Southern Illinois News

City of Vienna City Council met March 16.

Here are 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: Steve Penrod, Mayor Angela Moore, Alderman Richard Owen, Alderman Austin Tuey, Alderman Alan Racey, Alderman Ron Pitts, Alderman Melissa Hill, Alderman Rick Abell, City Attorney Shane Racey, Superintendent Brent Williams, Fire Chief Aleatha Wright, City Clerk Michelle Meyers, Treasurer

ELECTED/APPOINTED OFFICIALS ABSENT: Jim Miller, Police Chief

GUESTS Scott Hickam, Beussink, Hickam & Koshel, PC Haley Ing, Clarida & Ziegler Bart Loyd Jennifer Jacobsen Joe Emery

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

NEW BUSINESS

Alderman Tuey made a motion to Authorize and Approve the Omnibus Consent Agenda consisting of the March 2, 2022 council meeting minutes, the warrant ($50,177.14) and February treasurer's report. Alderman Hill seconded the motion. All in favor motion carried.

Scott Hickam, Beussink & Hickam PC, presented the 2021 fiscal year audit financial report to council.

Alderman Pitts made a motion to Approve and Accept the 2021 Fiscal Year Annual Financial Report. Alderman Owen seconded the motion. All in favor, motion carried.

Haley Ing, Clarida & Ziegler was present to update council on the rural development grant/loan waterline replacement project. Ing said the preliminary report was approved by USDA-United States Department of Agriculture, but environmental reports could take up to six months. City water rate increases would be discussed at a later date after the 2022 fiscal year audit numbers are reviewed.

Jennifer Jacobsen was present to request authorization to coordinate a monthly Farmer's Market event around the city square. Jacobsen said the Johnson County Business Group discussed the event being held the second Saturday of each month, May through August from 7 a.m.-noon, to generate activity on the square. Council was in consent.

Bart Loyd was present to speak with council on a submitted project proposal TIF application. Loyd said Jackson Hewitt Tax Services would be relocating to 209 North 1st Street, including storage /corporate office location for SIL Properties, LLC. Loyd discussed renovation plans of the property including interior repairs. Council was in consent to reimburse twenty percent of total eligible costs, maximum of $10,000.00. The agreement would be placed on the next meeting agenda.

Alderman Racey made a motion to increase city park maintenance wages as follows: Jay Worniak, $50.00 per week. Wendell Clardy, $90.00 per week. Alderman Pitts seconded the motion. All in favor, motion carried.

Brent Williams, Fire Chief presented a quote from Starfire Corporation for the Fourth of July display for $13,500.00, a $7,000.00 increase from the previous year. Different options were discussed due to the major cost increase. Council tabled the item until the next meeting.

PUBLIC COMMENT None

ELECTED/APPOINTED OFFICIALS

City Attorney, Abell said a court date of May 16th was set for delinquent fire call invoices. Abell said his firm sent the city information on the process to pursue demolition.

Wright asked council for permission, per Eagle House Ministries, to hold a fundraiser yard sale at the city park Saturday, April 30th from 8-3:00 p.m. Council gave consent.

Supt. Racey and Mayor Penrod both commented on city water plant operator, Herb Hosfeldt being awarded runner up for the 2022 Wastewater System Operations Specialist of the year through the Illinois Rural Water Association.

Fire Chief Williams said he had received several tire quotes for Engine #7, with Britton Tires submitting the lowest quote of $1,782.00.

Alderman Hill commented on the abundance of litter at the 1-24 off ramps. Council discussed the ongoing issue. Mayor Penrod said VHS Supt., Josh Stafford, contacted the federal prison requesting work crews for cleanup.

Alderman Owen commented on the public works dept. completing concrete work for repairs on the west side of the square.

Alderman Moore said she had reached out to several carnivals for the fall fest but was still waiting on more information. Council discussed moving the fall fest from October to September. Jennifer Jacobsen asked the possibility of the date being changed to coincide with her Junque Jamboree event in September but concerns of the parade route were mentioned. Decision of fall fest dates would be discussed at the next meeting.

Mayor Penrod said he contacted Trico Roofing for a quote on the fire department roof repair.

Penrod also commended public works on their work rerouting a sewer line near the ballpark.

Penrod said he was still in the process of corresponding with IDOT concerning the roundabout design. Design plans were requested to include stamped center concrete and conduit installed for lights/water option. Penrod said he was waiting for a quote on a city welcome sign adding that V.H.S. could fabricate the design if the city desired.

Penrod said construction was in progress for the water plant telemetry project.

Penrod said flooring ordered for city hall should be in the following week.

As there was no further business to discuss, Alderman Owen made a motion to adjourn. Seconded by Alderman Tuey.

Mayor Penrod declared the meeting adjourned at 8:16 p.m.

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