Southern Illinois News

City of Vienna City Council met July 16.

Here are the minutes provided by the council:

The City Council of the City of Vienna met in regular session, Wednesday, July 16, 2025 at Vienna City Hall with the following members and guests:

ELECTED/APPOINTED OFFICIALS PRESENT:

Steve Penrod, Mayor

Ron Pitts, Alderman

Melissa Hill, Alderman

Alan Racey, Alderman

Tim Elliott, Alderman

Aleatha Wright, Clerk

Justin Hartline, City Supt.

ELECTED OFFICIALS ABSENT:

Austin Tuey, Alderman

Angela Moore, Alderman

GUESTS

Mary Harris

Kimberly Butwell

Stephen Butwell

Faya Butwell

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

NEW BUSINESS

Alderman Hill made a motion to Authorize and Approve the Omnibus Consent Agenda consisting of the July 2, 2025 Meeting Minutes, June Treasurer Report, and the Warrant ($65,014.10). Alderman Racey seconded the motion. All in favor, motion carried.

Mayor Penrod and council reviewed a TIF Application submitted by Kimberly Butwell for Star Dance Company, LLC, located at 404 North 1st St. Butwell presented floor plans and discussed the types of dance lessons that would be offered to children and adults along with other business details. Alderman Racey made a motion to offer a 50% ($18,750.00) reimbursement based on eligible project costs. There was no second. Alderman Pitts made a motion to offer a 40% ($15,000.00) reimbursement on eligible project costs. Alderman Elliott seconded the motion. All present in favor, motion carried.

Alderman Elliott made a motion to Authorize and Approve Ordinance 25-04, An Appropriation Ordinance for all corporate purposes of the City of Vienna for the fiscal year beginning May 1, 2025 and ending April 30, 2026. Alderman Racey seconded the motion. All in favor, motion carried.

Mayor Penrod discussed agenda item #6 with council concerning ballpark concession ceiling installation. Penrod said the project would be modified to try a mesh type wiring at a lower cost. Alderman Pitts approved up to $1,000.00 (General Funds) for the project. Alderman Hill seconded the motion. All present in favor, motion carried.

PUBLIC COMMENT

None

ELECTED/APPOINTED OFFICIALS

Alderman Pitts said he and Alderman Elliott met and with union representative, Jason Ashmore, earlier in for August 1st.

Alderman Racey inquired if the city park restroom facility was being locked overnight due to vandalism.

Mayor Penrod announced, per Fire Chief Williams, that the department was awarded grant funds in the amount of $350,000.00 from the Illinois State Fire Marshal. Grants funds would be used for fire station expansion/repairs.

Penrod said a meeting was held with IDOT concerning highway 146 West repaving project. The project has been delayed until spring of 2026. Penrod said discussion was had on sidewalks that run parallel along 146 West between 4th/6th Street for placement of a handicapped accessible ramp. Dilapidated buildings were also discussed along with mention of an upgrade to the crosswalk at 146/3rd St. Penrod said during this meeting the median located on 146 East crossing the state bike trail was also mentioned due to visibility issues.

Penrod noted the recent demolition grant project of residential homes was completed. Penrod mentioned taking an inventory of empty lots for future residential development as discussed at the recent annual TIF meeting.

Penrod said the closing process on the city purchasing 207 Vine Street would take place in August.

As there was no further business to discuss, Alderman Pitts made a motion to adjourn. Seconded by Alderman Hill. Mayor Penrod declared the meeting adjourned at 7:35 p.m.

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