VIENNA — The Vienna City Council has voted to approve the Purple Heart City designation for the city. The council did this at the regular May meeting and Mayor Jeremy Smith signed the proclamation.

City Clerk Sherry James said they had received confirmation about this. However, Utilities Superintendent Shon Westart said he still needs to speak to a MoDOT representative about putting the signs in the MoDOT right-of-way because it is so large and he doesn’t want the signs that far from Highways 63 and 42 if they are placed outside of the right-of-way. They won’t be as readily seen by motorists if they are too far from the highway.

A total of four signs will be put up, located at the city limits at both ends of Highway 63 and 42. Each sign costs $100. Westart said those agreeing to sponsor a sign include the Vienna American Legion and Auxiliary, Argyle VFW, the City of Vienna, and an anonymous donor. South Ward Alderwoman Brenda Davis said she would get a check from the American Legion for the sign they are paying for in conjunction with the auxiliary.

Westart was originally approached about the Purple Heart City designation by Larry Kampeter. The signs show the city and its residents support its military veteran population. 

The Purple Heart is the oldest military decoration in present use and was initially created as the Badge of Military Merit by General George Washington in 1792. It is specifically awarded to members of the US armed forces who have been wounded or have died in combat with a declared enemy of the United States. Its mission is to foster goodwill among the combat-wounded veteran members and their families, to promote patriotism and to remember them. 

In other business at the May Vienna City Council meeting—The city council continues to wait on the process to be completed for the city to take over ownership of the Thomas Coffey Industrial Development Park on Highway V. The Vienna Community Development Corporation (VCDC), which was initially formed to promote business, manufacturing and economic development in Vienna, is now dissolving and the city is the recipient of all of the VCDC’s assets. These assets include the industrial development park land donated by Tom Coffey, the spec building located there, and the VCDC’s bank account once all of its debts and liabilities have been paid. 

Davis said she thought part of the process was a 30-day comment period. Clerk James said they need to know the city’s possession date of the industrial park and building so they can have it insured on the city’s policy. Police Chief Shannon Thompson said they are concerned about the liabilities. Clerk James said they are working on it. 

• It was noted the EPA-Hat Factory probably needs to be taken off the council’s old business agenda because they never hear anything about it from the EPA. 

• Clerk James said they received a memorandum of agreement correspondence from the Gasconade Valley Enterprise Zone (GVEZ). The group, along with the Maries County Commission, supports and pursues efforts of economic revitalization and growth in Gasconade, Maries and Osage County.

Clerk James said the city will receive a letter asking for a donation to GVEZ. Davis said she would like to know what the GVEZ has done for the city in the past.

• In the financial report, Clerk James reported cash fund balances: General Fund $78,828.68, Water Fund $30,981.56; Street Fund $35,076.78; and Sewer Fund $8,771.52.

She also reported year-to-date fund revenues and expenditures: General Fund revenues $288,846.03 (91 percent of budget) and expenditures $238,945.89 (75 percent of budget); Water Fund revenues $139,535.65 (84 percent) and expenditures $112,131.91 (77 percent); Street Fund revenues $87,681.61 (90 percent) and expenditures $255,882.22 (84 percent); and Sewer Fund revenues $70,200.22 (93 percent) and expenditures $202,738.79 (92 percent).