John P. Rhaesa

The Regular City Council Meeting included the administration of the Oath of Office to Firefighter Nicholas Bishop. Key agenda items involved the approval of the agenda, review of previous City Council minutes, and public questions. Discussions covered the Wayne Public Library Annual Report, approval of a site plan for converting an existing structure into an indoor storage facility, and several reappointments and one new appointment to various boards and commissions, including the Board of Review and the Historical Commission. Reports included the Investment Report and Revenue and Expenditure Report for the period ending December 2025. Major actions included approving the 2026 Revised City of Wayne Employee Handbook (tabled from a prior meeting), considering an appeal to FOIA 2025-92, and approving an emergency contract of $66,509.50 to RedGuard for repairing the Wayne Police Department Fire Alarm System. The council also approved the proposed design for Wayfinding signage.

The meeting included approval of the agenda and the minutes from the previous regular meeting held on November 18, 2025. Key discussions involved the first reading of an ordinance amendment regarding open burning (Chapter 1610 of the Wayne City Code). General items approved included an agreement with Michigan Humane of Detroit for animal services, emergency repair authorization for a fire department rescue vehicle, and approval of annual performance resolutions for work permits on state highway and county roads. Administration reports provided updates on Gaudy Park renovations and the demolition/site preparation for the parking structure, noting the new library parking lot is expected to open soon. The City Clerk announced that 2026 animal license sales begin December 15th. Council members provided updates on community events, including the upcoming Hometown Holiday 'Let It Glow' event, congratulations to the Wayne Memorial Marching Band for winning the Battle of the Bands, reminders about pet safety during cold weather, obligations for clearing crosswalks and sidewalks, and endorsements for local non-profit activities like Recovery Action Network outreach.

The content summarizes two Wayne City Council meetings. Key actions approved include reappointments for members of the Commission on Aging, the DDA, the Historical Commission, and the ZBA. Approvals also covered an engagement letter with Gabriel, Roeder, Smith & Company, a resolution approving a Sanitary Sewer Line project, licensing for a Materials Recycling Facility, the combination of Building & Engineering and Department of Public Works functions, the purchase of a foreclosed home, a Gate Emergency Repair, and the 'Turn the Town Teal' initiative. For the subsequent meeting, approvals included a Local 1620 Paramedic Tuition Reimbursement, an emergency HVAC repair for the 29th District Court, professional real estate services from NAI Farbman, the purchase of a 2025 Police Vehicle, and the installation of a door at the Historical Museum for Old Betsy. The November 4, 2025 meeting was rescheduled to November 3, 2025.

The meeting included presentations from the Downtown Development Authority, discussing accomplishments and project priorities for 2026, including wayfinding signage and improvements to Gaudy Park. The council discussed and approved an ordinance to amend the city code regarding fire prevention and open burning, as well as an ordinance to amend offenses relating to property, specifically addressing overnight occupation of public property. They also discussed opting out of PA1 152 regarding publicly funded health insurance contributions. Additionally, the council discussed the city of Wayne employee handbook, focusing on updates to meet legal standards and regulations, workplace harassment policies, and standard operating procedures.

The City Council meeting included the re-appointment of members to the Commission on Aging, approval of a budget amendment for FY 2026-1, and approval of the Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) with a contribution from the Fire Department budget. The Consent Calendar was approved, encompassing meeting minutes from the Election Commission, Commission on Aging, and Downtown Development Authority. Reports and Communications were received and filed, including the Investment Report, Revenue and Expenditure Report, and the Local Officers Compensation Commission Determination.