Urbana council approves Medic 1 repairs and renews pool management contract

The Urbana City Council voted unanimously May 19 to approve two Board of Control purchase orders totaling $218,550.67 to repair Medic 1 and to authorize a $94,485 contract with the Champaign Family YMCA to manage Wendell Stokes Municipal Pool for the 2026 season.

Director of Finance Matt Wellbaum and Fire Chief Dean Ortlieb told council the Medic 1 repairs follow a traffic accident on Oct. 29, 2025. Council approved $147,619.58 to American National Fleet Service to replace the ambulance chassis and $70,931.09 to Stryker EMS Equipment for a new power‑load cot system. Wellbaum said insurance reimbursements to the city will total $178,752, leaving an out‑of‑pocket shortfall now estimated at $39,798.67; the City will apply funds previously budgeted ($150,000 in the Police & Fire Capital Fund) toward the work. Chief Ortlieb said the medic has been out of service for about six months and estimated a three‑to‑four month turnaround once the chassis is ordered.

Ms. Jumper praised the department's work and said, “you can't put a price on the lives of the fire department.” Council approved the purchase orders by roll call (7–0).

On a separate Board of Control recommendation, the council approved a $94,485 agreement with the Champaign Family YMCA to operate the Wendell Stokes Municipal Pool for the 2026 season. Wellbaum said the fee was slightly lower than last year because the city plans to handle facility repairs internally; pool admission rates will remain unchanged. That motion also passed 7–0.

Both actions were described to council as budgeted or covered in part by insurance reimbursements; officials said salvage of parts from Medic 1 will be used to offset costs and that replacing the full vehicle is deferred until a later budget cycle. The council gave final approval to both items during the meeting.