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Urbana council approves routine procurements, VOCA grant and sidewalk program; resident urges data-center moratorium
Summary
Council approved the 2026 blanket purchase order list, an indigent-defense reimbursement agreement, VOCA grant acceptance (20% local match required), TIRC appointments, and a resolution of necessity for the annual sidewalk/curb/gutter program. A resident requested a three-year moratorium on data centers during public comment.
Urbana City Council on Jan. 20 approved a slate of routine administrative items and local programs, including blanket purchase orders for 2026, an indigent-defense reimbursement agreement with Champaign County, acceptance of a VOCA victims-services grant that requires a 20% local match, confirmation of two Tax Incentive Review Council appointees, and a resolution of necessity for the annual sidewalk, curb and gutter program.
Director of Finance Matt Wellbaum summarized the blanket purchase order list (vendors include SNF Polydyne for water-treatment polymer charged to the Sewer Fund; EJ Prescott Inc. for water parts charged to the Water Fund; and Smart Bill for utility bill printing/mailing charged to the General Fund). The Board of Control recommendation for the blanket orders was approved by roll call 7–0.
On public-safety and victim-support funding, Mark Feinstein said the VOCA grant from the Ohio Attorney General will continue to fund victim-advocate positions required under Marsy’s Law; acceptance obligates the city to provide a 20% match. Council passed the VOCA resolution, declared it an emergency and approved acceptance 7–0.
Council also passed Ordinance 4388-26 authorizing an indigent-defense agreement with the Champaign County Commissioners and the Ohio Public Defender Commission to allow partial reimbursement of indigent defense expenses in municipal court. That measure passed on third reading, 7–0.
The Council confirmed Mayor-selected appointments to the Tax Incentive Review Council (TIRC) for 2026–2028 (Matthew Wellbaum and Mrs. Bean); Mr. Mitchell said the TIRC annually reviews CRA agreements and includes Township and Village representation when impacted. That resolution passed 7–0.
City Engineer Tyler Bumbalough described the annual sidewalk, curb and gutter program and the mechanics of a resolution of necessity under Ohio Revised Code Section 729. He said the city will send certified letters to property owners who have not opted in or whose permits are incomplete, set a response deadline of April 24, plan to go out to bid in February, and target construction for May–June. Council approved the resolution 7–0.
Public comment: Brad Winner Sr. (670 E. Ward St.) asked whether a data center is “in the pipeline,” said residents had received vague answers from elected officials, and urged more public notice; he suggested a three-year moratorium to study local impacts. Council members said the issue has not formally come before Council and urged residents to attend Planning Commission meetings if they want to influence planning decisions.
What happens next: staff will implement the VOCA grant program with the city match and proceed with the sidewalk program notification and bidding timeline. No council action on data centers was taken at the meeting.
