Mentor City Council approves year-end transfers, 2026 budget and several contracts

Mentor City Council voted on Dec. 2 to approve a series of year-end appropriation adjustments, adopt the city's fiscal 2026 spending plan and award contracts for several capital and equipment purchases.

Finance staff introduced Ordinance 25-O-097 as a year-end housekeeping measure that moves funds and revises appropriations for projects pushed to next year and for anticipated year-end liabilities. The ordinance includes a $5,000,000 allocation linked to the Garfield Park splash pad project, roughly $762,000 to reconcile the amphitheater fund repayment, and a $750,000 addition to the self-insurance fund to cover expected claims. Council suspended the rules and approved the ordinance by roll call.

Council also approved a routine set of authorizations permitting the city manager to negotiate spot-priced commodity purchases for fiscal 2026, including motor fuel (25-O-098), natural gas (25-O-099) and electricity (25-O-100), and authorized participation with the Ohio Department of Transportation for rock salt purchasing (25-O-101) and insurance contracts for 2026 (25-O-102). These measures were presented as annual procurement authorizations to allow staff flexibility in obtaining advantageous pricing.

On procurement and capital projects, council approved the following contract awards and purchases as presented by staff: - Tyler Boulevard sidewalk: staff recommended awarding the bid to RMH Concrete and Foundations Inc (low bid $394,712.75; engineer's estimate $570,857). Staff noted a grant from Lake Tran of more than $400,000 that would cover the city's local portion; council approved the award under Ordinance 25-O-103. - Two dump truck bodies and related equipment: Concord Road Equipment LLC was recommended for award after the low bidder failed to meet specifications; the amount recommended was $134,970.65. Council approved the purchase under Ordinance 25-O-104. - Motorola mobile radios: the fire chief requested purchase of 27 replacement Motorola mobile radios to replace units that are no longer supported. Staff noted an Ohio Fire Marshal grant discount that would reduce accessory costs by about $30,000; council approved Ordinance 25-O-105 to proceed with the replacements. - Garfield Park Splash Pad and Bathhouse: staff presented four bids for the Garfield Park splash pad and bathhouse, with Action Contractors LLC submitting the low bid of $5,094,000 (engineer's estimate $5,700,000; highest bid $7,175,000). Staff and the city's consultants recommended awarding the contract to Action Contractors LLC; council approved the award under Ordinance 25-O-106. Staff also reported that Lake Tran indicated it would cover the local portion of the project, pending any change orders.

Council considered and approved Ordinance 25-O-107, the city's appropriations ordinance for calendar year 2026. Presenters described the budget as responsible and focused on maintaining core services while funding new capital projects. Councilmembers discussed the city's strong reserve position and debated timing for issuing debt to finance large projects, noting the potential to take advantage of lower interest rates.

Council also approved Resolution 25-R-120 authorizing the city manager to submit a grant application to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources Coastal Management Assistance Grant Program to fund a Mentor Lagoon Marina Master Plan. Staff said the master plan would evaluate parking, public launch access and aging marina facilities and would strengthen the city's ability to seek outside funding for future shoreline work.

Manager's report: City Manager Ken Filipiak reminded residents that yard-waste curbside service runs through Dec. 12 with a per-pickup limit of up to 25 units (each unit defined as one bag, one bundle, or one container) and thanked residents and staff for support of year-end community events.

Next steps: Most items were approved by suspension and roll-call vote the same evening; ordinances and resolutions will take effect according to the emergency declarations included in each measure or as specified by the city's administrative rules.