Sheboygan committee renews urban search-and-rescue agreement, approves liquor and tobacco licenses as IHRA race cancels

The Licensing Hearings and Public Safety Committee approved a two-year renewal of the city's participation in the state urban search-and-rescue task force and took several licensing actions while staff outlined alternatives after the IHRA Mercury Racing event canceled its Sheboygan date.

Chief Monti, speaking for the fire department, told the committee the renewal is a routine, state-required review that must be signed every two years and that the agreement remains largely "net neutral," with training paid for by the task force and the city reimbursed if members are deployed. He said the task force had two recent deployments — one to Texas last year and another to Portage this year — and that continued participation provides training that benefits Sheboygan's responders.

Administrator Bradley told the committee staff learned about 30 minutes before the meeting that IHRA had canceled its planned August event in Sheboygan. "We just found out about half an hour ago that IHRA has decided to cancel their event in Sheboygan," Bradley said, adding that staff would pursue alternatives, including partnering with other racing organizations or staging city-run activities such as a block party and events at King Park. He urged the committee to approve temporary designated outdoor refreshment areas so staff could continue discussions with vendors and sponsors even if the league does not return.

On the licensing side, the committee authorized staff to complete and sign Wisconsin Department of Revenue form AB105 for 3 Sheeps Brewing Company LLC so the applicant can proceed at the state level, approved a transfer of an alcohol license to Lush Lounge 2 LLC (Place to Place), and approved a slate of beverage and tobacco licenses after staff reported no concerns. A police representative told the committee there have been no recent issues at the Lush Lounge property.

Committee members spent an extended portion of the meeting on the availability of Class B liquor licenses. The city clerk reported there are seven Class B licenses currently available and 27 applicants on a wait list. The clerk explained the wait list is an interest list and that staff does not pre-screen those applicants until the committee grants the ability to apply; background checks and other screening happen only after the committee invites an applicant to apply. Members asked staff to check prerequisites and to schedule in-person presentations; staff agreed to contact wait-listed applicants and attempt to schedule presentations at the committee's next meeting, tentatively 07/27/2026, with an adjusted 6 p.m. start to accommodate presentations.

All formal items brought before the committee at this meeting were approved by voice vote as announced by the chair. The committee adjourned and the chair confirmed the next scheduled meeting date as 07/27/2026.