Speaker numbers apply only to this recording.
The Committee of the Whole meeting for the City of Fitchburg was called to order at 6:30 PM on May 27, 2026, and adjourned at 8:33 PM. The meeting focused on two major items: a detailed presentation on the $12 million City Hall, Senior Center, and Community Center Remodel Project, and the annual Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) and Financial Policy Guidelines.
1. City Hall, Senior Center, and Community Center Remodel Project City Administrator Chad, Deputy Administrator Adam Sayer, and Architect Dawn Crowley presented the findings of the space needs analysis and the expanded project scope. The project grew from an initial $6 million estimate to a $12 million full campus renovation. The driving factors are the age of the building (25-30 years), the impending vacancy from the police department's move across the street (anticipated Q1 2027), and the lack of flexible, modern workspace. The design aims to improve natural light and spatial flow, create flexible meeting spaces (including a dedicated 30-person room and several smaller ones), expand the Senior Center kitchen, and improve the Community Center entrance. Staff recommended a full 7-month closure of City Hall to complete the work efficiently and reduce costs, temporarily relocating city staff and public walk-in services to the Community Center. Council Positions and Questions:
2. Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) and Financial Policy Guidelines Finance Director Misty Dodge presented the annual CIP kickoff, outlining the city's financial standing and constraints. Fitchburg maintains an AAA credit rating. Key statistics include a debt service rate of $0.81 per $1,000 (policy limit: $2.25), an unassigned fund balance at 15.2% (policy floor of 15-25%), and debt totaling 0.83% of equalized value (state limit: 5%). The city anticipates approximately 2.5% net new construction ($134 million needed for a 2% levy increase). The Expenditure Restraint Program (ERIP) is phasing out, with an expected $120,000 in aid in 2027, down from $650,000 five years ago. She reviewed the replacement fund system for equipment under $500,000. Council Positions and Questions:
Hi, I'm Jeremy Brockby. And I'm Nick Boucher. We're your hosts for the program that's all about your city, Talking Pittsburgh. Every weekday, we pull together the news, events, and information you need to stay on top of what's happening in the city of Pittsburgh. Find Talking Fitzburg on Cable TV, Roku, Amazon Fire, Apple TV, and our live stream on the web. Plus, you can find all our headlines and stories on Facebook, YouTube, and our video on demand service. This is your city. Keep up with Talking Fitzburg and the issues affecting you and your neighbors. Get connected, Fitchburg. We're launching Fitchburg Connect, the city's new monthly e-newsletter that keeps you informed about all the events, services, and updates that matter to you. Get it in your inbox once a month. Sign up today to get Fitchburg Connect. All right, I'm ready when you are. I call to order the meeting of the committee of the whole on May 27th, 2026 at 6 30 p.m. First night of business is the Pledge of Allegiance. Please stand. Under God is liberty and justice. Next is roll call. Administrator Beckman, will you help us out? Absolutely. Mayor Arata Ferrata is present, but currently on a uh phone call just outside the chambers. Other Danzler Jr. Present. Oh their Gearhart? Here. Oh, they're Herbst. Here. Oh, their Jetzer? Here. Oh, they're Ladusay? Here. Oh, their Leper. Here. Oh, they're Maldonado. Here. And oh, they're Reichstead. Here. You have a quorum. Wonderful. Our next item is approval of minutes. I'll need a motion on the draft minutes of April 22nd, 2022. I'll move to approval. Second.