VIENNA — A member of the Vienna City Council expressed appreciation for the help everyone, including city employees, did to bring about the 75th annual Maries County Fair. 

South Ward Alderwoman Brenda Davis, who joined the group of helpers for the Maries County Fair when the Vienna Chamber of Commerce took over the big task of it, said thank you to her fellow alderpersons and especially the city employees. “On behalf of the fair association, we appreciate the hard work put in on the 2021 fair,” Davis said. She added that Utilities Superintendent Shon Westart and Jim Sandbothe went “above and beyond” with their assistance. She made the comments at the August Vienna City Council meeting.

Vienna Police Chief Shannon Thompson, who was present at the meeting, said, “We did what you pay us to do,” and that when the Maries County Fair is in town, the city employees do what they have to do.

In other business at the August Vienna City Council meeting:

—The council members discussed the Redel property on east Fourth Street, which had a dead ash tree located on an unimproved city street fall, knocking out the power line to the house and causing damage to wiring inside and outside of the house. Repairs were made by Ruder Plumbing which totaled $732.73. 

City Attorney Ross Bush advised the council to pay the bill. The council members decided to do this but are not sure if the Redel family already has paid the bill and needs to be reimbursed.

Another problem with the situation is there was bee activity in the old tree. Two different bee keepers came and didn’t want to deal with it. Mayor Tyler “TC” James said a city worker told him he didn’t see the bees there and they think the bees may have vacated the tree. James said some of the beehive’s comb was destroyed when the tree broke. This needs to be settled before the old ash tree is completely cut down and removed.

—There was no financial report because there was no city clerk to  put together the report. Mayor James said there was an advertisement for a new city clerk in the newspaper and other postings. Davis said last time they used the Indeed employment website and had 40 to 50 applications from out of state people. James said they have received one application and several others were taken out. 

—James said Kaitlyn Bland York contacted the city saying she would organize the city-wide rummage sales event. She will make the flyer and asked if the city will make copies. The fall city-wide rummage sales were held the first Friday and Saturday in October. Mayor James said he thinks the city-wide rummage sales event is good for Vienna.