Several agenda items on Tuesday's Wayne City Council agenda dealt with real estate within the city.
The majority of the discussion during the meeting involved a public hearing on the acquisition of a parcel of land located at 330 South Main Street, near the Logan Creek.
City Administrator Wes Blecke told the council the property has been for sale for some time and the city could possibly use it as a trail head for the Wayne Pedestrian Trail. In addition, the city could clean up the property, making for a better appearance as visitors drive into town from the south.
Steve Hall, who lives next door to the property, told the council "I have been looking at this property for 20 years, waiting for the price to come down. It is not worth the $18,000 (the offer the seller and the city have negotiated to for the property). I want to purchase the property and add it to my property."
"I want to buy this property with my own money and fix it up. I am playing with my own money, not taxpayer money," Hall added.
Hall said he has been mowing and spraying the property and told the council that because of the location of the driveway, "public access is dangerous and I don't want the public parking in my back yard."
During the public hearing council members discussed other possible options the city has for use of the property.
Following the public hearing, council members voted unanimously to approve the acquisition of the property at the agreed upon price of $18,000.
Final reading approval was given to an ordinance that deals with the Future Land Use Map of the Comprehensive Plan for the city of Wayne. Third reading approval to an ordinance that authorizes the release and abandonment of an easement in the Hillcrest Addition. This will allow Wayne State College the ability to construct a dorm in the area.
A Class C (on and off-sale) Liquor License was approved for I Wet My Plants, LLC doing business as I Wet My Plants.
No one spoke during the public hearing in regard to the license.
Council members also approved a resolution approving the Ping Addition Plat, including a part of Barclay's First Addition, part of the Pines Addition and part of a replat of Sunnyview Subdivision.
City Planner Joel Hansen explained to the council that part of the parcel had never been platted and the resolution would allow for future use of the land in question.
Also approved during the meeting were a number of appointments. These include:
To the Library Board (four year terms): Abby Schademann, Michael Carnes, Teresa Morales and Sarah Lentz;
To the Planning Commission (three year term): Abby Schademann (reappointment).
Council members got an update on the New Police and City Municipal Building Renovation Project.
City Administrator Blecke said city staff and the architect are working through things and hope to approve plans at the council's second meeting in July and go out for bids at that time.
Budget work sessions were set for July 19 and Aug. 1 following regular council meetings.
A brief executive session was held during the meeting to provide and update on potential negotiations on real property.
The Wayne City Council will next meet in regular session on Thursday, July 6 at 5:30 p.m. Note that this is a different date due to the 4th of July holiday.
