A prominent issue during the meeting was the safety of the existing bunker gear used by the fire department. The gear, which contains thermal and water barrier components, poses potential health risks when exposed to high temperatures ranging from 600 to 900 degrees, possibly releasing harmful substances. The fire department plans to transition to new gear, free from these hazardous materials, over the next five years. The current vendor’s limited options complicate this process, and the city is preparing for competitive pricing once more manufacturers offer suitable alternatives. The council underscored the importance of having budget contingency plans in place to avoid delays in acquiring the new gear as soon as it becomes available.

In addition to updating gear, the fire department is set to upgrade its extrication equipment, specifically the jaws of life, which are outdated and malfunctioning. This $29,000 upgrade is partially supported by an EMS grant match of $25,000. The council also discussed replacing the stove and oven at Fire Station One, following a successful upgrade at Fire Station Two. The $8,000 investment was well-received by the firefighters.

Infrastructure upgrades were another focal point, with council members considering technology improvements such as a new fiber connection between the utilities building and the new Emergency Operations Center. An upgrade to an outdated fiber connection between city hall and the public works administration building was also discussed, with both projects totaling $79,000. The council also addressed the need for additional funding for a telephone system replacement due to rising costs, debating whether the total budget should be adjusted to reflect the new figures.

Stormwater management emerged as a significant topic, with a proposed $200,000 allocation for a stormwater master plan. The council reviewed a specific project aimed at addressing gravity main congestion in North Queensway, recommending isolating and replacing a section of the pipe for $400,000. Moreover, an upgrade to the SCADA system, essential for lift station operations, was proposed at $100,000. These projects sparked a dialogue about the long-term financial implications for ratepayers, with one member calling for further discussion on potential consumer savings versus the impact on available funds for other projects.

In the realm of water and sewer infrastructure, the council reviewed several proposals, including a $165,000 investment to replace seizing reactor valves at the water treatment facility. Another proposal involved transitioning from gas to liquid chlorine for chlorination at a cost of $266,245, which is considered a safer option for the plant and surrounding neighborhoods. Additional acquisitions included a portable generator and light tower for $25,000, a valve exerciser for $89,695, and a utility truck for $100,000. A generator for well number 11, priced at $80,000, and a generator trailer for $15,000 were also recommended to aid in storm preparations.

The sanitation fund also received attention, with plans to acquire two new residential reload sanitation trucks costing $600,000. The current fleet includes an inoperative 2006 truck and an increasingly unreliable 2011 truck. Staffing proposals included adding a sanitation driver and two maintenance attendants to enhance operational reliability, costing $173,292 in total wages and benefits.

The council deliberated on the budget for the building fund, noting a shortfall of $323,397 that would need to be covered by the general fund. Projected revenues from permits were estimated at $444,500 against total expenditures of $767,897. The absence of additional full-time equivalent employees highlighted the reliance on existing personnel to manage the planned projects.

Council members expressed interest in exploring redevelopment and renovation opportunities as potential solutions to generate additional building permit revenue. The council considered modeling different scenarios for proposed increases in enterprise funds.

The discussion also addressed street resurfacing, reviewing a specific list of roads slated for resurfacing in fiscal 2026. Concerns about the condition of roads not included in the plan prompted requests for clarification on the criteria used for selecting roads based on their Pavement Condition Index (PCI). The council acknowledged that the current assessment was aging out and engaged a new consultant to evaluate the city’s road conditions, potentially adjusting future resurfacing plans.