Tuesday's meeting of the Wayne City Council was brief, including only six agenda items.
It was, however; followed by a budget work session as the city works to prepare a budget for the coming fiscal year.
A public hearing was held in regard to an application for a Community Development Block Grant - Land and Water Conservation Funds in the amount of $600,000.
Riah Deane, Community Planner with the Northeast Nebraska Economic Development District, was at the meeting to share information on the grant process, the total cost of the project and the city's financial obligation to the project.
The money would be used for Phase III of the Prairie Park Project and includes lake access for kayaks, ADA jetties for fishing access, a bridge, ADA trail access to the lake and a bathhouse for future campers.
The total cost estimate for the project is $1.2 million with a $600,000 match from the city.
Following the public hearing, council members approved a resolution which will allow for the application of these grant funds.
Council members approved the application for membership to the Wayne Volunteer Fire Department from Logan Miller.
Miller has been a cadet with the department for two years and has taken a number of training classes during this time. A 2023 graduate of Wayne High School, she will be attending Wayne State College this fall.
Ordinance 2023-24 received first reading approval. It will allow for the placement of a stop sign on the west corner of Fifth Street and Schoolview Drive.
Ordinance 2023-15 also received first reading approval. It amends the Wayne Municipal Code Title XV Land Usage, in regard to the floodplain district.
A 2006 preliminary map was included in a previous ordinance but was never updated to include the map being made permanent in 2008.
City Planner Joel Hansen said the FEMA will also have to review the ordinance before it is officially adopted.
The correction needs to be made to keep the city in compliance with the National Flood Insurance Program.
Following the meeting, council members held a budget work session in preparation for the 2023/2024 fiscal year budget, which runs from Oct. 1, 2023 to Sept. 30, 2024.
City Finance Director Beth Porter shared information on the proposed budget and told the council she had factored in a 4% cost of living increase for city employees and a 10% increase in the cost of health insurance. She also said that while she estimated a 4% increase in valuation, the final numbers will not be available until Aug. 20.
Council members were provided information from department heads for their requests for the upcoming budget.
Items discussed included work on Fourth Street from Thorman Street east. It is anticipated that the city would be responsible for the costs and the county would provide funds for a portion of the project.
Considerable discussion was held on changes to funding for the Wayne Area Economic Development (WED) office. Included was the possibility of Wayne Community Housing Development (WCHD)being funded by the city.
City Administrator Wes Blecke explained to council members where funding would come from and noted that at the present time, the city provides some of the funds for the three employees at WAED and business memberships provide additional funds.
Several members of the WCHD) were on hand at the workshop to discuss the current status of the organization and noted the primary focus at the present time is the Meadowview housing development in the western section of Wayne. The facility provides low income housing with funds for the tenants provided on a sliding fee schedule by USDA.
It is anticipated that the three positions at the WAED office would continue to be funded by the city, with a fourth position to be funded by the county or with membership funds.
Additional discussion was held on how the three entities would work together in the best interests of the city.
WAED Executive Director Luke Virgil told the council "personally, I feel this is the right move."
Additional time was spent during the work session discussing bonds.
Currently, the council has approved the issuance of bonds in the amount not to exceed $7.5 million for work on four projects. However, it is anticipated the projects will cost approximately $10 million.
City Administrator Blecke talked about how the bonds would be repaid and the length of time it would take to do so.
Additional discussion on the budget will take place at a future council meeting.
The Wayne City Council will next meet in regular session on Tuesday, Aug. 1 at 5:30 p.m. in council chambers.
