No on spoke during a public hearing in regard to the city of Wayne's 2025-2026 budget at Monday's meeting of the Wayne City Council.
In other action, council members approved a change order, which amounted to a decrease of $20,845.00 to Otte Construction for the Wayne City Hall & Police Relocation Project. This represents the portion of the $50,000 contingency fund that was not used.
The rental fee for the Freedom Park was waived for the Friday, Oct. 31 Chamber Coffee. The coffee will be hosted by the Wayne Rotary Club.
Council members approved the application of Trinity Lutt as the newest member of the Wayne Volunteer Fire Department. She is a graduate of Northeast Community College's Paramedic Program and is an EMT.
Discussion was held on a request from Cody Westerhold, Dean of Students at Wayne State College to have a bonfire on Thursday, Sept. 25. The bonfire would be located in an area east of the Student Center.
Traditionally, these types of activities include the stipulation that permission is given by the fire chief prior to the event.
Council member Matt Eischeid questioned whether or not approval from the Wayne Fire Chief was necessary for a bonfire of this size, stating "Wayne State College will take precautions and make the right decision."
Following discussion, approval was given, without the need to seek additional approval from the fire chief.
Two agenda items before the council involved the annual Christmas in Wayne celebration.
This year's event is set for Thursday-Saturday, Nov. 20-22.
A resolution was approved on a 5-1 vote, with Council member Eischeid voting against to acknowledge the Nebraska Department of Transportation requirements for the temporary use of the state highway system for the Parade of Lights on Thursday, Nov. 20.
Wayne America Inc. Director Luke Virgil told the council that his office is partnering with other groups on activities for the event. He also said that the early date is designed as a kick-off for holiday shopping.
Council member Eischeid said he felt having the event so early took away time from the city crews working on projects that needed to be completed before winter.
Eischeid voted against the second agenda item connected with the event. This will prohibit parking on Main Street in the 200 and 300 Blocks of Main Street from 5:30 to 8 p.m. that evening for the parade.
Resolution 2025-56 received unanimous approval. It will amend sections of the section of the city of Wayne personnel manual dealing with employee benefits and authorization required for making purchases.
The employee benefits change reflects a change in state law regarding police retirement, with the authorization needed for purchases needed for all purchases over $2,000. This is up from the current $1,500 and reflects the increase in prices over the years.
An update was given and approval to direct staff to advertise for bids for the demolition of the property located at 121 West 11th Street.
City Planner Joel Hansen explained to the council the process and timeline the city has gone through in an effort to get the property owners to make improvements to the property.
After several attempts to get the property owner to do the necessary work, without any success, Hansen said the house has been condemned.
The Wayne City Council will hold a mini retreat on Monday, Sept. 29 at the Wayne Fire Hall. The next regular meeting will be held Monday, Oct. 6 at 5:30 p.m. in Council Chambers at 513 Main Street.
