Finance Committee Meeting – August 31, 2026: 2027–2031 Capital Improvement Plan Review

The Finance Committee of the City of Delaware, Ohio, met on August 31, 2026, at 5:30 PM in City Hall Council Chambers. The primary agenda item was the introduction and review of the 2027–2031 Capital Improvement Plan (CIP). Committee members elected a chair and vice chair, approved the prior meeting’s motion summary, and heard detailed presentations from city staff on parks and police capital needs.

Consent Calendar

• Approved the Motion Summary from the November 14, 2025 Finance Committee meeting. Roll call: Mr. McClellan abstained, Mr. Haynes abstained, Mayor Rickel voted yes. The motion carried.

Public Comments & Testimony

• No members of the public came forward to speak.

Discussion Items

• Election of Chair and Vice Chair: Mr. Haynes nominated Mr. Haynes for chair; seconded and carried unanimously (McClellan yes, Haynes yes, Mayor Rickel yes). Mr. McClellan was nominated for vice chair and elected unanimously.

• Introduction to the CIP by City Manager Paul Brake: Brake explained the CIP as a multi-year tool to preserve city assets, adapt to financial forecasts and strategic priorities. He highlighted that the general fund contributes about $4 million, leveraged by state funds, impact fees, and other sources. The 2027–2031 plan is a seven-year span (vs. the usual five) and is organized by geography rather than department to improve transparency and coordinated planning (e.g., concurrent waterline replacements and street paving).

• Overview by Assistant City Manager Andy Beare and Director Alycia Hefner: Beare described three themes: safety/security, leveraging grants/utility funds, and regional planning. Hefner presented the general fund summary, noting a significant starting balance due to lower-than-budgeted roof costs. She acknowledged projected deficits in out-years but stated they provide a roadmap for grant-seeking or project adjustments.

• Engineering and Other Department Updates: Beare noted that engineering presentations would occur later in the week. IT items (security cameras, phone system) are largely in the operating budget, with some larger purchases in the CIP. City manager’s office initiatives include a safety assessment of city hall ($50,000 budgeted), municipal storage at Kingsbury Park, and streetscape adjustments pending Columbia Gas negotiations.

• Parks and Natural Resources Presentation by JP Lincoln (Recreation Superintendent):

  • Building Maintenance: Air handlers and entry remodel at City Hall; jury room remodel at Justice Center; snow/ice guards at public works; HVAC and ceiling insulation at Unity Community Center; tuckpointing at Fire Station 301; roof and HVAC at Fire Station 302.
  • Equipment: Zero-turn mowers for Hidden Valley Golf Course, Oak Grove Cemetery, and parks (replaced annually, saving on trade-in value). New turf sprayer (non-replacement). Replacement of two 3/4-ton trucks, a 23-year-old tractor, and a finish mower.
  • Play Equipment/Courts: Reseal and reline basketball courts at Kensington Park and Stratford Park (past due).
  • Park Improvements: New prefab restroom at Blue Limestone Park (existing restroom built ca. 1952/56, replaced multiple times). Turf replacement at Veterans Park (bonded rubber, 10-year lifespan, now due).
  • River and Delaware Run Corridor: Funds for easements/land acquisition, trail construction, and a bridge from the golf course to Grady Hospital, connecting Willow Brook to the golf course. A possible property purchase with Willow Brook is under discussion.
  • Kingsbury Park Improvements: Additional funds requested for dirt work and building construction for the parks department facility.
  • South Community Park: Funds set aside for land acquisition and development of a large community park with spray park, gym space, and recreation center (similar to Mingo Park), anticipating growth along Glenn Parkway.

• Police Department Presentation by Chief Adam Moore:

  • 2026 Accomplishments: Replaced a large drone with two medium-sized drones (Matrix 30T and 4T) to increase deployability; added Drone Sense streaming capability; issued RFP for parking kiosks (34 kiosks in two phases, total cost ~$350,000, partially budgeted).
  • 2027 Requests:
    • Speed Technology ($30,000): To purchase data-driven speed control equipment (e.g., stealth stats, speed feedback signs, or warning trailers that send friendly notices—not enforcement cameras without an officer present).
    • Cruisers: Replace four front-line cruisers per year (current fleet of 12 front-line cars, each with three shifts, 30,000–35,000 miles/year). Savings from equipment transfers (about $8,000/car) may not always be possible due to manufacturer changes. Replacement cycle allows reuse by other city departments before auction.
    • Specialty Vehicles ($130,000): Replace a 14-year-old Ford Expedition (drone vehicle) and a 12-year-old van (evidence collection); replace one unmarked police vehicle (Chevy Blazer likely, but GM may only offer electric version in 2028).
  • Future Needs (not in 2027 CIP): Replacement of tasers (currently phased out model), duty pistols (10-year cycle, due around 2031), large drone replacement, additional cruisers for fleet growth, and eventual dog replacements ($25,000 each plus cruiser).
  • Justice Center: Built in 1992 for 29 officers; now authorized 63 officers, no desk space for two new hires. Chief stressed long-term need for a new or expanded facility, noting that even if started today, it would take 4–6 years. 2029 CIP includes $120,000 for potential improvements (carport, security fencing).
  • Chief’s Closing: Noted that the department serves a full range from parking tickets to homicides, citing a recent week with a suicide, homicide, officer-involved shooting, severe weather, and a suspect surrender. He emphasized that equipment investments have real-world safety impacts.

• IT Presentation: Chair Haynes proposed moving the IT presentation to this meeting to shorten a later meeting. However, after consulting the city attorney, the agenda was kept as advertised, so IT was not presented.

Key Outcomes

• Elections: Adam Haynes elected Chair (unanimous); Mr. McClellan elected Vice Chair (unanimous).
• CIP Review: No formal votes were taken on the CIP; the presentations were informational. The CIP will be a roadmap for future budgets and grant applications.
• Parking System: Chief Moore confirmed that 34 kiosks will replace most existing meters (currently <50% functional). The primary goal is turnover, not profit, though maintenance costs should drop.
• Justice Center: Chief Moore placed a long-term need for a new facility on the record; future council discussion expected.
• Adjournment: The meeting was adjourned by motion following member comments.