New Franklin council approves sign upgrade, truck lease and six finance measures in unanimous votes

The New Franklin City Council voted unanimously (7‑0) on May 6 to adopt a package of resolutions that covered infrastructure maintenance, equipment financing and budget cleanups.

Resolutions adopted and key details:
- Resolution 26R‑19: Authorizes an agreement with Stewart Signs to replace the internal electronics (an "internal cabinet") for the electronic sign in front of the fire station. Staff said the work will be funded largely with NOPEC funds; the proposal lists $16,370 in NOPEC-supported spending with a city out-of-pocket expense of $569.48. The finance committee recommended waiving three readings and adopting the resolution.

- Resolution 206R‑20 (equipment lease/purchase): Authorizes an equipment lease/purchase agreement with Magnolia Bank for acquisition of municipal equipment, specifically three Kenmore T480 V trucks with dump packages and related installation. Committee members questioned contract wording that used "rental" (they asked to remove the word) and noted the draft document did not list an interest rate or total finance charge; staff said the quoted rate was favorable but declined to read the precise number in the meeting. The council adopted the resolution as amended.

- Resolution 26R‑21: Approves Christian Michael Construction to repair a freestanding garage at the Tudor House damaged by wind and a fallen tree; the estimated repair cost is $12,280.82 with a $1,000 deductible and staff said the work will be covered under the city's liability insurance.

- Resolution 26R‑22: Adds $65,000 in appropriations to the 2026 annual operating appropriation (police transfers) to align the budget with the certificate of estimated resources and prevent shortfalls in police appropriations.

- Resolution 26R‑23: Approves a then‑and‑now purchase order to pay an outstanding invoice to Stryker Sales Inc. for $202,956.31. Staff said the purchase is grant-funded but timing required the council to authorize the payment to avoid an advance from the general fund.

- Resolution 26R‑24: Authorizes the return of funds previously advanced by the general fund to the Office of Criminal Justice Studies (OCJS) grant fund, Fund 2055; the amount cited in committee was $71,032.31.

All roll-call votes were recorded by the clerk and each resolution was listed in the record as passing with a 7‑0 vote. Several items were discussed in committee beforehand; the equipment lease drew the most substantive committee-level questions about contract language and financing terms. Staff said they will post final contract language and supplemental documents with the city record as requested.

What happens next: resolutions are effective per their declared emergencies; staff indicated they will post supporting documents (including vendor contracts and the grant paperwork) and follow up on any outstanding finance details such as final interest-rate disclosures.