Street improvements, occupancy permits debated

Posted

Discussion on street projects planned within the city of Wayne was among the topics on the agenda when the Wayne City Council met Tuesday.

Joel Hansen, City Planner, shared information on the city's one- and six-year street improvement plan.

The plan is submitted annually and necessary to receive highway allocation funds.

Hansen told the council that projects need to be included in the one year plan to be completed this year. On this year's list are the trail extension project, which includes storm sewer and sidewalk work on West Seventh Street from Haas Avenue to Pheasant Run and work on Prairie Park Streets.

Council members talked about other projects within the city that could be completed in the future, including doing a storm sewer study and problems with drainage in several areas of the city.

Following the discussion, Resolution 2023-9, which approves the One- and Six-Year Street Improvement Plan, received unanimous approval.

Council members spent considerable time discussing the need to amend the Temporary Occupancy Permit language in the city code, specifically in areas zoned A1 and A2 that are adjacent to the city limits.

Joel Hansen talked about the list of items that need to be completed on a house before a temporary occupancy permit can be issued and said that outside siding is one of the items in questions. He talked about the time frame from granting a temporary permit until the work needs to be completed and the city's options for handling cases where the work is not completed on time.

"It is difficult to get people out of a house after they have moved in because there is no siding on a house. On the other hand, neighbors are not happy when there is not siding on a house," Hansen said.

He noted that one of the reasons that this topic was brought to the council was that those building homes get construction loans while the building is taking place, but can obtain other financing (at a lower interest rate) when the home is occupied.

Lucas Thompson, who has been building homes in Wayne for many years, told the council he has used a temporary occupancy permit a number of times and said there is  benefit to the community.

"I wouldn't have been able to build some of the homes I have built without it (the permit). I know you (council) want to protect the neighbors, but I think there is a happy medium and we can work together," Thompson said.

Council members directed City Attorney Amy Miller to draft an ordinance in regard to requirements for homes built specifically in A1 and A2 zoning areas.

Also approved during Tuesday's meeting was a request from Shannon Kennicutt to keep an emotional support animal (ball python snake) inside city limits.

Kennicutt spoke to the council and told them she has had the snake, which is approximately two feet long, for six years and it is "really docile." She currently lives in Neihardt Hall on the Wayne State College campus but plans to move to an apartment this spring. 

She also answered a number of questions from council in regard to vaccine requirements and the snake's diet.

Luke Virgil, Director of Wayne Area Economic Development, shared information with the council on LB840 activity in recent months.

He said that at the current time there is approximately $400,000 available in the Revolving Loan Fund and suggested to the council that the guidelines for lending the money be revised as the money available from the fund used as "gap financing" for projects.

Council members approved a resolution regarding a mutual aid agreement between the City of Wayne Volunteer Fire Department and the Northeast Nebraska Mutual Aid District.

This is an annual request and benefits all the departments involved, as it allows them to assist each other in times of need.

Ordinances regarding the collection and use of sales tax dollars received first reading approval. These involve the one-half of one percent sales tax approved by voters in 2022 and use of a portion of the sales tax collected for economic development.

In other action, council members approved a pay application to OCC Builders for $45,837 for work on the Freedom Park Trailhead Project.

An update was given on the future City Hall property and timelines for getting architect's proposals. Discussion included the need to make sure the architect chosen for the project has experience in police department design.

The Wayne City Council will next meet in regular session on Tuesday, Feb. 21 at 5:30 p.m. in council chambers.