The Fort Wayne City Council convened on June 24, 2025, to discuss several key agenda items, including infrastructure projects and funding mechanisms. The meeting began with a motion to pass a previous ordinance, which received unanimous approval from the council members present.

The primary focus of the meeting was the proposed construction contract for the Superior Street Urban Trail, which will extend from Clinton to Lafayette Street. Redevelopment Director Alec Johnson presented the project, highlighting its total cost of $1,647,838.80 and the selection of Millat Contracting Incorporated as the contractor. Johnson noted that this project is a continuation of previous streetscape improvements and is designed to enhance community access and safety.

Council members raised questions regarding the project's funding, specifically a proposed amendment to utilize Tax Increment Financing (TIF) funds instead of Local Income Tax (LIT) funds for part of the project. Johnson explained that while the amendment was not formally prepared for the meeting, the intention was to reimburse LIT funds with TIF funds once available. Some council members expressed concerns about the lack of written assurance regarding the funding mechanism.

After considerable discussion, a motion was made to hold the ordinance for two weeks to allow for further review and the preparation of an amendment that would clarify the funding sources. The motion passed with a narrow vote of 5-4, setting the next discussion for July 8, 2025.

In addition to the streetscape project, the council also addressed the purchase of Samsara telematics software for the Public Works fleet, with a total cost of $171,192.10. This item was introduced by Councilman Paddock, although further details were not discussed during this meeting.

Overall, the council's deliberations reflected a commitment to enhancing Fort Wayne's infrastructure while ensuring financial accountability and transparency in funding decisions. The upcoming meeting will provide an opportunity for further clarification and potential amendments to the proposed projects.