When, where and who in regard to driving golf cars in the city of Wayne and possible options for use of the former City Hall were among the topics debated during Monday's meeting of the Wayne City Council.
Council members approved on second reading an ordinance which amends the city code in regard to driving golf cars on city streets.
One of the changes made since the ordinance's first reading was that of putting the age of those able to drive the golf cars to at least 17 years of age.
Council member Jason Karsky shared some of the concerns his constituents had expressed to him.
These include when can the golf cars be used on city streets, the speed limit on sidewalks, the lack of seat belts and involving Wayne State College students in the discussion.
Council President Matt Eischeid addressed some of these concerns and questioned how many residents would actually be driving the golf cars on city streets. He also noted that there are fines already in place for misuse of these types of vehicles.
City Attorney Amy Miller noted that it is difficult to have language in an ordinance to address every potential problem and told the council that the ordinance can be amended in the future if need be.
The ordinance will come before the council one more time before being finally approved.
Also approved was the second reading of an ordinance which amends the city code in regard to all terrain and utility vehicles. Changes made to the ordinance will match those in state statute.
Council members spent considerable time discussing the future of the former City Hall, located at 306 Pearl Street.
Among the suggestions was that of a business incubator for businesses wishing to get a start in establishing a business.
City Planner Joel Hansen shared information on what would need to be done to the building to comply with ADA requirements. This would vary, depending on the use of the building, as the building would need additional bathrooms and a functioning elevator.
City Attorney Miller said that there would be a number of liability issues that would need to be addressed based on the use of the building.
Additional discussion will take place in coming weeks as there is an interested party in using a portion of the building.
In other action, council members approved a resolution approving an application for a Class C (on and off sale) liquor license to Hunter Jorgensen and The 4th Jug, LLC, dba "The Max Again."
Jorgensen spoke to the council and said he is "excited to get started and is going through the steps to get there."
Also approved was a resolution adopting the City of Wayne Public Art Policy.
Wayne America, Inc. Executive Director Luke Virgil told the council that the resolution would "validate how the city's Art Committee has been operating and put paramaters in place."
He noted that the majority of the language in the framework of the policy was taken from a similar document in place in Lincoln.
He shared information on how the committee makes selections for artwork displayed throughout the community and noted that the committee tries to encourage local artists to submit proposals, but has to look at quality also.
Council members approved the purchase of a new work truck for the Electric Distribution Department.
Superintendent Clayton Dredge told the council that two bids had been received, one from Sid Dillon in Wahoo for a Chevy and one from Davis Ford in Wayne for a Ford.
He said the truck would be used as a service truck for the department, as the majority of calls for service would use this vehicle. It will replace a 2010 Chevy that was purchased used.
Ryan Davis with Davis Ford thanked the council for allowing his business the opportunity to submit a bid. He also noted that all service/warranty work could be done locally.
Following discussion, council members voted unanimously to spend up to $66,381 to purchase a vehicle from Davis Ford.
Payment No. 5, in the amount of $78,069.14 was approved to Gehring Construction and Ready Mix Co., Inc. for work on the Wayne Seventh Street Trail project. Information was shared on work that has been completed in recent weeks and work scheduled for the coming weeks, weather permitting.
A change order in the amount of $10,490.33 to T. R. Harris Construction Inc. was approved as well as pay application No. 2 in the amount of $296,843.08 to the firm. This is for work on the Wayne Prairie Park Phase 4 - Parks & Rec Roundabout Paving Project.
Council members also took action on the 2026 renewal of the Nebraska Department of Transportation's Maintenance Agreement with the city of Wayne. The rate for the services provided on the highways through the city will be going up 3% for the coming year.
The Wayne City Council will next meet in regular session on Monday, Dec. 15 at 5:30 p.m. in council chambers.
