The purchase of three parcels of land by the City of Wayne were on the agenda when the Wayne City Council met in regular session on Tuesday.
These purchases were discussed at length in closed session by the council.
They include 513 Main Street the Ameritas Life Insurance Corporation Building), 517 Logan Street (Ameritas Life Insurance Corporation Parking Lot) and property currently owned by First Methodist Church of Wayne north of the Ameritas Building on Main Street.
Following the executive session, council voted to allow city staff to move forward with negotiations on these properties.
An update on discussions with the Wayne Community Schools on the future of Wayne Community Activity property was shared.
Mayor Cale Giese told the council he has been in contact with Wayne Schools' Superintendent Dr. Mark Lenihan and the school plans to continue to do its due diligence in regard to the property.
Council member Brent Pick, who is a member of the school's facility committee, told the council the committee is in favor of the location west of the Activity Center for a Pre-K through second grade facility that would be all one level.
Additional information will be available after a facilities committee meeting planned for Nov. 10.
Information was provided to the council on the R. Perry project in the southeast portion of Wayne.
City Administrator Wes Blecke told the council that "lots of dirt is being moved and topsoil is being moved to the lagoon area, to be used there. At least one pad (for the apartments) will be put in yet this fall. Applications for the apartments will be taken in March with a move-in date by next August."
The R. Perry firm is also working on several projects in connection with the lake to be constructed.
Jason Karsky, representing the Stool to Cool Committee, told the council the group has recently conducted a 60% design meeting. He shared a number of drawings in regard to the project and talked about several changes that are being made to make a roadway safer.
He said that the plan is to have a 90% design meeting in December, go out for bids in January of 2023 and start construction in spring of 2023.
Council member Chris Woehler said the group needed to be sure that a temporary road is in place due to "all the traffic that is down there in the spring."
Council members approved as pay application of $28,447.00 to OCC Builders for work done on the Freedom Park Trailhead Project.
An update was given on the work that has been completed. It was noted that materials have been slow in coming in for the work that needs to be completed.
In other action, the council voted to set the date for a mini-retreat. It will be held Tuesday, Nov. 29 at 5:30 p.m. at the Wayne Fire Hall.
In an update on the Bradley J. Woehler and Bradley F. Roberts vs. City of Wayne litigation matter, City Attorney Amy Miller told the council that case has been dismissed. Both the City of Wayne and R. Perry have signed papers indicating they will not counter-sue.
The Wayne City Council will next meet in regular session on Tuesday, Nov. 15 at 5:30 p.m. in council chambers.
