At a special meeting held on December 30, 2015 New Carlisle City Council approved a resolution adopting a Capital Improvement Program for the city in 2016.

City Manager Randy Bridge presented a plan for each department that would be utilizing capital improvements this year. This would be for any item with a cost over $2,500.00. Ridge noted in his comments during the meeting that many of the items had been cut from the 2015 budget.

City Hall will see an upgrade this year in the network server at a cost of $15,000. The city had to put this much needed item on hold last year when budget problems were identified. The offices will also begin a software conversion and upgrade that is planned for three years with a cost of $10,000 per year. The city will also be replacing a critical need item when they purchase a printer.

The server will benefit the finance, payroll, utility billing, income tax and central cash offices according to documentation provided by Bridge. The printer is part of a work station upgrade that will take place in 2016, 2018 and 2020 putting the city on a replacement plan that anticipates need.

The software upgrade is part of a Government mandate that makes the city compliant. This upgrade will also allow the city to have online bill payment for the utility department.

As Bridge outlined the needs of the Sheriff Equipment budget, he noted that the 2008 Dodge Charger has finally ended its tour this past week. The vehicle is high mileage and needed an estimated $7,000 in repairs. Bridge identified the option to lease an SUV for the police use at an approximate cost of $500 per month. This will in fact allow the city to begin planning for the replacement of vehicles over the next three years.

The city is also responsible for the equipment in the vehicles and the plan is to also replace those over the next three years as new vehicles are purchased. The city will spend $8,000 per year for upgrades in equipment for their police force over the next five years as projected by the city manager.

The city has purchased two Smart Phones for use by the deputies in the city. Previously the deputies have been using their personal cell phones without reimbursement by the city. This cost is projected at $1,200 per year.

The city is making plans for the parks in 2017. Bridge introduced the need for a “kitchen area” in the Smith Park shelter house. He explained that users who rent the shelter have asked for a counter area and sink in the shelter house. Currently the room is a vast open space and no sinks are available except in the restrooms. Bridge hopes to use $5,000 from Clark County for this upgrade with matching funds from the city. When asked about the improvement and the use of county funds, Bridge noted that the location does provide income to the city via rental fees and is a needed upgrade.

The city will be purchasing a new mower for the parks and one for the cemetery this year at a cost of $15,000 each. Playground equipment has been delayed until 2019 in the city budget.

According to Bridge, the city will seal the shelter house floor this year at a cost of up to $2,000.

In 2016 the city will be focusing on street repair using the levy funds. No other expenses are expected for the streets until 2017 when the city will need to purchase a new pickup truck and a bucket truck that will be funded over a four year plan.

Fire Chief Steve Trusty spoke to the council regarding the needs of the Fire and EMS Department at the meeting. Trusty explained that the city needs to purchase new “Life Packs” for the department. This is the equipment used to monitor the vital signs of a patient while in the care of the EMS units.

Trusty explained that he is seeking additional funding support from outside sources, however the current packs are due to expire and the company who produces the equipment has made an offer to the city to provide $5,000 toward the replacements. The cost of the packs is $30,000 in 2016 and again in 2017.  Trusty noted that Elizabeth Township will need to upgrade their packs without support from the city.

The city also plans to spend $18,000 per year for the next three years for MARCS radio upgrades for the department.

Chief Trusty also plans to spend $30,000 this year for new Structural Firefighting Gear. Trusty explained that he needs ten sets this year and plans to continue purchasing two or three sets each year moving forward. $9,000 per year has been budgeted in 2017 – 2020 for this purpose.

Trusty prioritized his needs for the department and did not include any upgrades to vehicles over the next five years.

In looking ahead to the move to Belle Manor by the city offices, Bridge explained that there is no timeline for the move. The city has budgeted $10,000 in 2016 for the eventual move. The city plans to begin saving for the move and needed improvements by budgeting $15,000 in 2017 and $20,000 in 2018.  Members of city council will be touring Belle Manor with the owner January 5 and 7 along with Mr. Bridge.

Bridge praised the work done by department managers in creating the Capital Improvement budget for this year and projecting needs for the next five years. Council member Ethan Reynolds stated that he “likes the realism and details” in the plan presented to council this year. Members of council praised the work done by the city administration in looking forward and presenting a viable plan for the city.

The New Carlisle City Council meets at the Smith Park Shelter House on the first and third Monday of each month at 7:00 pm.

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