Two presentations took place at Tuesday's meeting of the Wayne City Council.
Prior to the official start of the meeting representatives of the Lower Elkhorn Natural Resources District (LENRD) presented the city with a check for $50,000 for work on the Prairie Park Project.
Jerry Allemann and Kris Loberg told the council that the check was the first of three the city would be receiving over the course of three years.
City staff thanked the LENRD for the funds and talked about recent work done in the area in recent months.
Deb Poehling, Northeast Field Service Representative for the Nebraska Department of Economic Development came before the council to present the city with a plaque in recognition of earning recertification under the Economic Development Certified Community Program.
She said Wayne has had this designation since 2008 and congratulated the city for this accomplishment.
She said economic development can be compared to parts of The Wizzard of Oz.
"The city needs great shoes to guide your path and a road map to direct (or re-direct) you, heart and humor to get you through and courage to get things done. The city also has to never stop thinking," Poehling said.
Council members approved a resolution regarding the sale of a lot in the Southview II Addition and waived the three readings of an ordinance directing the sale of this lot.
Lowell and Terri Heggemeyer agreed to purchase the lot for $15,000 and plan to build a home on it in coming months.
Council members discussed the time frame for the building to take place and the fact that some dirt work would need to be completed to get the property out of the floodplain.
Work on the lot could begin as early as this fall, following the 30-day remonstrance period required for the sale of land by the city.
Also on Tuesday's agenda was a resolution approving the purchase of a new Bobcat L95 Compact Wheel Loader for the Parks and Recreation Department.
Two quotes were obtained with the low quote, with a trade in of a 2018 Bobcat Tool Cat, was from Sooland Bobcat in Sioux City, Iowa for $60,083.04.
Resolution 2024-60 was approved. It involves a capacity purchase agreement between the city of Wayne, Northeast Nebraska Public Power District and Big Rivers Electric Cooperative.
This is for a small quantity of electricity the city has for sale and will increase the current rate from $1.38 per megawatt to $4.50, starting in June of 2025.
Mayoral appointments approved during Tuesday's meeting included Luke Virgil, Economic Development Director, to the Problem Resolution Team (temporary appointment until the Assistant Director of Housing position is filled); Abby Schademann (re-appointment) and Dakota Schroll (fill vacant position -Mike Carnes) on the Library Board.
Certificate of Payment No 11 in the amount of $287,832.00 to Otten Construction Company, LLC for the Wayne City Hall & Police Relocation Project was approved.
Approval was given to move forward with a sewer lining project on Pine Heights Road.
The section of the sewer line in question backed up in November of 2022, causing water to go into a homeowner's basement. It was caused by tree roots that had completely plugged the city's sewer main.
At that time, the city attempted to get the section of the main open, but eventually had to have someone come in with a root cutter. In addition, a root foaming treatment was completed.
Recently, it was determined that the area was again being taken over by roots.
A quote of $29,994.00 from Johnson Service was provided to the city to line the main so the roots would not be able to penetrate the seams and cause future backups.
Council members approved a request from Josie Broders, owner of Wayne Area Event Center, for an extension for making an LB840 payment to the city.
Originally, the due date on the payment was set fro Oct. 10 and Broders requested an extension to Oct. 31.
Broders has made payments of $14,750 and owes $14,568.30. She told the council she is "confident I will be able to pay by Oct. 31."
She also talked about the fact that one of the challenges for her business is the lack of hotel space in the city. She said this has kept some potential customers from booking events.
Council members noted that the facility is a "great asset to the community" and granted the extension.
The Wayne City Council will next meet in regular session on Tuesday, Oct. 15 at 5:30 p.m. in council chambers.
