Southern Illinois News

City of Vienna City Council met March 4.

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 Melissa Hill, Alderman Austin Tuey, Alderman Debbie Riddle, Alderman Alan Racey, Alderman Richard Owen, Alderman Aleatha Wright, City Clerk Michelle Meyers, Treasurer Brent Williams, Fire Chief Phil Morris, Depot

ELECTED/APPOINTED OFFICIALS ABSENT: Steve Penrod, Alderman Melissa Presser, City Attorney Jim Miller, Police Chief

There being a quorum, Mayor Simmons called the meeting of the Vienna City Council to order at 6:30 p.m.

GUESTS: Joseph Emery

NEW BUSINESS 

Alderman Hill made a motion to Approve the Omnibus Consent Agenda consisting of the February 19, 2020 Council Meeting Minutes and the Warrant ($11,242.78). Alderman Tuey seconded the motion. All in favor, Motion carried.

Alderman Hill made a motion to Authorize and Approve the City of Vienna to open two checking accounts with Banterra Bank for the purpose of Illinois Dept of Natural Resources and Illinois Dept of Commerce and Economic Development grants for amphitheater/restroom project. Alderman Owen seconded the motion. All in favor, Motion carried.

Item number #5 on the agenda was tabled and would be placed on the next scheduled meeting's agenda.

PUBLIC COMMENT 

Joseph Emery announced the grand opening ribbon cutting ceremony of The Art Gallery Off the Square. The event would be held Saturday, March 21 from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m. at 206 West Vine Street. Emery invited the mayor and officials to attend.

Mayor Simmons announced that he would be undergoing surgery on March 17th therefore he would be absent for that week's meeting. Simmons noted he had not missed a meeting since he took office in 2009. Mayor pro-tem, Richard Owen will be filling in for Simmons during recovery.

Clerk Wright announced the spring city wide cleanup would start Monday, April 27th as Bulldog would pick up miscellaneous items. The rest of the week the city would pick up white goods and e-waste items.

Wright also mentioned receiving information of a small grant the city could apply for through AARP community challenge, geared towards parks and recreational areas. Wright said there was no match needed for the grant and she would place it on the next agenda for approval to apply.

Treasurer Meyers briefly mentioned several properties that were delinquent with utilities saying the council will need to decide whether or not to pursue placing liens on properties. The issue would be discussed with city attorney.

Fire Chief Williams said he was working on a fire dept billing ordinance with City Attorney Presser including discussion of outstanding fire call invoices. Williams also said he applied for a small equipment grant through the State Fire Marshall.

Phil Morris said Johnson County Revitalization was raffling off a zero turn mower as funds would go towards beautification. Morris also said he was approached about placing a souvenir penny machine in the depot. Morris said it would be at no cost to the city and the city would receive 40% of sales.

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

Mayor Simmons declared the meeting adjourned at 6:59 p.m.

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1Cgz7iii5c2KkdwjKzm5K4m7BfuE_NoZOiwWi5DGfdmk/edit