City of Wayland officials are trying to encourage citizens to take advantage of early voting opportunities that will begin Saturday, Oct. 26.

It was reported at Monday night’s City Council meeting that there will be nine days provided for early voting by state law that was approved by voters throughout Michigan in 2020.

Early voters may cast their ballots Saturday, Sunday, Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday before the Tuesday, Nov. 5, general election.

Nan Olney, who serves as a local election official said early voting is encouraged because it helps avoid long lines for Election Day. She added that not enough citizens are taking advantage of the program.

Mayor Jennifer Antel said, “So if you have the opportunity, bring your ID and stop in (at City Hall).”

Main Street Director Holly McPherson noted the downtown will be busy with the “Monster Mash” celebration, which could attract as many as 6,000 people, but added that there appears to be no danger of any kind of obstruction.

Voters are urged to come to the back of City Hall to cast their ballots at council chambers. The polls will be open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. each of the nine days.

In other business at Monday night’s meeting, the council:

• Announced that new City Manager Erik Wilson will begin duties Tuesday, Nov. 12. He will be paid $132,000 a year, the same salary he was getting as Texas Township manager.
• Approved the expenditure of $7,500 to Renewed Earth for removal of brush and leaves after the city Department of Public Works curbside pickup is completed. The debris is mulched before it is hauled away.
• Agreed to the low bid of $8,365 from Permoda Air to replace all four heaters at the DPW facility.
• Heard from interim City Manager Jae Guetschow that there are talks for implementing a street developments management plan.
• Approved the recommendation of the City Planning Commission to rezone parcels at 1128 and 1134 West Superior St. from B-2 commercial to mixed Planned Unit Development to accommodate plans for a warehouse on the odd-shaped parcel.
• Approved a project to add a mural on the west side of the fire barn on West Superior Street. Ten Finger Fish will do the artist work. McPherson said, “It’ll be. a fun addition to what we already have in downtown Wayland.”