Votes at a glance: Wayne council reappoints review board members, approves MDOT permit resolution and concrete project change order; public raises questions on

The Wayne City Council on Jan. 7 took a series of routine approvals and heard public comments on several matters outside the agenda.

Key votes at a glance

- Reappointments to boards and commissions: The council approved multiple reappointments to the Wayne Housing Commission and the Board of Review. Appointments approved included the reappointment of David James to the Wayne Housing Commission for a five‑year term (expires March 2030), and a series of one‑year reappointments to the Board of Review for terms expiring December 2025 (names recorded in meeting minutes: Albert Dimitio of John Hicks; David James of Westridge Court; Brian Le Perrier of Meadowlawn; Robin Moore of Poplar Street as alternate). Motions to approve were made and supported as recorded; each passed by voice vote.

- MDOT variance resolution (Item 4a): Council approved a resolution to authorize actions related to variance annual permits from the Michigan Department of Transportation. Motion passed by voice vote.

- Final change order for 2023 concrete pavement project (Item 4b): Council approved a final change order with G.V. Cement Contractors of Brownstown Township in the amount of $15,565.63, to be paid from the road millage fund. That change order brought the project’s final cost to $5,513,934.63, according to staff. The motion passed by voice vote.

- Approval of the meeting agenda and minutes: The council approved the Jan. 7 agenda and the Dec. 17, 2024 regular meeting minutes by voice vote.

Public comment highlights

- Police chief contract and DROP questions: Resident Sharon Bonnick asked multiple questions about a DROP (deferred retirement/retiree option program) plan and an employment agreement discussed at a previous Nov. 19 meeting that she said would affect “Chief Strong.” She asked whether a five‑year term had been finalized, how the city or employee could end the agreement, whether the contract was a city manager decision or MERS decision, and how the public could obtain a copy (she asked whether a FOIA was necessary). The council did not answer the questions during public comment; Bonnick requested transparency and clarification.

- Streetlights and polling locations: A speaker identified as Mr. Amos raised concerns about streetlights on Benoit and Annapolis, noting inconsistent lights along Michigan Avenue and asking why some remained on. He also questioned continued use of St. Mary’s for a polling location and asked whether the city had written agreements with the Knights of Columbus for adjacent city‑owned property; he referenced potential alternatives such as school buildings and costs for security.

- Community events: John Mills of Chestnut Street announced a Wayne Historical Society presentation on Wayne’s urban renewal programs to be held at 7 p.m. Thursday at the museum and encouraged residents to attend.

Closed session and legal references

The council adjourned into closed session for attorney‑client privileged communications regarding Miller v. City of Wayne and Blackwell v. Nocerini et al., citing Michigan Compiled Laws MCL 15.268(1)(e). A roll call was taken for the closed session; the council later reconvened and adjourned the meeting.

What it means

Most votes were routine approvals or ministerial actions; the change order addresses a final punch‑list adjustment to a major pavement project and will be paid from the road millage fund. Public commenters sought greater transparency on a previously discussed employment agreement affecting the chief and raised local service and facility concerns. The council’s closed session addressed two pending legal matters under cited state law.