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Committee adopts $10.9 million 2025 Capital Improvements Plan after rejecting two amendments
Summary
The Committee approved the proposed 2025 CIP totaling $10,924,000 after debate. An amendment to reduce a transit-van estimate to $70,000 failed on roll call and a motion to move the $3,340,000 Malone Park bond to 2026 also failed; the CIP passed unanimously as presented.
The Committee of the Whole approved the City of New Berlin’s proposed 2025 Capital Improvements Plan (CIP) on Dec. 10 after extended discussion and two failed amendment attempts.
Ralph, representing city finance staff, presented the plan and said the total proposed borrowing is $10,924,000, split into a typical annual borrowing of about $7,080,000, a $500,000 phase for Hickory Grove and a Malone Park allotment of $3,340,000. "The amount that is currently proposed is 10,924,000," he said, and staff advised that borrowing would likely happen in August or September 2025 with the first debt-service payments beginning in 2026.
Council members discussed multiple line items, including building and grounds, IT, streets equipment, fleet, and recreation projects. Two amendments were offered and voted on separately:
- Transit van cost: Council considered reducing a transit-van line item from $90,000 to $70,000 after staff noted $70,000 would purchase an open van without interior racking. An alderman moved to change the amount to $70,000; the roll-call vote failed (Alderman Hopkins voted No; Lefever Aye; Maxey Aye; Horrenda Aye; Scribe/ Stribel No; Horbinski No; Cooper No), so the $90,000 amount remained.
- Malone Park timing: One alderman moved to move the $3,340,000 Malone Park bond issue from 2025 into the 2026 CIP year to reduce near-term borrowing. Supporters cited reducing debt pressure and more time for stakeholder notification; opponents warned of higher costs later and program delays. The motion to move Malone Park to 2026 failed on roll call.
After the two amendments failed, a motion to adopt the 2025 CIP "as presented" passed by roll-call vote with all members recorded as aye.
During debate, members raised concerns about consultant-design fees for the fire training tower (noted as a high percent of estimated construction cost) and about managing future debt levels; staff and council discussed phasing and program timing. Several speakers emphasized maintaining infrastructure and parks and noted that delayed projects can cost more later.
The CIP adoption authorizes staff to proceed with design and procurement steps consistent with the approved borrowing plan and moves forward projects that staff said are contingent on bond issuance in 2025.
