Burbank council adopts emergency 2026 appropriations, authorizes engineering work and grant filings

The Village of Burbank council voted unanimously on March 5 to adopt Ordinance 2026‑02 as an emergency, setting the village's permanent appropriations for 2026 and clearing the way for several infrastructure engineering steps and grant applications.

Fiscal Officer Gary Harris reviewed updated 2026 grant options and recommended engineering and grant filings for two projects: an OPWC application tied to Mill Street — which must be next to accommodate a storm-sewer tie‑in on E. Middle Street — and ODNR grant options for a West Hiking Trail and associated park improvements. Council heard estimated engineering costs for the Mill Street project and a motion was made authorizing a $39,000 purchase order to Engineering Associates to proceed with engineering and to file an OPWC grant application for Mill Street (motion moved by Jay Byler, seconded by Ingram McCord; no vote is recorded in the minutes for that motion).

For the West Hiking Trail, Harris outlined two ODNR programs: the Recreational Trail Program (80% grant/20% local match, construction-only) and the NatureWorks program (75% grant/25% match, which can include additional park elements such as a new E. Pavilion roof, mulch, tables and benches). Marti McCord moved to authorize a $5,500 purchase order to Engineering Associates to begin engineering for the West Hiking Trail; Ingram McCord seconded and the motion passed 5-0.

Council also accepted changes to the village's 2026 expense estimates that add engineering fees and other minor costs to a revised total expenditures figure. During the discussion, council reviewed timing constraints for the ODNR application deadline and agreed to prioritize assembling supporting documents if they wish to pursue NatureWorks. Mayor Anna Purdy asked Fiscal Officer Harris to investigate a T‑Mobile communications grant that could help the village televise meetings, and council asked Harris to locate a contractor for installing driver‑caution signs (estimated at roughly $30 per sign) with placement and quantity to be decided at the next meeting.

The adoption of Ordinance 2026‑02 followed a motion by Jay Byler to waive the second and third readings, seconded by Marti McCord, and the final adoption was approved 5-0. The ordinance was presented by Harris as an emergency for the public peace, health, safety and welfare. The council also approved routine financial items earlier in the meeting, including payment of $21,120.52 in March bills and authorization to set up Positive Pay with First Financial Bank if monthly fees are waived to reduce check/ACH fraud.

The council did not record a roll-call vote for the $39,000 PO request in the minutes; the minutes show the motion was moved and seconded. The council is expected to revisit grant application progress and exact sign placement at its April meeting.