VIENNA — The members of the Vienna City Council say they are prepared for the city to take over ownership of the Vienna Community Development Corporation’s (VCDC) spec building located in the Tom Coffey Industrial Park along Highway V in Vienna. 

At the council’s September meeting, Mayor Tyler James said his last discussion with the VCDC members was that they are working toward having a meeting where they will approve dissolving the VCDC, settle it’s debts and give the city any remaining cash and the spec building. “We’ll pick up the torch there,” the mayor said. Vienna is prepared to bring the 80x200 building under the city’s insurance policy and to work toward finding an occupant who will bring an economic benefit to the community.

Terry Helton, who currently serves on the VCDC board as vice president, said the members have agreed to dissolve the corporation because they think the city is in a better position to enhance economic growth in Vienna. The 16,000 sq. ft. building will be donated to the city. Helton commented that when the VCDC was trying to bring industry to Vienna to locate in the spec building, there were logistical transportation problems with tractor trailers due to the location. They found themselves competing with cities such as Cuba that offer access to the interstate.

In other business at the meeting:

—North Ward Alderman Jeremy Smith brought homemade cookies his wife baked to share at the meeting. Smith said the Vienna council members all get along nicely and he showed his appreciation.

—Police Chief Shannon Thompson introduced new VPD officer Tina Crawford to the council. Crawford has completed and graduated from the 16-week LETI and has been working in Vienna for three weeks now on her own. She seems to like it. He was asked if Vienna has had a female officer and Thompson said there was one in the past.

—Wayne Magner came to the meeting briefly. He said he cleaned the park restrooms after the fair as they were in very deplorable condition. The city is paying him because he usually cleans the bathrooms. He was at the meeting to inform the council of the bad condition of the restrooms. 

—Marshall Decker of Decker & DeGood was present to present the city audit for the year ended June 30, 2018. He said Vienna is in a good position with healthy balances in the general fund, water and sewer funds, and street fund. Mayor James said the city is getting ready to spend a lot of money on the sewer lift station project. Decker said, “You are in a position to spend.” The city recently had a big expenditure when it did a large asphalt paving job on many city streets. Decker called these big expenditures “significant events.”

Decker suggested the city adopt a minimum fund balance policy of three to six months of operating revenue in the general fund,  $50,000 in the street fund for routine maintenance, and 60 days of operating revenue in the water and sewer funds. He suggested the council do a resolution and never spend below that. This will keep a “good handle” on the funds. Mayor James said this is something the council can do. Decker said, “It shows your head is in the right place and also keeps council members that follow you in line.”

—Mayor James said the work at the lift station has not yet begun because of the recent rain. The equipment is at the site, expect for the pump, and as soon as it dries up, the construction crew can get going. Mid-State Pipeline will do the project.

—The council voted and approved Bill 18-02, an ordinance to vacate alleys. All citizens involved were notified.

—The mayor asked if the members have heard much talk about the proposed Vienna public safety sales tax on the November ballot. No one has heard anything about it from Vienna citizens. 

—Mayor James said he’s still gathering information in the Dwayne Wagner situation.

—Chief Thompson reported on the nuisance situation on 1st Street saying one of the camper/RV’s was moved and that water and electricity was disconnected. He thinks a violation remains on the property.

—Clerk Sherry James said she, Utilities Superintendent Shon Westart and employee Jim Sandbothe all will be attending the Missouri Rural Water Conference in October at the Lake.

—The City Wide Rummage Sales will be held October 5 and 6. 

—Clerk James reported fund cash balances: General fund $30,400.20, Water fund $77,908.57, Street fund $1,055.12, and Sewer fund $52,205.94. 

Year-to-date fund revenues and expenses were reported: General fund revenues $53,518.40 (17 percent of budget) and expenditures $52,202.87 (16 percent); Water fund revenues $31,723.59 (19 percent) and expenditures $26,504.53 (18 percent); Street fund revenues $16,976.80 (17 percent) and expenditures $220,296.21 (72 percent); and Sewer fund revenues $15,926.84 (21 percent) and expenditures $5,721.70 (3 percent).