The Wayland City Council Wednesday evening gave its blessing to the Downtown Development Authority’s alley project.

Main Street Director Holly McPherson said the project involves improving the alley behind the hotel, connecting West Superior and Pine Streets.

She said the plan is to add lighting, paint the road and add seating and landscaping to make the alley more user friendly and better accommodate people who use the back portion outdoors during festivals.

In other business Wednesday evening, the council:

• Approved plans to dispose of the old surplus sweeper, lawn tractor and surplus “Moonwalk” equipment by sending them to auction for sale.
• Was told by City Manager Josh Eggleston that the reconstruction project for South Main is proceeding apace and tentative plans call for paving from Sycamore to 133rd Avenue by the last week of this month.
• Learned from McPherson that local music festivals downtown are scheduled for July 12 through the 26th and the Bike Night is set for Wednesday, July 19.
• Accepted the bid from Scott’s Landscape Management to remove brush that was taken by from local residences by Department of Public Works employees. The roadside waste will be disposed of by Scott’s.
• Approved a minor plat amendment to allow the residence at 135 East Superior, next to the Helmey Building, to add a garage at the site.
• Listened to a presentation by Police Chief Scott Matice expressing appreciation to officer Jessica Ehrle (see photo at left) for diverting a speeding motorist away from downtown during the Summerfest celebration last month.
• Was told by Malice that Jon Schafer has been chosen as the city and schools’ school liaison officer for 20 hours per week during the academic year.