Board recommends 2026 CIP to council, highlights $4M annual transportation debt and major stormwater and sidewalk projects

The Board of Public Works and Capital Assets voted to recommend the proposed 2026 Capital Improvement Plan — roughly $9 million in projects — to the Common Council, with staff and finance officers outlining key funding sources and priorities. Max Geegan, deputy city administrator and finance officer, presented the CIP and told the board the plan totals just under $9 million, with project lists organized by department and funding source. He said $2 million in recurring capital cash is available to fund requests, $345,000 in cash on hand would be used, and that staff recommends starting an annual transportation debt issuance to boost surface-treatment and sidewalk work. Council direction increased the proposed transportation borrowing from an original $3 million to $4 million to better address roadway deterioration and sidewalks. Geegan said the annual transportation debt issuance would be amortized over 10 years and is treated as debt service that is exempt for levy limit computations; the plan assumes a 10-year issuance to keep tax impacts level. He told the board that boosting transportation funding would allow the city to expand surface treatments, mill-and-overlay work, some reconstruction, and sidewalk projects identified in recent planning efforts. Engineering staff described several priority projects in the CIP: a County Line Road culvert replacement to address failing box culverts in the southwest part of the city and an upcoming emergency repair to a failing culvert on Oakwood; Montana Avenue storm sewer reconstruction to replace failing steel culvert pipe; and a stormwater pond maintenance program covering city-owned ponds and inspection of private ponds required under the department’s DNR permit. Shepherd Avenue work has stalled after flooding, a failed water sample and a restrainer cap failure; staff said they will reclorinate and retest the segment overnight. Board members asked questions about levy limits, debt service, proximity of culvert work to the railroad crossing, and the proposed $250,000 sidewalk and trail improvements program. Staff said the sidewalk allocation seeks to address trip hazards and missing connectivity segments, including areas identified in open-space planning, and that the program will include both minor hazard shaving and larger replacement segments. The board moved and approved a recommendation that the Common Council include the CIP items in the 2026 budget. The motion passed by roll call at the Sept. 16 meeting.