$1.6M Dam Rehab, New Restaurant Services On Tap For Wayne Council

WAYNE, NJ — Wayne officials are set to take up a slate of spending, infrastructure and public safety measures Wednesday, including more than $1.6 million for work at Lionshead Lake Dam, a new restaurant operator at the Wayne Township Community Center, and more

The Township Council is scheduled to meet Wednesday at 7:30 p.m. at the Council Chambers of the Municipal Building located at 475 Valley Road.

Among the most significant items is a bond ordinance that would appropriate $1.605 million for the rehabilitation of Lionshead Lake Dam. The proposal calls for using a $490,805 grant from the New Jersey Office of Emergency Management and authorizing up to $1.114 million in township bonds or notes to cover the remainder of the project.

The ordinance describes the work broadly as rehabilitation of the dam, along with related materials, costs, and improvements. The township's gross debt would increase by up to $1.114 million under the proposal.

New Restaurant Eyed For Community Center

Council members will also consider awarding a contract to Worldwide Athletic Recreation LLC to operate restaurant services at the Wayne Township Community Center.

The Wayne-based company was the highest responsible bidder and has proposed paying the township $12,000 for the first year, running from Jan. 1 through Dec. 31, 2027, with a Jan. 4 move-in date. The deal could be extended for three additional years, with annual rent increasing to $14,400, $15,600, and $16,800, respectively.

The agreement would also allow the township to spend up to $35,000 on catering services provided by the company at the community center.

Fire Equipment, Trees And Snow Plows

Several resolutions concern public safety and township services.

Wayne could spend $19,529 on new Fire Department equipment, including personal protective equipment, cleaning equipment, rescue tools, and watercraft-related equipment. The proposed contract would go to All Hands Fire Equipment LLC through the Sourcewell cooperative purchasing program.

Another resolution would authorize a contract of up to $25,740 for the planting of as many as 52 shade trees throughout Wayne.

And with winter approaching, the township is preparing its snowplow roster for the 2026-27 season. Wayne plans to solicit private contractors to supplement its own fleet during snowstorms, with the season running from Oct. 1 through May 1. Depending on truck size and the day of the week, contractors would receive between $125 and $140 per hour.

______

The proposed ordinances and resolutions remain subject to change before Wednesday's meeting. Meetings are televised on Wayne Municipal Cable casting – TV77 and can be streamed live or reviewed On-Demand here.