Thursday, March 28, 2024

Vienna City Council

The Vienna City Council met in regular session, Wednesday, March 21, with the following members and guest:
Aldermen Kevin Breeden, Bill Elliott, Greg Gorden, Richard Owen, Danny Rockwell; Jon Simmons, mayor; Jane Kluge, deputy city clerk; Melinda Zoeckler, treasurer; Jim Miller, chief of police; Gene McNeely, superintendent; Aaron Goldenstein, asst. fire chief; and Herb Hosfeldt, water plant supervisor; Michelle Russell, Ryan Farley, Clarida and Ziegler Engineering, Lonnie Rion, Lonnie Hinton, Mitch Garrett, Shawnee Surveying and Zachary Garrett.

Simmons called the meeting to order at 6:30 p.m.

Elliott made a motion to approve the agenda consisting of the minutes of the March 7, the warrant ($56,817.89) and the treasurers report, Rockwell seconded. The motion carried.

Lonnie Rion, Lonnie Hinton and Mitch Garrett discussed the numerous cats in the area of their businesses and the ensuing problems. The council agreed that this issue should be addressed. Chief Miller will contact the Department of Agriculture regarding state pet laws. The city attorney will also be contacted about a new ordinance limiting the number of pets in the city.

Hosfeldt gave a report on the events leading up to the boil water order on Saturday, March 10.

Mitch Garrett, Shawnee Surveying, discussed an I-66 project from Cape Girardeau to Paducah, stating that Vienna is in a federal hub zone. Garrett also requested a committee meeting with the appropriate council members to discuss this matter and other projects for the city. Garrett also discussed Johnson Co. 2000. Inc.

Michelle Russell, Big Boys Restaurant on the Loop, discussed the need for a sign for her business on Route 146. The council approved Russells request to place a sign on the city right-a-way at her expense.

Chesley Williams, Vienna Development Not-for-Profit Organization, reported on the past accomplishments of the organization and requested the city consider using tax increment financing funds to build homes as an option for the organizations future direction and in partnership with the city. The council did not take any action on Williams request.

Gorden made a motion to approve and authorize $39,373.00 to Midwest Petroleum and Excavating, Inc. for the Water Reclamation Project (Sewer Construction Funds), seconded by Breeden. The motion carried.

Owen made a motion to approve and authorize $7,801.70 to Clarida and Ziegler Engineering for the Wastewater Reclamation Project (Sewer Construction Funds), seconded by Rockwell. The motion carried.

Ryan Farley, Clarida and Ziegler Engineering, presented the city with new city aerial maps.

Breeden made a motion to approve and authorize $2,468.68 for the purchase of Turface at the Vienna city ballpark, seconded by Owen. The motion carried.

Elliott stated the Vienna Civic Club would donate $5000.00 for the Vienna city ballpark.

Kluge informed the council that the city-wide spring trash pick-up has been scheduled for Monday, May 21. Kluge also informed the council that a meeting to discuss recent annexation requests has been scheduled for Thursday, March 22, at 10:00 a.m. at city hall. Kluge also pointed out agenda packet correspondence from IDOT that a traffic study will be conducted on IL Rt. 146 from the Metropolis Rd. to US Rt. 45.

Miller discussed the narrow banding upgrades for the police department. By September 2012 the police will need four more radios.

Gorden made a motion to approve an update to the police manual regarding service weapons. Breeden seconded the motion. The motion carried.
Kluge briefly discussed Spring Fling which is scheduled for May 17-19. Kluge highlighted some of the events planned to include a demonstration by the fire department, a Zumba demonstration, child identification kits by Masonic Lodge and a city organized 2.5K Junk in the Trunk fun run/walk on Saturday, May 19.

Miller and Breeden reported on a beneficial roundtable discussion between the correctional centers, county police department and the city police department.

Breeden inquired about the status of the property abatement process on Oak St.

Elliott reported that he had received several calls regarding a recent traffic accident occurring at the Vienna ball fields. Chief Miller addressed this issue citing recent laws pertaining to the accidents and the departments administration of traffic violations.

Owen made a motion to adjourn the meeting, seconded by Rockwell. Simmons declared the meeting adjourned at 7:46 p.m.