repair of Mound Cemetery fountain and press council on delayed police contract

Two members of the public used Racine’s June 17 public-comment period to press the Common Council on separate community concerns: the inoperable fountain at Mound Cemetery and delays in negotiating a contract for city police officers.

Michael Langendorf, who identified himself as representing Drager Langendorf Funeral Home, urged the council to restore operation of a fountain at Mound Cemetery that he described as a ‘‘permanent sacred land to honor those who are an important part of Racine’s history.’’ Langendorf noted the cemetery’s historic burials, named several individuals interred there and said the fountain ‘‘is the only permanent monument that is for everyone that has been laid to rest in that sound too.’’ He said the fountain, which had restoration work about 10 years ago, is not currently operable and asked the council to ‘‘help us get this fountain fixed so we can begin to never forget him.’’

Oscar Salas, who gave his address as 521 Fourth Street, addressed the council about a separate matter involving the city’s police contract negotiations. Salas urged accountability around a promise he said was made to deliver a contract within a short period. He said officers ‘‘are still fighting for a contract’’ and called the delay ‘‘unacceptable.’’ He warned of possible consequences if negotiations remain unresolved, saying officers ‘‘have a family to go home to’’ and stressing community dependence on police services.

Both speakers offered remarks during the public comment portion of the meeting. No formal council action on either matter was recorded on the June 17 agenda.