capital improvements

Staff provided a multi-project status update including Sandy Bay Highlands Phase 3 (contract preparation for curb/gutter and first asphalt lift), Pierce Street finishing work (including internal trails), and remaining Public Works shop repairs with a roof contract still needed.

Staff raised concerns on the Memorial Drive/Washington Street Bridge, including lane widths not matching the plan, cracking worse than expected, and curb heights that make sidewalk strikes easier; staff said the issues should be documented and raised with the state before it becomes too late to fix.

Staff reported bid documents and specifications for the Public Works shop roof repair/replacement were still not completed, leaving the project not ready to bid or schedule based on pricing.

No next deadline or action plan for completing the Public Works shop roof bid package was recorded in the update.

A draft 2026 city budget discussion covered a $42 million proposed budget with a proposed 3.8% levy increase and included one-time revenues such as land sales, debt premium, and a cell-tower payment as part of balancing the year.

Council discussion included choices including cemetery flower funding, library funding at the level requested by the Library Board, and special events funding if concession revenue is redirected to the general fund.

No final decisions were made during the draft 2026 budget discussion item.

In a 2026 budget discussion, staff reviewed ongoing adjustments to proposed 2026 budgets, including staffing changes tied to retirements and a WDNR-required certified operator position.

Staff indicated benefits costs were increasing while overtime was decreasing.

Public Works capital in the proposed 2026 budget was described as significantly reduced, with no major equipment purchases.

The committee discussed eliminating snow watch as redundant and expecting police to help instead.

An agenda item titled ongoing project status and action, if needed, appeared.

An agenda item was scheduled for a discussion with representatives of Robert W. Baird and Company regarding borrowing.

An agenda item was scheduled to consider a recommendation to City Council regarding limits for a resolution (title truncated in the available record).

City Council passed Resolution 26-015 declaring official intent to reimburse eligible 2026 capital project and equipment expenditures with proceeds of future tax-exempt borrowing, not to exceed $2,563,818.

The council vote on the reimbursement-intent resolution was 6-3.

The reimbursement-intent resolution stated that $350,000 would be repaid from the Electric Utility rather than the Debt Service Fund.

City Council approved limits for borrowing up to $2,565,000 for the 2026 capital improvement program.

The borrowing plan described $2,215,000 supported by the property tax levy and $350,000 supported by the Electric Utility.

The council vote on the borrowing-limits resolution was 8-1.

The borrowing plan included $255,000 listed for the Neshotah Beach concessions project.

Staff presented three options for the Neshotah Beach concession stand: a basic code-focused fix (~$43,000), a major interior rework (~$360,636), or a new building with expanded restrooms and year-round indoor rental space.

Councilmembers’ general consensus was described as favoring the major remodel option, with interest in fully enclosing/opening the covered patio area.

Staff floated a fee-based parking plan for Lots 2 and 3 on 10 peak beach days in 2026 at $10/day, with staffing potentially by seasonal workers or community groups that could receive a share as fundraising.

In the 2026 budget review, staff said the 2026 General Fund budget was not yet balanced, with about $60,000 left to cut and additional revenue still needed.

Committee members discussed options to address the budget gap but did not reach a full solution during that meeting.

The committee voted to recommend shifting concession stand income into the General Fund rather than the Special Events Fund.

The committee reviewed capital projects totaling $3,388,000, including $2,176,318 supported by property taxes.

Staff said plans and bid documents are being prepared for the 2026 Street Resurfacing Project (Emmet, 18th & 19th Streets), but utility contracts are taking priority over the resurfacing work right now.

Staff scheduled a March 18 follow-up meeting to discuss whether parts of the 2026 sidewalk program could be outsourced.

An agenda item titled project status updates appeared.

An agenda item titled project updates appeared.

An agenda item titled wastewater utility: updates and action appeared.