By Clara Osten,
clara@wayneherald.com
A short agenda resulted in a short meeting for the Wayne City Council on Tuesday.
In the absence of Mayor Cale Giese and Council President Jill Brodersen, the meeting was conducted by Mayor Pro Tempore Matt Eischeid.
Council members received an update on LB 840 activity from Luke Virgil, Director of Wayne Area Economic Development.
Virgil told the council in his semi annual report that the current LB 840 loans on the books are being repaid and loaned out again through the Revolving Loan Fund.
"Of the original $3.2 million in LB 840 funds received by the city, $1.2 million is now being loaned out through the Revolving Loan Fund. This money is having a serious economic impact on the community," Virgil said.
City staff also presented a draft of the City of Wayne LB 840 Economic Development Plan 2024 - 2025.
City Administrator Wes Blecke told the council that the draft document is similar to what the city is currently operating under in regard to use and regulations regarding LB 840 funds.
He told the council that a public hearing will be held at the council's next meeting before putting the issue on the May primary ballot.
Blecke said that going forward, it is estimated that the city could receive $2.25 million in sales tax revenue earmarked for economic development over the course of 15 years.
This money, combined with the $2 million that is available in the Revolving Loan Fund from the current sales tax, would allow a number of projects to receive funds.
Also discussed whether or not specific language needed to be included to allow for funding for childcare. The feeling of the council was that this type of funding was already included in the document.
It was noted that the plan can be amended in the future if need be.
In other action, Mayor Pro Tempore Eischied read a proclamation recognizing March as Problem Gambling Awareness Month.
A request from Anthony Cantrell on behalf of Wayne High School to close a portion of East 10th Street on Saturday, April 30 was approved.
The request is in conjunction with the Electric Vehicle Energy Research of Nebraska (EVERON) 2022 Power Drive State Championship.
Tenth Street will be closed from east of Angel Avenue to Hillside Drive from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Racing will take place on the street and through the parking lot of First National of Bank of Omaha Call Center.
The city will also provide portable restrooms at the site.
The Wayne City Council will next meet in regular session on Tuesday, Feb. 15 at 5:30 p.m.
