Where to put housing, what types of housing are needed and how to assist in getting houses built were all discussed during Tuesday's meeting of the Wayne City Council.
Wayne Area Economic Development Director Luke Virgil spoke to the council on the number of lots currently available within the city.
"The number of rental units will increase with the completion of the R. Perry project, but we still need lots to build on, not just apartments," Virgil said.
Council members discussed a number of items in regard to new housing construction, including the lack of available lots, the cost of construction and higher interest rates.
Finding incentives to builders to lower the cost of building housing was among the priorities recommended by the council. This includes building homes at all price levels.
Options will continue to be explored as it was noted "we are losing people to other communities because they can't find housing in Wayne."
Council members approved Ordinance 2023-9 and waived the three readings.
The ordinance deals with amending the 2018 International Building Code in regard to storm shelters on buildings being renovated. It was noted that language in the code does not necessarily pertain to areas such as Nebraska.
Council discussion included information on putting a storm shelter in the new city hall to allow for the police dispatch center to be located in the basement of the building at 513 Main Street. It would only be used by emergency personnel in case of events such as a tornado.
City staff recommended amendments to the ordinance that will allow for protection of city staff and the public in case of an emergency, while making the necessary upgrades more cost effective.
The Wayne Community Schools will also be affected by the changes to the ordinance as they remodel the existing high school and construct a new facility.
In other action, the council set Tuesday, May 30 as the date for a Council Retreat. It will begin at 5:30 p.m. at the Wayne Fire Hall. Among the topics to be discussed will be electricity.
Pay application No. 8 was approved for $82,695 to OCC Builders, LLC. The payment is for work done on the Freedom Park Trailhead Project. It was noted that sidewalks have been installed and progress continues to be made on the building.
Council members went into executive session to conduct a City Administrator evaluation.
The Wayne City Council will next meet in regular session on Tuesday, May 16 at 5:30 p.m. in council chambers.
