During Monday’s meeting of the Wayne City Village Board, trustees continued discussion on adopting a Camping Ordinance to restrict camping in the village park. The proposal, modeled after an Illinois Municipal League (IML) ordinance, would ban camping and overnight vehicle stays on public property. Trustees debated whether the rule was necessary, as such incidents are rare, though recent campers stayed nearly a month in the park last summer. The board ultimately tabled the decision for another month, directing the Park Committee to draft an amendment to the existing park ordinance instead.
Trustees also discussed new state regulations banning copper natural gas lines, which can corrode over time and cause leaks. Workers were instructed to shut off gas service if copper piping is found, with service restored only after replacement with approved materials. The board agreed to update village ordinances to reflect these requirements.
In other business:
The board approved selling the 2002 Dodge Dakota formerly used by the police chief for $711.
Trustees passed the Tax Levy Ordinance for the upcoming fiscal year and approved $63,000 for IMLRMA insurance.
A $200 donation will go to JT’s annual Thanksgiving dinner, and plans were approved for the December Christmas Parade.
A Mount Vernon officer offered to assist locally when Police Chief Jason Settle is off duty. The Police Committee will discuss this idea before the next meeting.
Utility workers requested a new rule requiring tracer wires on new water and sewer lines for easier maintenance.
The next meeting will include updates from the Park Committee on the proposed camping policy.