By Clara Osten,
clara@wayneherald.com
One council member was recognized for his years of service to the city and a new council member sworn in during Tuesday's meeting of the Wayne City Council.
Chris Woehler has served on the council for four years and did not seek re-election this year.
Clayton Bratcher will now represent Ward 1 of the city.
City Attorney Amy Miller conducted the swearing in ceremony for council members Bratcher, Jill Brodersen, Matt Eischied and Jason Karsky, as well as Mayor Cale Giese.
Jill Brodersen was selected to serve as Council President.
Several agenda items dealt with annual renewals and appointments.
Council members unanimously approved the Nebraska Department of Transportation's Maintenance Agreement.
Joel Hansen, City Street Director/Planner, told the council the state sends out the agreement and details both the city's and state's responsibilities.
Council members took action to appoint Joel Hansen, Class B License number S-1155 as the Street Superintendent for calendar year 2023.
Resolution 2022-74 was approved. It authorizes the signing of the Year-End Certification of Street Superintendent Form for 2022.
Also approved was Resolution 2022-75, which appoints JEO Consulting Group, Inc. as the special engineer to be used on various City of Wayne projects for 2023.
City Administrator Wes Blecke said this will become an annual appointment, but does not mean JEO will be the only consulting firm used by the city.
Council members approved the 2022 Rural Workforce Housing Land Development Program Letter of Intent.
It will allow the city to work with the Wayne Community Housing Development to apply for up to $1 million for workforce housing.
The grant does not require any matching funds but Wayne Area Economic Development Director Luke Virgil and Wayne Community Housing Development Director Mytzy Kufner-Rodriguez told the council that the application is looked on more favorably if there is some type of match.
The two also told the council that there are several ideas for using the funds should the city be awarded the grant.
Considerable discussion was held on the possible purchase of two parcels of property from Ameritas Life Insurance Corporation.
Council members discussed the benefits of having an engineer or contractor tour the building and get cost estimates for renovation after looking at the configuration of the building.
Council member Jason Karsky said he has concerns with the police department's needs and the safety of the public should the city purchase the building.
"Just because it fits (all the departments in the building), does not mean it will function," Karsky said.
Police Chief Marlen Chinn also told the council that the current layout fits, "but will not function for security."
Council member Matt Eischied said "nothing is set in stone. We can tweek the design. I feel confident that if we purchase the building, the security concerns can be met."
Resolution 2022-77 was approved. It approves the acquisition of real estate from the First Methodist Church of Wayne.
The $50,000 purchase is contingent on the city purchasing the Ameritas property.
Council members approved the following appointments:
Betty McGuire, City Clerk; Beth Porter, Finance Director; Joel Hansen, Street and Planning Director; Marlen Chinn, Police Chief; Lowell Heggemeyer, Park and Recreation Director; Diane Bertrand, Senior Citizens Coordinator; Heather Headley, Library Director; Jeff Triggs, Electric Production Superintendent; Tim Sutton, Electric Distribution Superintendent and Casey Junck, Water/Wastewater Superintendent.
Named to the Problem Resolution Team were Ellen Imdieke and Rita McLean.
Kevin Peterson was appointed to the Civil Service Commission.
No names were brought forth to serve on the LB840 Revolving Loan Fund Committee or the LB840 Sales Tax Advisory Committee.
The Wayne City Council will next meet in regular session on Tuesday, Dec. 20 at 5:30 p.m. in council chambers.
