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City of Vienna City Council met November 20

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City of Vienna City Council met Nov. 20.

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 

Carl Manly 

Harry Weise 

Eileen Rochford 

John Griffin 

Joshua Stafford 

Larry Sanders

NEW BUSINESS

Alderman Tuey made a motion to Approve the Omnibus Consent Agenda consisting of the November 6, 2019 Council Meeting Minutes, the Treasurer's Report and the Warrant ($36,162.61). Alderman Hill seconded the motion. All in favor, motion carried.

Alderman Owen made a motion to Authorize and Approve Ordinance 19-06, An Ordinance Prohibiting Cannabis Business Establishments in the City of Vienna, IL. The motion was seconded by Alderman Racey. Roll call: Hill-yes, Riddle-no, Racey-yes, Tuey-yes, Penrod-yes. Motion carried 5-1.

Alderman Racey made a motion to Authorize and Approve the city to purchase Holiday Turkey/Hams for city employees. Alderman Tuey seconded the motion. All in favor, Motion carried.

Discussion was had on the city lifting the burn ban that has been in place due to a drought since 1999. Alderman Tuey said he and Alderman Racey reviewed the City of Anna's ordinance and suggested the city pass one similar. Council reviewed the ordinance and was in agreement to take action at the next scheduled meeting.

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.

PUBLIC COMMENT

Josh Stafford, VHS was present to express gratitude to the city for the resource officer program with the schools. Stafford also mentioned a feasibility study that would take place on reorganizing school districts in Johnson County. Stafford said it was just a study to gather information.

Larry Sanders introduced himself saying he would be running for Circuit Judge.

CITY ELECTED AND APPOINTED OFFICIALS

Mayor Simmons announced receiving a resignation letter from Zoning board member, Rodney Gholson. Mayor Simmons said the 50/100 mile run was a success as local businesses benefitted from the crowds. Alderman Racey added a thank you to Rusty's Home Store for allowing use of their parking lot for the event.

Mayor Simmons thanked City librarian, Margaret Mathis for the annual holiday dinner she and the library board prepared for city employees.

City Attorney Presser addressed a question from the previous meeting from Chief Miller saying the max fine for a municipal violation was $750 per city ordinance.

Clerk Wright mentioned Christmas Around the Square to take place Sunday, December 8th starting at 2:00 p.m. Wright said the annual Santa at the Depot would be on the square with all other events.

City Supt, Racey said electrical work was finished for the placement of Christmas lights on 45 West. Racey said there was only one pole on 45 East between the four-way and the park that had electricity available.

Fire Chief Williams mentioned the upcoming winter fire school to take place in January. Williams said he looked for around 6 volunteers from the fire dept to attend. Clerk said she

would place the item on the next agenda for action. Williams mentioned applying for a 50/50 grant to help purchase new extrication equipment. Williams said costs could be around $22,000.

Phil Morris commented on the 50/100 mile run thanking VHS for use of the school for the welcome dinner and showers for runners.

Alderman Owen said he was contacted by an individual asking if the city had a liquor license available for restaurant use. Clerk said that a Class D license was available. Owen said he and Phil Morris would work on placing banners around the courthouse lawn on behalf of Johnson County Revitalization.

Owen said he was asked by a business owner on Court street if it was possible to get an additional handicapped parking spot at the west end of the ramp entering the sidewalk as one was currently at the lower end. Council agreed an extra place could be marked.

At 7:16 p.m. Alderman Owen made a motion to go out of Regular Session into Executive Session for Employment 5ILCS120/2(C)(1). Motion was seconded by Alderman Tuey. Motion carried

At 7:39 p.m. Alderman Tuey made a motion to resume the Regular Meeting. The motion was seconded by Alderman Hill. Motion carried.

Alderman Hill made a motion to Authorize and Approve the city to employ Carl Manly as part time Resource Officer for security at Vienna schools. Effective hire date, December 21, 2019. Alderman Owen seconded the motion. All in favor, motion carried.

As there was no further business to discuss Alderman Owen made a motion to adjourn the meeting. Alderman Riddle seconded the motion. Motion carried.

Mayor Simmons declared the meeting adjourned at 7:40 p.m.

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