Local Politics
  1. Home
  2. US
  3. Wisconsin
  4. Madison
  5. Meetings

2026-10-26 - Finance Committee

Summary

Built from the approved minutes and the posted agenda. No video is posted, so there is no transcript or timing.

  • Regular meeting plus budget hearing, held virtually. Called to order 4:34 PM; adjourned 8:24 PM.
  • Seven members present: Madison, Evers, Vidaver, Lankella, O'Brien, Verveer and Rhodes-Conway.
  • Public comment: 13 registrants, 3 wanting to speak on the Alma Advisory contract (item 13); 2 registrants, 1 wanting to speak on the 2027 budget (item 14). No disclosures or recusals.
  • Consent agenda (items 2 to 12) adopted by voice vote; all recommended to Council for adoption, including a Motorola emergency radio support contract and Motorola police radio purchase, up to $17,960,000 in Sewer System Revenue Bonds, a state EHH grant of up to $625,890, and a $114,067 federal grant for the MPO's RoundTrip TDM program.
  • Rejected the Alma Advisory Group contract for the Independent Police Monitor hiring process (roll call 0 ayes, 6 noes), then recommended placing it on file.
  • Recommended adopting the 2027 executive operating budget as amended by the committee.
  • Closed session on Clerk's Office facility needs and the Robertson Road purchase; after reconvening, recommended approving the $2,265,000 purchase of 4484 Robertson Road.

2027 Executive Operating Budget

  • Committee deliberated on operating budget amendments; the outcome of individual amendments is attached to the file as "2027 Operating - FC Amendments - Adopted." Motion by Madison, seconded by O'Brien, to recommend to Council that it adopt the 2027 executive budget as amended; passed by voice vote.

Independent Police Monitor Termination

  • File 95324 would have authorized a contract with Alma Advisory Group to help the Police Oversight Board act as hiring manager for the permanent Independent Police Monitor, using salary savings from the Office of the Independent Monitor budget. Madison moved, seconded by Lankella, to adopt. Vidaver moved to amend the resolution to remove references to Alma Advisory and authorize only an executive search firm; that motion failed for lack of a second.
  • The main motion failed on a roll call: Noes (6) Madison, Verveer, Vidaver, Evers, Lankella, O'Brien; Rhodes-Conway non-voting. A motion to recommend placing the item on file then passed by voice vote.

Robertson Road Property Acquisition

  • File 95138, a Purchase and Sale Agreement with TDC 4484 RR LLC for 4484 Robertson Road (District 3) at $2,265,000. After the closed session, the committee acted in open session on a motion by Madison, seconded by Evers, to recommend adoption; passed by voice vote.

Motorola Emergency Radio Contracts

  • File 95247: six-year noncompetitive service contract with Motorola Solutions for support, maintenance and replacement equipment for the proprietary emergency radio system. File 95070: noncompetitive contract to buy APX NEXT portable radios and APX 8500 mobile radios for the Madison Police Department. Both recommended for adoption.

Sewer System Revenue Bonds Series 2026-C

  • File 95235: issuance of not to exceed $17,960,000 Sewer System Revenue Bonds, Series 2026-C. Recommended for adoption.
  • 95231: carry forward 2026 CDBG and HOME subrecipient contracts and extend the performance period through December 31, 2027.
  • 95226: agreement with the Capital Area Regional Planning Commission for the Greater Madison MPO to provide transportation planning services in 2027.
  • 95220: accept a $114,067 federal grant via WisDOT for the MPO's RoundTrip TDM program.
  • 95304: approve two artworks for the Triangle Taking Shape B1 Redevelopment Percent for Art project: the mural "Taking Flight" (Audifax LLC) and the mosaic "Moon Glow" (Laura Jacoba Epstein and Marcia Yapp), District 13.
  • 95117: extend the Sustain Dane contract term to June 30, 2027.
  • 95205: Transit application for Section 5307, 5337 and 5339 grants, with a 13(c) agreement with Teamsters Local No. 120.
  • 95215: accept up to $625,890 in 2026-2027 EHH grant funds for the Dane County Continuum of Care and amend the Community Development Division's 2026 operating budget (15 votes required at Council).
  • 95216: net-neutral transfer in the 2026 Fleet Service operating budget to cover rising fuel costs (15 votes required at Council).

Agenda

  1. Public comment (95307).
  2. 95231 CDBG/HOME subrecipient contract carry-forward.
  3. 95226 MPO planning services for CARPC.
  4. 95220 RoundTrip TDM grant, $114,067.
  5. 95304 Triangle Taking Shape percent-for-art designs.
  6. 95117 Sustain Dane contract extension.
  7. 95205 Transit federal capital grant application.
  8. 95247 Motorola six-year support contract.
  9. 95070 Motorola APX radios for the Madison Police Department.
  10. 95215 EHH grant, up to $625,890.
  11. 95216 Fleet Service fuel budget transfer.
  12. 95235 Sewer System Revenue Bonds Series 2026-C, up to $17,960,000.
  13. 95324 Alma Advisory Group contract.
  14. 94621 2027 Executive Operating Budget deliberations.
  15. 95309 Closed session: Clerk's Office facility needs.
  16. 95138 Purchase of 4484 Robertson Road, $2,265,000 (closed session, then open vote).

Sources