It’s finally here!

The Wayland City Council has been talking for a long time about having a podium for people to stand behind while addressing city officials in proceedings, and Monday night Councilman Tim Rose wheeled it into the chambers for its first official appearance.

City Clerk Michelle Herman said of the device, made of oak and crafted by and donated to the city Mayor Tim Bala, “This will be a permanent fixture in the building.”

City Engineer Mickey Bittner of Wightman and Associates was the first to use it to speak to council members about progress with the city parks project and changes of lights for the downtown intersection at Main and Superior streets.

PHOTO: The new podium at council chambers, with Council Members (from left) Tim Rose, Jennifer Antel, Clerk Michelle Herman, Mayor Tim Bala, City Manager Mike Selden, and Councilwomen Tracy Bivins and Lisa Banas.