Discussion on city of Wayne goals and the plans for a Prairie Park bathhouse took up the majority of the Tuesday meeting of the Wayne City Council.
Goals discussed included starting the planning for an additional well to provide water to the city; making plans for a larger salt shed (either in the same location or a new location); adjusting water rates to help fund future projects; plans for the current City Hall and the possibility of renovation of a space in the upper level of the City Auditorium into an apartment.
Council members generally felt the creation of an apartment was not something they wanted to be involved with. However, Council President Jill Brodersen said she would like to see this done, possibly creating interest in other downtown areas that could be renovated into apartments.
Following discussion, council members voted unanimously to approve Resolution 2024-25, which identifies these goals. However, identifying the goals does not commit the council and city to completing them.
Drawings of possible designs for the Prairie Park bathhouse were distributed to council members.
The city recently received a commitment from the Lower Elkhorn Natural Resources District (NRD) for a $150,000 grant to the city to be used for work at Prairie Park. The funds will be granted over a three-year period.
The cost of the bathhouse is approximately $400,000 through SourceWell, a cooperative purchasing program used by government, education and non-profit organizations.
Discussion centered on the need for a building that would contain four showers and four bathrooms. Although not officially rated as a tornado shelter, it would provide a place for campers to go in the event of a storm.
Council members gave city staff permission to move forward with the project and bring updates to the council at future meetings.
Council members approved Resolution 2024-26 which will amend the interlocal agreement with the 2nd Class City of Laurel for water/wastewater services previously approved on March 5, 2024.
The resolution will extend the agreement between the two parties for an additional 90 days with increases in the hourly rate from $60 to $75 for work during regular business hours and from $120 to $150 per hour for hours outside regular business hours.
Water/Wastewater Superintendent Casey Junck told the council that things are going well and the Laurel personnel are working to get certified.
Also on Tuesday's agenda was discussion on the roof at the Community Activity Center.
City Administrator Wes Blecke told the council that during recent rains, leaks were found in several locations, depending on the wind.
Parks & Recreation Director Lowell Heggemeyer said he feels a new layer of roofing will need to be put on the entire roof. Estimates for this are $175,000.
Funds for the project would come from a Community Activity Fund that was created when the building was built. Additionally, Keno funds, which can be used for "community betterment," could be used.
Additional information on the cost and time frame will be brought to council at a future meeting.
The appointment of Jennifer Canham to the Wayne Community Housing Authority Board was approved. She will replace Mytzy Rodriguez-Kufner on this board.
Resolution 2024-24 was approved. It amends the list of a number of fees for those using city services such as clearing of snow and ice and rental of various pieces of equipment. It also establishes a fee of $35 per day for camping at Prairie Park. This will become effective in the fall of this year.
In addition, utility deposits will increase for water from the current $75 to $100; sewer from the current $75 to $100; and electric from the current $150 to $200.
It was noted that there will be a townhall meeting on Thursday, June 6 at 5:30 p.m. at the Freedom Park Shelter House to review community responses to the Attitude Survey.
The Wayne City Council will next meet in regular session on Tuesday, June 18 at 5:30 p.m. in council chambers.
