Council approves multiple public‑works contracts, appropriations and schedules further review on liquor and surveillance items

The Fort Wayne Common Council voted on several ordinances and resolutions during its May 26 committee and regular sessions, approving multiple public‑works construction contracts and introducing a slate of utility, zoning and appropriations measures.

What passed or received committee approval:

- Five public‑works construction contracts for street and concrete repairs (Inwood Drive rehab and neighborhood concrete work orders) were placed for passage and approved unanimously by the council. The contracts total several million dollars in project cost and were recorded as due‑pass and passage during the session.

- City Utilities approved a construction contract for filter underdrain replacement (Thinnemann Construction Inc.) for $1,988,000 (passed 9–0).

- The Finance Committee gave a due‑pass recommendation to S260512, the firefighters’ collective bargaining agreement (9–0). Because of the arbitrator’s selection, the administration said contract terms reflect the arbitrator’s decision and that lump‑sum payments and pension adjustments will follow upon final adoption.

Introductions and pending items:

- Several City Utilities and zoning ordinances were introduced for later consideration, including SCADA master‑plan work with CDM Smith Inc., construction contracts with Campus Excavating LLC and Inliner Solutions LLC, and multiple rezonings across Wayne and Aboit townships.

- A budget appropriation ordinance to allocate $2,750,000 into various 2026 funds was introduced; a public hearing is scheduled for June 9, 2026.

Held for further review:

- S260510 (Flock LPR maintenance, $120,250) left committee with no recommendation (4–5) and the full council voted to hold the matter until July 14 to allow additional review and proposed contract safeguards.

- R260425 (downtown dining‑district liquor license for Rudy's LLC) was held to July 28 (8–1) while council and administration clarify definitions around food, entertainment and cigar lounges.

Next steps: the council will consider the introduced and committee‑recommended items at future sessions per the schedule and public‑hearing notices; held items will return for further deliberation after staff and administration follow up.