Council budget timeline, 911 upgrade and facilities study highlighted in Administrative Services update

Council members used the Nov. 3 meeting to report committee activity and near-term administrative actions as city staff finalize the 2026 budget.

Mr. Wing (Water/Water Pollution Committee) said the department has enough certified operators for two plants running three plants and reported that sewer-project areas around Main and Cherry streets have been repaved and reopened. Mr. Wing noted ongoing field work but said the department remains active despite the end of construction season.

On the budget, SSD Woody reported that she and the mayor are finalizing the budget this week and expect to distribute the final version to recipients by the end of the week or early next week. Mr. Schoonover deferred to SSD Woody when discussing next steps on the budget.

Administrative Services committee chair Mr. Luchtenberg summarized several departmental updates: installation of four new tornado warning signs has begun, a 911 system upgrade is underway with a target completion date of Dec. 1, staff continue to integrate data into the cloud-based OpenGov system, HR provided year-to-date employee statistics and reported healthy utilization of employee wellness and mental health clinics run by Fairfield Medical Center, and the City Facilities Manager will begin a comprehensive study of city buildings, tenant spaces and parking lots for 2026.

Ms. Tener (Public Works) announced the next Public Works Committee meeting will be Nov. 14 at 7:30 a.m. and remarked that she will not schedule meetings next year after losing re-election; she also said she has not accepted a pay raise in her 12 years on council, contradicting recent campaign claims.

The council recorded the committee updates for the minutes and scheduled follow-up items where appropriate.