City of Vienna City Council met Nov. 6.
Here is the minutes provided by the council:
The City Council of the City of Vienna met in regular session at Vienna City Hall with the following members and guest:
ELECTED/APPOINTED OFFICIALS PRESENT:
Jon Simmons, Mayor
Alan Racey, Alderman
Debbie Riddle, Alderman
Richard Owen, Alderman
Melissa Hill, Alderman
Austin Tuey, Alderman
Steve Penrod, Alderman
Melissa Presser, City Attorney
Aleatha Wright, City Clerk
Michelle Meyers, Treasurer
Jim Miller, Police Chief
Brent Williams, Fire Chief
Phil Morris, Depot
There being a quorum, Mayor Simmons called the meeting of the Vienna City Council to order at 6:30 p.m.
GUESTS:
Mike Buhler
Carol Racey
Norma Turok
Sherrie Crabb
Rollie Hawk
Joe Emery
Sydney Charles
Alyssa Ferguson
Kaylee Adams
Elry Faulkner
Scott Werner
Kevin MacDonald
Josef Huckelberry
Angela Moore
Lynn Beasley
Harry Weise
Cathy Hinton
Stephanie Harner
NEW BUSINESS
Alderman Tuey made a motion to Approve the Omnibus Consent Agenda consisting of the October 16, 2019 Council Meeting Minutes, the Warrant ($29,895.11). Alderman Racey seconded the motion. All in favor, motion carried.
Prior to the mayor taking a roll from the council on accepting the Zoning Board's - recommendation to deny a Special Use Permit request from Family Counseling for the purpose of an administrative office at the location of 707 North 6th street, Mayor Simmons requested comments from both Family Counseling and residents on 6th Street.
After listening to comments from Sherrie Crabb and Rollie Hawk of Family Counseling, and 6th Street residents opposing the permit, Cathy Hinton and Kevin MacDonald, council then had discussion. Alderman Tuey, Owen, and Hill were not in agreement with the zoning board's decision as they supported growth and new jobs and did not foresee the office causing a problem in the neighborhood. Alderman Racey, Penrod, and Riddle agreed with the zoning board's sider the resident's opinions to keep their neighborhood strictly residential. Mayor Simmons broke the tie with a yes, agreeing with the zoning board's recommendation to deny the Special Use Permit. Yes-4, No-3, motion carried.
Discussion and Public Comment was taken on the retail sales of cannabis within the city limits. Several residents spoke against the sales saying it would have a negative impact on the city while two residents spoke in favor of the tax revenue it could bring. Council and City Attorney discussed time lines for city to pass ordinances for either the prohibition of sales or allowance of sales as well as zoning and imposing a tax on sales. Consensus of the city council on the topic was 4- 2. The majority opposed to allowing sales within the city and two undecided. City Attorney, Presser said the city could take action at the next scheduled meeting by passing an ordinance to prohibit sales if they desired to do so.
Alderman Tuey made a motion to Authorize and Approve a Taser Policy for the City of Vienna Police Manual. The motion was seconded by Alderman Hill. All in favor, Motion carried.
Alderman Penrod made a motion to Approve $750.00 (Tourism Funds) to purchase fruit for the 50/100 mile run to take place Nov 9-10th at the City Park. Alderman Hill seconded the motion. All in favor, Motion carried.
Alderman Racey made a motion to Authorize and Approve the city's general insurance renewal policy with Illinois County Risk Management Trust $78,059.00 (Various Funds) Dec 1, 2019 Dec 1, 2020. Alderman Riddle seconded the motion. All in favor, motion carried.
Alderman Tuey made a motion to Authorize and Approve $250.00 (Comm purchases of gifts and candy for "Santa on the Square", Dec 8th. Alderman Owen seconded the motion.
Alderman Penrod made a motion to Authorize and Approve a Cooperative Agreement Providing for the Services of the Johnson County Animal Control Warden Within Municipal Limits, Effective December 1, 2019. Alderman Hill seconded the motion. All in favor, motion carried.
Alderman Owen made a motion to Authorize and Approve a 1/4 page ad placement in the 2020 Southern Illinois Scout Magazine, $225.00(Tourism Funds). The motion was seconded by Alderman Racey. All in favor, motion carried.
CITY ELECTED AND APPOINTED OFFICIALS
Mayor Simmons mentioned the Veterans Day Service to take place at the city library, Nov 11th at 11:00 a.m. Simmons also mentioned a ribbon cutting ceremony to take place Thursday, Nov 7th on the city square for the opening of Sharon's Antique Findry and Artisan Shop.
Clerk Wright updated council on a meeting that took place the prior week with City Engineer, Brian Ziegler, Mayor Simmons, Alderman Penrod, Phil Morris, and herself concerning the amphitheater/restroom project at the city park. Placement and additional details were discussed. Wright said Clarida & Ziegler would look to bid out the project as a whole in January.
Wright relayed a message she had received from a resident for the city to purchase Veterans Day banners to place around the square. Wright showed the proposed picture of banners to council.
City Supt, Racey said electric work was finished on Ameren poles around the square and Christmas lights could be put up. Racey also mentioned a wood chipper that is not being used by public works, suggesting the city take sealed bids for it. Council agreed.
Chief Miller said there was a need for an additional resource officer at VHS. Miller also said Alex Miller's Eagle Scout project of placing two wooden signs at the Forest Service Ranger Station and the Vienna City Park was completed. The signs would help direct tourists on the bike trail.
Fire Chief Williams said Halloween at the firehouse was a success.
Phil Morris mentioned the 50/100 mile run that would be taking place over the weekend. Council discussed parking with Morris. Racey said Rusty's home store would provide additional space in their parking area.
Alderman Penrod requested a follow up on recent property violations. Penrod mentioned reviewing the ordinance for specifics on enforcement.
Alderman Tuey shared with council a draft ordinance he and Alderman Racey worked on to possibly lift the city's burn ban. Council was asked to review it and discuss at the next scheduled council meeting.
Alderman Hill commented on Halloween night saying there seemed to be less children going house to house in town and would like to see more of that. Hill mentioned talking with Shawnee
Worship Center of the possibility of having the trunk or treat on the square in the future.
As there was no further business to discuss Alderman Owen made a motion to adjourn the meeting seconded by Alderman Tuey.
Mayor Simmons declared the meeting adjourned at 8:11 p.m.
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