By Clara Osten,
clara@wayneherald.com
Discussion on how a new make-up of the council would look with both ward and at-large representation was part of Tuesday's meeting of the Wayne City Council.
The agenda item dealing with the change was presented to the council members, along with a description of how this change would take place.
It was noted that the city of Wayne would have to be represented by council members elected both from within wards and at-large. This would result in all current council members being up for election in 2024 and several of those would serve two year terms.
Mayor Cale Giese, who said he was originally in favor of an at-large council, told the council that after looking into the requirements "I don't think the instability is worth it."
City Administrator Wes Blecke said having at-large representation could result in more candidates filing for the positions as those running would not necessarily be running against someone in their ward.
Council member Chris Woehler said he felt having ward representation was best as those in his ward often come to him with questions.
Council member Nick Muir said there are still going to be challenges should a council member resign or move, as that person could only remain on the council if he or she were an at-large representative.
After considerable discussion, council members took no action on the agenda item.
A change order resulting in a decrease of $15,921.60 to Myers Construction, Inc. for work on the Pine Heights Road & Utility Improvements Project was approved, as was a payment in the amount of $29,020.20 to Myers Construction, Inc. for work that has been completed.
Terry Mead with JEO spoke to the council on both the change order and the payment. He said the decrease "squares up the 'as built' quantities with the 'contract quantities.'
He also told the council that there is just over $36,000 still being held before a final payment is made. Discussion will take place at a future council meeting on how much, if any, of this amount will be kept as liquidated damages due to the fact the project was not completed by the date agreed upon.
The council did take action on the certificate of substantial completion for the project.
A resolution was approved stating the city 'may' sell excess power generated during emergencies to Northeast Power.
The agreement does not force the city to sell but is seen as 'a neighborly thing to do.' It will be in effect through February 2022.
Discussion was held on whether or not the agreement would benefit the city and how enforceable it is.
In other action, the council approved a resolution authorizing the purchase of a 2022 pickup truck for the Park and Recreation Department.
The low bid of $36,023 came from Arnie's Ford, Inc. through the state bid system.
Parks and Recreation Director Lowell Heggemeyer explained to the council that the pickup would replace a 1991 Chevy pickup currently in use by the department. He also said that while the council could approve the bid, orders are not currently being filled.
Mytzy Rodriguez-Kufner was appointed as a commissioner to the Wayne Housing Authority Board. She will replace Jean Lutt on the five-member board.
Resolution 2021-72 was approved, reaffirming the interlocal cooperative agreement between the city of Wayne and the village of Carroll.
It will allow a city of Wayne employee to use the city's operating license to handle water testing outside of normal business hours. The agreement has been in place since 2009 and the change was made to allow for a different employee to be able to do the work on his own time.
A resolution amending the city's personnel policy in regard to holiday leave for Juneteenth and cell phone stipends was approved.
All city offices will be closed on Juneteenth.
Discussion was held on the date for a town hall meeting to discuss annexation.
Although there is a business being built outside city limits that is one of the reasons this item is being brought forward, it was noted that the town hall meeting would allow for discussion of annexation in general.
This meeting was originally set to take place in April of 2020, but postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Wayne City Council will next meet in regular session on Tuesday, Dec. 21 at 5:30 p.m. at the Wayne Senior Center. This will allow for more room for those wishing to take part in the town hall meeting.
