Grundy Reporter

City of Vienna City Council met March 1.

Here are the minutes provided by the council:

The City Council of the City of Vienna met in regular session, Wednesday, March 1, 2023 at Vienna City Hall with the following members and guest:

ELECTED/APPOINTED OFFICIALS PRESENT:

Steve Penrod, Mayor

Angela Moore, Alderman

Richard Owen, Alderman

Alan Racey, Alderman

Ron Pitts, Alderman

Aleatha Wright, Clerk

ELECTED OFFICIALS ABSENT:

Melissa Hill, Alderman

Austin Tuey, Alderman

GUESTS

Joseph Emery

Larry Moore

Robert Smith

Lori Lawrence

Justin Lawrence

J.D. Mathis

Donald Lawrence

Emily Kerley

Jackie Lange

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

NEW BUSINESS

Alderman Pitts made a motion to Authorize and Approve the Omnibus Consent Agenda consisting of the February 15, 2023 council meeting minutes and the Warrant ($25,041.64). Alderman Racey seconded the motion. All present in favor, motion carried.

Emily Kerley was present to discuss a beautification project at the city park. Kerley said she and Susan Odom had applied and received funding through a Creative Bridges grant. The proposed project included placing two signs promoting the tunnel hill bike trail and landscaping cleanup around the depot building and bike sculpture. Council approved the project.

Jackie Lange was present to request use of the city park for a twenty-four-hour relay for revival event scheduled for May 19-20th, 7 p.m.-7 p.m. Council gave consent.

Robert Smith was present to request a class D liquor license for Family Pizza, 309 East Main Street. Smith submitted application and fee. The application would be reviewed by Mayor Penrod.

Associated Saddle Club of Southern Illinois members, J.D Mathis, Justin Lawrence, Lori Lawrence, and Donald Lawrence were present to request a letter of support from the city in opposition to the proposed change of the Shawnee National Forest to a national park. Mathis said this change would impose fees/permits, eliminate horseback riding, limit trails, restrict hunting, stop control burns and said imminent domain could be a concern to property owners. Mathis encouraged city officials to research the proposal.

PUBLIC COMMENT

Joseph Emery requested to comment on the Fourth of July display costs before council took action on the agenda to approve this year's show agreement. Emery stated that due to the increase in cost for the annual fireworks display, he and several local business owners would rather see the funds spread out over other events or try new things with funds.

Council discussed the increase in cost and tabled taking action on the fireworks agreement until a full council was present and further discussion was had. Fire Chief Williams noted that the agreement would need to be signed by May 1st.

ELECTED/APPOINTED OFFICIALS

Fire Chief Williams said there were eleven fire calls for February. Williams expressed appreciation for efforts of city administrative assistant, Harris, on call invoicing/collections. Williams also thanked the fire department auxiliary for holding a gun raffle to raise funds for the department, saying turnout gear and digital radios would be purchased.

Alisa Sowers, Depot Coordinator, announced a ribbon cutting for Holy Grounds coffee shop scheduled for Friday, March 3rd at 12:30 p.m. Sowers also turned in her letter of resignation to the city. Sowers said she could work until a replacement was hired. Wright was directed to post the job opening.

Alderman Owen questioned council what type of tree should be purchased to plant by a memorial marker at the city park discussed at the previous meeting. Council had no particular preference.

Mayor Penrod informed council he had contacted the city attorney concerning a dilapidated home and the condemning process. Discussion was had. Penrod would reach out to the property owner.

Penrod said Johnson County 2000 was seeking funding for development in the industrial park for Tri-State food and Vienna High School programs.

Steve Penrod, Mayor

Penrod said an official letter was sent to Millstone Water District requesting a proposal quote for providing water to the city.

Penrod said the permit was received from IDOT for gas relocation on 146 East.

Penrod said bid packets were being put together by the city engineer for the water and sewer portion of the 146 East project.

As there was no further business to discuss, Alderman Owen made a motion to adjourn. Seconded by Alderman Moore. Mayor Penrod adjourned the meeting at 7:48 p.m.

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