By Clara Osten,
clara@wayneherald.com
The resignation of a council member and the cost of property insurance highlighted Tuesday's meeting of the Wayne City Council.
Council member Brent Pick has moved out of Ward 2 and is no longer eligible to serve that Ward.
City Clerk Betty McGuire was authorized to publish a notice in regard filling the position.
Cap Peterson with Northeast Nebraska Insurance shared information on the city's property and casualty insurance and the costs associated with the coverage.
"Insurance rates have been going crazy," Peterson said. He told the council that one of the reasons for the increase is the fact that hail and wind damage generally affects a whole area, unlike a fire, which generally affects an isolated area.
Peterson also said that he and Brett Kramer had worked with City Administrator Wes Blecke and City Clerk Betty McGuire to determine options available to the city. He noted that among the largest areas of increase in cost is the power plant, which is an income producing property.
He also said Nebraska is fortunate in the fact that the state is still able to get a policy to coverage an amount as large as what the city needs. There are fewer companies willing to write policies this large.
"We (Northeast Nebraska Insurance) are trying to provide a product that meets the city's needs," Peterson said.
During his presentation, Peterson told the council that one positive in the rate quote was the fact that the city's Workers Compensation portion of the policy decreased in price by nearly $20,000 due to a lower experience mod. This is based on fewer worker's compensation claims in the past year.
Discussion from council members included continuing to review the list of buildings currently insured that could be taken off the policy, other options for coverage and changing the deductibles in certain areas. City staff will continue to work with Peterson on possible changes.
Council members then voted unanimously to approve a $5,000 basic deductible with a $25,000 or 1$ wind and hail deductible. The total cost for this package is $539,500 for the coming year.
Council members approved Resolution 2023-90, which approved Task Order Amendment No. 5 with DGR Engineering for the proposed Generation Plant Project.
The item was tabled at the council's last meeting as the city was waiting confirmation from Northeast Power on whether or not they would be willing to pay $4,500 for their share of the agreement. The city will be responsible for $9,000 for the additional engineering services.
During an update on the Community Activity Center Relocation project, City Administrator Blecke told the council that the committee plans to meet on-site next week for a walk-through of the building. He also said a website has been created that will be updated as more information is gathered.
Mayor Cale Giese also appointed Brent Pick to the Community Activity Relocation Project Committee. Pick had previously served as one of the council's representative's on the committee. However, because he is no longer a member of the council, he would not be a representative. Giese told the council he would still like Pick to be a part of the committee.
Council members also set Tuesday, Jan. 30 at 5:30 p.m. at the date and time for a council retreat. It will be held at the Wayne Fire Hall.
The Wayne City Council will next meet in regular session on Tuesday, Jan. 16 at 5:30 p.m. in council chambers.
