Lincoln Park council approves ballot language for police/fire millage and several routine contracts
Loading...
Summary
The council approved ballot language to renew a 3.4591‑mill police and fire charter millage for 2026–2029, appointed a public safety commissioner, and approved routine procurement items including a sidewalk contractor extension and a police vehicle lease.
Lincoln Park — At its Feb. 9 meeting the Lincoln Park City Council approved ballot language to renew a charter millage for police and fire services, confirmed a mayoral appointment to the Public Safety Commission and approved several routine contracts and purchases.
Ballot question: Council adopted a resolution to submit a proposed amendment to Chapter 7, Section 5 of the city charter to the August 4, 2026 primary ballot. The amendment would authorize a renewal of up to 3.4591 mills for three years (2026–2029) for police and fire purposes; staff estimated the renewal could generate about $2,747,921 in 2027. The resolution was passed on a roll-call vote.
Appointments and routine items: The mayor swore in Joseph Lourenco (recorded as Lorenzo/Lourenco in meeting minutes) to the Public Safety Commission for a term expiring Dec. 30, 2031. Council also approved an extension of KD Cement’s sidewalk program rates at 2022 unit prices (4-inch sidewalk at $11.25/sq ft, 6-inch at $12.50/sq ft), funded through capital improvement funds and billed to property owners where work occurs. One councilmember recorded a 'No' on the KD Cement vote.
Fleet purchase: The police department was authorized to lease a 2026 Chevrolet Silverado through Enterprise Fleet Management and have it outfitted by Canfield Equipment; the total cost presented was $70,157.12, which included $22,210.70 for upfitting. Staff said the purchase would come from the vehicle lease payments account.
Budget procedures: Earlier in the meeting council approved deficit‑elimination plans required for the information technology fund and for the water and sewer fund, after staff explained projections and variables related to revenue, meter replacement and water loss. One councilmember expressed reservations and registered a 'No' on at least one water/sewer vote during the roll call.
Context and next steps: Council members and residents voiced a mix of support and caution — several urged keeping work local when possible and asked staff for clearer, plain‑language financial breakdowns. Staff said they will return with follow-up reports and continue ongoing meter installations and infrastructure projects.
The meeting adjourned at 8:25 p.m.
