COVID-19 has claimed plenty of public events as victims this year, and the City of Wayland’s concerts in the park every Friday evening in August is the latest casualty.
The Wayland City Council Monday night voted unanimously to cancel this year’s series.
City Manager Josh Eggleston said the concerts very well could violate the governor’s executive order to refrain from having any event that would include more than 100 people gathering.
Councilwoman Jennifer Antel said, “I don’t know if we’ve ever had under 100 people attend… It makes me sick to say this, but I think we should cancel.”
Eggleston added that though Michigan’s numbers for virus cases and deaths have improved since last April, the statistics have gotten worse over the last couple of weeks.
“I don’t see a change in the way things have been trending lately,” he said.
Councilman Joe Kramer said, “As much as it pains us, I think we should cancel now rather than wait until the last minute.”
Councilman Rick Mathis added, “Our first and foremost responsibility” is the public safety of the citizens.
In other business Monday, the council:
- Authorized by a 7-0 vote the establishment of a Trailways Commission after Eggleston noted the particulars “have been reviewed extensively, but there could be amendments down the road.”
- Received a complaint from citizen Gail Hollinger, who said too many motorists are running the stop sign at the intersection Maple and Park streets and there is too much speeding in an area that has a lot of children playing.
Councilmen Kramer and Tim Rose agreed, and Police Chief Mark Garnsey said he would see what nhe could about radar and increasing police presence in the area.
- Awarded the bid for crack sealing to Asphalt Restoration for $15,900.
- Was told by Eggleston that the deadline for applications for the city clerk’s job is Friday and about six to eight quality candidates have expressed interest. Kristin Engel has served as acting clerk after the retirement of Michelle Herman at the end of last year.
- Was told by Eggleston that efforts to have “friendly reminder” contacts with citizens who ignore state guidelines for wearing masks in indoor facilities during the Coronavirus crisis may be increased.
The city manager said people need to understand that “The mask requirement is there and if we don’t wear them, it will only extend this situation.”
I would like to confirm Gail hollinger’s request for more speeding inforcement, I’ve always requested a four way stop be placed at the corner of west Maple St and Vine St. Good luck trying to get any action taken I’ve been fighting this battle for 20yrs, I’ve seen the Wayland police maybe a half a dozen times pull some one over for speeding, the only time I see any traffic stops around Wayland it’s usually the sheriff department or state police.