The Wayland City Council Monday night decided to turn away a request to help the Christian Neighbors food pantry with costs for repairs and maintenance.

Christian Neighbors uses an old house on Church Street, less than a block south of West Superior. The non-profit service doesn’t pay the city any rent, but it takes care of utilities.

Bill Howe, president of Christian Neighbors, recently approached city officials about getting financial help to pay for new water lines, a furnace and electrical upgrades.

Mayor Pro Tem Jennifer Antel said, “It’s (the pantry) a fantastic thing for our community, but I don’t think it’s the city’s financial responsibility.”

City Manager Tim McLean was directed to ask Howe to seek volunteer help in making the repairs and upgrades.