Finance Committee — April 30, 2026

The clerk read the minutes for the meeting held on March 26, 2026.

The motion carried 5-0.

HR Specialist Brittany Everett explained that the resolution corrects previous details regarding vision costs, noting a fixed fee per member per month of $0.95 (down from $1.31). Discussion also clarified that retinal imaging copays will be $0 for 2026, an improvement from the $39 cost in 2025. The premium rates are staying the same from 2025 to 2026.

The resolution passed 5-0.

Engineering Division representative Tim Wiedner presented the HSIIP project, which includes adding a dual left turn lane, signal modernization, and sidewalk improvements. He noted the project is 90/10 federally funded and recommended WBK Engineering for phase two based on previous performance.

The motion to authorize the agreements and appropriate $351,523 in MFT funds carried 5-0.

The contract is valued at approximately $4.6 million. Discussion centered on the project timeline (earliest start end of May), the coordination with water main work in Wards 5 and 6, and why a previous bidder (Everlast) was deemed non-responsive due to IDOT prequalification requirements regarding HMA plants. Prepare for pre-construction meeting next Thursday.

The contract award and appropriation passed 5-0.

The city intends to fill its salt dome to capacity before winter. Members discussed pricing, noting that while costs are higher due to inflation, buying now avoids emergency mid-season price spikes. The city currently has about 6,000 tons on hand across three domes.

The motion passed 4-1.

Danielle Tabbano detailed the transition of downtown management to the ADD, a 501(c)(4) nonprofit. Significant debate occurred regarding transparency; committee members requested that the agreement include a requirement for the ADD to provide semi-annual or annual presentations to the City Council. Legal counsel Patrick Collins noted that while the agreement doesn't currently mandate such updates, they could be added via amendment. Further discussion addressed governance structure of the SSA one fund, membership access for non-board business owners, and bylaws to be uploaded to Granicus.

The committee initially moved to delay the vote until the Committee on Works (COW) to allow for potential amendments regarding reporting requirements. The resolution ultimately passed 5-0.

The organization will provide a budget presentation and upload its bylaws to Granicus; committees will be formed with the help of 'Yehira' once they start.

The lease provides the ADD with a nominal-cost office at 77 South Broadway. Similar to the service agreement, members discussed the level of public access to the office and the importance of transparency for a group utilizing SSA funds.

The motion to approve was initially retracted by a speaker to allow for discussion on amendments at the COW meeting. The resolution ultimately passed 5-0.

The item will return to the Committee on Works (COW).

The foundation's leadership explained their goal to fund park enhancements and the zoo, potentially reclaiming inactive funds from the Zoo Society. Legal counsel (a speaker) raised concerns regarding the 'optics' of the petitioners presenting their own MOU without a city staff member present to present the financial details.

The committee decided to move the item forward without a formal recommendation.

The item will proceed to the Committee on Ways and Means (COW) after city staff presents the material formally.