Two annual reports, two requests for LB840 Revolving Loan funds and a public hearing regarding a liquor license were on the agenda when the Wayne City Council met in what is scheduled to be the last meeting in the current City Hall.
The meeting began with Mayor Cale Giese reading a proclamation declaring April 25, 2025 as Arbor Day in the city of Wayne. Wayne has been designated as a Tree City USA for a number of years.
Sandy Brown, representing the Wayne Green Team told the council the group is kicking off the month of April, which includes Earth Day, with a variety of activities.
These including hosting Chamber Coffee on Friday, April 4, announcing a Zero Hero winner and hosting a movie on Sunday, April 6 at the Majestic Theatre.
Brown said that the group has been in existence for 16 years and while "Wayne is ahead in sustainability, there is always room for improvement."
She shared statistics from the last year, noting Wayne recycled 70,000 pounds of materials in 2024, including 34,000 pounds of glass, 20,000 pounds of household hazardous waste 14,000 pounds of electronics and 400 pounds of light strings.
Brown did note that there was an increase in the amount of trash that came through the Recycling and Trash Center (RTC) last year. This number grew by 35%, compared to a 10% increase from 2022 to 2023.
Library Director Heather Headley gave a report on the activities at the library during the last fiscal year.
She told the council that the library is continuing to see growth, especially in the area of electronic use.
"We have had a great response to the programs and events we have hosted in the last year and are seeing a new interest from patrons on how to access materials," Headley said.
She noted that two areas that are a challenge are space to house materials and the fact that books and supplies continue to cost more.
Wayne Auto Parts (Larry and Jeanie Lindsay and Daryl Lindsay) brought forth a request for $149,000 in LB840 Revolving Loan funds.
The money would be used to renovate the Final Touch building they are purchasing from the city and add to their inventory. The total cost of the project is estimated at $465,000.
Council members approved the request with a zero percent interest rate on the 10-year loan.
A second request for LB840 Revolving Loan Funds came from Silver Silo Design, LLC and owner Heidi Claussen.
She requested $58,500 in funds for business costs, such as the purchase of intellectual property and equipment. She is purchasing Copy Write from Curt and Coleen Jeffries.
Her loan request was approved with the following terms - 3% interest with a five-year repayment based on a 10-year amortization.
Following a public hearing, a resolution was passed which approves an application of a Class B Beer Liquor License to BP603 LLC, doing business as JB Mart. This is due to a change in ownership of the business.
Two pay applications to Otte Construction, Company, LLC.
The first was for $83,798.00 for work on the Wayne City Hall & Police Relocation Project.
Bob Soukup with Carlson West Povondra Architects told the council the project is "99% completed and after being on-site last week, put together a punch list of items that need to be completed."
The fire marshal is scheduled to be in Wayne on Friday to inspect the building and then the city can start moving in.
The second application was for $127,151.00 for work on the Wayne Park & Rec Maintenance Building Project. According to Soukup, this project is "80% completed and work is taking place on some of the inside things."
Council members selected Tenaska as an agent to provide assistance with Southwest Power Pool Market Participant duties. Following the last meeting, city staff did additional research to check on some of the costs of energy that is part of agreement. Additional work will be done with details of the agreement.
The next city council meeting will be held on Tuesday, April 15 at 6 p.m. (note time change) in the new City Council Chambers at 513 Main Street. It will follow the open house.
