Block Grant application is approved by City Council

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An application for a Block Grant to assist with the installation of a sidewalk along West Seventh Street involved considerable discussion when the Wayne City Council met in regular session this week.

Riah Deane with the Northeast Nebraska Economic Development District explained the details of the grant application, which would be for $433,000 to extend the trail west along Seventh Street from Greenwood Cemetery to Bomgaars.

Considerable discussion was held on the cost of this project, which would be completed in four phases at an estimated cost of $875,000.

The majority of the cost associated with the project is storm sewer work that would have to be done to deal with some of the water run-off with heavy rains.

Council member Jill Brodersen said "this is something we have needed for a long time." and Council member Matt Eischied said "this could possibly save a life. Also, we don't want to say in five years 'we should have done this years ago."

Following the public hearing, the council approved the resolution authorizing the signing of the application.

Approval was given for a fireworks display at Wayne State College after the "Family Day Football Game" on Saturday, Sept. 24.

Discussion was held on a request from Hannah Rathjen to keep a blue tongue skink inside city limits.

Rathjen spoke to the council and said the "lizard with a blue tongue" would stay in its cage and live in her dorm room. Because skinks are not on the list of permitted animals within city limits, it was necessary for her to come before the council to ask permission.

Following her presentation, council members voted unanimously to approve the request.

Resolution 2022-52 was approved, allowing for the moving forward with a Scope of Services agreement for the Wastewater Treatment Facility Ultraviolet Light Improvement Project.

Roger Protzman with JEO Consulting Group, Inc. explained that the current system is nearly 15 years old and there are issues trying to obtain parts. He explained that the plan is to obtain a more traditional system with parts that are more readily available.

The cost of the JEO's consulting services is $41,990.

A change order and payment were approved for the 2022 Golf Course Sanitary Sewer Extension Project.

Roger Protzman explained why three changes were necessary and said the work on the project is completed.

Approval was given for the Conceptual Master Plan for Prairie Park.

The Stool to Cool Task force presented information on the work that has taken place in recent months.

Jason Karsky, chair of the group, said "this has been a great committee to work with. We have had lots of meetings and made lots of edits. This is a conceptual plan and not the final design.

The plan calls for a four-acre lake, 17 RV camping pads, additional baseball fields and several additional parking spots near the Summer Sports Complex.

Payment applications to Robert Woehler & Sons Construction for work on the Chicago Street Improvement Project ($127,633.41) and Lincoln Street Improvements Project ($38,221.31 - for materials) were approved.

Work on the Chicago Street project is "making good progress" as the sanitary sewer portion has been completed. 

Two ordinances dealing with parking in the southwest quadrant of the city received first reading approval. This will allow for parking regulations to be in place prior to the actual opening of Chicago Street. It will also make the regulations uniform throughout the city.

The resignation of Dallas Dorey as a council representative for Ward 3 was accepted. Dorey, who was currently filling a vacancy created last fall, will be moving out of the ward.

Notice of the vacancy will be published and Mayor Cale Giese will bring forth a name for council consideration.

The Wayne City Council will next meet in regular session on Tuesday, Sept. 6 at 5:30 p.m. Council members will also hold a retreat on Tuesday, Aug. 30 at 5:30 p.m. at the Wayne Fire hall.