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Annexation public hearing is scheduled for Oct. 14

Wayland City Manager Josh Eggleston told members of the City Council Monday night a public hearing on the issue of annexing about a dozen properties has been scheduled for 7 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 14, at the Wayland High School Fine Arts Center.

He added that the hearing may be held virtually because of the continuing threat of the Coronavirus.

Eggleston the annexation “Financially, could be a viable project, but we’re not taking a firm stance on this. The question is, do they (the petitioners in Hopkins Township) still really want this?”

The Hopkins Township Board has proposed establishing a Downtown Development District for the proposed areas, which are located on the west side of the U.S.-131 expressway from the 135th Avenue exit south to the Bradley exit.

The Hopkins board has held a public hearing locally on the proposal and more than a few township residents have expressed opposition.

If the city annexes the properties, they would be able to gain access to sewer and water services, but would have to pay city taxes.

In other business Monday evening, the city council:

  • Witnessed the virtual swearing in of new Clerk Lee Ann Clause, who began duties last Monday, Sept. 14.
  • Tabled a proposal to lease a new copier, either a Ricoh or a Minolta/Konica unit.
  • Was told by Clausen absentee ballots for the Nov. 3 general election will go out the end of this week.
  • Learned from Police Chief Mark Garnsey that the department won a $33,336 grant for portable solar-powered school camera.
  • Heard Mayor Tim Bala declare Halloween trick-or-treating will take place in the city from 5:30 to 8 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 31.

6 Comments

  • If residents in the proposed annexation area want higher taxes, expensive services that increase exponentially, let them annex you. This is just a land grab by Wayland officials.

  • DTOM
    Often wrong, never in doubt. As I read this the land owners petitioned to join Wayland. How is that a land grab? Duh

    • Mr Beck,
      So all those businesses on 12th st. want to be a part of Wayland? Or is it a developer who wants this to happen?
      I doubt those already there want to pay Wayland’s huge taxes and pay for sewer and water. Tell me what businesses want that burden?

  • Let’s be honest, the businesses on 12th St are there INSTEAD of Wayland because of proximity to the expressway and the town, not for city services or high taxes. I never said the city approached the businesses. It is a developer whose only interest is in selling land.

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